Sailor Moon reveals a new collaboration and fans are in love

Summary

Sailor Moon remains popular for generations.
Collaboration between Sailor Moon and J-pop star Ayumi Hamasaki.
Custom artwork by Takeuchi & exclusive merchandise available for pre-order.

Sailor Moon may be a classic anime these days, but that doesn't make it any less popular. The iconic magical girl anime still has fans across generations, empowering people to fight for what's right and follow their dreams. Between the original Sailor Moon anime and Sailor Moon Crystalthere is no shortage of people who have fallen in love with the anime. And the good news about it is that there are still new things coming for Sailor Moon even years after the final episodes have aired.

Just before Christmas, a new one Sailor Moon collaboration was dropped on X (formerly Twitter), which featured the magical girl in a brand new look. The collaboration is between Sailor Moon and a popular J-pop star named Ayumi Hamasaki. The collaboration includes some exclusive merchandise, and also new artwork depicting Ayumi alongside Sailor Moon, both drawn in an anime style. The post already received over 7,000 likes in just a few days, and tons of comments and reposts from fans excited about the project.

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Why is Ayumi Hamasaki collaborating with Sailor Moon?

Japan's top pop artist

Ayumi Hamasaki is currently the best-selling artist in all of Japan and has been performing since 1993. She is considered an icon of the Heisei era and is recognized by many people in Japan. In her music career, she usually goes by Ayu, which is enough for people to recognize her. Not only is she a successful J-pop star, she is also a philanthropist known for donating much of her money and a gay icon due to her outspoken positive views on LGBT+ rights.

Given that Sailor Moon is also one of Japan's most successful, famous, and recognizable women from the Heisei era, it makes sense that the two would collaborate together. It is also done as part of Sailor Mooncelebrating its 30th anniversary. Ayu probably enjoyed Sailor Moon in her teenage years like many people who grew up in the 90s, and the two are both powerful women. For fans who grew up with both Sailor Moon and the music of Ayumi Hamasaki, this collaboration is especially meaningful.

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Sailor Moon meets J-Pop

A new look for the Sailor Guardian

The special artwork depicting Ayumi Hamasaki with Sailor Moon herself is one of the most exciting parts of the collaboration. This special new art was created by Naoko Takeuchi, the original mangaka behind it Sailor Moon. This means that the artwork is made in the distinct style of classical Sailor Moonwhich definitely gives a nostalgic 90s vibe to the piece. That's what fans love, though, and that sense of nostalgia for the original anime is part of what has people so excited about the collaboration.

The art by Takeuchi features Ayu and Sailor Moon both wearing the same outfit, reminiscent of a 90s Japanese school uniform. Ayu's fans will recognize it as the same outfit she wore for her famous song, 'BYE-BYE'. Behind the two is the moon carved into Ayu's “A” logo and a pyramid of chairs. This artwork is printed on most of the merchandise released for this special collection, including t-shirts, acrylic stands, posters and more. There are also cute keychains of Sailor Moon in chibi style.

The items became available for pre-order on December 20th, the same day the announcement was released on X. They can be ordered via Ayumi Hamasaki's official website. Given the popularity of both Sailor Moon and Ayu, it's best to pre-order early if you want anything from this special collaboration celebrating two of Japan's most famous women. The artwork by Takeuchi was only done for these items, so this is the only way to get your hands on a piece of history.

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