In a magical display of song, dance, and the power of love, the cast of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live! brought to life the Sailor Scouts and the story of Sailor Moon . Just over the last year, there has been a surge of one of my favorite Japanese exports: 2.5D musicals. A 2.5D musical is the closest a fan can get to seeing their favorite characters in-person. Having the privilege to see two 2.5D musicals, I can say with confidence that it's one of the most exciting ways to enjoy a series. My first experience with an anime musical was at the 2024 Japan Parade in New York City with the cast of the Demon Slayer: The Stage . I was captivated then by the actor’s skills in song, dance, and fighting. This holds true for Sailor Moon: The Super Live! Joining the live performance in Philadelphia, I was lucky enough to see the company’s first international tour. RELATED: A Review of the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Stage Play and Chat with the Cast It was refreshing to see a shojo 2.5D musical, especially one that gathered musical-goers of all ages. The energy in the Miller Theater was buzzing. Musical goers dressed in cosplay with light sticks in hand and vigorously cheered upon seeing the Sailor Scouts and after each song. The cast during the US tour includes Riko Tanaka as Sailor Moon, Kanon Maekawa as Sailor Mercury, Rei Kobayashi as Sailor Mars, Kisara Matsumura as Sailor Jupiter, Marin Makino as Sailor Venus, Sayaka Okamura as Queen Beryl, and Riona Tatemichi as Tuxedo Mask. The musical covers the series' first arc, Dark Kingdom Arc, in an abridged 90-minute version on stage and a sing-along concert. Each actor made it feel as though you were seeing the real Sailor Scouts. Everything from their facial expressions, stance in battle, and vocals personified their character. When we are introduced to Usagi as she’s running late to school, Riko Tanaka showcased the klutzy and crybaby side of Usagi exceptionally well. While the set was small and scaled back, the synchronous lighting SFX, music, and acting made this a must-see performance. Every time the Sailor Scouts prepared for battle, the lights would flicker up to the crowd. It was a bit overwhelming, but the lighting usage on stage was well managed. The show is performed in Japanese with a large display screen in the background that adds additional visuals for each scene and English subtitles, useful for English-speaking viewers. Fans sang along to the show’s theme song, “Moonlight Legend,” but there were new performances that, in my opinion, outshone the anime’s original score. My personal favorite was Queen Beryl’s jazzy “Burn Up The Dance Floor.” The musical score played around with different genres; the jazz, however, was a winner. Interview With Sailor Moon Actress Riko Tanaka Riko Tanaka, the thirteenth actress to play Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon in the Sailor Moon musicals, spoke with me about her experience during the first international tour. Read the full interview below. First off, thank you, Riko Tanaka-san for speaking with us and congratulations on the “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live Production North American tour! Riko Tanaka : Thank you so much! Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon has inspired many female-led superhero anime and has always shared the message that femininity is a powerful trait, not a weakness. How does it feel to be a part of a production that has pioneered such a cultural shift? Tanaka : I'm very proud to be able to play the role of Sailor Moon, a character admired by many generations, including myself. As I performed the role, my own heart grew stronger, so I also feel a deep sense of gratitude. RELATED: Emily Marshall on Conducting Naruto: The Symphonic Experience I know plenty of our readers are Sailor Moon fans themselves and are excited that such a tour has made its way to the United States from Japan. For returning Sailor Moon fans, what would you like to say to them? Tanaka : I believe that the unwavering charm of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon will continue to spread even more across the world through various kinds of content, no matter how many years go by. As a fellow fan, I’d be truly happy if you would continue to support it just as you always have. 2.5D musicals are still new and gaining popularity here. How have US audiences received the show so far? Tanaka : I'm amazed by the loud cheers during the performance, something you don’t often experience in Japan. It feels like the whole theater becomes one in enjoying the live performance and that truly makes me happy. The North American tour is comprised of 21 locations, has there been anything surprising or interesting about the tour since you began? What has been your favorite experience on or off the stage so far? Tanaka : Since the theaters, dressing rooms, and hotels change each city, every day feels fresh and exciting. Behind the scenes, the local crew members are often seen enjoying themselves to the music during the show and just seeing that instantly wipes away any fatigue I might have — no matter how tired I am! (haha) RELATED: Writer and Podcaster Victoria L. Johnson on the Influence of Magical Girls I’d love to know if you grew up watching Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon . If so, which character did you resonate with most, and has that changed over time? Tanaka : I'm from a generation that didn’t get to watch it in real time, but I loved it so much that I went out of my way to rent the videos. I've always loved Sailor Jupiter — then and now! That contrast between her girly side and her strength is just the best! ♡ How has being a part of this production changed your perspective on the series and the characters? Tanaka : Maybe it's also because I've gotten older, but now I'm able to sense the true feelings, sorrow, and hidden love of the villains — things I couldn’t fully grasp as a child. I found myself wanting to root for them without even realizing it. You play the role of Usagi/Sailor Moon, how did your perspective on this character change since joining the production of the musical? Tanaka : When I used to watch the anime, my impressions were more abstract — things like “so cute!” or “so cool!” But through playing this role, I’ve come to understand so much more: Sailor Moon’s inner strength, her deep care for her friends, and the unwavering love that transcends time. RELATED: The Director and Designer of ATTACK on TITAN: the Musical on Bringing the Story to Life on Stage Beyond the wardrobe and makeup, what helps you transform into Sailor Moon on stage? Do you do any specific things to channel the character’s energy and personality? Tanaka : I make a conscious effort to express shifting facial expressions and the emotions I feel in each moment openly and vividly. I also focus on clearly conveying the contrast between being an ordinary girl and transforming into a Sailor Guardian. Musicals are very different than other forms of media due to the singing, dancing, and acting elements. Was there anything special you had to do to prepare for this role? Tanaka : I had the opportunity to play Sailor Moon two different previous musical versions, but in terms of the story’s timeline, this production of The Super Live takes us back to the early days of the original story of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon . So, I made sure to never forget that sense of a fresh start and the spirit of those early days while building my performance. Are there any cast traditions you all do before the start of each show? Tanaka : When we were performing in Japan, we used to form a circle backstage to pump each other up before the show. But since coming to America, I’ve been able to go on stage with a more relaxed mindset — in a good way. We chat and laugh together right up until the last moment before the curtain rises, which helps us stay calm. That might be the secret to why we’re able to enjoy ourselves so much on stage! (haha) RELATED: Meet the Cast of ATTACK on TITAN: the Musical There have been so many Sailor Moon musicals until now, what does it feel like to be a part of the show's history and potentially someone's first introduction to a Sailor Moon, or in general, an anime musical? Tanaka : Even when I’m physically exhausted or feeling anxious because of some trouble, the moment I step on stage and see the smiles and reactions of the audience in front of me, all of that just disappears. I want to continue delivering the best performances every day so I can remain an eternal source of inspiration for everyone! Since this musical has been to the UK and US now, are there any other locations you would love to perform “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live ? Tanaka : Actually, our company has only ever performed in Tokyo within Japan, so I’ve always hoped we could tour other cities in Japan as well. For those fans who are new to 2.5 musical adaptations, what would you like to convey to them about the “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live production? What do you hope they take away from the performance? Tanaka : 2.5D lies right between the 2D world of manga and anime and the 3D world of reality. Just as the name suggests, I hope we’ve been able to bring the characters to life in a way that moves you, as if they’ve leapt off the screen. Please enjoy the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon unfolding right before your eyes! All images courtesy of Brianna Fox-Priest.
