Civilian
Michiru’s appearance in the anime closely resembles her look from the original manga, with her hair length adjusted from long to medium.

Her first outfit is the Mugen Academy winter uniform: a dark red, long-sleeved sailor top with a green ribbon in the center, adorned with the Mugen Academy emblem. She pairs this with a green and black checkered skirt, black shoes, and short white socks.

In her summer uniform, similar to Rei’s, Michiru wears a dark red vest over a white, short-sleeved sailor top. She keeps the green ribbon, checkered skirt, shoes, and socks from her winter outfit.

Her primary casual attire includes a long, cornflower blue formal jacket, a pale yellow, long-sleeved V-neck shirt, a dark blue skirt, and brown shoes. She often styles her teal hair in a high ponytail secured with a purple ribbon. In one episode, her outfit features slight color changes: her jacket becomes dark blue, her V-neck shirt is white, her skirt is khaki, and the ribbon in her hair changes to red.

In Sailor Stars, Michiru wears this casual outfit with her hair loose rather than in a ponytail.

Sailor Guardian
As Sailor Neptune, Michiru keeps her civilian features but gains a gold tiara on her forehead. Her sailor uniform’s main color is teal, which accents her choker, glove linings, tiara gem, and skirt, while her front and back bows are dark blue. Her choker is decorated with a dark teal jewel trimmed in gold that resembles a cross, and she wears teal, cross-lined heels to match. In official art, the teal is often depicted as a sea green.

In her Super Sailor Neptune form, her sailor collar gains a single white stripe, her choker’s dark teal jewel is replaced by a gold star, her brooch becomes heart-shaped, and her back bow is enlarged and lengthened.

Michiru is portrayed as elegant and sophisticated, often exuding a calm and graceful demeanor. Though typically composed, she can show sharp anger and is occasionally distant or cold. Her dedication to her duty as a Sailor Guardian is unwavering, reflecting her strong sense of responsibility.

Sailor Moon S
Michiru is romantically involved with Haruka Tenou, with creator Naoko Takeuchi noting that the contrast between a feminine and a masculine personality can draw people together, regardless of gender. Michiru and Haruka share a steadfast commitment to their mission, even agreeing that anyone possessing a talisman must be sacrificed—knowing this might one day pit them against each other.

Sailor Moon Sailor Stars
In Sailor Stars, Michiru returns and joins forces more openly with the Inner Sailor Senshi. However, in episode 197, faced with the threat of death, she and Haruka decide to pledge allegiance to Galaxia to ensure they can continue living together. Under Galaxia’s influence, they turn against Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn, stealing their Star Seeds and ultimately killing them. Michiru and Haruka then confront Sailor Moon and the Sailor Starlights, launching Deep Submerge and World Shaking attacks. Although Sailor Moon and Chibi Chibi are shielded by the Starlights, the situation remains tense.

In episode 198, Michiru and Haruka reveal that their betrayal was a calculated risk, a way to gain the power needed to challenge Galaxia. Breaking free from Galaxia’s influence, they turn their attacks on her in a final attempt to capture her Star Seed. Galaxia, however, removes their bracelets—cutting off the life force sustaining them without their Star Seeds. As their lives fade, Haruka solemnly acknowledges their sins, while Michiru finds solace in being with Haruka even as they face eternal consequences. She reaches for Haruka’s hand, managing to touch briefly before they both vanish. In their final moments, Haruka entrusts Seiya with protecting Sailor Moon, calling her a “crybaby,” a sentiment Michiru gently agrees with.

Michiru, Haruka, and the others are revived in the series finale, episode 200.

Phrase:

• Neptune Planet Power, Make Up

Attacks:

• Deep Submerge
• Submarine Reflection

Items:

• Marine Cathédrale
• Communicator
• Lip Rod
• Deep Aqua Mirror

Michiru: Her name can mean “to rise,” reflecting growth and movement, which aligns with her powers over the sea.

Kaiou: The surname Kaiou translates to “sea king,” signifying her dominion over oceanic powers as Sailor Neptune.

Michelle: In the English adaptation, her name was changed to Michelle, a French feminine form of Michel. This name is derived from the Hebrew Michael, meaning “Who is like God?”