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Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Usagi Tsukino (月野うさぎ, Tsukino Usagi) is the everyday persona of the Sailor Guardian of Love and Justice, also known as Sailor Moon (セーラームーン, Seeraa Muun). She is the central character of the 1990s anime series. Originating from an ancient, thriving civilization on the Moon called the Moon Kingdom, Usagi was reborn on Earth, where she later awakened as the leader of the Sailor Senshi, charged with defending love and justice.

In the name of the Moon, I’ll punish you!
— Sailor Moon

Appearance

Civilian
Usagi Tsukino has distinctive blue eyes and long blonde hair styled in the iconic “odango” or double-bun look.

In her daily life, Usagi commonly wears her light blue middle school uniform, which became her signature outfit. This ensemble includes a sailor-style collar with two white stripes, a dark pink ribbon on the front where she secures her magical locket, and a white school top with blue sleeves, each with matching white stripes. Her summer uniform features a similar design with short, puffed sleeves. Usagi’s attire is completed by a blue pleated skirt with a blue bow at the back, along with white socks and black Mary Jane shoes.

Until the end of the third season, Usagi’s primary casual outfit consists of a light blue denim blazer with chest pockets, a pale green long-sleeved shirt, a light pink pleated skirt, blue socks, and white-brown dress shoes. Her signature hairstyle includes two pale pink bows on each side. In the fourth season, her look slightly shifts, with her blazer turning a deeper blue, her shirt and socks adopting a green hue, and her skirt and bows becoming off-white. For sleepwear, she typically wears a pink top with matching pajamas, which switch to green in theSailor Starsarc.

In Sailor Stars, Usagi is shown in her Azabu Juban high school uniform, featuring a dark blue sailor collar, ribbon, pleated skirt, and back bow, accented with red stripes.

Sailor Moon
As Sailor Moon, her initial uniform comprises a white leotard with a blue-collared sailor style, adorned with two white stripes. She wears white gloves that end just below her elbows, trimmed with three red arm fittings, and has shoulder pads along with a blue pleated skirt. Her attire is accented by a dark pink chest bow and a back bow, complemented by a puffy white belt. Additional elements include knee-high dark pink boots with white trim, pearl earrings with crescent moon pendants, and red circular hairpieces at each bun. She also wears a choker with a golden crescent moon and a tiara with a central red gem. Her brooch, which holds her transformation power, sits at the center of her bow. As she evolves withMoon Crystal Power Makeup, her brooch transforms into the Crystal Star, though her overall look remains the same.

WithMoon Cosmic Power Makeup, subtle changes occur: her tiara gem shifts to a crescent moon, the choker symbol becomes a heart, and her brooch changes into the Cosmic Heart Compact.

Super Sailor Moon
Upon becoming Super Sailor Moon, her look is significantly upgraded. Her hair now includes two wing-like barrettes, her crescent moon earrings become non-dangling, and her choker turns yellow with a red heart. The collar stripes transition to yellow, and her shoulder pads are now translucent, resembling wings. Her brooch turns light pink, and a long, flowing white ribbon with a golden belt accentuates her waist. The most prominent update is her skirt, which gains a gradient from white to yellow, green, and blue at the hem.

In the Super S season, her back ribbons are shortened, her brooch becomes the Crisis Moon Compact, and her skirt features yellow and blue stripes instead of the gradient.

Eternal Sailor Moon
In her Eternal Sailor Moon form, Usagi’s outfit undergoes the most significant transformation. She now has a gold crescent moon mark on her forehead instead of a tiara, with a star added to her crescent moon earrings. Her leotard no longer has chest armor, and her choker is red with a gold heart and crescent moon. Her collar retains a dark blue hue with three gold stripes, and her shoulder pads are replaced by solid pink bubble-like sleeves. Her chest bow is reimagined as angel wings, with the Eternal Moon Article at the center. Her gloves extend to her upper arms and are embellished with winged red cuffs. Her skirt is layered in yellow, red, and blue tiers, joined by a v-shaped red panel adorned with a crescent moon. The outfit is completed by large angel wings and thin, trailing red ribbons. Her boots are now white with red accents, featuring crescent moons.

Princess Serenity
In moments reflecting her past life, Usagi appears as Princess Serenity. In this form, her tiara is replaced by a golden crescent moon, and she wears an elegant, long, flowing white gown symbolizing her royal lineage.

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Personality

Usagi Tsukino is a warm-hearted and cheerful individual, known for her love of sweets and her devotion to her friends. She has a strong desire to protect those she cares about and is often willing to go to great lengths, even to the point of self-sacrifice, to prevent harm from coming to others—even if the choice seems unwise or others discourage her.

Her deep care for her friends and family reflects her trusting nature, as she believes in the innate goodness of people. This idealistic outlook is both her strength and her weakness, as she tends to trust even those who may have wronged her. Her compassion is evident in her refusal to harm innocent people, even when they’ve been transformed into monsters; instead, she strives to heal them whenever possible.

Usagi also has a strong belief in true love and is committed to helping others, regardless of past grievances. She’s shown to be quick to assist those in need, including people she’s just met. Romantic by nature, Usagi often fantasizes about crushes, marriage, and her ideal life, particularly in the early series, where she frequently admires attractive people and envisions romantic scenarios. However, as her relationship with Mamoru deepens, she comes to see him as her true love, and her daydreams increasingly revolve around him.

Academically, Usagi struggles, often scoring below 30 on s, and she has little patience for intricate tasks like cooking or sewing. Additionally, she’s not particularly athletic; her friend Naru once mentioned she wasn’t a good swimmer. However, Usagi does enjoy activities related to beauty and appearance, sometimes exploring dieting or experimenting with photography.

Throughout the series, Usagi matures significantly. While her playful and sometimes childish traits persist, she grows into a capable young woman who balances her silliness with the wisdom gained through her experiences.

Information

Early Life
Usagi Tsukino, the eldest of two children, lived with her parents, Kenji and Ikuko Tsukino, and her younger brother, Shingo. Before her transformation into Sailor Moon, she led a typical life, attending school and spending time with her friends Naru, Umino, Yumiko, and Kuri. Her homeroom teacher was Miss Haruna.

Sailor Moon (Season 1)
Usagi’s journey as Sailor Moon began one day when she saw a group of kids tormenting a black cat by putting band-aids on its forehead. After shooing the kids away, she removed the band-aids to reveal a crescent moon symbol on the cat’s forehead. Later that night, the cat, named Luna, returned and spoke to Usagi, explaining the threat of the Dark Kingdom and giving her a magical brooch to transform into Sailor Moon. During her first battle, she encountered the mysterious Tuxedo Mask, who became an early crush.

Initially, Usagi faced the challenges of balancing school and her new responsibilities alone, with occasional support from Tuxedo Mask. Soon, she was joined by Ami Mizuno, who turned out to be Sailor Mercury, and Rei Hino, the shrine priestess who became Sailor Mars. Despite frequent disagreements with Rei, especially over Usagi’s carefree attitude and their rivalry for Tuxedo Mask’s attention, they grew close.

One day, Usagi met Makoto Kino, a new student with a reputation for being tough. Usagi, however, welcomed her, and Makoto eventually revealed herself as Sailor Jupiter, joining Usagi, Ami, and Rei. Shortly after, Sailor Venus joined them as well. Usagi’s crush on Mamoru Chiba, who initially teased her, grew as their paths continued to cross. Eventually, Mamoru was revealed to be Tuxedo Mask, and Usagi discovered her identity as Princess Serenity.

The Dark Kingdom kidnapped Mamoru, leaving Usagi heartbroken but determined to rescue him. Usagi and the Sailor Senshi ultimately confronted Queen Beryl and her forces at the North Pole. Along the way, her friends sacrificed themselves to protect her. In the final confrontation, Usagi defeated Queen Beryl but lost consciousness. She later awoke with no memory of her time as Sailor Moon, as did the other Senshi and Mamoru.

Sailor Moon R (Makai Tree Arc)
In this arc, two aliens, Ail and An, arrive on Earth, feeding their tree with stolen human energy. Luna is forced to reawaken Usagi as Sailor Moon to stop the Cardian monsters sent by the aliens. During this time, Usagi’s original brooch is destroyed but is later replaced by a new one, giving her enhanced powers and a new attack.

Usagi develops an unreciprocated crush on Ail, while Mamoru, still unsure of his feelings, often appears as the Moonlight Knight to protect her. Eventually, Mamoru’s memories return, and the Moonlight Knight disappears. Usagi teaches Ail and An about true love, helping them find a peaceful path with their newly reborn tree.

Sailor Moon R (Black Moon Arc)
After Mamoru’s memories return, he and Usagi begin dating, only to be interrupted by a young girl, Chibiusa, who is being hunted by the Black Moon Clan. Chibiusa’s presence brings new challenges as Usagi vows to protect her. Eventually, Usagi discovers Chibiusa is her and Mamoru’s future daughter from Crystal Tokyo, under attack by the Black Moon Clan. Usagi and her friends journey to Crystal Tokyo, where they meet King Endymion and face numerous battles.

In a climactic encounter, Usagi transforms into Neo-Queen Serenity to reach her daughter, who, brainwashed as Black Lady, fights against her. Usagi’s compassion helps Chibiusa remember her true self, and together they defeat the Black Moon Clan’s leader, Wiseman.

Sailor Moon S
The next threat comes in the form of the Death Busters, led by Professor Souichi Tomoe and his Daimons. After a Daimon attack destroys her brooch, Usagi is given a new one, along with the power to perform the Moon Spiral Heart Attack. She’s later joined by the Outer Senshi, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, who help defend against the Death Busters.

Sailor Moon SuperS
During this season, Usagi confronts Queen Nehellenia and her servants, who aim to capture people’s dreams. Through these struggles, Usagi demonstrates her dedication to protecting her friends and the dreams of others, continually growing stronger.

Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (Nehellenia and Stars Arcs)
Usagi faces Queen Nehellenia once more, along with a new enemy, Sailor Galaxia, who threatens the galaxy itself. After a series of fierce battles, she ultimately emerges victorious. In the aftermath, Usagi is left feeling a deep loneliness after the departure of Galaxia but is comforted by her friends and Mamoru, who assure her she is never truly alone.

Usagi’s journey across each arc shows her growth from a clumsy schoolgirl into a courageous protector, willing to risk everything for those she loves and the ideals she holds dear.

Sailor Guardian Info

Usagi transforms into a “Sailor Soldier” by using a special brooch and calling out a specific phrase to activate her powers. Her initial transformation command,“Moon Prism Power, Make Up!”(ムーンプリズムパワー、メイクアップ,Muun Purizumu Pawaa, Meiku Appu), initiates her transformation into Sailor Moon. Each of the five main story arcs introduces a new transformation sequence as her powers evolve.

As the series’ protagonist and leader of the Sailor Guardians, Usagi’s abilities are stronger and more unique than those of her allies. She possesses special powers and, although her physical attacks are not always successful, she occasionally uses combat techniques such as theSailor Moon Kick.

One of her notable abilities is theSupersonic Wave(超音波,Chouonpa), where her red hairpieces amplify her cries into a powerful sonic wave. This technique often has a strong, disorienting effect on her opponents, showcasing her versatility as a Sailor Guardian.

Phrases

  • Moon Prism Power, Make Up
  • Moon Power, change me into a…
  • Moon Crystal Power, Make Up
  • Moon Cosmic Power, Make Up
  • Crisis, Make Up
  • Moon Crisis, Make Up
  • Moon Eternal, Make Up

Attacks

  • Supersonic Waves
  • Sailor Moon Kick
  • Double Sailor Moon Kick
  • Sailor Body Attack
  • Moon Tiara Action
  • Moon Tiara Stardust
  • Moon Prism Power
  • Moon Healing Escalation
  • Moon Crystal Power
  • Moon Princess Halation
  • Moon Spiral Heart Attack
  • Rainbow Moon Heartache
  • Moon Cosmic Power
  • Moon Crisis Power
  • Moon Gorgeous Meditation
  • Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss
  • Silver Moon Crystal Power Kiss

Items

  • Transformation Brooch
  • Disguise Pen
  • Crystal Star
  • Cosmic Heart Compact
  • Silver Crystal
  • Holy Grail
  • Crisis Moon Compact
  • Eternal Moon Article

Weapons

  • Red Hair Pieces
  • Tiara
  • Moon Stick
  • Cutie Moon Rod
  • Spiral Heart Moon Rod
  • Moon Kaleido Scope
  • Eternal Tiare
  • Holy Moon Chalice
  • Moon Power Tiare
  • Sword of Sealing

Development

Usagi’s iconic hairstyle, the “odango” buns, was inspired by a personal “good luck charm” of her creator, Naoko Takeuchi. During college exams, Takeuchi often styled her hair in this way as a ritual before challenging s. Initially, Takeuchi envisioned Usagi with blonde hair in her civilian form and silver hair when transformed, but her editor advised against the silver, feeling it would lack impact on cover art. Despite this, Takeuchi sometimes depicted Usagi’s hair in different colors in her artwork, adding unique stylistic flair.

Among all the Sailor Senshi, Usagi’s personality most closely reflects Takeuchi’s own character at the time she created the series, lending Usagi a personal connection to her creator.

Several of Usagi’s background traits were chosen symbolically. For example, her astrological sign is Cancer, associated with the moon, aligning with her lunar-based powers. Additionally, her blood type is O, which in Japanese culture is often associated with being friendly, optimistic, and occasionally a bit careless—qualities that resonate strongly with Usagi’s character.

Etymology

Etymology

Usagi’s name holds multiple layers of meaning tied to Japanese language and folklore. Her given name,Usagi(うさぎ), is the Japanese word for “rabbit,” written in hiragana.

Her surname,Tsukino, combines the kanjiTsuki(月), meaning “moon,” andno(野), which can mean “field” or “civilian.” The particleno(の) also indicates possession, soTsukinocan translate to “moon field” or “moon civilian,” with some interpretations suggesting “of the moon.”

In the Japanese naming order,Tsukino Usagicreates two additional puns:No-Usagi(野うさぎ), meaning “wild rabbit,” andTsuki no Usagi(月のうさぎ), translating to “Rabbit of the Moon.” The latter connects to an East Asian folktale about a rabbit believed to live on the Moon, reinforcing Usagi’s lunar association.

Nomenclature

Naoko Takeuchi provided further details about Usagi’s character symbolism:

  • Blood Type: O
  • Zodiac Sign: Cancer (Ruled by the Moon)
  • Birthstone: Pearl

Each element reflects Usagi’s character, from her association with the Moon through her zodiac sign to her birthstone, the pearl, often symbolizing purity and transformation.

Trivia

    • In the original DiC English dub, Usagi was renamedSerena, a name chosen for its similarity toSerenity.
    • In early DiC promotional videos and the unsuccessful live-action pilot, she was referred to asVictoria, while Kodansha’s English website initially called herCeleste.
    • Usagi is unique among the Inner Senshi in that she was not a member of the Three Lights fan club in the anime.
    • Kotono Mitsuishi, who voiced Usagi in the anime, fell ill during the production of episodes 44 to 50. During this time, Kae Araki, who would later voice Chibiusa, temporarily filled in. Later, Mitsuishi re-recorded Usagi’s monologue from episode 46, which was posted on YouTube.
    • Usagi has mistakenly consumed alcohol, believing it was punch, and ended up accidentally intoxicated twice: once in Episode 22 and again in Episode 108.
    • Usagi holds the distinction of being the only character to appear in all 200 episodes of the anime as well as in all three Sailor Moon movies.