Movies - TV
Cartoon Network’s Failed Attempt To Censor Sailor Moon
By CAROLINE MADDEN
The "Sailor Moon" that many of us grew up with wasn't the true vision, but one that had been dramatically changed by Cartoon Network to fit Western norms.
One of the biggest changes is the removal of many Japanese cultural references, including pivotal character names, Usagi became Serena, and Michiru was altered to Michelle.
Cartoon Network also removed much of the Catholic iconography. The Holy Grail was renamed The Purity Chalice and the image of Hotaru hanging from a cross like Jesus was removed.
The American version of "Sailor Moon" changed the villain Zoisite from male to female because he was depicted in a romantic relationship with another male villain, Kunzite.
The network’s most absurd censorship, however, was in the relationship between Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. These characters were rewritten from girlfriends to cousins.
There are countless shots of Uranus and Neptune exchanging meaningful looks while holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, or standing closely in intimate poses against sappy music.
It's both funny and sad how hard Cartoon Network tried to deceive young viewers by insisting that they are cousins when the framing and their tender interactions said otherwise.