Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, Anime |
| Founded | March 2000 |
| Founder | Keitarō Arima |
| Defunct | March 24, 2009 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, Anime television series, OVA |
Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase is a Japanese manga series created by Keitarō Arima. It was serialized in the monthly publication Comic Gum from March 2000 until March 2008, culminating in sixteen volumes published by Wani Books. The manga was adapted into a 25-episode anime television series produced by studio Shaft, which aired on TV Tokyo between October 2004 and March 2005. Additionally, an OVA titled "Episode 26" was released on DVD in February 2006.
The narrative follows Hazuki, a young vampire girl, and Kouhei Morioka, a Japanese freelance photographer whom she attempts to bind as her servant. Despite variations between the manga and anime adaptations, both highlight Kouhei's protective role toward Hazuki. The OVA presents a mostly independent plotline, though it includes some recurring characters.
In English-speaking regions, the manga was published by Tokyopop, which halted operations in North America after releasing volume 12, resulting in an unfinished series. The anime adaptation was licensed and distributed in English by Funimation under the title Moon Phase.
Plot
The plot revolves around freelance photographer Kouhei Morioka and Hazuki, a young girl descended from a noble vampire family. Kouhei visits a castle in southwestern Germany to capture images of paranormal phenomena for his friend Hiromi, who edits an occult magazine. At this castle, Hazuki drinks Kouhei's blood and declares him her servant; however, the "blood pact" does not successfully bind him. Following a conflict involving sorcerers that liberates Hazuki from imprisonment, she relocates to Tokyo and begins residing with Kouhei in his grandfather's home. Despite frequent disagreements and vampire adversaries seeking to reclaim Hazuki, Kouhei resists her unreasonable commands and commits himself to shielding her from her vampire family's agents.
Manga
Authored by Keitarō Arima, the Tsukuyomi Moon Phase manga was published by Wani Books from March 2000 through March 24, 2009, comprising sixteen volumes. Taiwanese licensing was managed by Sharp Point Press. English-language editions were released by Tokyopop and Madman Entertainment, although Tokyopop encountered financial setbacks that delayed subsequent volumes. On May 31, 2011, Tokyopop announced the reversion of all licensed titles back to their original Japanese rights holders, leaving the English release incomplete.
| Volume | Japanese | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISBN | Release Date | ISBN | Release Date | |
| 1 | ISBN 4-8470-3342-6 | March 2000 | ISBN 1-59532-948-X | December 12, 2005 |
| 2 | ISBN 4-8470-3361-2 | September 2000 | ISBN 1-59532-949-8 | March 7, 2006 |
| 3 | ISBN 4-8470-3395-7 | April 2001 | ISBN 1-59532-950-1 | June 13, 2006 |
| 4 | ISBN 4-8470-3423-6 | December 2001 | ISBN 1-59532-951-X | September 12, 2006 |
| 5 | ISBN 4-8470-3432-5 | June 2002 | ISBN 1-59532-952-8 | December 12, 2006 |
| 6 | ISBN 4-8470-3443-0 | February 2003 | ISBN 1-59532-953-6 | March 13, 2007 |
| 7 | ISBN 4-8470-3457-0 | October 24, 2003 | ISBN 1-59532-954-4 | June 12, 2007 |
| 8 | ISBN 4-8470-3469-4 | May 22, 2004 | ISBN 1-59532-955-2 | September 11, 2007 |
| 9 | ISBN 4-8470-3486-4 | December 24, 2004 | ISBN 1-4278-0163-0 | December 11, 2007 |
| 10 | ISBN 4-8470-3509-7 | July 25, 2005 | ISBN 1-4278-0164-9 | April 8, 2008 |
| 11 | ISBN 4-8470-3535-6 | March 25, 2006 | ISBN 1-4278-0726-4 | August 8, 2008 |
| 12 | ISBN 4-8470-3578-X | October 25, 2006 | ISBN 1-4278-0727-2 | November 4, 2008 |
| 13 | ISBN 4-8470-3597-6 | April 25, 2007 | ISBN 978-1-4278-1161-5 | Postponed and never released. |
| 14 | ISBN 4-8470-3619-0 | November 24, 2007 | — | — |
| 15 | ISBN 4-8470-3647-6 | July 24, 2008 | — | — |
| 16 | ISBN 4-8470-3677-8 | March 24, 2009 | — | — |
Opening
- "Neko Mimi Mode" performed by Dimitri from Paris (episodes 1–8, 10–13, 15–24)
- "Tsuku Yomi Mode" performed by Dimitri from Paris (episodes 9, 14)
Ending
- "Kanashii Yokan"
- Lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Yukari Hashimoto
- Vocals provided by Marianne Amplifier featuring Yuka
- "Nami no Toriko ni naru you ni" (episode 7)
- Lyrics by Kenzō Saeki
- Composed and arranged by Naruyoshi Kikuchi
- Vocals performed by Noriko Ogawa
- "Pressentiment triste" by Marianne Amplifier featuring Yuka (episode 19)
- "Neko Mimi Mode" by Dimitri From Paris (episode 25)
Reception
The anime received commendation from Hyper for its uniform character designs and high-quality animation, particularly noting the unique Gothic-style background art. Conversely, the writing was criticized for being overly dense, which detracted from viewer engagement.
References