Tokyo Mew Mew New - What We Know So Far
The "magical girl" series is a subgenre of the primarily female-focused shoujo anime genre, and it has had much success with viewers and readers over the years. By focusing on groups of young girls using their sudden otherworldly powers to fight against evil while keeping their true identities secret, such mangas and animes are incredibly empowering for girls of all ages. Though there have been many magical girl manga and anime series, the genre arguably found widespread popularity thanks to "Sailor Moon." Since 1991, Usagi Tsukino has captivated audiences as she and her friends undergo amazing transformations and summon all their strength to fight.
In 2000, the shoujo manga "Tokyo Mew Mew" came into the world (via Goodreads). Written by Reiko Yoshida and illustrated by Mia Ikumi, "Tokyo Mew Mew" follows Ichigo Momomiya, a girl infused with the DNA of an Iriomote cat. She must join with four other girls (each similarly powered with endangered animal DNA) and fight aliens known as Chimera Animas. Like "Sailor Moon," the manga focuses on the power of friendship and courage. Each girl also has her own transformation sequence, donning unique costumes and features from the animals within them. Seven volumes of the manga were published (plus a two-volume sequel) with an anime adaptation running from 2002 to 2003 (via IMDb).
In February, it was announced that the Tokyo Mew Mew girls would be making a comeback with the "Tokyo Mew Mew New" (via Funimation). Here is everything we know about the anime reboot, including the release date, characters, and plot.
What is the release date for Tokyo Mew Mew New?
According to Anime News Network, when the "Tokyo Mew Mew New" reboot was announced, the release date was confirmed for 2022. The event also revealed the cast and crew and a visual teaser of Ichigo Momomiya's new and improved look. The anime is produced by Yumeta Company and Graphinica. Additionally, "My Hero Academia" storyboard artist Takahiro Natori is the director, Yuka Yamada ("Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid") serves as the screenwriter, Satoshi Ishino ("Tokyo Mew Mew") is the character designer, and Toshiki Kameyama ("Escaflowne: The Movie") is on board as the sound director.
A second live-streamed event was released in July (via Anime News Network). This time, fans were treated to a video and key visual with the song "Bitter Sweet Darling" by Smewthie, which consists of the five main voice actors in the anime reboot. The key visual showed Ichigo alongside her partners, each ready for battle in their upgraded costumes.
The "Tokyo Mew Mew New" teaser trailer is available on the anime's official YouTube page. Fans expressed their excitement to see how the childhood anime will be depicted in the reboot for familiar (and unfamiliar) viewers. Many are also eagerly awaiting further news, particularly when it comes to the designs of the male characters.
Who are the characters in Tokyo Mew Mew New?
From the teaser trailer and visual keys, fans will see the return of their favorite animal-infused magical girls. The lead character in "Tokyo Mew Mew New" is Ichigo Momomiya. She's a middle-school student who, after a shared encounter with four other girls, finds herself with new powers as well as cat ears and a tail. Ichigo is rather outgoing but can be very shy, especially around her crush, Masaya Aoyama. She also wishes to be rid of her cat-like abilities in order to explore a relationship with Masaya. However, Ichigo is unable to do that until she fulfills her destiny.
By working in a cafe alongside the arrogant Ryou Shirogane and the calm Keiichiro Akasaka, the brains behind the Mew Mew project, Ichigo makes new friends and allies. There is Mint Aizawa, a wealthy and snobbish girl who magically merges with a blue lorikeet. Two other group members are Lettuce Midorika, a shy and brainy student whose finless porpoise DNA gives her water-powered attacks, and Pudding Fong, a circus performer who is even more agile thanks to the red lion tamarin inside her. Finally, there's Zakuro Fujiwara, a gorgeous and standoffish model who appropriately embodies the DNA of a grey wolf. As the girls adapt to their lives, they must fight Kish, Pai, and Tart, aliens who wish to reclaim the earth using Chimera Animas to corrupt life and cause destruction.
What is the plot of Tokyo Mew Mew New?
"Tokyo Mew Mew New" will be a remake of the original manga by Reiko Yoshida and Mia Ikumi. Just like the source material, the anime reboot will focus on Ichigo Momomiya (via Funimation). On the day she goes out with Masaya Aoyama to a museum, she and some other girls are caught in an earthquake only they can feel. During the incident, Ichigo sees the silhouette of a cat that promptly enters her body. After meeting Ryou Shirogane and Keiichiro Akaska, she learns that, alongside her new friends, she can help save the earth from aliens who once lived on earth and despise the way humans treat their planet.
It is likely "Tokyo Mew Mew New" will only have one season because the "Tokyo Mew Mew" manga had a pretty short run, with seven volumes total. However, those 29 chapters offer a lot of storylines to bring to television. Hopefully, viewers will see Ichigo's meetings with Mint, Lettuce, Pudding, and Zakuro, as well as Ichigo's budding relationship with Masaya. Audiences could also see how Kish's obsession with Ichigo develops into genuine love, and they may learn more about the unique powers each girl possesses as they fight for the earth.