Review: Full Moon wo Sagashite (2002-2003)

Full Moon wo Sagashite (2002-2003) is a popular Japanese romantic magical girl anime about a 12-year-old girl who aspires to become a singer before her death. The series lasted 52 episodes and featured the Japanese pop-band, Changin' My Life. The lead singer, myco, was also the seiyuu (lead actress) for the main character, Mitsuki.

Kouyama Mitsuki is diagnosed with a malignant tumor of the throat. The disease is curable but it could cost her vocal cords and her ability to sing. She promises her 16-year-old childhood friend and first love, Sakurai Eichi, that one day she would become a singer. However, her sickness proves this to be impossible, and he moves abroad to America to live with his new parents (adoption). Two shinigamis (a.k.a. angels of death whose names are Takuto and Meroko) appear before her that she only has one more year to live. This news encourages Mitsuki to fulfill her dreams so that she won't have any regrets.

With some divine intervention, the shinigami help her transform into a healthy professional teen-pop singer so that she can reunite with Eichi before time runs out. After her audition, she chooses the stage name Fullmoon because Mitsuki means "full moon" in Japanese, and it reminds her of Eichi, who wants to become an astronomer.

This story was so good and cute (kawaii!). The character development was so rich and detailed that you could understand all the main characters' personalities. You sympathized with Mitsuki throughout the season and rooted for her to achieve her ultimate dream. The supporting cast (Takuto and Meroko) cared deeply about her and overcame their personal weaknesses. The ending will surprise many viewers, and bring about many tears of joy (I must say I was teary in the end because it was unexpected and so romantic). This is a very emotional show that would instantly draw your attention.

Changin' My Life provided most of the songs and instrumentals for the series. The music made Full Moon wo Sagashite a success. I loved the songs so much that I burned a CD for my own personal leisure. The music is light-hearted, romantic and fun to listen. When the series finished in 2003, the group disbanded and myco is a solo vocalist now. I highly recommend this series for older teen and above audiences (especially if you are a Sailor Moon fan!!).

Full Moon wo Sagashite is available on DVD to buy on Amazon (7 DVDs total).

• Opening Song(s): "I Love You" and "Rock N' Roll Princess" by THE*SCANTY

I have listed a discography of the insert songs by Changin' My Life. I also provided three same videos. The music is so beautiful!!

1. New Future (Ending Song #1)


2. Eternal Snow (Ending Song #3)


3. Myself (Ending Song #2)


4. Love Chronicle (Ending Song #4)


5. Smile


6. Focus

New Future


Eternal Snow


Myself