Fushigi Yuugi has to be at least one of my favorite animes of all time. The comedy and amusing antics of the apparently comedic characters can fool people into ignoring the serious drama that is occurring.

The main conflict isn't even revealed until much later in the anime, but this does nothing to take away from the viewer. In fact, it is almost Shakespearan how the comedy at the beginning makes up for the conflicts to come later on. The problems are much more serious and mature in nature than Sailor Moon. It's very complex, and much like a soap opera at times as well. This anime is definitely a must see. Pioneer will be releasing American copies Fall of 98. I finally saw the end 10-29-97!

A school girl story about a girl named Yuuki Miaka. One day Miaka and Yui find a mysterious book from China that will grant wishes to those who complete it... but completing it is more complex than it sounds, because to read the book is to experience the story. The girls are taken to ancient China where Miaka becomes priestess to the god Suzaku. Becoming the priestess allows them to get the wishes, and to get the wishes they must gather seven seishi. A seishi is a human with a character on their body and special powers. Each seishi represents a constellation.

The Four Gods in Fushigi Yuugi is based on a Chinese Legend. According to the anime, there are four gods in the sky with 7 constellations each. On Earth there are four countries, each with its own god.

• In the South is Suzaku (Means red bird) who guard Konan, the setting of most of our story.
• Seiryuu (King Dragon) guards Kuto to the West.
• Byakko (Sp, White Tiger) guards the North, there are hints that a previous Miho had been there.
• Genbu (Turtle + Snake?) guards the last part of China.

• Midorikawa Hikaru as Tamahome
• Koyasu Takehito as Emperor Hotohori
• Araki Kae as Miaka (Also Chibi Moon on SM)
• Touma Yumi as Yui Hongo
• Sakamoto Chika as Nuriko
• Ueda Yuuji as Ambioshi and Suboshi

Miaka: (Age 14, of course) The young heroine of the story who will develop a lot throughout the story. Her penchant for eating and sleeping only hides her courage and love for her friends. Her ability to call down the God Suzaku is the only thing that can save the her friends and their kingdom.

Yui: (Age 14) Miaka's incredible intelligent friend. As Miaka's best friend, she plays a key role in the series. In the beginning, the two are connected by their friendship and another strong connection that reaches into both worlds.

Suzaku Seishi

Tomahome: (Real name: So Kifichu) Age: 17 Powered by the fury of an ogre, Tomahome is an unequaled fighter. His shiny purple eyes and blue hair win Miaka's heart. Since this anime is much like the soap operas in America, a million obstacles come between these two lovers.
• Hotahori: (Age: 19?) Proud, egocentrical emperor of Kotan country, he is a master with the sword. His love for Miaka causes conflicts between him and fellow seishi Tomahome.
• Nuriko: (Introduces herself as Kori) (Age: 19?) A beautiful woman with a secret. Nuriko loves Hotahori, although he does not return the feelings. Nuriko has unequaled strength among the Suzaku Seishi.
• Chichiri: (Age: 20 something, oldest seishi) The eccentric monk with a habit of ending all his lines "no da!" is bound to be an amusing favorite. He's one of my favorite characters. His tragic past causes him to don a smiling mask.
• Tasuki: (Real name: spoiler) (Age: 17) The ruthless bandit displays a softer side (Although he is still quite crude.) as he fights for his country with Miaka.
• Mitskage (SP): The doctor of the group often is confronted with the uselessness of his powers. He buries his painful past to be a seishi. He also brings the all important cat into the series as well.
• Chiriko: (Age: 13?)An amazing boy with high intelligence and little role in the anime.

• Nakago: Blond hair and blue eyes... the outsider whose torment changed him into a bitter enemy. He has the powers of telekinesis and super strength. Disturbingly stoic and dangerously manipulative. He is unpredictable and unbeatable. At the end, you might end up pitying him despite the atrocities that he causes.
• Ambioshi: The flute playing older brother of Suboshi. He is a nice character.
• Suboshi: His special ability is to use balls as weapons. He has a secret or two, but like most enemies, isn't deeply developed.
• Soi: The only female seishi. Her symbol is on her thigh. Her powers are based on, weird things.
• Wolf guy: The brute lasts for an episode or two. Eh, who cares?
• Shin: Clams, yeah. He makes illusions out of clams and I think he's bisexual.
• ???: The abbot who can control others. Yeah, you can tell that the creator was kinda running out of character ideas when you look at the later characters.

Miscellaneous

• Recommended songs: Almost all the singing is good.
• Absolutely hilarious, you cannot miss this anime.
• Incorporates some of the best aspects of anime (Such as being more like a movie than Sesame Street. The story is pretty dramatic at times.)