Sailor Moon Crystal, known in Japan as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal (Japanese: 美少女戦士セーラームーンCrystal（クリスタル）, Hepburn: Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn Kurisutaru), is a Japanese anime series based on the shōjo manga series Sailor Moon written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi, produced in commemoration of the original series' 20th anniversary. Produced by Toei Animation and directed by Munehisa Sakai (Seasons 1 and 2) and Chiaki Kon (Season 3), the series was streamed worldwide on Niconico from July 5, 2014, to July 18, 2015. Season 1 and 2's episodes were released twice a month. Instead of remaking the 1990s anime series preceding it, Toei Animation produced Crystal as a reboot of Sailor Moon and as a more faithful adaptation of the original manga by omitting much of the original material from the first series. The story focuses on Usagi Tsukino, who is a young girl that obtains the power to become the titular character. Other Sailor Guardians join her in the search for Princess Serenity and the Silver Crystal.The first episode had an advanced screening on June 30, 2014. In May 2014, Viz Media licensed Crystal for an English-language release in North America, simulcasting the series on Neon Alley and Hulu to coincide with the worldwide streaming. Crunchyroll also simulcast the series in a separate contract with Toei Animation. Viz premiered the first episode as part of their "Sailor Moon Day" celebration at the Anime Expo Convention in Los Angeles.A third season, based on the Infinity arc of the manga, premiered on April 4, 2016, and concluded on June 27, 2016.A sequel two-part film, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie, based on the Dream arc of the manga, was released in 2021, with the first film released on January 8 and the second on February 11, followed by another sequel two-part film, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos The Movie, based on the Stars arc of the manga, which was released on June 9 and 30, 2023.