Friday, 2 September 2011

Introducing Musashi (ムサシ)

Kairi's Guardian Character. Musashi has traits and the personality of that of a samurai. He also has some of Kairi's traits, such as green hair and glasses. When he Character Transforms with Kairi, they become Samurai Soul. In the anime television series, Musashi is voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto.

Introducing Kairi Sanjo (三条 海里, Sanjō Kairi)

Kairi Sanjo replaces Kukai as the new Jack's Chair when Kukai leaves for middle school. Kairi is tall, despite being two years junior to Amu. Unlike the spontaneous Kukai, Kairi is uptight, very organized, and blunt about faults. Even with these traits, he is so capable that Amu and Yaya call him "Class President"
Kairi is the younger brother of Yukari Sanjo and was sent to spy on the Guardians. This wasn't his choice though, as Yukari immediately begged him to transfer to Seiyo upon discovering that he had a Guardian Character. Since his sister is busy at work, Kairi takes care of the household work (and his sister) in her apartment. However, when he saw the true meaning of his "missions," he tries to rebel against Yukari, but not before he reveals his secret to the Guardians when they accidentally discover him with Pestering CDs. He switches sides after Amu convinces him he is a good person. Afterward, he leaves saying that he promised his parents and local classmates that he would return, but not before declaring his love for Amu, saying that he shall return for her when he has become worthy of a man. He also declared a rivalry toward Tadase. Recently in Chapter 44, he is shown in Amu's town looking for Yukari and comments about also looking for "that person". In chapter 45, he becomes the adviser for Yuu Nikaido and Yukari Sanjo, who are arguing about getting back together. In chapter 46, he returns to the academy to meet with Tsukasa, meeting Hikaru and Yaya on his way. In the anime television series, Kairi is voiced by Mitsuki Saiga. He is portrayed by Reo Sawada in the musical.

Thursday, 1 September 2011

Introducing Kusukusu (クスクス)

Kusukusu is Rima's Guardian Character and represents Rima's desire to make others laugh. When she Character Changes, Rima becomes a gag character (which she is embarrassed to use) and uses a signature phrase and pose: "Bala-Balance" (Balancing Balance) from the magazine Great Gag Manga King (ギャグマンガ大王 Gyagu Manga Daiō). During Character Transformation, Rima becomes Clown Drop. In the anime television series, Kusukusu is voiced by Sayaka Narita.

Introducing Rima Mashiro (真城 りま, Mashiro Rima)

Rima Mashiro replaces Nadeshiko as the new Queen's Chair. Although Rima is the same age as Amu, she is extremely petite and has relatively poor athletic ability. Most of the boys in her class admire her because of her beauty and passive personality, while the girls are annoyed by her because of her selfishness.
Because of a kidnapping incident that happened before she transferred to Seiyo Elementary, her parents pick her up after school, but since it interferes with their work schedules, they often argue about who cares more for Rima over work, resulting in Rima often having no one but Kusukusu as company for her secret interest in gag comedy. Later, she opens up to Amu and becomes friends with her.
When Yaya explains to Rima about Amu and Nadeshiko's friendship, she appears to be jealous. At first, she is shown to have great dislike for Nagihiko because Amu told Rima and Yaya that he is Nadeshiko's twin brother due to a confusion between the two. That leads Rima to be protective over Amu. She tells Nagihiko that he is useless because his Guardian Character is still inside an egg, but gains respect and trust for him later on. Rima discovers that Nadeshiko and Nagihiko are actually the same person. She performed a join attack with "Nadeshiko" called queen's waltz. In the anime television series, Rima is voiced by Sayuri Yahagi. She is portrayed by Karen Yagishita in the musical.

Introducing Pepe (ぺぺ)

Pepe is a baby-like Guardian Character who was born from Yaya's desire to remain baby-like in nature. When either she or Yaya get hurt or something goes wrong, both of them will begin to whine and cry in unison. During Character Transformation, they become Dear Baby. In the anime television series, Pepe is voiced by Kimiko Koyama.

Introducing Yaya Yuiki (結木 やや, Yuiki Yaya)

Yaya Yuiki is the childish girl serving as the Ace Chair and is one year junior to Amu. Yaya often acts immature for her age, such as having an enormous sweet tooth, a great soft spot for items like ribbons, as well as tending to be hyperactive. She is also a ballerina, though a rather clumsy one. She has a newborn baby brother named Tsubasa, who, she claims, gets all her parents' attention. It is because of this that her baby-like Guardian Character, Pepe, was born. Though she acts jealous around Tsubasa, Yaya does have a responsible side, once personally taking him to the doctor when he had a fever, as no other option was possible. In the anime television series, Yaya is voiced by Tomoko Nakamura. She is portrayed by Meimi Tamura in the musical.

Introducing Daichi (ダイチ)

Kukai's Guardian Character is Daichi. He is very good at sports and cannot seem to sit still. He was born when Kukai wanted to do many sports but had to choose. When Daichi and Kukai Character Change, Kukai becomes even more athletic. When Kukai and Daichi return for a visit, they Character Transform with the power of the Humpty Lock, becoming Sky Jack. In the anime television series, Daichi is voiced by Hiroyuki Yoshino.

Introducing Kukai Soma (相馬 空海, Sōma Kūkai)

Kukai Soma is the upbeat and energetic Jack's Chair of the Guardians. One year senior to Amu, Kukai helps Amu with her training as the Joker. Although he was the captain of the soccer club, Kukai loves and excels at all sports. At the end of the school year, Kukai graduates and goes on to middle school. However, Kukai returns to visit the Guardians from time to time. He also becomes good friends with Utau after they go to a ramen eating contest together. In the anime television series, Kukai is voiced by Atsushi Abe. He is portrayed by Yuuta Koseki in the musical.

Introducing Rhythm (リズム, Rizumu)

Rhythm is Nagihiko's second Guardian Character. Rhythm appears to be cool and outgoing, showing Nagihiko's boy self. However, he might also be quite a flirt, as is shown when he hugs all of the female guardian chara's after just meeting them. Rhythm's egg was first seen in chapter 30 and in episode 56, but as of chapter 34 and episode 91, he hatches after Nagihiko remembers how much he liked playing basketball, at his own pace and rhythm, while fighting against a X Character. During Character Change, huge headphones appear around Nagihiko's neck, and he gains an energetic persona; he also doesn't seem to hesitate in participating in athletic activities, and goes all out dominating several sports such as soccer, baseball, tennis, and judo. This causes most of the sports clubs to become obsessed with recruiting Nagihiko to their teams, much to his dismay. When in a Character Transformation, they become Beat Jumper. In the anime television series, Rhythm is voiced by Kōki Miyata.

Introducing Temari (てまり

Temari is Nagihiko's first Guardian Character. Temari appears to be elegant and Nagihiko's desire to be more mannered and become a Japanese dancer. However, during Character Change, both Temari and Nagihiko (as Nadeshiko) become aggressive and very masculine; Nagihiko, inadvertently, also gains a naginata, which he promptly uses. Prior to Nagihiko's return to the guardians, Temari went back into her egg to slumber. In chapter 34 and episode 98, Temari wakes up after Nagihiko realizes that it doesn't matter what gender a person is, it's effort that they put into something they do. They perform a Character Transformation, Yamato Maihime, who's attack is 'Robe of Feathers, Dance of the Cherry Blossoms'. In the anime television series, Temari is voiced by Ryōka Yuzuki.

Introducing Nadeshiko Fujisaki (藤咲 なでしこ, Fujisaki Nadeshiko) / Nagihiko Fujisaki (藤咲 なぎひこ, Fujisaki Nagihiko)

Nadeshiko Fujisaki is a student in the same year as Amu and serves as Queen's Chair of the Guardians. When Amu rejected the offer to join the Guardians, Nadeshiko tries several tactics to convince Amu to join. The two become best friends and Nadeshiko looks over and supports Amu in her love life. However, before Amu and Nadeshiko enter the sixth grade, Nadeshiko leaves Seiyo Elementary to travel to Europe to study dancing.
Nadeshiko is actually a boy named Nagihiko Fujisaki, called "Nagi" as a nickname by Amu and the girls. It is tradition in the Fujisaki family for males to be raised as females as part of their training so that they may play female roles in Japanese dance. Nagihiko's secret is known by his family, Rhythm, Temari, Tadase, Kiseki, Kukai, Daichi, the school's principal Tsukasa Amakawa, Rima, and Kusukusu. Nagihiko has trouble telling Amu that he is actually a boy, instead, he told Amu that he is Nadeshiko's twin. After Kairi leaves the Guardians, Nagihiko returns and is appointed as the interim Jack's Chair. In the anime television series, Nadeshiko is voiced by Saeko Chiba. He is portrayed by Kanon Fukuda in the musical.

Introducing El (エル, Eru)

El is Utau's second Guardian Character and is the complete angelic opposite of Il. El often nags, likes correcting people about their choices that she considers wrong herself, and helps those who are troubled by love. Because El was treated badly by Il and ignored by Utau, she left home and wound up in Amu's care. El can perform a Character Transformation with Amu, resulting in Amulet Angel, which surprised Utau. However, as Amu is not El's real owner, the Character Transformation remains powerless with no real abilities. Whenever El performs a Character Transformation with Amu, Amu usually ends up being embarrassed due to El's over-the-top antics. El finally performed a Character Transformation with Utau, forming Seraphic Charm. Later in the manga series, Utau uses White Wing to help the Guardians help Ikuto. In the anime television series, El is voiced by Hyo-sei.

Introducing Il (イル, Iru)

The devilish Il is the first of Utau's two Character Guardians introduced in the story. Il seems mean and unkind, but it's just her character. Sometimes she can be helpful and sincere, but she dislikes nagging. She represents Utau's energetic and playful side. During Character Transformation, Utau becomes Lunatic Charm, with the attack Nightmare Lorelei and later, Lilin Trident. When Il felt lonely because El wasn't there for her to tease and when she felt that Utau was ignoring her because of Diamond, she Character Transforms with Amu, becoming Amulet Devil. In the anime television series, Il is voiced by Hiromi Konno.

Introducing Utau Hoshina

Utau Hoshina (ほしな 歌唄 Hoshina Utau) is a junior high student model turned singing idol. She is actually Ikuto's younger sister, Utau Tsukiyomi (月詠 歌唄 Tsukiyomi Utau?). Utau had tried to find the Embryo to release her brother from Easter, but she never succeeded. Utau is very attracted to Ikuto and becomes extremely jealous of Amu because Ikuto shows an interest in her. However, she eventually accepts Amu and they become friends. She has become good friends with Kukai in the anime and manga.
She was the vocalist of the indie band "Black Diamond" which is produced by her manager, Yukari Sanjo, as a method of using the CDs of their music to draw the eggs out of children and make them into X Eggs. When the plan fell apart, Utau quit Easter with her manager and became a singer on her own, without Easter contracting her. In the anime television series, Utau is voiced by Nana Mizuki. She is portrayed by Misaki Yonemura in the musical.

Introducing Yoru (ヨル)

Yoru is Ikuto's cat-like Guardian Character and represents Ikuto's desire to be free. Yoru often goes out by himself and enjoys causing trouble for the Guardians and their Guardian Characters for fun. When Ikuto and Yoru undergo a Character Transformation, they become Black Lynx. Yoru is hysterical when Ikuto does the Death Rebel Character Transformation in chapter 31. Lately, he also can't track Ikuto, because the hypnotizing tuning fork confuses him. Later on, when Amu and Tadase find Ikuto being controlled by Easter, Yoru takes the Dumpty Key and gives it to Amu. In chapter 38, he along with the black egg, combine powers with Ikuto to become Seven Seas Treasure. In chapter 46, Amu finds a dazed Yoru in the Eggs' Cradle. He and Amu fall out of the Egg's cradle and see Ikuto. In chapter 48, when Yoru sees how happy Ikuto is, he comments him for having become a "true alley cat", and goes back to being a heart's egg inside of Ikuto. In the anime television series, Yoru is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Introducing Ikuto Tsukiyomi

Ikuto Tsukiyomi (月詠 イクト Tsukiyomi Ikuto) is a teenage boy in middle school contracted by Easter to find the Embryo. He often helps Amu even though he works for Easter. Ikuto actually despises Easter and tries to wrench himself free from them by trying to find the Embryo to grant that wish. He possesses the Dumpty Key which pairs with Amu's Humpty Lock which at first did not fit in the keyhole. Like his father, Ikuto is a skilled violinist. He is the current owner of the Dumpty Key, which originally belonged to Aruto, his father, although Tadase's father had it for a little while. His mother, upon marrying someone else after they found her husband's violin in a foreign country and believing that he would not come back, bound her children into working for Easter. Ikuto's personality is aloof, mysterious, and a little naughty. He likes teasing people, especially Amu and Tadase. He is also the older brother of Utau Hoshina. As the series goes on, he grows very strong feelings for Amu — he confessed that he loves her in the same chapter Tadase did, although she believes that he is teasing her. He later surrendered himself to Easter, not wanting to get anyone else involved in the mess he made. In the manga timeline, it is shown he Character Transformed with a new black Guardian Egg to become Death Rebel, shocking Amu. In chapter 37, Tsukasa told Ikuto he resembles his father when he yells. In chapter 38, he Character Transforms with Yoru and the black egg into Seven Seas Treasure. In chapter 39, it's said that Ikuto may have two eggs, one is possibly still inside him. In one of the later chapters, Ikuto calls Amu 'princess' and she replies by asking him to thank her for making him get back to normal. Ikuto swears that this time he will be the one to protect her. In chapter 43, Ikuto confesses to Amu he will never see her again as he is going to search for his father.Ikuto returns for Yukari Sanjo and Yuu Nikaidou's wedding. He promises that he would show Amu sides of him that she has not seen, but only when he returns for her when she is older. Ikuto and Tadase both state that they will not stop trying to win Amu's love.In the anime television series, Ikuto is voiced by Yuuichi Nakamura. He is portrayed by KENN in the musical.

Introducing Kiseki (キセキ)

Kiseki is Tadase's Guardian Character. Kiseki was born for a combination of Tadase's desire to be stronger and the dream of world domination. Because of this, Kiseki is extremely egotistical and often demanding, and doesn't like obeying others. He frequently calls other Guardian Characters to go on "Special Secret Meetings." A running gag is that the other Guardian Characters will almost always ignore him when he starts up a meeting. Kiseki is aware of Tadase's crush on Amu and acts the same way as Amu's Guardian Characters whenever Tadase seems to be confessing to Amu. Kiseki holds a grudge against Ikuto's Guardian Character, Yoru. During Character Change, Tadase gains the confidence to overcome his shyness. However, sometimes Tadase will become an egotistical person who seeks world domination. Although Tadase could not Character Transform with Kiseki at first, they later gain this ability with the help of Amu after Kiseki's egg gets tainted with an X, becoming Platinum Royal. In the anime television series, Kiseki is voiced by Kaya Miyake.

Introducing Tadase Hotori

Tadase Hotori (辺里 唯世 Hotori Tadase) is a boy in the same year as Amu and serves as King's Chair of the Guardians. Like Amu, he is actually a shy person and is not good at public speaking; instead, he Character Changes with his Guardian Character, Kiseki. Although he is popular with the girls, when a girl confesses their love to Tadase, he will have Kiseki reject her. However, whenever he hears the word "ouji" ("prince"), or anything resembling the word "ouji", he Character Changes into an egotistical king who seeks world domination. Amu develops a crush on Tadase soon after she transfers into the school. His love interest is Amulet Heart, Amu's Character Transformation with Ran, but it later becomes Amu herself. In episode 39, Kiseki's egg turns into an X Egg because Tadase lost his self esteem by not being able to find the Embryo. With the help of Amulet Heart, Tadase turns back to normal. Tadase has known Ikuto and Utau since childhood, but he does not talk about it in detail until the Guardians are about to face Utau in their final battle. Amu and Tadase reconcile soon after, though. Later on, he agrees to help Amu save Ikuto from Easter. Tadase confesses his love for Amu in chapter 28 (episode 74 in the anime) while Ikuto was hiding in Amu's closet. Ikuto overheard and made fun of Tadase, only to protect him, which he knew nothing about. When Tadase was facing against Ikuto in chapter 35, his staff becomes a sword called Royal Sword in episode 99. Tadase ventures into the Eggs' Cradle with Amu, but subsequently gets separated from Amu due to a meteor shower. The future Tadase, who looks like Tsukasa helps Amu and reveals himself to be Tadase. In the anime television series, Tadase is voiced by Reiko Takagi. He is portrayed by Hidemi Hikita in the musical.

Introducng Diamond (ダイヤ, Daiya ) the Main Character

Diamond is Amu's fourth Guardian Character. Diamond represents Amu's desire to shine and be noticed in front of other people. Unlike most Guardian Characters, she is supposedly the most powerful. She becomes an X Egg when Amu dislikes all the changes that were happening in the spring. While collecting X Eggs with Yukari, Utau finds Diamond's egg inside the box. She soon hatches into a X Character. Unusually, she is not shaped like the usual X Character; she looks like a normal Guardian Character, but with a white X-shaped clip covering her black diamond-shaped clip. Because of this, Amu doesn't know Diamond's true name. In the Japanese versions, Diamond's name is shortened to Dia. X-Diamond can Character Transform with Utau, becoming Dark Jewel, however, the transformation does not last very long. When Amu is finally able to prove to Diamond that she does have enough confidence to shine she reverts into her true original form. Together they undergo a Character Transformation, becoming Amulet Diamond. Afterward, Diamond returns to her egg until she sees that Amu "shines again", but secretly comes out as a spirit at times. Diamond is shown to be an air-headed character. In chapter 38, Diamond comes back when Amu "shines". After character transforming and fighting with Ikuto, she, Ran, Miki, and Su combine powers with Amu; becoming Amulet Fortune. In chapter 44, Diamond tells Amu that Ran, Miki and Su have "disappeared" and that she will help Amu find them as her "navigator". Diamond becomes Amu's guide in the Eggs' Cradle in Amu's search for the four colored shards. Coming to terms with herself and the future, Amu accepts the loss of her Guardian Characters and Diamond disappears as well, guaranteeing that the four of them will always be watching over her. In Shugo Chara Encore Diamond and the other three have hatched again and save Amu's catching of the thrown bouquet. When Amu Character Changes with Dia in Shugo Chara Party's Shugo Chara Dokki Doki, Amu doesn't really do much but smile and sparkle, disappointing Ran, Miki, and Su. {{anime voices2|Diamond|Kanae Itō|type=tv}

Introducing Su (スゥ) the Main Character

The third Guardian Character, Su, represents Amu's desire to be more caring, sensitive and improve her domestic skills. However, Su is prone to silly mistakes. She is very fond of Amu's teacher, Yuu Nikaidou. Amu gains an improvement in cooking and sewing skills during Character Change, as well as becoming "too girly". During Character Transformation, Amu becomes Amulet Clover with an outfit just like Su's. In chapter 38, Su undergoes a new Character Transformation with Ran, Miki, and Diamond; becoming Amulet Fortune. In chapter 44, she disappears along with Miki and Ran, and later Diamond as well when Amu no longer needs them. She and the others make an unexpected return toward the end of the last chapter of Shugo Chara Encore as they appear to be reborn again from Amu's feelings. In the anime television series, Su is voiced by Aki Toyosaki.

Inroducing Miki (ミキ) the Main Character

The second Guardian Character to hatch is Miki. Miki represents Amu's desire to be more sharp, level headed, and artistic. Miki is also the one to help Amu make fashion choices. Reflecting Amu's love interests, Miki has shown an interest in Tadase's Guardian Character, Kiseki, Ikuto's Guardian Character, Yoru, Kukai's Guardian Character, Daichi, and Nagihiko's Guardian Character, Rhythm. During Character Change, Amu gains increased artistic abilities. During Character Transformation, Amu becomes Amulet Spade. In chapter 38, Miki undergoes a new Character Transformation, along with Ran, Su, and Diamond; becoming Amulet Fortune. In Shugo Chara! Doki, Miki is the only one out of Amu's Guardian Characters to be able to sense Mystery Eggs clearly. In chapter 44, she disappears along with Ran and Su, and later Diamond as well when Amu no longer needs them. In Shugo Chara Encore she returns along with the others and together catch the wedding bouquet for Amu who accidentally threw it back in the air again. In the anime television series, Miki is voiced by Nanae Katō.

Introducing Ran (ラン) the Main Character




Ran is the first to hatch from Amu's eggs and represents Amu's desire to be more honest, confident and athletic. Ran is frequently cheering Amu on. During Character Change, Amu gains, thus, and increased her athletic abilities. During Character Transformation, Amu becomes Amulet Heart, with a cheerleader inspired outfit. In chapter 38, Ran undergoes a new Character Transformation, along with Miki, Su, and Diamond; becoming Amulet Fortune. In chapter 44, she disappears along with Miki and Su, and later Diamond as well when Amu no longer needs them. In Shugo Chara Encore at the very end of the last chapter she and Amu's other Shugo Chara emerge hatch again at Sanjou and Nikaidou's wedding much to Amu's joy. In the anime television series, Ran is voiced by Kana Asumi.

Inroducing Amu Hinamori the Main Character

Amu Hinamori (日奈森 あむ Hinamori Amu?), the series' protagonist, is a student of Seiyo Elementary. Amu's classmates see her as "cool and spicy", but Amu's true character is shy and timid. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the trendy punk goth clothing her mother buys for her as well as the way she expresses her shyness. However, when Amu wishes for the courage to become her would-be self, three colorful eggs appear. When they hatch, they reveal Amu's Guardian Characters: Ran, Miki, and Su.
Amu becomes a member of the Guardians, the school's student council, and discovers that each member has a Guardian Character. Amu's position with the Guardians is the Joker. Her task as the Joker is to search for and purify X Eggs and X Characters (also, in the second season, she purifies Mystery Eggs, the corrupted forms of people's would-be selves). Ran, Miki, and Su help Amu with her task through a process called Character Transformation, which is enabled by the Humpty Lock and grants Amu special abilities depending on the Guardian Character. Later on, Amu also creates a fourth egg, known as Diamond. In the second season, when Amu shows her true potential, the Humpty Lock increases in power. Thus, new transformation scenes are used.
Amu's two main love interests are Tadase Hotori and Ikuto Tsukiyomi. Amu's primary rival is Utau Hoshina, an idol singer for Easter who is jealous that Ikuto shows an interest in Amu instead of her. But they soon become good friends after Utau leaves Easter.
Amu gains the Dumpty Key from Yoru and uses it to unlock the Humpty Lock. In some of the later chapters, when Amu opens the Humpty Lock with the Dumpty Key, she and Tadase see more of Ikuto's past. Their journey ends when Amu Character Transforms with Diamond, and she and Ikuto fight briefly. Ran, Miki, Su, and Diamond all combine their powers, making Amu Character Transform into Amulet Fortune and Ikuto Character Transforms into Seven Seas Treasure
Amu ventures to the Eggs' Cradle, a place where unborn and "lost" Shugo Chara reside, in order to search for four coloured shards representing each of her Shugo Chara in an attempt to bring Ran, Miki and Su back. In chapter 44, Diamond tells Amu that Ran, Miki and Su have "disappeared" and that she will help Amu find them as her "navigator". Diamond becomes Amu's guide in the Eggs' Cradle in Amu's search for the four coloured shards.She finally comes to terms with the loss of her Guardian Characters at the end of the journey, however as she returns she realizes that she has Ran, Miki, Suu and Diamond back in Egg form much to her relief and later joy as they born gain later in Shugo Chara Encore. In the anime television series, Amu is voiced by Kanae Itō. She is portrayed by Yuuka Maeda in the musical.

Friday, 29 July 2011

Reception

 The Shugo Chara! manga has received positive reviews from English language critics. Phil Theobald, writing for Newtype USA, states that while the premise may be fairly complicated, "the clean art and solid storytelling by Peach-Pit make it easy to follow." Thobald goes on to say that Shugo Chara! is "an interesting and humorous spin on the classic 'magical girl' genre."
Carlo Santos, writing for Anime News Network, states, "The best thing since Sugar Sugar Rune? Maybe not ... but it's damn close." In a later review, Santos compares Shugo Chara! to Cardcaptor Sakura and Sailor Moon, adding, "it addresses the complexities of the human psyche, from joke characters like the fortune-teller who doesn't trust her own abilities, to Nikaidou's own personal conflict over his childhood dreams."
Along with the positive reviews, Shugo Chara! was awarded the 2008 Kodansha Manga Award for best children's manga. The anime adaptation became one of the 10 most watched anime programs during the week of April 7–13, 2008, when its April 12 broadcast received an average household viewership rating of 4.2%. It later returned to the top 10 during the week of July 21–27, 2008, when its July 26 broadcast received an average rating of 4.1%.
The series was listed as being the 4th best-selling shojo manga property and the 14th best overall manga property in America for the first quarter of 2009. Jason Thompson felt that the manga focused on self-esteem, and that the artist's drawing skills carried the work.

Merchandising

Video games 

Konami has released three video games, based on the manga, for the Nintendo DS. The first, titled Shugo Chara! Three Eggs and the Joker in Love! (しゅごキャラ!3つのたまごと恋するジョーカー Shugo Kyara! Mittsu no Tamago to Koisuru Jyōkā), was released in Japan on March 13, 2008. The second game, titled Shugo Chara! Amu's Rainbow-Colored Character Change! (しゅごキャラ!あむのにじいろキャラチェンジ Shugo Kyara! Amu no Nijiiro Kyara Chenji), was released in Japan on November 6, 2008. Two songs from the game, "Rainbow Colored Character Change!" (にじいろキャラチェンジ! Nijiiro Kyara Chenji!) and "Greatest Love Power" (最強LOVE POWER Saikyō Love Power), were released as a CD single on November 5, 2008. The third game, titled Shugo Chara! Norinori! Chara Na-rhythm♪ (しゅごキャラ! ノリノリ!キャラなりズム♪ Shugo Chara! Norinori! Chara-Nari Zumu), was released in Japan on August 6, 2009.

Musical

A musical for Shugo Chara! played in early 2009 and starred 14-year-old Yuuka Maeda, a member of Shugo Chara Egg! and S/mileage, as Amu. The rest of the members of Shugo Chara Egg! also appeared in the musical with minor roles. The DVD for the musical was released on October 23, 2009.

Anime


Shugo Chara! was adapted into an anime television series of the same title in 2007. The television series is produced by Satelight under the direction of Kenji Yasuda and was first broadcast on the Japanese network, TV Tokyo. Consisting of fifty-one episodes, the first episode, "A Guardian Character is Born!" (しゅごキャラ誕生! Shugo Kyara Tanjō!), aired on October 6, 2007. The episodes are rebroadcast by five other networks within a few days after the initial broadcast on TV Tokyo.
Six pieces of theme music by the J-pop group Buono! are used for the first season—two opening themes and four closing themes. The opening theme for the first twenty-six episodes is "Egg of the Heart" (こころのたまご Kokoro no Tamago); and the last twenty-five episodes, "I Love Everyone" (みんなだいすき Minna Daisuki). The closing theme for the first twelve episodes is "True Self" (ホントのじぶん Honto no Jibun); episodes thirteen to twenty-six, "Love Rider" (恋愛 ライダー Ren'ai Raidā); episodes twenty-seven to thirty-nine, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"; and the last twelve episodes, "Compete And Go!" (ガチンコでいこう! Gachinko de Ikō!). There are also four insert songs, all sung by Nana Mizuki: "Meikyū Butterfly", first sung in episode 12; "Black Diamond", first in episode 39; "Heartful Song", first in episode 47; and "Taiyou ga Niau yo", first in episode 93.
A second year of episodes, under the title Shugo Chara!! Doki— (しゅごキャラ!!どきっ), began airing the week after the fifty-first episode, on October 4, 2008; previously, Anime News Network reported that it was scheduled for October 10, 2008 on AT-X. Two opening themes sung by Shugo Chara Egg! and another two by Guardians 4 have been used; the opening theme for the first twelve episodes is "Everyone's Egg" (みんなのたまご Minna no Tamago); the second is "Guardian Guardian!" (しゅごしゅご! Shugo Shugo!), used in episodes sixty-five to episode seventy-six; and the third opening is "Leave it to the♪Guardians" (おまかせ がーデイアン Omakase♪Guardian), by Guardians 4. The fourth and final opening is "School Days" sung by Guardians 4. The ending theme is "Lotta Love Lotta Love" (ロッタラ ロッタラ Rottara Rottara) by Buono!. A second ending theme, "This Road" (co·no·mi·chi), also by Buono!, took its place from episode 69 to 76. The third ending, "MY BOY", also sung by Buono!, started showing from episode 77 to 89. The fourth ending theme is called "Take it Easy!", also sung by Buono!, took its place from episode 90 and onwards. The opening theme for the Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki segment is "Watashi no Tamago" (My Egg) performed by Shugo Chara! Egg, while the opening for Shugo Chara! Party itself is "Party Time!" by Guardians 4. The first ending is "Bravo! Bravo!" performed by Buono!.
Crunchyroll announced on November 19, 2008 that it will be streaming Shugo Chara! with English subtitles along with other anime series from TV Tokyo.
On August 25, 2009, Anime News Network reported that a new series will premiere in Japan, October 3. The new series titled Shugo Chara Party! featuring anime and live-action segments will contain the Anime Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki, the "power-up" of the ongoing Shugo Chara!! Doki— anime as its main segment and Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi!, anime shorts starring Ran, Miki, Su, and Diamond. Director Kenji Yasuda is announced to continue to oversee both Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki and Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi!

Media

In December 2005, Peach Pit announced that they were working on a new shōjo manga series called Shugo Chara! The first chapter was published in the February 2006 edition of Nakayoshi magazine. The first volume collection was then republished on July 6, 2006 by Nakayoshi publisher Kodansha. In addition to the regular volumes, the series is being released in limited editions in Japan, each of which include different cover art from the regular editions, metallic foil sleeves, and a set of postcards featuring Amu in various outfits and poses following the color theme of the dust jackets. Del Rey Manga announced that it acquired the English language rights to Shugo Chara! during MangaNEXT 2006 and released the first volume on March 27, 2007. Kodansha Comics USA will keep publishing the series in 2011.
The series was put on hiatus along with two other series, Rozen Maiden and Zombie-Loan, in December 2008 due to a sudden illness and hospitalization. One month later, Peach-Pit announced that all three series will resume and thanked their fans for the support during the illness.
There is a spin off manga series called Shugo Chara Chan!, featuring drawings by Mizushima Naftaren, which is in yonkoma (4-panel) comics style and focuses on Amu's guardians. Currently there are three volumes. There is no special edition version of the spin off series.
The January issue of Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine confirmed on December 1, 2009 that Peach-Pit would be ending the Shugo Chara! manga in the next issue on December 28. A sequel series was later announced, titled Shugo Chara! Encore!, and began in the April 2010 issue of Nakayoshi.

Characters

The main heroine of the story is Amu Hinamori, a popular girl who is actually insecure. Peach-Pit uses Amu to explore differences between one's true self and the self that is presented to others. Like Jun Sakurada in Peach-Pit's previous work, Rozen Maiden, Amu tackles issues such as alienation and fitting in at school. Unlike most heroines in other magical girl series, Amu is neither the perfect sweetheart nor a complete klutz. Amu gets grumpy and frequently talks back to others in contrast to the polite schoolgirls that fill the genre.
Amu's Guardian Characters—Ran, Miki, Su, and Diamond—aid her in her quest of self-discovery. Each Guardian Character represents an aspect of Amu's true self. Ran represents Amu's desire to be more honest and athletic, Miki represents Amu's desire to be more level headed and artistic, Su represents Amu's desire to be more caring and improve her domestic skills, while Diamond represents Amu's desire to shine in front of others and be a good speaker and singer. Moreover, the Character Guardians are more than mere mascots who help Amu learn about her true self. They can also perform a "Character Change" where Amu's personality is replaced by an entirely different one.
However, Amu is not the only one with Guardian Characters. Each of the Guardians—Tadase Hotori, Nadeshiko (Nagihiko) Fujisaki, Kukai Soma, and Yaya Yuiki—have their own Guardian Characters. Amu also encounters Ikuto Tsukiyomi and Utau Hoshina (her last name actually being Tsukiyomi), two siblings who also have Guardian Characters and are employed by the Easter Company to search for the Embryo. As the series continues, Utau and Ikuto become extremely close friends with Amu.
Eventually, Nadeshiko Fujisaki and Kukai Souma leave the Guardians and are replaced by Rima Mashiro and Kairi Sanjo respectively. Kairi later leaves and is replaced by Nagihiko Fujisaki, Nadeshiko's real identity, as the third Jack's chair, with his new Guardian Character, Rhythm. Later in the series, Nagihiko once again faces Temari, his former Guardian Character, before Rhythm.

Plot

The heroine of the story, Amu Hinamori, is a student at Seiyo Elementary. At first glance, her classmates refer to her as "cool and spicy" and rumors speculate about her personal life. However, her real personality is that of a very shy girl who has trouble showing her true personality. One night, Amu wishes for the courage to show her "would-be" self, and the next morning finds three brightly colored eggs—red, blue, and green—in her bed. At first, she is alarmed, but realizes she must have really wished to change. These eggs hatch into three Guardian Characters: Ran, Miki, and Su. The Guardian Characters aid Amu in discovering who she truly is and help fulfill Amu's dreams. Amu's life becomes much more complex as she struggles to deal with her "would-be" selves and the Seiyo Elementary's Guardians, who each have a Guardian Character of their own. Later on,they recruit Amu as the "Joker" to search for X Eggs and X Characters, the corrupted forms of people's dreams, so the Guardians can purify their dreams.
Meanwhile, the Easter Company is extracting people's eggs in search of a special egg called the Embryo. The Embryo is believed to grant any wish to the one who possesses it. However, the process creates X Eggs and X Characters. It is described as an all white egg while normal heart's eggs have a yellow heart and yellow wings on it.
Later on in the series, a fourth (yellow) egg named Diamond is born. Unlike Amu's other Guardian Characters, she is only seen a few times in the series. Due to Amu's mixed feelings before Diamond was born, she becomes an X character and is "stolen" by Utau Hoshina, who uses Diamond for her concerts planned by Easter. Later on, Diamond is purified and becomes a regular Guardian Character. She would then would appear in times of heavy crisis.

Shugo Chara

File:Shugo Chara volume 1.jpgShugo Chara! (しゅごキャラ! Shugo Kyara!?), also known as My Guardian Characters, is a Japanese shōjo manga series created by the manga author duo, Peach-Pit. The story centers on elementary school girl Amu Hinamori, whose popular exterior, referred to as "cool and spicy" by her classmates, contrasts with her introverted personality. When Amu wishes for the courage to be reborn as her would-be self, she is surprised to find three colorful eggs the next morning, which hatch into three Guardian Characters: Ran, Miki, and Su.
Shugo Chara! is serialized in the magazine Nakayoshi and published by Kodansha in Japan. Del Rey has licensed the English language manga rights, releasing the first volume on March 27, 2007. It won the 2008 Kodansha Manga Award for best children's manga.
Shugo Chara! has also been adapted into a fifty-one episode anime television series of the same title produced by Satelight under the direction of Kenji Yasuda and debuted on October 6, 2007 on TV Tokyo. On July 20, 2008, Anime News Network reported that the Shugo Chara! anime would be continued for a second year under the title Shugo Chara!! Doki—, the first episode airing on October 10, 2008; the official anime website later announced an October 4, 2008 start date.
On October 3, 2009, Shugo Chara! began featuring another series. The new program, Shugo Chara Party!Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki and Shugo Chara Pucchi Puchi! follow the current anime series as its power-up. The last episode aired on March 26, 2010. containing