Bandai Namco Filmworks recently unveiled special visuals and promotional videos to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the My-HiME original anime series. The videos showcase the anime’s iconic opening song “Shining☆Days” by Minami Kuribayashi and the ending theme song “Kimi ga Sora datta” by Aki Misato.
The character designer of the anime, Hirokazu Hisayuki, created stunning illustrations for this special occasion. Both the 20-year commemorative visual and the celebratory illustration capture the essence of the beloved series.
In addition to these visuals, the anime’s official social media account was launched to mark the 20th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the enduring popularity and significance of My-HiME, which first premiered in 2004.
The original series was followed by the spinoff anime, My-Otome, in 2005, which featured the same characters in an alternate world. The story and scripts for both series were penned by Hiroyuki Yoshino, who also worked on the manga adaptation of My-Otome.
Fans in North America were able to enjoy the English releases of My-HiME, My-Otome, and My-Otome Zwei, thanks to Bandai Entertainment. The company also brought the original video anime (OVA) series, My-Otome 0: S.IFR, to Western audiences.
My-HiME follows the story of Mai Tokiha, a high school student who discovers she is a HiME with supernatural powers. Along with eleven other girls, she must battle demons known as Orphans that threaten their school. The series delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and friendship as the HiMEs navigate their newfound abilities and responsibilities.
Funimation Entertainment later released these titles on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in 2018, making them accessible to a new generation of viewers.
The enduring legacy of My-HiME is a testament to its compelling story, memorable characters, and captivating themes that continue to resonate with fans after two decades. As the series celebrates this significant milestone, it serves as a reminder of the impact it has had on the anime industry and its dedicated fan base.
