Sailor Moon: Moon Palace

A Cinema 4-D theme park attraction bringing a spectacle of sparkles and smoke to Universal Studios Japan.

After the success of the first Sailor Moon Cinema 4-D attraction, I had the chance to art direct this all-new sequel for Universal, where fans stepped into the next fully immersive Sailor Moon experience. Moon Palace featured ten beloved characters—and one exclusive to Universal—brought to life in a 3D film supercharged with real-world effects: rumbling seats, bursts of water, and sudden gusts of scent. A popular addition to the Cinema 4-D attractions at Universal, Moon Palace exceeded expectations earning a 75% guest satisfaction score.

I designed an original villain just for Universal Studios Japan—a wicked sorceress fused with a disco ball, who bent light and reflections to her will.

Character design notes, texture samples, and illustrations from Toei Animation

3D T-Poses from Toei Animation

The villain as she appeared in the final animation

Character design illustration of the show’s villain in her spider form

Spider form back and side views

Character design notes and discussion with Toei Animation

The villain’s spider form as she appeared in the final animation

BACKGROUND DESIGN

Art direction for Moon Palace design (managed illustrator, Dan Keyless)

Art direction for Moon Palace design (illustration by Toei Animation)

Art direction for Moon Palace design (concept art by Toei Animation)

Moon Palace 3D rendering as it appeared in the final animation

Banner Design

The Sailor Scouts were reimagined in an Art Deco style to blend with the interior design of the physical environment, marking the first time in the franchise’s history that the characters were displayed in this aesthetic.

Art direction and illustration for Sailor Moon banners that hung in the pre show lobby of the attraction.