Sailor Moon is the new face for sexual health awareness, at least in Japan.
The fictional anime character, dear to so many fans' hearts, is apparently fighting sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD and STI) one condom at a time.
With the approval of Sailor Moon's creator, Naoko Takeuchi, the wide-eye school girl is featured on condoms with her cat, Luna.
The partnership with the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) also means 156,000 pamphlets wll be handed out to educate young women on safe sex.
According to the head of MHLW’s Infectious Disease Control Division, Kazunari Asanuma notes that STD statistics are "alarming" for those in their 20s.
Nylon Magazine has translated from the pamphlet that "in 2015, there were an estimated 2,697 cases of syphilis in Japan." That's four times as many cases from previous years.
In addition to leaflets passed out, 5,000 Sailor Moon posters were distributed. The campaign also supported the distribution of 60,000 heart-shaped condoms with the character on them. On the condom, it states, "Let's prevent!"
Some Japanese sites have indicated that on Coming of Age Day on Jan. 9, the Sailor Moon information was given out on the Japanese holiday that celebrates turning 20 for young adults.
Takeuchi hopes that this will reach beyond Sailor Moon's fanbase to get their health checked.
The creator of the anime stated, "I hope that fans and otherwise will understand Sailor Moon’s message and that many more people can carry on with healthy lives through getting checked."