Mysterious Play

Synopsis

Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo discover a mysterious antique book glowing red in the National Library, pulling them into another world. There, they encounter aggressive slave traders but escape thanks to Tamahome, a powerful youth with a Chinese character on his forehead. Soon after, the red light returns, taking Yui back to their world. Eager to find Yui, Miaka asks Tamahome for help. The stakes rise when they meet Emperor Hotohori, who believes Miaka is the foretold priestess of the kingdom's guardian deity, Suzaku. Gathering the god's seven Celestial Warriors allows the priestess to summon Suzaku to grant any wish. Hotohori sees this as a way to save his country and convinces Miaka to take on the priestess role, which could also help her situation. Meanwhile, Yui finds herself back at the library, realizing she is alone. Powerless to intervene, she can only watch as Miaka embarks on dangerous adventures as the protagonist of the mysterious book.

Background

Despite presenting some disturbing imagery, Fushigi Yuugi was broadcasted at 6 p.m. during its airing in Japan, a timeslot that now no longer permits such content. The series' English version was made available in DVD and VHS formats by Geneon Entertainment, formerly known as Pioneer, under the expanded title Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play. The DVDs were released as eight volumes between July 27, 2004 and September 20, 2005. It was also released as two box sets: Suzaku on November 30, 1999 and Seiryuu on December 12, 2000. Seven years later, Media Blasters released another two DVD box sets and a collection with the entire series using the original title. The sets, Fushigi Yuugi Season 1 and Season 2, were released on June 19, 2012 and February 12, 2013 respectively. The collection was made available on April 28, 2015.