N [>] a v i g a t e // l e a r n

Looking through one's demographics, one can theorize character. That is not the determining factor, however. Is it one's love for oneself or for one's friends which influences the greatest? Ah, how one's self is highlighted through one's sense of fashion. What looks 'good' or 'bad' to purely subjective. What actresses model may fair poorly on one's sisters. Life has too little answers ... just stay home

D [>] e m o g r a p h i c s // t h e o r i e s

BSSM's creator, Takeuchi Naoko, used many sources and beliefs to influence the personalities of her characters. Each statistic of Ami reflects her personality and gives reason to her actions. There are many references to astrological profiling, Japanese Blood type mythology, Greek/Roman mythology, and psychoanalytic theories that help explain Ami's characteristics. Really, based on her statistics, Ami seems like an easily creatable character but an unrealisitic person because of the "perfect" blend of all her stats; they accompany each other too well, if you know what I mean.

Ami's full name is 水野亜美 (Mizuno Ami) in the original Japanese verison.^[1] It is structured as a pun to be understood as 'Ami of Water.'^[2] The popular transliteration of it, though, is 'Friend of Water': "water" from mizu, "of" from the JP equivalent no, and "friend" from the French equivalent ami.^[2] Yes, this translation is not entirely accurate and does combine two languages. But it not an "untrue" translation, in my opinion. Ami is notably known for her correct pronounciation of English and/or French, so it is not a surprise to me where this translation comes from.^[3] Furthermore, the translation as 'friend of water' rather than 'controller' or 'king' of water (as with Kaioh Michiru / Sailorneptune) evokes a gentler, kinder feeling - as though Ami forms a touching relationship with her element instead of just using it as a weapon. It does help explain why her powers are less powerful and more "effective" (status-wise) - because of the "affections" she has for water (yea, I know I'm lame :p).

There is another translation, however, that can be slightly altered. It is not the most popular one but the more accurate transliteration. If we keep the translation of mizuno intact and split Ami into its syllables ("a" and "mi"), we get 'Asian Beauty of Water'.^[2] A is a common abbreviation for "Asian" (usually Oriental) and mi is a commonly added syllable for girls because it translates to 'beauty.' Some linguists would not split Ami's first name and just translate it as beauty. I can see why people would not generally accept this translation; it does not give off the same "vibe" as 'Friend of Water.' "Beauty" seems too one-dimensional and ironically commonplace. I do agree with the Asian-part of it because Ami does represent the typical Western view of Eastern Asian women as shy, indecisive, and smart; that also may be why fans don't like that translation.^[4] Not many people would want to knowingly encourage a stereotype. The North American version of BSSM renames Ami Amy Anderson for the first two seasons but later changes it to Amy Mizuno for the "S" and "SuperS" series due to changes in production companies.^[5] Ironically, Amy Mizuno - though a more accurate dub name - refered to a much more boring and unemotional character, though I would associate those traits more with an inexotic American name like "Amy Anderson." (No offense to anyone named that...)

I also see this confusion with her name as fitting for Ami. The public usually has conflicting views on her character and different people see many different sides of her. This arouses the complexity of her character: is she just a boring robot or a quiet girl with a secret? Is she a weak soldier or an incredible strategist? Is she the friend of water or the beauty of it? Perhaps Takeuchi chose this variable name for our Ami because she wished to keep her character and true personality a secret. But that is, of course, only speculation.

Ami appears in Act 2 of the manga and Episode 8/5 of the JP/NA anime and is introduced in Act 1 of PGSM. ^[6] Her entrance as the second soldier relates to the 水 kanji of her name. Mizu symbol represents Tuesday which is the second day of the standard work-week.^[7] In all instances, she is a foil to the main protagonist Tsukino Usagi; a clumsy, friendly, not-very-bright crybaby with a heart of gold. Ami's demeanor towards Usagi was usually shy but cold in the beginning.^[8] Nevertheless, they have a close relationship with each other. In Seramyu, Ami and Usagi starred in the second musical, Usagi Ai no Senshi e no Michi where they bond was highlighted in the song "Tabidachi."^[9]

September 10 is Ami's designated birthdate which makes her a Virgo in the Zodiac.^[6] 'Virgo' is the only sign represented by a female.^[10] This reinforces Ami's "feminine" qualities of insecurity, weakness, smarts, and suspectibility to manipulation. One would generalize that a person with such traits would be inept for physical or hand-to-hand combat. Many see the innocent Virgin as an older women concerned heavily with "preciseness, refinement ... [and] cleanliness." ^[10]When we get of Ami's room / house, they are quite clean and in proper order. We've all heard her correct Aino Minako / Sailorvenus for her improper usage of idioms and famous quotes.^[11] She even eats with the properness and grace of a lady, making sure she does not ruin her clothes or looks foolish (like Usagi). One cannot forget that scene in the anime when she covers her mouth from the flying crumbs of Usagi's rampage on her lunch; such an "astrocrative attitude of reserve" she has. Ami exhibits the the Virgoen patience and observance as she does not let Usagi's antics get at her and usually asks as a mediator between the conflicting personalities of Usagi and Hino Rei.

Virgoes are generally "emotionally cold [on the surface]" which usually reflects their "habit of suppressing their natural kindness" causing them to "make few relationships."^[10] Ami comes off as cold character in all her first appearances, giving "cold stares" to Usagi and her friends in Episode 8 when she overhears them talking about her. In PGSM, she even refuses Usagi's offer to become a soldier and runs away from a burgeoning friendship. This could be because she "[does not] have confidence in [herself or her] judgments" as shown by her constant self-deprecating comments and apologies for everything she does which may have offended others. "Under a mantle of matter-of-factness and undemonstrative, quiet reserve," Virgoes like Ami understand the "shortcomings ... of worldliness ... sophistication and of outgoingness."^[10] They are able to understand the problems of others and help solve them, though they have trouble recognizing or dealing with their own superficial personal relationships. When Ami meets Sakiko in Episode 20, she is determined to help her form a healthy relationship with her single-parent because it reminds her of her distant relationship with both her parents and she does not want anyone else to go through the same pain she has had to.

Ami's reported blood-type is "A", but I do not know whether it is + (positive) or - (negative). In Japan, there is a blood-type mythology which strives to define personalities by blood-types. Type A's are known as "farmers" because they burrow their seeds of emotion inside themselves.^[12] Consequentially, they appear to be very level-headed, calm, and mature, usually trust-worthy and reliable.^[13] Ami is a very reliable girl as both a soldier and a person. She is always there to answer her friends questions when they are studying for exams or to pinpoint an enemy's weaknesses. In Episode 170, Sailormercury finds the true Nehelenia and has SUranus's attack her, winning the battle. She is very mature, thinking about her and her friends' futures. However, this makes her a bit too analytical and cautious when approached by new situations.

Type A personalities evoke misconceptions about their personalities. Because of their mysterious and introvertive aura, they are labeled as "aloof" or "cold-hearted."^[14] This sometimes causes them to act how they believe they should, sacrificing their own happiness to please others. This is definitely true about Ami. In PGSM, Ami's mother is very proud of Ami's decision to become a doctor and pushes her to study harder and succeed. However, it's difficult to see whether or not this is Ami's true dream or her response to her mother's pleasure; it is one of the few times Ami sees her mother happy.

Ami's general colors are designated as light-blue and dark blue as shown on her sailor fuku.^[15] At one time, she was associated with the color "aquamarine," but that has now fallen more towards Sailorneptune, senshi of the sea. "Blue" was originally a Germanic word meaning "Shining."^[16] This corresponds to Sailormercury's attacks "SHINE Snow Illusion" and "SHINE Aqua Illusion." The Proto-Indo-European root 'bhel' means "to shine, flash or burn."^[16] SMercury's "Shabon Spray" acts as a blinding source similar to a flash that restricts the enemy's view. The color 'blue' is generally attributed to feelings of both depression and joy (in expressions such as "blue skies").¹⁶ Takeuchi's association with blue as Ami's color signify's Ami's complex and conflicting personalities: the one she quietly shows and the stubborn one she conceals. Ami's gemstone, sapphire, is also dark-blue color. ^[6]

Many people recognize Ami's memorable phrase about her diet from her mini-movie Ami-chan no Hatsukoi (Ami's First Love). She admits that she "likes sandwiches" because "[she] can read while [she eats] them" and is not too fond of yellow-tailed tuna.^[17] Though a simple declaration, it is probably the most telling comment she has ever made. The sandwich is a neat finger-food - easy to make, no mess, and filling enough to bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner. No wonder it's such a perfect accompaniment to reading! Her analysis is very logical: Ami choses a food that won't take away from her favorite activity.

Now on the opposite side, Ami dislikes yellow-tailed tuna (also called yellowfin), a product used in Japan for the elegant dish "sashimi". (It is very similar to the Japanese hamachi, another food in sashimi). Sashimi is considered to be the "finest dish in Japan"; it takes much time to prepare. The meal is served with a beautiful assortment of seafood with a delicate flavor and "subtle, sensual textures" that mimic the traditional type of Japanese food preparation.^[18] As so, it is the favorite dish of the elegant Kaioh Michiru.^[6] Though it is not stated that Ami dislikes sashimi, her rejection of yellow-tailed tuna ultimately reflects her displeasure with its purpose. It is not easy, it takes too much time and work, and is more about beauty than purpose. This shows how Ami wants to be: someone that doesn't intrude, goes with almost anything, and is adaptable to any situation. Her food choices truly combine the blood-type, zodiac, and nominal attributes of her personality. I believe this is why is too much of an unrealistic character; everything fits too well.

Though the mythology of her natural statistics does help express her outward characteristics, the effects of her parent's divorce explain the inward psychology that dominates her mannerisms. Since her parents divorce, Ami has drawn herself further away from her parents. She sees her mother more as a symbol of hope and security - a provider rather than the comforting mother since they rarely spend time together; thus, Ami dreams to become a doctor like her.^[6] It's a good dream but one based on a sterile and dry relationship. However, the relations between Ami and her father are less disillusioned. Because she is so separated from seeing her father, she lacks the familiarity of a loving male and thus fears love letters. Ami knows not what to do or what to feel when/if some boy declares his love for her. She breaks-out and turns and awful red.^[19]

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