My-Otome

Lore & Background

My-Otome's story takes place in the distant future on the planet Earl, colonized by immigrants from Earth centuries ago. 'Old technology' has survived in the form of nanomachines that allow female virgins to take the role of Meister Otomes—bodyguards, attendants, and warriors that serve the royalty of various kingdoms. The series follows Arika Yumemiya, who comes to Windbloom Kingdom in search of her mother, whom Arika knows was an Otome. On her arrival she meets the top Coral Otome student, Nina Wáng, and Windbloom's heir to the throne, Mashiro Blan de Windbloom. The series follows Arika's progress as a student at Garderobe Academy and the machinations of those desiring the destructive power of the old technology for themselves.

Reader's Guide

My-Otome is significant as a spinoff that expands the My-HiME universe with a new setting and characters, exploring themes of duty, identity, and the cost of power. Its legacy includes multiple OVAs (My-Otome Zwei and My-Otome 0: S.ifr), manga adaptations with alternate storylines, and a PlayStation 2 game. The series was licensed for North American distribution by Bandai Entertainment and later rescued by Funimation Entertainment, which released Blu-Ray + DVD combo packs in 2018. The franchise also spawned the My-HiME EXA manga announced in June 2008. My-Otome remains a notable entry in early 2000s anime, particularly for its world-building and character dynamics.

Did You Know?

• An OVA sequel, My-Otome Zwei, and a prequel, My-Otome 0: S.ifr, have been released.
• At Otakon 2013, Funimation Entertainment announced they had rescued My-Otome along with other former Bandai Entertainment titles.
• A spin-off manga titled My-Otome Arashi takes place immediately after the events of My-Otome.