Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

About Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol

Meet Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol (魔法のアイドル パステルユーミ), a comedy, fantasy and mahou shoujo anime by Studio Pierrot (1986). Here is the premise in a nutshell. The setup: School girl Yumi Hanazono is a dab hand with drawing. Her parents run a florist shop and cafe from their house and from them Yumi has also inherited a love of flowers.

Soon after, two cat-like elves from the Flower Planet reward her devotion with a magical wand and pendant that, when she draws the shape of an object in the air with the wand, create the object for her use for a short time before vanishing. Like any young girl, Yumi has challenges in her life - family, school, boys and even irascible neighbours. Her new magical ability offers a tempting solution to these challenges but she needs to beware of the consequences and watch out for the magic wearing off.

In a comedy series like this, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Yumi Hanazono (Mariko Shiga) and Keshimaru (Yuriko Fuchizaki) are two of the characters you will meet early. If you count yourself among viewers who want something light between heavier series, put it on your list. The run is 25 episodes in total, so you know what you are signing up for.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by Studio Pierrot, so the studio's house style defines how Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol looks and moves on screen. Because it leans on comedy, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Its 6.4/10 score suggests opinions are split, so it suits viewers who already like the genre. On the casting side, Mariko Shiga voicing Yumi Hanazono gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 1986, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.