Contents
Introduction
Certain anime titles stand out as timeless classics that continue to attract fans of all ages. Kaitou Saint Tail stands out as a hidden gem that effortlessly blends aspects of magic, mystery, and romance. This manga series, created by Megumi Tachikawa from 1994 to 1996, has left a lasting mark on the hearts of fans from its inception. The series was later adapted into a 43-episode anime TV series that aired from 1995 to 1996 and has proved to still have a dedicated fanbase, considering that a nendoroid was released for this series not too long ago.
The protagonist, Meimi Haneoka, performing her magic tricks.
The Thief Protagonist Meimi
Meet Meimi Haneoka, a 14-year-old prodigy in the art of thievery who leads a dual life. She is the daughter of a stage magician and a former phantom thief and has inherited their unique abilities. By day, she's just a regular student attending a Catholic school who is friends with everyone, including her fellow classmate Seira Mimori, who is training to become a nun. Seira's unique position allows her to lend a sympathetic ear to those seeking solace and guidance in her church, especially those who have fallen victim to crime. This is where the tale of the enigmatic thief truly unfolds.
Whenever a case of injustice arises, Seira discreetly conveys the intricate details to Meimi, initiating a covert operation. Leveraging her lineage—her father's mastery of magic tricks and her mother's stealth—Meimi transforms into the renowned "Saint Tail." In a poetic twist of fate, she utilizes her inherited talents to rectify wrongs, returning stolen possessions to their rightful owners.
Seira and Meimi as they pray to God before the latter goes to steal something. Ironic, right?
Saint Tail sneaking inside the premises in one of her heists.
The Adversary Asuka Jr.
Though Saint Tail's noble intentions are evident, law enforcement perceives her as a criminal, demanding her capture. This situation leads to a fascinating dynamic between Meimi and her classmate Daiki Asuka Jr., who, ironically, becomes her adversary in the investigative game. Asuka Jr., assigned as the detective responsible for cracking Saint Tail's cases, is torn between his duty to arrest her and the respect he holds for her as a "Worthy Opponent." The spirited exchanges between the two are colored by tension and mutual admiration.
Saint Tail and Asuka Jr.
Asuka Jr.'s stance on Saint Tail evolves over time. While he continues to label her a "thief," his genuine pursuit of her transforms into a complex blend of attraction and determination. Meimi finds herself captivated by his earnestness and relentless pursuit, despite the irony that he's meant to be apprehending her. This juxtaposition of emotions creates a magnetic pull between them, setting the stage for emotional upheaval.
Convergence of Characters
The crux of the narrative lies in Meimi's internal struggle. She grapples with the belief that Asuka Jr.'s interest is confined to her alter ego—Saint Tail. Afraid of disappointing him by revealing her true identity, she remains guarded. Unbeknownst to her, Asuka Jr. also pines secretly for Meimi, not just the elusive thief. The parallel paths of these two characters begin to converge as Asuka Jr. identifies uncanny resemblances between Meimi and the elusive phantom thief he has been tirelessly pursuing.
Asuka Jr. and Meimi’s obvious crush on each other, as seen halfway through the series.
Asuka's Alarming Realization
Asuka Jr. knows Meimi's path is heading into risky terrain, adding to the drama. Signs that she is heading into dangerous waters are impossible to ignore, leading him to delve deeper into the mystery behind her activities. While their interactions remain clouded in mistrust, Asuka Jr. is alarmed by the realization that Meimi's choices may lead her down a dangerous path. He becomes steadfast in his attempt to solve the mystery himself, motivated by a desire to protect Meimi from the possibly destructive road she is on.
Kaitou Saint Tail weaves an intricate tapestry of intrigue, identity, and romance. As Meimi grapples with preserving her secret and the emotional turmoil it entails, Asuka Jr. battles with his evolving feelings and growing understanding of the complex character behind the mask. The series stands as a testament to the intricate dance between protagonists, where pursuit and evasion blur into a captivating tale of love and mystery.
Comparing To Modern Anime
Can Kaitou Saint Tail still compete with modern anime? Classic anime have a certain charm that only anime from that era exudes, and this show is no exception. If you love magical girls with a different twist, then you will definitely enjoy Kaitou Saint Tail! You might get weirded out by the religious elements in this show if you are a devout Catholic, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this lighthearted anime. The playful dynamic and evolving relationship between Asuka Jr. and Meimi also offer an engaging watch, so if you like tsundere couples, you will definitely like this series. If you enjoyed Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, another magical girl-turned-phantom thief series, you will also enjoy Kaitou Saint Tail, as both shows have similar premises. You can check out the whole Kaitou Saint Tail series here at ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Will Asuka Jr. ever realize that Meimi and Saint Tail are the same person?
Will Saint Tail’s true identity be revealed to the public?
Will Meimi and Asuka Jr. get together in the end?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from the Kaitou Saint Tail franchise!
You can watch Kaitou Saint Tail on Bilibili.
About The Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
