Japanese screenwriter Erika Yoshida, known for her work on Bocchi the Rock! and Tiger & Bunny, recently shared her admiration for Steven Universe, calling it a series she believes everyone should watch.
Speaking in a recent interview, Yoshida said the show left such a strong impression on her that she believes it could even help make the world a better place.
“If all humanity watched Steven Universe, the world would become peaceful.“
Yoshida explained that she first discovered the series while watching Adventure Time with her child. After the show appeared in recommendations, the two began watching Steven Universe together, and she soon found herself completely hooked.
However, Yoshida noted that in Japan, the Japanese dub of the series only exists up to Season 4, with the remaining episodes available only with subtitles. Because she had promised to watch the series together with her child, she avoided continuing the story on her own and instead rewatched the earlier seasons multiple times.
“I’ve already watched it three times up to Season 4.”
She added that she recently started Season 5 after her child finally agreed to continue watching if she read the subtitles aloud.
Characters That Are “Lovably Complicated”
One of the reasons Yoshida believes Steven Universe stands out is its characters. According to her, the show does not force its characters to appear purely heroic or morally perfect.
“Everyone is a little complicated.”
Instead, the series presents flawed characters who struggle with their emotions and personal conflicts, which Yoshida says makes them far more lovable.
Among the characters she highlighted was Pearl, one of the Crystal Gems who lives with Steven.
Pearl initially appears calm, intelligent, and responsible, but Yoshida says the character’s emotions become far heavier than viewers might expect as the story progresses. Pearl deeply admired Steven’s mother, Rose Quartz, and those feelings continue to affect her long after Rose’s disappearance.
“She shows emotions heavier than you’d ever expect.”
These complicated feelings also influence how Pearl treats Steven and his father, Greg, sometimes leading to moments of jealousy, protectiveness, and emotional conflict.
Greg: “A Deeply Loving Father”
Yoshida also spoke about Steven’s father Greg, a character she believes is surprisingly well written.
When Greg first appears in the series, Yoshida admitted that his appearance made her initially assume he might simply be a comedic or irresponsible father.
However, as the story continues, Greg proves to be a deeply supportive parent who communicates honestly with his son and rarely reacts with anger.
“He’s not strong, but he’s a deeply loving father.”
Yoshida said Greg’s portrayal feels refreshing compared to the more exaggerated father figures often seen in family stories.
Peridot and the Charm of Failure
Another character Yoshida discussed was Peridot, who first appears as an antagonist sent from the Gems’ homeworld.
Although she initially looks confident and superior, Peridot gradually reveals her insecurities and limitations as she interacts with Steven and the others.
Yoshida believes that Peridot’s flaws are what make the character so memorable.
“A character whose failures feel lovable is truly charming.”
Through her mistakes, misunderstandings, and personal growth, Peridot eventually becomes one of the series’ most endearing characters.
“A True Children’s Show”
Yoshida also emphasized that Steven Universe represents what she believes a true children’s show should be.
The series explores themes such as love, communication, empathy, and understanding others while naturally introducing viewers to ideas about diversity, family, and coexistence.
Because of this, Yoshida even suggested that the series would be a great fit for broadcast on NHK’s educational channel E-Tele.
“If everyone watched Steven Universe, the world would become peaceful.”
Originally created by Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe first premiered in 2013 and went on to receive critical acclaim for its storytelling and themes of acceptance. The franchise later expanded with Steven Universe: The Movie and the sequel series Steven Universe Future.
Yoshida hopes that more people will discover the series in Japan, especially since the Japanese dub currently only exists up to Season 4.
“Please watch at least the first 10 episodes”, she said.
According to Yoshida, that is enough for viewers to begin understanding the world of Steven Universe and get hooked on the story.
Source: Eiga Natalie
