.:PROMOTION:.

Tokyo Mew Mew's manga debut was later followed by a musical group called "Mew5" featuring the talents of Yuuki Yoshida (Ichigo), Satomi Akesaka (Minto), Yurie Matsuri (Retasu), Ayako Izumi (Purin) and Mako Sakurai (Zakuro). During the course of the show, the original member playing Zakuro was replaced. Along with the live show, the group released a CD single "Mamoritaikara" featuring the song of the same title, a karaoke track, and a voice message which introduces each of the girls. The CD booklet contains further information on each member. There were multiple performances.

According to [ Shiny ] the Japanese version of the popular web encyclopedia, [ Wikipedia ], claims that "Mamoritaikara" was written, composed and arranged by Yuki Kajiura. The single first went on sale July 21, 2001, during the Nakayoshi Festival." Though the CD single was originally an event only item, it was made available via mail order through Nakayoshi magazine later that year. The girls reportedly disbanded after they had grown beyond their roles. (In short, they grew up.)

So where are they now? "Yuuki Yoshida (Ichigo) went on to become an actress, starring in several TV dramas. She works as one of Sound Horizon's vocalists under the name "YUUKI" and was part of an idol unit, Springs, along with Ayaka Itou and Aya Hirano (perhaps best known for her role as "Haruhi Suzumiya" in the franchise of the same name). Satomi Akesaka (Minto) is currently a seiyuu and radio personality. Mako Sakurai (the original Zakuro) shortened her name to MAKO and now takes part in a variety of activities; among other things, she has voiced the protagonist of Kamichu!, starred in the TV drama Maid in Akihabara and plays the maracas in the band Bon-Bon Blanco. Mao Mita, who later replaced Mako as Zakuro, mainly takes part in musicals and other stage shows. The other two, Yurie Matsuri (Retasu) and Ayako Izumi (Purin) have seemingly fallen into obscurity."

In August of 2001, Mia Ikumi was invited to appear on a show called "Anime Paradise" of which she is a fan. During her interview she talks a bit about each of the main characters in the manga and about the musical group "Mew5". She explains that she tried to keep each of the girl's names consistent with their colors. Many of the food names were suggested by her assistants, but in Zakuro's case, she gained inspiration from the supermarket because she had trouble matching violet. She also says that balancing the group was both very difficult and very important. That sense of balance between them was necessary, so her editor asked her to make numerous changes to the characters so that they would not overlap. Retasu's animal, the Finless Porpoise, was something she insisted on. She says she enjoys aquariums. Mia Ikumi said that more than an anime, she was interested in seeing Mew Mew become a musical (however, a true musical was never created). Mia Ikumi goes on to talk about Mew5, and says that she is their biggest fan and is very proud of them. After the final cast of five was decided, Ikumi says that she was able to help choose which girl played which character, so the girls in the musical fit her images of what the characters should look and sound like.Following the episode, five Mew Ichigo plushies were given away to viewers.

On September 2, 2001, Mia Ikumi participated in an autograph session at Ueno Matsuzakaya, along with a handshaking session for the Mew5 girls. The 2002 calendar was giving away to Nakayoshi subscribers around this time.
[note: information summarized from the translation of the interview posted on youtube by yamajunusa.]

AnimeFair 2002 (located at the TFT Hall) ran from Sunday, May 5th to May 6th at the end of Golden Week. During the event, many Mew Mew items were sold and there was an ilustration gallery(?). The biggest draws to the event were live performances by Rika Komatsu which started during the first day, and an interview with the voice actresses from the anime in the evening - Saki Nakajima (Ichigo), Yumi Kakazu (Minto), Kumi Sakuma (Retasu), Hisayo Mochizuki (Purin), and Junko Noda (Zakuro). There were autograph sessions both days, however Junko Noda could not make the May 5th session due to a schedule conflict. Tickets had to be purchased to participate in the autograph session; these sold out completely. Reportedly there was a big fan turnout.

To promote the anime, a Tokyo Mew Mew kigurumi group appeared at local malls and arenas. This stage show consisted of dance performances by the actors of both "My Sweet Heart" and "Koi wa a la Mode". Some skits may have accompanied these. Kigurumi is a type of costume where the wearer's skin is completely covered by a body suit, similar to many costumes one would expect to see at Disney World. One show was held on Saturday, May 11th, 2002 during the Tokyo Toy Show. The show consisted of the Mew Mews being attacked by an alien. Of course, the girls had no choice but to defeat him. At the end of the performance, Rika Komatsu appeared and sang "My Sweet Heart". The event was supposedly crowded and very hot.
[note: information summarized using a translation engine from the Studio Pierrot Site.]

Mia Ikumi had the opportunity to write short parody comics of Tokyo Mew Mew in the December 2002 and Spring 2003 issues of K-Dash. This was a special limited magazine which featured parodies by other famous manga artists (for example: CLAMP). The December 2002 issue features a story about how Keiichiro believes girls should be properly treated. The Spring 2003 issue features a cover with Ichigo, Berry, and Ringo. The story is a little romance scene with Pudding and Tart. Both of these stories are actually rather silly and are supposed to be poking fun at themselves.