A young kendo student named Miharu Akiyama dreams of becoming a master swordswoman, yet a deep uncertainty about her own talent holds her back. Her wavering confidence makes her a fitting target as the season's dream-hunters continue their work.
Summary
The episode centers on Miharu Akiyama, a girl set on rising to the top as a swordswoman while wrestling with serious doubts about whether she has the ability to get there. Her inner conflict between ambition and self-doubt drives the story forward.
Key Events
Miharu's crisis of confidence draws the attention of the enemy, and the Daimon Ayatoriko figures into the threat she faces. Sailor Jupiter is among the Guardians who respond, marking the last time she performs Supreme Thunder in the series.
Notes
The twelfth episode of the fourth season aired in Japan on June 17, 1995, and reached North America as "Cutting It Close" on October 11, 2000, written by Mutsu Nakano and directed by Harume Kosaka. None of these events occur in the manga.
For reasons left unexplained, both Ami and Minako sit the episode out entirely. A visual gag stages waves and a logo behind Tiger's Eye as a nod to Toei's film-studio opening, and his misreading of the kanji for Miyamoto Musashi was preserved in the Viz English dub.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Miharu Akiyama in this episode?
Miharu Akiyama is a young kendo student in "Aiming for the Top: The Pretty Swordswoman's Dilemma" who dreams of becoming a master swordswoman while wrestling with serious doubts about her own talent.
What villain targets Miharu in this episode?
The Daimon Ayatoriko figures into the threat Miharu faces, drawn to her wavering confidence as the season's dream-hunters continue their work.
Which Sailor Guardian's signature attack is last used in this episode?
This episode marks the last time Sailor Jupiter performs Supreme Thunder in the series.
Why are Ami and Minako absent from this episode?
For reasons left unexplained, both Ami and Minako sit this episode out entirely.
What visual gag involves Tiger's Eye in this episode?
A gag stages waves and a logo behind Tiger's Eye as a nod to Toei's film-studio opening, and his misreading of the kanji for Miyamoto Musashi was preserved in the Viz English dub.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Aiming for the Top: The Pretty Swordswoman's Dilemma? The Dragon Ball Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Bandai Namco, Atari, and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
Official resources:
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