Nephrite, sometimes referred to as Nepherite, is a character from the anime Sailor Moon. He is the second of the Four Kings of Heaven, known as the Shitennou, to serve Queen Beryl and the Dark Kingdom. His name is derived from the mineral nephrite, a type of jade. Before his fall to darkness, Nephrite was a loyal knight and friend of Prince Endymion during the Silver Millennium, but he was manipulated by Queen Beryl and Queen Metallia into joining their assault on the Moon Kingdom. In the twentieth century, he was reborn with the other major players of that ancient war and resumed his role as a commander in the Dark Kingdom’s effort to collect human energy and find the legendary Silver Crystal.

In the original anime series, Nephrite is portrayed as a calculating and brooding strategist. He takes over after the first general, Jadeite, is defeated. Nephrite criticizes Jadeite’s methods of targeting large crowds, believing he can collect more energy by focusing on individuals at their peak vitality. He uses astrology and psychic powers to identify such people, consulting the stars from a gothic cathedral lair. He often disguises himself as his human alias, Masato Sanjouin, a wealthy businessman who drives a red Ferrari. This persona allows him to move freely among humans and target victims like the schoolgirl Naru Osaka.

Nephrite’s personality is initially cold, arrogant, and dismissive of human emotions. He views the people he drains as mere resources. However, his dynamic with Naru becomes the catalyst for his development. Naru develops a crush on his Masato persona and shows him unwavering kindness and trust. At first, Nephrite exploits her feelings, but over time he begins to genuinely care for her. This shift leads to one of the earliest redemption arcs in the franchise. When the third general, Zoisite, attempts to eliminate Nephrite, Nephrite abandons his mission and the Dark Kingdom to rescue Naru. He sacrifices himself to protect her from Zoisite’s youma, taking fatal wounds. His final moments are marked by a genuine smile and an apology for lying to Naru, before he dies in her arms. His body dissolves into a shimmering cloud of stars, suggesting a redemption of his soul.

In the manga and in Sailor Moon Crystal, Nephrite’s role is more straightforward and less sympathetic. There, his primary motivation is avenging Jadeite and locating the Silver Crystal. He uses a sentient shadow to possess victims and drain their energy. His only scheme leads to Sailor Jupiter killing him with a lightning attack. In Crystal, after being freed from brainwashing, he and the other Shitennou are killed again but their spirits remain to guide their former master.

Nephrite’s notable abilities include astrological foresight, psychic perception, and the power to project his spirit as a shadow or soul to attack or possess others. He can also create illusions, such as cloning himself or summoning the star Regulus. He develops a Black Crystal homing device that tracks the Silver Crystal by reacting to the power of love. In the anime, he uses a technique called Starlight Attack.

Key relationships define Nephrite’s story. He has a tense rivalry with Zoisite, who mocks him and ultimately engineers his downfall. He shares a past bond with Mamoru Chiba, the reincarnation of Prince Endymion, which manifests as moments of déjà vu. His most significant relationship is with Naru Osaka, the human girl who awakens his capacity for love and redemption. Nephrite’s journey from a ruthless villain to a self-sacrificing protector distinguishes him among the Shitennou, making him one of the more emotionally complex antagonists in the series.