Does anyone know the possible symbolism or the reason behind why Sailor Moon becomes nude in the final Sailor Moon episode in the battle between her and Galaxia? Then when she finally defeats the Chaos inside of her, both Galaxia and Sailor Moon are chatting in the nude. This is something that obviously couldn't be aired on TV in the US so I never got to see these final episodes and was wondering why I had to put in my birthdate before I could proceed watching until I saw this. Does anyone have any ideas or know the idea of having her in the nude?

I'm pretty sure that I heard somewhere that nudity in Japan doesn't have (well, mostly doesn't have) the same connotations as it does in the West. I always figured it was kind of a purity symbolism thing, though there are more knowledgeable people here who could likely tell you more.

I never assumed it would be sexual in the first place because the Japan culture is vastly different from ours in the US. But bringing up the purity symbolism really makes sense to me. Can't wait to see other people's inputs!

I am fairly confident that it is related to her purity, but I think there's more to it.

I also think that her nudity is related to her statement that she will not fight. Her uniform as a sailor soldier is tied to her identity as a warrior, but in this particular battle Usagi is demonstrating that she will use love and acceptance rather than combat. In her nude form, she has no weapons or armor. She is defenseless as she reaches for Galaxia. She is not formally Sailor Moon or Princess Serenity in this moment, just Usagi, stripped of everything else.

(Now, the Silver Crystal is still there, and it is a weapon with some uses, but it's also the focus for her energy/love/etc. because it's tied to her emotions, so it is not a symbol of aggression visually, which I think was the point for this scene.) 

That's my take on the nudity and its significance.

I never even thought of the idea that she was simply herself-instead of sailor moon, serenity ect- trying to offer piece to galaxia. Fantastic point, mercury! :O

I'd always somewhat disliked the choice to make her nude because it seemed unnecessary, but after reading that... I actually really like it. The emphasis on Usagi helping Galaxia as Usagi with her open heart rather than with the great power held by Moon and Serenity. The only other way to achieve it would have been to put her in her school uniform or something, but that obviously would have been super out of place.

Sailor Mercury wrote:

I also think that her nudity is related to her statement that she will not fight. Her uniform as a sailor soldier is tied to her identity as a warrior, but in this particular battle Usagi is demonstrating that she will use love and acceptance rather than combat. In her nude form, she has no weapons or armor. She is defenseless as she reaches for Galaxia. She is not formally Sailor Moon or Princess Serenity in this moment, just Usagi, stripped of everything else.

I always figured it was the purity symbolism as well, as often nudity in art is symbolic for purity (and also vulnerability), but wow! I really had never thought beyond that. I really love this explanation and I think it really fits with the anime's portrayal of Usagi/Sailor Moon. The anime really makes the show more about the characters being normal girls that happen to also be super heroes and this really makes the final episode more symbolic. In the anime, Usagi is Usagi even as Sailor Moon. Yes sure, she has her destiny to be the future Queen but it never takes precedence over who she is and how she will get to that future.

used to always be a little disappointed in the Stars finale in comparison to other seasons, but honestly rethinking on it now, I think this helps improve it and bring a better understanding to it.

I always interpreted this scene as showing Usagi's purity as well (since again, as others have stated, Japan has different views on nudity than Western culture does, sometimes at least), but I also saw it as her refusing to fight (as she states it outright), and of course with the whole theme of love and acceptance. I always loved this scene, although I know a lot of people hate it.