Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura

Hi all,

It's been way too long since I last posted here! I'm actually a little embarrassed that I just showed up to post about this series. Just about to finish my second semester in college and still having a hard time adjusting, hence why I've relapsed back into anime - just like I used to do in high school... Anyway, I was poking around 'Itunes' this week and saw that 'Funimation' had a free first episode of this anime series, 'Princess Jellyfish.' Judging by the name, I didn't expect much. But, I was immediately sucked in.

'Princess Jellyfish' or 'Kuragehime' is an anime series based off of the award winning josei manga by Akiko Higashimura. The manga was released in 2008 through 'Kiss' magazine and in 2010, an 11 episode anime was produced. The series follows a communal apartment called Amamizukan in tokyo, who is filled with a group of wildly eccentric otaku women. Their interests range from retro transportation, kimonos, etc. The group is terrified of fashionable and beautiful people, but especially petrified around men in particular. The main character, Tsukimi, is fascinated by jellyfish and has been ever since her mom took her to a jellyfish museum. She believes jellyfish look like the dresses of princesses, but she is sad that she never grew up to be a princess. When Tsukimi meets a stylish and beautiful Kuranosuke, she is certain she's met a princess... that is until she finds out she's actually a boy with a hobby for cross dresssing. Despite Tsukimi's fear of men, she develops a strong friendship with Kuranosuke, who helps her blossom and see the beauty in herself.

I was really impressed with this series, because it has such a different storyline. The plot spirals to places you didn't think it could with the addition of problems around the Amamizukan apartment complex, accidental love, gender bender themes, and fashion design. The series is both hilarious and sentimental in all the right places, while also hitting on some pretty mature themes, so despite it's cutesy name, the series is definitely for mature audiences. My only qualms about this anime is that it ends so abruptly, and doesn't show any signs for a second season. And, petty as it may sound... the theme song is way too long and just plain silly. Aside from those minor problems, I highly recommend this series.

Best,
Pseudo Jayne :3