Lost in a princess world, part 2 of 3 (Princess Princess)

(tags anime, review, Boys' Life, cross-dress, same-sex)

Princess Princess, originally a manga by Mikiyo Tsuda (つだみきよ), is a 12 episode Japanese anime TV show (season 2006/04) about a guy who transfers to an all boys high school. Um, here's the "good" part: he willfully becomes one of the school-sanctioned "princesses" (hime), that is, cross-dressing into girl's clothing to cheer on and support clubs and circles in the school.

What?!?! How could this idea fly? And how come I'm infatuated with it (obviously since I'm blogging it). Well let me explain with a picture and some words:

It's the eyes and bikei faces. Hahah. I guess I am fooled by the anime style when they cross-dress, they look like lovely bishojo characters. Some of the appeal must be from the work of featured character designer Atsuko Nakajima (中嶋敦子). I didn't know who she was, but looking her up in Wikipedia reveals she was involved in a number of TV series that I am a fan of: Maison Ikkoku (めぞん一刻), Ranma 1/2 (らんま1/2). She was also involved in some anime which I have passing knowledge: Rurouni Kenshin, You're Under Arrest and Fruits Basket, as well a dozen others. That's great!

But its the plot which mix strangely unnatural logic and strength in family ties that keep me interested. Tooru (pictured above) seemly freaks out at the concept, but readily accepts it when he realizes he can get free stuff and even pocket money from the "princess" activity. Does that mean he would do anything for money? No! He does it to lessen the burden on his family. It's this theme of family kinship and bonding that I find very fulfilling.

Are we looking at guys or girls here? Sorry. Yuujirou on the right also a relational problem with his family, while Mikoto in the middle tries to hide his "princess" job from his girlfriend. Tooru and Yuujirou help each other out as best friends would, reminding each other the strength of being honest with one's family. This isn't Brokeback Mountain, though, but there is a hint of "more than just friends" (but without the sex) at the end.

This isn't a guy fantasy. This is Boys Life, a gal fantasy. Tooru on accepting the job, exclaims he has no "pride". This I couldn't accept at first, because pride is a guy's core, at least I think so. The whole all-guys school ogles them as idol-princesses, which it so unbelievable given this age of instant access (TV, Internet) sexual-orientation-correcting media. Wouldn't there be some group of people openly opposed to this "princess" activity, some sort of reactionary machoism? This "princess" activity is even celebrated by stuffy Boys Club board member-like graduates. Unbelievable!

To reiterate, this isn't a guy fantasy. This is Boys Life, a gal fantasy. Tooru has the almost made-for-bishoujo fantasy of being loved by his sister (brother complex, standard fare in any bishojo game), but he doesn't feel the same. But at least this part of the story feels "normal", because I can sympathize with his familial obligations.

There are just parts that I couldn't stomach to watch. But there is a lot of funny and heartwarming scenes here. At least this anime isn't totally off-the-wall. Hah. I was about to buy the DVD at Gamers but it's nowhere to be found. Oh yeah, that's right, Gamers is a guy fantasy bishoujo character goods shop. Ha.