Usually I write about Inspirational Movies or Books I have read, however I also really enjoy watching japanese animation, so I thought I might do a little list of my favourite ‘Princess’ themed anime. I hope you will enjoy these, and perhaps suggest some that you have liked yourself!
Nishi no Yoki Majo (Good Witch of the West)
A visually stunning fairytale themed series. Despite the title, it is not about a Witch but a young woman named Firiel Dee who lives in the country with her adopted family not too far from her reclusive father, studying in his tower. When Firiel turns fifteen she is allowed to go to a ball celebrating the Queen’s birthday, there she meets Adale a Queen Candidate and discover’s that she too is a Princess. The series features a magical world with grand balls, beautiful palaces, unicorn mounts, mysterious magics and dashing young lords. It’s a very under-rated series but I found it utterly enchanting.
Princess Tutu
An unique ballet-themed series about a girl named Ahiru who is really a duck, whenever she says ‘Quack!’ she returns to her duck form and is only human again when she comes in contact with water. Her third alter-ego is Princess Tutu, a girl with magical powers who can dance perfect ballet. Ahiru herself attends a Ballet school and the story is an interesting mix of various storylines from classical ballet, the music score is beautiful.
Princess Sarah
Based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Princess Sarah was released in 1985 as a part of the World Masterpiece Theater. The anime extends the story of Sara Crewe, giving her some new friends and characters, however apart from that it stays very close to the original book and the animation style is sweet and simple. Sara’s thoughtful, eccentric personality is well portrayed, though with a touch more japanese modesty.
Rose of Versailles
My favourite Anime of all time. Set in 18th century France before and during the revolution, it is the story of Oscar de Jarjeyes, a girl born in to a noble family and raised as a man because her father had wanted a son. She eventually joins the Queen’s Guard and become’s involved in Marie Antoinette’s circle. The series covers many of the events leading up to the revolution including the Diamond Necklace Affair and is a must see for any other Marie Antoinette fans! Sword fighting, balls, beautiful gowns and a story that makes me cry each time I watch it.
Puchi Puri Yushii (Petite Princess Yucie)
This is a cute little anime based off a game called ‘Princess Maker,’ and it is the story of a 17 year old girl trapped in a 10 year old’s body. She discovers that to break the curse she must win something called the Eternal Tiara, for which she becomes a Platinum Princess Candidate and is accepted to an elite girl’s school. The story is humorous and bittersweet, soon Yucie is joined by the Princesses of other world, Kokoru from the Spirit World, Glenda from the Demon World, Elmina from Heaven and Beth of the Fairy World. Together they face a series of tasks to determine the Platinum Princess, but they all discover that there are more important uses for the Tiara and must let go of their own desires to help those they love. Very touching and sweet.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Yay! I’ve been looking for new anime to look up. Thanks!
May 20th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Thank you! “Good Witch Of The West” sounds really good ^^
I can add a little to the list:
Zero No Tsukaima
and
Kamichama Karin
(The second one is more “goddess” than “princess” themed but still adorable and cute!)
May 20th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Thank you! I look forward to this! I will look them up right away! I mostly watching ghibli movies when I watch anime =)
May 20th, 2008 at 2:52 am
For skool, we’re doing blog research, and so far yours was the best we saw! Good job.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Wow, this is so cool!! What a unique inspiration. Thanks so much,
~Princess Dani
May 20th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Oh Princess, thank you SO much! Lately I’ve lost interest in anime and I never get to finish series, but I’m much more motivated with these. Thank you! ;o;
oAo Oh, did you see my e-mail? I hope you got it!
May 20th, 2008 at 6:44 am
I LOVE Rose of Versailles! It’s my absolute favorite anime series ever! Oscar is my idol - brave, beautiful, a loyal friend and steadfast in her beliefs. She inspires me so much…I actually went out and took fencing lessons after finishing the series (I pretty good, too if I do say so myself).
I’ve been meaning to check out those other series you mentioned, especially Good Witch of the West.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I loved Princess Tutu, I actually think of you when I hear the theme song on my iPod. I’ve been meaning to watch Puchi Puri Yushi because I used to play Princess Maker 2 all the time!
And I haven’t seen the Rose of Versailles. I feel very left out as it looks gorgeous. I’m very fond of stories about girls who are sweet yet resolute in their actions. Another anime I’ve yet to watch but has a similar theme is Princess Prince. It’s by Osamu Tezuka and I adore his story telling. I know it’s about a princess who received the heart of a prince.
Well, now I have a list of anime to watch this summer in addition to my Asian Drama list. Happiness! :D
May 20th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
After I read this, I actually made a rather longtrip to the nearest city and bought the DVD box with the first 20 episodes of Rose of Versailles. I grew up with that anime! I loved it as a child, even though I did not understand yet how tragic it all was, and Oscar was one of my greatest idols. (The other two were Sailor Moon and Mila from Attack No.1.) What a beautiful series!
May 20th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
May 21st, 2008 at 12:36 am
I love RoV. It makes me cry every time! The characters comunicate so well and it is a heart breaking story. I have seen the series three times. I always have tisues near me at all times when I watch it.
If I were to make that list I would’ve put Sailor Moon on it. Although it is not completely ‘Princessey’ There are some elements. Sailor Moon and RoV are my two favourite anime. They are a dream.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:15 am
Hello! I always read your blog, but I never comment because my English is not very good… sorry.
Rose of Versailles is one of my favorite anime series! It’s a masterpiece :)
May 21st, 2008 at 5:43 am
Oh, you mentioned Puchi Puri Yushii! I’ve been meaning to watch that for some time, since I’m a *big* fan of the Princess Maker series. ^^ I’d also like to see Princess Sarah, I’ve read such good things about it! Nishi no Yoki Majo sounds interesting, too.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Oh, I really recommend Shingetstutan Tsukihime! The way Arcueid carries herself is so dignified and elegant (yet at the same time with a childish naivete, and wonder for everything)
It’s a sad love story– I would like to say gothic romance set in modern times, since it involves an old mansion, family secrets, and what not.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I recently picked up the novelization of Nishi no Yoki Majo, and though it’s still on the shelf, I’m very excited to get into it.
Might I recommend “Saiunkoku Monogatari”? It technically falls in to the “princess” category because the protagonist is the only female in a noble family (occasionally referred to as “hime” in the show). The show is set in an Ancient China-esque world, and our heroine, Shurei, is incredibly smart and level-headed. It’s a refreshing change from the goofball, lovesick heroines we often have to slog though…
Great recommendations–keep them coming!
June 6th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Hello Princess Skye!
I watched this anime i liked it, and it inspired me to dance.