Princess Principal is an original spy action anime co-produced by Studio 3Hz and Actas, first aired in 2017. The story unfolds in an alternate 19th-century London, where the city is split by a "Wall" and becomes a hotbed for espionage. The series follows five high school girls, each with her own secrets and talents, as they work as spies undercover for the Commonwealth. It stands out for its combination of steampunk aesthetics, clever storytelling, and captivating female leads.
Princess Principal was announced in March 2017 as a completely original animation project.
Its inception stemmed from a desire to blend stylish steampunk visuals with deep spy narratives.
Director Masaki Tachibana and screenwriter Ichiro Okouchi built the story with a unique non-linear structure, intertwining character backgrounds and political intrigue.
Set in the late 19th century, Albion is a superpower that has changed global politics thanks to its airship fleet and the mysterious "Cavorite" stone—an anti-gravity substance.
A revolution divides Albion into the Kingdom and the Commonwealth, splitting London with an imposing Wall.
The capital becomes the frontline for shadowy espionage wars, and even prestigious schools become battlegrounds.
The main story centers on Ange le Carré—a genius Commonwealth spy whose sharp mind and monotone delivery mask a tangle of secrets.
Alongside her are Princess (an impostor who now lives as royalty), Dorothy (the older, street-smart operative), Beatrice (a noble girl with a mechanical voice box and pure loyalty), and Chise Todo (a formidable swordswoman from Japan sent on a diplomatic mission).
Their team, disguised as a "club" at prestigious Queen's Mayfair School, takes on high-stakes missions—battling rival spies, navigating moral dilemmas, and unraveling personal mysteries.
The layered story explores identity swaps, loyalty, and friendship, all against the backdrop of steam-powered intrigue and looming revolution.
- Cavorite: A fictional mineral that grants anti-gravity powers, crucial to Albion's dominance.
- The Wall: A massive barrier dividing London into East and West, and symbolizing the split between the Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
- Commonwealth/Kingdom: The two opposing sides formed after the revolution in Albion, each with their own intelligence organizations.
Princess Principal has expanded into several formats:
- TV Anime (2017): 12-episode series, artfully blending stylish action and character drama.
- Movie Series (Crown Handler, 2021–2023): A six-part film sequel, with the first three chapters released in theaters.
- Manga Adaptation: Began serialization online in 2019, illustrated by Ryo Akizuki.
- Mobile Game: "Princess Principal Game of Mission" (2017–2018), a puzzle/strategy title featuring new characters.
- Stage and Live Events: Special performances and live concerts with voice cast and music artists.
Directors, writers, and designers collaborated closely with military and cultural consultants to create a believable world.
The production team included notable names such as:
- Director: Masaki Tachibana
- Series Composition: Ichiro Okouchi (TV), Nobo Kimura (Movie)
- Character Design: Yukie Akitani, Kouhaku Nishio (based on original by Kouhaku Kuroboshi)
- Mechanical Design: Fumiyoshi Katakai
- Concept Art: Shitsu Roku Nana
- Music: Yuki Kajiura
Both the TV and movie series boast stylish theme songs:
- Opening (TV): "The Other Side of the Wall" by Void_Chords feat. MARU
- Ending (TV): "A Page of My Story" by the main cast
- Movie Opening: "LIES & TIES" by Void_Chords feat. Yui Mugino
- Movie Ending: "Nowhere Land" by the main cast
- Special insert songs by Yuki Kajiura and FictionJunction further enhance key moments.
Princess Principal received critical acclaim for its unpredictable narrative, atmospheric music, and compelling all-female cast.
It was praised for its authentic depiction of spycraft—so much so that military critic Yu Koizumi commented on its blend of fiction and realistic espionage details.
The movie series was commercially successful, grossing over 100 million yen for its first chapters.
The series spawned web radio shows, event Blu-rays, and an array of official CDs and merchandise.
With its charming characters, intricate world, and ongoing popularity, Princess Principal continues to captivate fans of action, steampunk, and clever storytelling alike.
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