Akiko Higashimura’s Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime) is a delightful exploration of embracing individuality and finding strength in being true to yourself. The story centers around Kurashita Tsukimi, who lives in a women-only communal house with five other women, known as the Amars—a name inspired by the Japanese word for “nun.” These women are socially awkward, deeply absorbed in their hobbies, and intimidated by the fashionable, well-groomed individuals they refer to as the “Stylish.” Tsukimi’s life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends one of these Stylish people, shaking up the Amars’ cozy, insular world.

Tsukimi’s love for jellyfish has deep roots in a cherished memory of visiting an aquarium with her late mother, where they were captivated by a jellyfish that resembled a princess’s dress. This fascination led Tsukimi to pursue a career as an illustrator in Tokyo, where she found a community of women who shared her quirky interests. When feeling lonely, Tsukimi visits a nearby fish shop to watch a jellyfish she’s named Clara, only to discover that Clara’s life is in danger due to a careless mistake by the shop assistant. Struggling to communicate her concern to the Stylish shop clerk, Tsukimi is saved by a tall, elegant Stylish stranger who steps in to help. This chance encounter leads Tsukimi to bring the stranger home, only to discover the next morning that this Stylish savior, Kuranosuke, is actually a man who enjoys dressing in women’s clothing.

Kuranosuke is just as central to the story as Tsukimi, and despite his preference for wearing women’s clothes, he identifies as male. His reasons for cross-dressing include a desire to avoid the political career expected of him and a passion for fashion. While Kuranosuke initially comes across as shallow and judgmental, he undergoes significant growth as the story progresses. The plot thickens when the Amars’ home is threatened by local redevelopment plans, with Kuranosuke’s older brother Shu playing a role in the project. What follows is a series of comedic situations and touching moments of character development, as the Amars and Kuranosuke band together to protect their home.

The manga also delves into the concept of fujoshi, a term commonly used to describe female fans of BL (Boys’ Love) manga. Princess Jellyfish translator Sarah Alys Lindholm explains that the term refers to women who identify as being outside of Japan’s patriarchal expectations of what a “good woman” should be. The Amars are acutely aware that their interests are considered odd by society, but they’ve created a safe space where they can be themselves without judgment. Kuranosuke, who also defies societal norms by dressing as a woman, is drawn to the Amars despite their initial discomfort around him. When their safe space is threatened, Kuranosuke takes it upon himself to help them fight for their home.

In Princess Jellyfish, the characters find strength in their individuality. While societal bias and judgment are ever-present, they don’t diminish the protagonists. Instead, the characters are empowered by their refusal to conform, finding resilience in their authentic selves. When Kuranosuke gives the Amars makeovers, he doesn’t change who they are but rather equips them with a kind of armor to face society’s superficial judgments. However, their true strength lies in their authenticity—being at home, in their own clothes, defending their safe space.

The romantic subplot adds an additional layer to the story, with Tsukimi catching the eye of Kuranosuke’s brother Shu after her makeover. However, it’s when Tsukimi allows her true passion for jellyfish to shine that she becomes truly beautiful to Kuranosuke. The resolution of this love triangle remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Tsukimi’s true beauty lies in her genuine self, jellyfish obsession and all.

Reading Princess Jellyfish has been an incredibly enjoyable experience. The artwork, especially Kuranosuke’s ever-changing outfits, is captivating and reflects the subversive nature of the manga. While the awkwardness of the Amars is portrayed with humor, it also highlights how their lifestyle isolates them from society. Despite this, Princess Jellyfish is a compelling slice-of-life story that offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be an outsider in a conformist world.