Watch Princess Nine
- TV-PG
- 1998
- 1 Season
-
7.6 (124)
Princess Nine was a 26-episode anime series produced by NHK in 1998. The show followed a group of nine girls who formed a baseball team to compete against all-boys schools in Japan, including the prestigious Lycaons Academy. Their ultimate goal was to participate in the National High School Baseball Championship and win the title.
The protagonist of the show is Ryo Hayakawa, a talented pitcher who dreams of playing baseball at Koshien Stadium, the venue for the championship. However, her school, Kisaragi Girls' High School, doesn't have a baseball team, and the school administration is resistant to the idea of forming one. Fortunately, Ryo meets Keiko Himuro, the daughter of a major business mogul and the founder of the Lycaons Academy. Keiko takes an interest in Ryo and decides to support her in establishing a Kisaragi baseball team, provided that they can defeat Lycaons in a practice game.
Ryo assembles a group of talented girls with various backgrounds, including Yuki Azuma, Koharu Hotta, Izumi Himuro, Seira Morimura, Yoko Sakaki, Nene Mouri, Mao Daidoji, and Kanako Mita. Each of them has a unique personality and a distinct playing style. The girls must overcome various obstacles and challenges, both on and off the field, including discrimination, sexism, and personal struggles.
The show addresses several themes, including gender equality, perseverance, teamwork, and friendship. It also delves into the history and culture of baseball in Japan, highlighting the significance of the sport in Japanese society. The show features well-choreographed baseball games with realistic strategies and techniques, making it a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts.
The characters are well-developed and likable, with Ryo being a strong and determined leader who inspires her teammates to give their all. Keiko Himuro is a confident and ambitious young woman who is not afraid to break the norms and expectations of her own family and society. Yuki Azuma is a shy and reserved girl who finds her voice on the baseball field. Koharu Hotta is a feisty catcher who never backs down from a challenge. Izumi Himuro is a talented player and Keiko's cousin, whose hidden motives and agenda create several twists and turns in the story.
The animation is excellent, with character designs that reflect their personalities and emotions. The baseball games are well-animated, with smooth motion and attention to detail. The music is also noteworthy, with a catchy opening theme and background music that fits the mood of each scene.
Princess Nine has received critical and commercial success, both in Japan and abroad. The show has been praised for its strong female characters, realistic portrayal of baseball, and positive messages. The show has also inspired several adaptations, including video games and a live-action drama series.
In conclusion, Princess Nine is a must-watch anime for sports fans and anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling with characters that are easy to root for. The show's themes of gender equality, perseverance, and teamwork are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic.
Princess Nine is a series that ran for 1 seasons (26 episodes) between April 8, 1998 and on NHK