Watch Princess Princess

Princess Princess is a Japanese television drama that aired on TV Asahi in 2006. The series, which is based on a manga of the same name by Mikiyo Tsuda, revolves around the lives of high school boys who are chosen to dress up as princesses in order to boost morale among their all-boys school. The show, which stars Kenta Kamakari as one of the main characters, is a comedic take on gender identity and the societal expectations placed upon young men.

The story centers around Toru Kono (played by Kamakari), a new transfer student at the school who is immediately approached by two of the school's most popular boys, Yujiro Shihoudani (Koutarou Yanagi) and Mikoto Yutaka (Yuichi Nakamura). They explain to Toru that he has been selected to join the school's group of "Princesses," a group of boys who dress up in girl's clothing to entertain their fellow students during events and festivals.

At first, Toru is hesitant about the idea, but he eventually agrees under the condition that he can wear his own clothes instead of the frilly, princess dresses that the others wear. The other princesses include Shihoudani, Yutaka, and Akira Sakamoto (Kouhei Yamamoto), who all have their own reasons for becoming princesses. For Shihoudani, it is a way of rebelling against his strict family and expressing his feminine side. For Yutaka, it is a way of coping with the loss of his beloved sister, who passed away at a young age. And for Sakamoto, it is a way of escaping his mundane and unfulfilling home life.

As the series progresses, the audience is introduced to other characters who have their own reasons for joining the Princesses, including Tooru's childhood friend, Yujirou's younger brother, and a transfer student who becomes infatuated with Sakamoto. Each character has their own struggles with the idea of gender identity and societal expectations, and the show does a good job at exploring these themes in a way that is both comedic and serious.

One of the standout features of Princess Princess is the acting performances of the main cast. Kenta Kamakari is particularly excellent as Toru, bringing a sense of vulnerability and awkwardness to the role that makes him a relatable protagonist. Koutarou Yanagi is also excellent as Shihoudani, bringing a sense of flamboyance and charisma to the character that makes him both entertaining and sympathetic.

The show also features some great music, including the opening theme, "Youthful" by 99RadioService, and the ending theme, "Hohoemi wo Agetai" by team Nekokan. The cinematography is also well-done, with the show often utilizing bright and colorful imagery to contrast the more serious themes that it explores.

Overall, Princess Princess is an entertaining and thought-provoking series that explores important themes related to gender identity and societal expectations. While it may not be for everyone, those who are looking for a unique and comedic take on these topics will find a lot to enjoy here. The show is well-acted, well-directed, and features some great music and visuals, making it a fun and engaging watch from start to finish.