Akiko Higashimuras 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 womenonly communal house with five other women known as the Amarsa name inspired by the Japanese word for nun. These women are socially awkward deeply absorbed in their hobbies and intimidated by the fashionable wellgroomed individuals they refer to as the Stylish. Tsukimis life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends one of these Stylish people shaking up the Amars cozy insular world. Tsukimis 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 princesss 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 shes named Clara only to discover that Claras 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 womens clothing. Kuranosuke is just as central to the story as Tsukimi and despite his preference for wearing womens clothes he identifies as male. His reasons for crossdressing 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 Kuranosukes 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 Japans patriarchal expectations of what a good woman should be. The Amars are acutely aware that their interests are considered odd by society but theyve 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 everpresent they dont 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 doesnt change who they are but rather equips them with a kind of armor to face societys superficial judgments. However their true strength lies in their authenticitybeing 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 Kuranosukes brother Shu after her makeover. However its 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 its clear that Tsukimis true beauty lies in her genuine self jellyfish obsession and all. Reading Princess Jellyfish has been an incredibly enjoyable experience. The artwork especially Kuranosukes everchanging 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 sliceoflife story that offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be an outsider in a conformist world.