A Forgotten Gem of Action and Revenge

Anime has a fascinating way of blending different artistic styles and storytelling techniques, and one of the most unique and underrated examples is Puppet Princess (Karakuri no Kimi).

Released in 2000 as an original video animation (OVA), Puppet Princess combines elements of feudal Japan, martial arts, and mechanical puppetry into a short but action-packed revenge tale. Despite its relatively obscure status, this anime has gained a small but dedicated following over the years, thanks to its compelling protagonist, thrilling action sequences, and darkly engaging story.

Plot Overview: A Tale of Revenge and Puppetry

At its core, Puppet Princess is a story of vengeance, justice, and the power of mechanical artistry.

The anime follows Rangiku, a noble princess whose family was brutally murdered by an evil warlord. Her father was a master craftsman, known for creating powerful battle puppets—intricate and deadly machines that could fight alongside their wielder.

After witnessing her family’s massacre, Rangiku escapes with her father’s last remaining puppets, vowing to take revenge on those responsible. She embarks on a dangerous journey, determined to track down the warlord and his minions. Along the way, she encounters a skilled ninja named Manajiri, who reluctantly becomes

her ally. Though initially skeptical of Rangiku’s abilities, Manajiri soon realizes that she is not just another

helpless princess—her mastery over her mechanical puppets makes her a force to be reckoned with.

The anime explores themes of loss, perseverance, and the moral weight of revenge, all wrapped in a thrilling feudal-era adventure. The combination of historical setting and mechanical puppetry gives the anime a unique identity that sets it apart from other samurai or ninja-themed anime.

Main Characters and Their Roles

Rangiku – The Puppet Princess

The heart of the story, Rangiku is a young noblewoman whose life is shattered by the brutal murder of her family. Despite her aristocratic background, she is far from the typical damsel in distress. Rangiku is intelligent, fiercely determined, and highly skilled in operating her mechanical puppets in battle. Throughout the anime, we see her evolve from a grieving daughter into a formidable warrior, proving that she is more than capable of avenging her family’s death.

What makes Rangiku such a compelling character is her internal struggle. While her quest for vengeance drives her forward, she is constantly haunted by memories of her family and the teachings of her father. She grapples with the idea of whether revenge will truly bring her peace, making her journey not just a physical battle, but an emotional one as well.

Manajiri – The Stoic Ninja

Manajiri serves as Rangiku’s reluctant bodyguard and occasional mentor. As a highly skilled ninja, he is well-versed in combat, but he initially doubts Rangiku’s ability to survive in battle. However, after witnessing her determination and the lethal efficiency of her mechanical puppets, he begins to respect her strength.

Manajiri is the classic lone-wolf warrior—gruff, battle-hardened, and somewhat cynical. His character provides an interesting contrast to Rangiku’s youthful passion. While she is driven by personal revenge, he operates under a strict warrior’s code, often questioning whether her path of vengeance will ultimately consume her. Over time, their dynamic shifts from one of skepticism to genuine camaraderie, making their relationship one of the highlights of the anime.

The Warlord – The Ruthless Villain

The primary antagonist of the story is a tyrannical warlord who seeks to eliminate all opposition to his rule. He is responsible for the massacre of Rangiku’s family, knowing that her father’s puppetry skills posed a threat to his ambitions. In classic villain fashion, he commands a small army of mercenaries and has no qualms about using violence and fear to maintain his power.

While he may not be the most complex villain in anime history, he serves his purpose well—his cruelty and arrogance make him a fitting target for Rangiku’s wrath. His underestimation of her abilities ultimately becomes his downfall.

What Makes Puppet Princess Stand Out?

Although Puppet Princess is just a single OVA and not a full-fledged series, it manages to deliver an engaging and action-packed story in a short runtime. Here are a few key aspects that make it a hidden gem:

1. Unique Battle Concept – Mechanical Puppets in Combat

One of the most exciting elements of the anime is the use of mechanical puppets as weapons. Unlike traditional swords or martial arts, Rangiku’s puppets are beautifully crafted yet deadly machines, capable of precise and powerful attacks. The animation does a fantastic job of showcasing their movements, making the action sequences feel fresh and visually striking.

2. Strong Female Lead

Rangiku stands out as a strong and independent female protagonist, which was still relatively rare in anime at the time of its release. She doesn’t rely on others to fight her battles—her intelligence, skills, and determination make her a formidable force in her own right.

3. Dark and Gritty Atmosphere

The anime doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of feudal Japan. From the destruction of Rangiku’s family to intense battle scenes, the story embraces a darker tone, making the stakes feel real and the characters’ struggles more impactful.

4. A Short but Impactful Story

Since Puppet Princess is a standalone OVA, it tells a complete story in a single sitting. There are no unnecessary filler episodes—every moment serves to push the plot forward. While some viewers may wish there was a full-length series expanding on the world and characters, the OVA does a great job of delivering a satisfying narrative.

Final Thoughts – A Hidden Treasure Worth Watching

Despite being relatively obscure, Puppet Princess offers a unique and memorable anime experience. Its blend of historical setting, inventive action sequences, and strong central characters make it a hidden treasure worth checking out. If you enjoy samurai/ninja anime but are looking for something with a fresh twist, this OVA is definitely worth watching.

Although it may not be as well-known as mainstream historical anime like Rurouni Kenshin or Basilisk, Puppet Princess has a charm and intensity that make it a worthwhile watch for any anime fan. Whether you love revenge-driven narratives, unique fighting styles, or strong female leads, this anime delivers all that and more.

If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the perfect time to give Puppet Princess a try. You might just discover a new favorite in the world of classic anime OVAs.

Tags: Puppet Princess, Karakuri no Kimi, Ninja Anime, Samurai Anime, Revenge Stories, Mechanical Puppets, Female Protagonist

Puppet Princess