'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, anime |
| Founded | April 4, 2019 |
| Founder | Robinson Haruhara (creator), Hirakei (illustrator) |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, anime |
| Website | shonenjumpplus |
is a Japanese manga series created by Robinson Haruhara with illustrations by Hirakei. It started its serialization on the Shōnen Jump+ platform in April 2019 and, as of May 2025, has been collected into seventeen tankōbon volumes. The series received an anime adaptation produced by Pine Jam, which aired from January to March 2024, with a second season planned for release in January 2026.
Premise
The narrative unfolds during a war between the Imperial Army of humanity and demonic forces, focusing on a captive princess and her sacred sword, Ex. Bound by a prisoner of war agreement that prohibits traditional torture, the grand inquisitor Torture Tortura resorts to alternative "torture" methods—primarily involving tempting Japanese snacks—to obtain information. The princess usually reveals only inconsequential facts, and even when critical intelligence is uncovered, the Hell-Lord fails to leverage it effectively.
Main characters
- The leader of the Third Order within the Imperial Army and the princess of the human kingdom. A skilled combatant with a passion for food, she is particularly vulnerable to Tortura’s unique "torture" techniques.
- Known as "Ex," this legendary holy sword belongs to the Princess and often counsels her against succumbing to Hellhorde’s interrogations in order to safeguard imperial secrets, though his advice is frequently disregarded.
- The grand inquisitor of the Hellhorde and primary interrogator of the Princess, specializing in food-centered "torture" that leverages enticing dishes to extract information.
Torturers
- Torture Tortura’s chief aide, recognized for his imposing presence and involvement in preparing and presenting food during "torture" sessions.
- and
- Youki, possessing two horns, and Inki, with one horn, are Oni sisters (actually cousins) holding the rank of "Lieutorments" (mid-level torturers). They employ "torture" based on fostering friendship bonds and exhibit sincere interest in forming a connection with the Princess.
- Krall, a senior torturer and elite combatant known as the Beast Tamer, specializes in zoo-themed "torture," utilizing both fierce and adorable animals as interrogation tools.
- A large gentlewoman affectionately called "Master Mama" by the Princess who prioritizes comfort and leisure over actual torture.
- The Hell-Lord’s charming young daughter who uses innocent and childlike "torture" techniques that often cause the Princess to surrender due to her endearing nature.
- The weaponsmith of the Hell-Horde and close confidante of Tortura. Though not officially a torturer, she occasionally participates in interrogation activities.
- A proud yet immature young vampire from Hellholm’s noble Peschutz family. Ranked as a "Harm-Marshal" (advanced-level torturer), she remains inexperienced but manages to develop a rapport with the Princess despite repeated setbacks.
Hell-Hordes
- The sovereign of the Hell-hordes, a demon ruler intent on conquering the human realm. He commands torturers to extract secrets from the Princess for his army’s invasion but often refrains from doing so due to personal motives. He is also devoted to his family and enjoys aspects of Japanese culture.
- The queen consort of the Hell-Hordes and spouse of the Hell-Lord. Despite her royal position, she leads a humble life alongside her husband and their daughter Maomao. She is characterized by her wisdom, grace, and beauty.
- A dwarf-like humanoid pig serving as an aide to the Hell-Lord.
Humans
- A devoted Holy White Knight serving the imperial forces, tasked with liberating the Princess from the Hellhorde's imprisonment. He is a formidable combatant, though lacking in physical appeal.
- Once an imperial knight, he now acts as the Princess' butler within the imperial household. Primarily featured in flashbacks, he enforced rigorous training regimens while secretly indulging her with affordable snacks and Chinese cuisine.
Manga
Crafted by Robinson Haruhara with illustrations by Hirakei, the manga began its serialization on the Shōnen Jump+ platform on April 4, 2019. The initial tankōbon volume debuted on September 4, 2019. By May 2025, a total of seventeen volumes had been released.
In October 2019, the series was made available on Manga Plus through its app and website, broadening its international digital audience.
Anime
The anime adaptation was officially announced on June 27, 2023. Produced by Pine Jam and directed by Yōko Kanemori, the series features scripts by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, character designs by Toshiya Kōno and Satoshi Furuhashi, and music composed by Masaru Yokoyama. It aired from January 9 to March 26, 2024, across Tokyo MX and other channels. The opening song "Massakasa Magic!" (まっさかさマジック！) was performed by Shallm, while the ending track "Ashita wa Ashita no Kaze ga Fuku" (明日は明日の風が吹く) was sung by Leevelles. Crunchyroll streamed the show internationally outside East Asia, and Medialink secured licensing for South and Southeast Asia through its Ani-One Asia ULTRA YouTube channel.
After the twelfth and concluding episode aired, a second season was confirmed, scheduled for release in January 2026.
Other media
The Princess is featured as a playable character in the Nintendo Switch title Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions, which launched on July 28, 2022.
Reception
In 2020, the manga earned second place in the web manga category of the Next Manga Award. Makoto Yukimura, known for creating Vinland Saga, described it as his current "favorite manga."
Kevin Cormack of Anime News Network provided a mixed critique of the anime adaptation. He pointed out its repetitive storyline and found the Princess less compelling compared to similar protagonists. Nonetheless, he commended supporting figures such as Tortura and the Hell-Lord and acknowledged several heartwarming scenes.
See also
- Senyu, another manga created by the same author
Works cited
- "Ch." corresponds to chapter numbers of the English-translated Tis Time for Torture, Princess manga as published by Manga Plus
External links
- Tis Time for "Torture," Princess on Shōnen Jump+ (Japanese)
- Tis Time for "Torture," Princess at Manga Plus
- Official anime website (Japanese)
- Anime News Network