After 4pm, A Fairy Tale Will Begin: Seifuku Cinderella Mini-Album Review

Once Upon A Time, around 11 years ago, a fairy tale debut was about to begin...

Just 4 years after entering the Idol scene, Houkago Princess made their magical major debut with the release of their very first mini-album, Seifuku Cinderella. A sparkling, hopeful release that celebrated the members' hard work towards a bigger stage, it was this very mini-album that set the tone for the groups future releases through a brand new theme: 'School girls who transformed into Princesses after 4pm'. Trading their headbands for tiara's and their school uniform for beautiful gowns, this marked the beginning of HouPri's Princess era.

It is this very release that gave me a newfound love for the group. Though I had already loved them a great deal even before that, it was such an exciting moment in time to see the group incorporate one of my long-time passions into their theme: Fairy tales and Princesses. It was a rebrand that not only refreshed the group and their image, but one that was incredibly appealing and thrilling to me as a fan both in 2015 and even now.

Now it has been 11 years since the debut of both this mini-album and Houkago Princesses current concept, and for some reason, it has taken me eleven years to finally review this release on my blog. So, to celebrate the groups 15th anniversary and 11 years since their Princess concept came to be, let's step into this sparkling story of a school girl who, through all her hard work, was able to find herself in a fairy tale world filled with magic, castles, beautiful gowns and glass slippers.

Before the clock strikes midnight, let's fall into this beautiful world where you can become a princess, too...

The Fairest of Them All: Houkago Princess ~The Top 15 Princess Songs~ (According to Kelly)

Once upon a time, approximately 15 years ago, there was a group of Idols who longed to transform into princesses...

In August of 2015, Houkago Princess debuted their current concept, 'School girls who transform into Princesses after 4pm'. With this image, the group would perform in their school uniform during the day, but once 4pm hit, they would transform into sparkling gowns and trade their headbands for tiaras.

With this image change came new songs, most of which have been themed around a variety of Princesses we know and love in our favourite fairy tales, film and history. It is this very concept that has become synonymous with Houkago Princesses image over the years (and one of many reasons as to why I love the group so much).

Now, after 11 years since Houkago Princess introduced their schoolgirl-to-Princess concept, the group have around 18 princess themed songs in their roster. This includes both A-side and B-side tracks, as well as album-exclusive songs and original Princess themed tracks.

So, to celebrate my beloved Houkago Princesses 15th Anniversary, I have compiled a list of my Top 15 favourite Princess themed songs for you all to enjoy! Now, this is by no means a definitive list—it is simply my opinion, and mine alone. I only wish to share these songs (and my thoughts) with you all, as well as to define for myself which of these Princess songs are my distinct favourite. You do not have to agree with me, nor do you need to even like this list; it has simply been created for my own enjoyment, as well as to once again celebrate my love for Houkago Princess as they surge towards their 15th year as a group.

And with that out of the way, it's time to figure out which of these nineteen songs have found their way into the throne room and which one has been crowned the Fairest Song of Them All.

Are you ready?

Let's start!

Houkago Princess ~To The 15 Years I Have Loved You~

I once said that even though Houkago Princess did not bring me into the Japanese music fandom, they became the reason for why I should stay. Now, 15 years since their debut on the Idol scene, I can confirm with absolute certainty that they are the very reason why I am the Idol fan that I am today.

It is hard to express exactly how I feel right now regarding Houkago Princess. After all, I have already said plenty of things about them during my time as their fan. Things born from happiness and frustration, moments of joy and snippets of love... anything that was on my mind, really. Of course, most of it has been recorded here on this very blog, a place where I could share my love freely with others and keep updated on the group I adored.

In many ways, it feels like time has passed me by in the blink of an eye. I can remember exactly how I learned about the groups debut, how intrigued I felt when I learned about their original concept. What followed was the excitement I felt whenever new music was released, receiving my first Houkago Princess CD, the realisation that they would make their major debut... I remember all of it, and in a way it does not feel like 15 years have passed, even when the group has changed and I have grown up.

Yet here we are on the day of their 15th Anniversary. How quickly time flies.

An Ode To Juliet: Ranking All Versions of Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ (So Far)

Even if 15 years have passed, there are more than a hundred reasons to fall in love with this song...

When it comes to a song that defines Houkago Princesses legacy, the only track that comes to mind has to be Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~.

Performed since the groups debut, Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ is a song that has become synonymous not only with the group, but the underground idol scene as a whole. For many this is a sacred song, one that paints a picture of the perfect orthodox idol sound, and it is a song that has continued to define Houkago Princess and their journey for entirety of their 15 year story.

It is their anthem, so much so that there are currently right versions of the song in existence. From the beginning until now, each version of Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ that has been recorded defines a key moment in the groups history, from line-up changes to milestones and turning points throughout their journey.

From 2011 until now, it's time to look back at every version of Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ as we celebrate Houkago Princesses anniversary! There are 100 reasons to love this song in all forms, but which version will be crowned the reigning champion?

It's time to fall into Juliet's world and find out!

A Beginners Song Guide To Houkago Princess (According to Kelly)

With 15 years of history and almost 70 songs under their belt, it begs the question where someone might start when it comes to HouPri's music...

Getting into an already-established group can seem a little daunting at first, especially when there is already a vast catalogue of songs that older fans know and love. Which song gets performed most at live events? What is their signature song? Is there a track that sends the fans into a frenzy the moment it begins? Most of all, where does one even start when it comes to a group with more than a decades worth of history?

That's where a post like this comes in. Inspired by a mutuals post on social media (as well as lists made in past), I have created for you all a Beginners Song Guide to Houkago Princess, all in a bid to introduce you to some of their most popular and recognisable songs that they have released in their 15 year history.

Listed in no particular order, this post is here to simply introduce you to some of Houkago Princesses music so that you can see just how incredible they are. Whether it is cool or cute, energetic or mesmerising, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to HouPri's incredible discography!

The question is, which song will be crowned your favourite? It's time to fall into Houkago Princesses world of music and find out...

Flying Toward The Flame of First Love: 'Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi' Single Review

After turning back the clock to review Houkago Princesses debut single, it only feels right to fly back to the present and see how far they have come...

Summer during our youth is a time filled with joy and precious memories that we cling to even as we grow in age. Time spent on the beach as you run from the waves and write your name in the sand springs to mind, or perhaps a summer fair where the sky is filled with stars as the sticky smell of candyfloss and sizzling burgers fills the air. Recollections of moonlit walks through the village on a warm night and, of course, those fleeting glances shared between you and your first love.

It is this very image that is conjured in Houkago Princesses latest release. An upbeat summer tune, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi marks the first summer release for the current line-up, as well as the single debut for both Takada Momo and Suzuki Rin.

Now it is time to fly into the first release 2026 as we continue to celebrate my beloved HouPri's 15th Anniversary. Whether it's in the past or the present, let's continue to appreciate the music Houkago Princess have given us.

Are you ready to fly into the flame and fall in love with them all over again?

Turning Back The Clock: Houkago Princess ~Oshiete Kudasai~ Single Review (15th Anniversary Rewind Review)

And so the return to blogging begins...

Debuting back in August of 2011, Houkago Princess began as a small-time dress-up idol group who regularly performed at Ikebukuro WHITEBASE before eventually transforming into the seasoned princesses we see today. With a rich history and an ever-growing discography of songs, 2026 marks the groups 15th anniversary since their stage debut all those years ago, as well as the beginning of my love for one of my favourite idol groups of all time.

So, in a bid to celebrate my beloved HouPri for the 15 years they have been a part of the idol world, I will be returning to Okay! Musume Time to dedicate my time and words to all things Houkago Princess for their 15th anniversary. It is here where my love for Houkago Princess began, after all.

With 15 years' worth of history to share, I want to show you all the love I hold for this incredible group. My only hope is that you will join me in this celebration. Whether you are new to their music or have heard it all before, I hope you can all enjoy this series of dedicated posts I share my love and adoration for Houkago Princess and their legacy.

Are you ready to be enchanted? If so, it's time to turn back the clock and go back to the where it all began....