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...

𓆩:*¨༺✧ A Beginners Song Guide To Houkago Princess ✧༻¨*:𓆪

Jasmine ~Kimi no Kokoro ga Shinjiru Mama ni~ (2020)
(From the single Abrakatab Luv! (2017) / album My Princess II)

One of my favourite Houkago Princess songs of all time, Jasmine ~Kimi no Kokoro ga Shinjiru Mama ni~ has become a staple song during live performances with the current line-up especially, though it's popularity has been soaring since the track first came out. Originally released in 2017 as a b-side track for Abrakatab Luv! and sung by Team Miracle and HouPri Youth, the song was eventually re-released in 2020 on the My Princess II album with the main Houkago Princess line-up.

Personally, my favourite version of this track is the original. It is far superior (in my opinion) thanks to how cute and hopeful it sounds, plus the instrumental feels fuller and more energetic. With that said, the studio version is sadly unavailable to listen to on either YouTube or Spotify, so I have included the 2020 version instead, which focuses more on the vocals as opposed to the magic of the song itself. It is still a good version, however it is not the version that made me fall in love with it, nor is it the version performed at live events.

This is such a cute, positive and upbeat song, and I love that over the years it has become more present during live performances. No matter how many times I hear it, I fall in love with the song all over again. It is one of my favourites for a reason, and I hope you all enjoy it, too!

Mukai Kaze o Tsukinukete (2021)
(From the single Psyllium no Shoumei / album My Princess III (2022))

A core song for the current generation of Houkago Princess, Mukai Kaze o Tsukinukete is a song that celebrates the end of an era and new beginnings. Connecting both the graduating members and a new line-up at the time of its release, this is a pivotal song in HouPri's history thanks to how its lyrics thread together the feelings of the unknown for every member present, and how each of them is running toward something new, be it their impending graduation or starting out on their idol journey.

In 2022, this song became Houkago Princesses anthem for the new line-up of the time. Since then, it continues to be performed regularly, and I have since considered it a core song within the groups history. Insanely positive and incredibly catchy, Mukai Kaze o Tsukinukete is hard to dislike and so fun to watch when performed live. It's a brilliant song, one that feels positive and bright thanks to how it celebrates both the graduating members, as well as the members taking over the baton as the next generation of Houkago Princess.

Princess no Teigi (2019)

(From the single Shin Jidai Princess / Princess no Teigi)

Since its release, Princess no Teigi has become an iconic and recognisable song within Houkago Princesses live performance history. The first song to be released in the Reiwa era, as well as the first song to not feature a first generation member of the group, Princess no Teigi is an uplifting song that invites the listener to become a princess, too.

There is something insanely addictive about Princess no Teigi. When performed live, it creates a wave of excitement with both the members and the fans, and it honestly looks so fun to sing! The choreography is one of my favourites from the group, and while the song is insanely cute and high in energy, there's also an uplifting quality to it. No matter what, I always feel so much happier and a lot more positive after listening to it.

It's more than a cute song. This is the kind of song that puts you in a good mood and makes your day a lot brighter. Whether you hear it live or listen to the single recording, Princess no Teigi will undoubtedly make you smile!

Kojiki Shika! (2014 ver.)
(From the single Kojiki Shika! (2012) and Manatsu no Yoru no Yume (2014), the album Indies Best ~Memories~ (2017) and the album ~10th Anniversary~ Princess Assemble (2021))

Originally released in 2012 for a limited time in venues only and then re-released back in 2014, Kojiki Shika! quickly became one of HouPri's core songs at live shows thanks to its energetic, catchy, cool-meets-cute sound that fans immediately want to immerse themselves in. Filled with chants and memorable, easy to follow lyrics, this is the song that will immediately send the crowd into a frenzy at a live show from the moment it begins.

Kojiki Shika! is a lot of fun. It's a high-energy crowd pleaser that aims to include the crowd, be it vocally or physically, such as running around in a circle while the members chant and sing alongside you on stage. It's the kind of song that allows both fans and idols to become one whenever it's performed, and I cannot help but consider this to be the quintessential HouPri track that showcases the bond between an idol and their fans.

This song has been incredibly popular since day one, and every time I hear it I understand a little more why it is so beloved. It's fun, yes, but it also brings everyone together. It's a song that showcases the strength of HouPri's bond with their fans, as well as the strength of a fans love for their idols. It's amazing, and I hope that you can all experience the energy and joy this track brings to both the fans and Houkago Princess.

Kiete, Shirayukihime (2015)
(From the single Kiete, Shirayukihime and the album My Princess (2017))

The first single to be released since making their major debut, Kiete, Shirayukihime is a song told from the perspective of the Evil Queen as opposed to the titular princess of the story, Snow White. Dark, enticing and undeniably cool, Kiete, Shirayukihime shifted many peoples perspective of Houkago Princess after hearing this track for the first time thanks to how refreshing and unique it sounded against their previous release, Seifuku Cinderella.

If I am to ever introduce new fans to the group, I always include Kiete, Shirayukihime in the list to showcase the groups diversity in sound and style. It's one of their greatest songs in my opinion, even if it's not my favourite, and it never fails to both surprise and intrigue people whenever they hear it for the first time. Honestly, it surprised me when I first heard it, too; after all, Houkago Princess had never recorded something written from the villain's perspective before this. It's such a unique and fun take on the tale of Snow White, and I think it's this song that allowed Houkago Princess to stand out from the crowd with its release.

Personally speaking, this is not my favourite track of theirs, however I do think that it is one of their best. It's amazing and worth your time, so give it a listen!

Atsu wa Natsui! (2013)
(From the single Samu wa Fuyui!)

If you are looking for yet another iconic song that always heats up the stage, then look no further than Atsu wa Natsui!, an energy-driven summer song that is performed throughout the year. Released back in 2013, first as a digital single and then as a double A-side alongside Uchuu Ichi no Christmas (2013-2014 ver.), this song is a true crowd pleaser that all fans respond to with unmatched passion and spirit.

I think that of all songs released thus far, Atsu wa Natsui! is probably Houkago Princesses second most recognisable song. No matter what, it feels like I am always seeing this song being performed on at least one set list during a week of live shows, though it is certainly more present during the summer time. With its incredible opening, catchy instrumental and bright sound, Atsu wa Natsui! never fails to get the crowd going from the second it starts.

It really isn't a surprise that this is one of HouPri's most recognisable tracks. Atsu wa Natsui! is an amazing song that, without fail, truly sets the tone for a live event regardless of the season you hear it in.

Tonari no Seki no Princess (2017)
(From the album My Princess)

Filled with the nostalgia of Houkago Princesses early music about classroom crushes and school romance, Tonari no Seki no Princess was first introduced on the groups first album, My Princess in 2017. A beautiful, romantic track, Tonari no Seki no Princess has since become a core song for the group during live performances.

There is something quite magical about this song. In a way, it bridges that gap between 'idol' and 'princess' for me, with the lyrics hailing back to HouPri's earlier music, while the instrumental itself feels more magical and sparkling, as if inspired by their princess-like sound that came with their major debut era. It's the kind of song that holds a lot of facets, too; it's powerful at times and then calm in other moments. There is no doubt that it's a gorgeous song, either, one that allows you to feel nostalgic thanks to the vocal delivery of both the past and current members.

Tonari no Seki no Princess, despite coming out at at the end of HouPri's major debut era, is a song that truly defines each generation that came during and after it. For the line-up that came in 2022, this was the song that the members performed quite a lot, so in a way, it became 'their' song; they embodied the lyrics and emotions of the members before them, and they allowed it to become their strength when performing.

It's an incredible song, one that I love to hear whenever it is performed live.

Baka da ne (2021 ver.)
(From the single Manatsu no Yoru no Yume (2014), the album Indies Best ~Memories~ (2017) and the album ~10th Anniversary~ Princess Assemble (2021))

A fan-favourite since its debut, Baka da ne is one of those songs that you simply can't get enough of. Originally released in 2014 on the single Manatsu no Yoru no Yume, the song may sound fun and energetic upon first listen, however the lyrics are dripping in nostalgic regret over losing the person you always loved during your school days.

I have always loved Baka da ne since I first heard it back in 2014 and, despite never reading the lyrics until now, there always seemed to be a sound of melancholy to the members' vocals, especially Maika's. Reading the lyrics now, I can see that this song is incredible in terms of how contrasting it is; the instrumental itself feels youthful and vibrant, and the energy is second to none, however the lyrics come from the perspective of an adult who continues to look back at the past with sadness and regret. I think that's the true strength of it, really; that the instrumental can mimic the joy and spirit of youth while the lyrics reflect the regrets we might have in adulthood over lost love and the youth we let pass us by.

In that way, the song itself feels like something a lot of us can connect to. Regardless of whether you understand the point of the lyrics or not though, Baka da ne is an amazing song. It is one of my favourites for a reason, and I love that it is regularly performed and beloved by all the fans, too. Even if it's been around 12 years since its release to the public, I am thankful that my love for it continues to grow, as does my appreciation for its sound, its lyrics and its meaning.

Seifuku Cinderella (2015)
(From the mini album Seifuku Cinderella, the album My Princess (2017) and the album ~10th Anniversary~ Princess Assemble (2021))

I don't think that this list would be complete without including Seifuku Cinderella, the very song that kick-started the groups Princess era and celebrated their major debut back in 2015. Sparkling, cute and bright, this song feels perfectly fitting for a group that transforms into princesses after 4pm.

It won't come as a surprise to anyone to hear that this song is performed a lot, both before and after 4pm when the group transforms into princesses. It's a song that truly defines their 'Princess' persona perfectly, while also reminding us of the members' hard work as indies idols prior to their major debut and how this kind of miracle just doesn't happen if you're waiting around for it. It's an important song for them, one that always showcases the members' excitement over being idols who were able to make their debut on the stage they always longed to stand on.

This is a beautiful song, one that I love to listen to and see live if and when I can. It's a song filled with the hopes and delight of the members no matter which generation sings it, and it is the very song that brought Houkago Princesses music to a wider audience.

Manatsu no Yoru no Yume (2014)
(From the single Manatsu no Yoru no Yume, the album Indies Best ~Memories~ (2017) and the album My Princess II (2020))

When the music video for Manatsu no Yoru no Yume first dropped, it caught the attention of both the fans and people who didn't know the group. The production quality, sound and Maika's impeccable vocals helped the group to stand out as prior to this, HouPri's leading tracks had mostly been cute, energetic songs that felt quintessentially Idol. So, for many this song became an introduction to how varied Houkago Princesses sound could be, while also showcasing a more mature, cool side to the group fans had not seen before.

For a while, I think Manatsu no Yoru no Yume became a fan-favourite, particularly on the Western side of the Idol fandom. I saw a lot of my mutuals discussing the song, music video and Maika's stunning voice online when it first dropped, and it made me incredibly happy to see so many people enjoying the group I had fallen in love with long before this songs release. Even now, I know there are quite a few fans who still really like this song and consider it one of Houkago Princesses best tracks, and I can't blame them; it's a really distinct song that stood apart from the rest, especially when you put it against HouPri's earlier songs.

Of course, HouPri's discography has since increased and even more songs have been added that sound just as cool and interesting, however Manatsu no Yoru no Yume has a special place in my heart. It catapulted the groups visibility and allowed us to see a new side to them, and if ever anyone asks me to recommend a song from Houkago Princess, this track never fails to be a part of my list of recommendations.

Also, a fun fact: the outfits for Manatsu no Yoru no Yume were originally the live outfits used for the 4th generation member song, Ito4kute BALLOON.

Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato (2016)
(From the single Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato, the album My Princess (2017) and the album ~10th Anniversary~ Princess Assemble (2021))

Considered one of their greatest works of all time, Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato is one of the most iconic songs from HouPri's Princess era of music. Based on the classic Audrey Hepburn movie, Roman Holiday, this song portrays the stifling, grey life of a Princess who longs to have a day of freedom and experience all the colour and joy the world has to offer.

Laced with a quiet melancholy in the lyrics and an instrumental that feels majestic and freeing, Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato is a song that captures the image of Roman Holiday perfectly. It feels fun and energetic up until the bridge, only for the song to transform into something a little more subdued, as if to reflect the princesses return to the castle they had escaped for a just a day. Yet there is still hope there, a quiet energy that reflects the freedom the princess was able to enjoy, and it is this very feeling that allows the song to feel so powerful, I think.

I love this song. I have loved it since its release and have continued to love it years after the fact. For me as a fan, I have long considered this song to be Houkago Princesses (and Ishitani Hikari's) magnum opus, especially for their Princess era. It is simply incredible, with so many layers and so much to understand. Indeed, it is based on a wonderful movie, however the feeling and emotion poured into this song from both the composer and the group adds a new understanding to the movie itself, all while honouring the source material.

Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato is a gorgeous song, one that is beloved by fans and has been recognised by guitarist Marty Friedman for its brilliance. My only hope is that if you are discovering Houkago Princess for the first time, then this is one of the key songs you give a chance, because this is the track that will allow you to fully understand just how amazing Houkago Princesses music can be.

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for how these princesses transform from their civilian clothes to their princess dresses. It is simply spectacular, I promise.

Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ (2022 ver.)
(From the album My Princess III ~Mirai no Kane wo Narase~)

Even if there is no ranking to this list, I do not think any song could compete for the #1 spot when it is up against HouPri's legacy track, Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~.

Iconic is too weak a word to describe this song, because let's be real: Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ is far more than that. It's recognisable and it's present. It is a beloved song not only within the Houkago Princess sphere, but the chika idol scene as a whole. It's classic and cute, and it defines the image of 'Idol' to a T. It is the very song that makes you think of how great idols are and, for me and many others, I dare say, this will probably be considered one of the groups greatest masterpieces of their Indies era of music.

From their debut until now, Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ has prevailed as the most recognisable song by the group. It's their crowning glory in my opinion, so much so that it has been re-released eight different times throughout the course of Houkago Princesses history. It is an incredibly important song, one that continues to define each new generation of Houkago Princess that performs it.

Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ is so special. It's the first song I think of when I think about Houkago Princess, as well as one of the songs I will turn to first when I want something bright and joyous to listen to. It's a fantastic song, one that is so catchy and memorable, and I love it in all forms.

No matter what, Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ will always be on a Beginners Song Guide to HouPri's music. It is the very essence of Houkago Princess, after all, a sound that is so prevalent to their history and image.

If you're going to listen to HouPri, then this is where you should start. I just hope that you all enjoy the true brilliance of this adorable song.

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With almost 70 songs under their belt, this list includes only a small portion of the music that Houkago Princess has to offer fans. Indeed, the list itself is a subjective look into what I consider to be good songs for a beginner, however I do hope that you were able to find a song to enjoy today. Of course there is still so much more to discover from this amazing group, so if you were enticed by something I showed today, why not delve a little deeper and look into their catalogue of songs?

Whether it was a cool, mesmerising track or a cute, catchy tune, I believe that Houkago Princess has something to offer everyone. My only desire is for you all to fall in love with their music as hard as I did.

Is there a song you preferred from this list, or were there any tracks that I did not include that you feel should have been added? And if you are new to Houkago Princess, what did you think about the songs listed here today? Please, let me know.

Until the next post my dear readers, please take care, stay healthy, happy and thriving and continue to enjoy the music.

Much love and joy,
Kelly~