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?
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Price: ¥250~¥255
Versions: 1 (Digital) (Amazon | AWA | iTunes | mora | Spotify)
Price: ¥250~¥255
Versions: 1 (Digital) (Amazon | AWA | iTunes | mora | Spotify)
Track List:
1. Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi
𓆩:*¨༺✧ Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi ✧༻¨*:𓆪
Single Review
Released digitally on July 7th to celebrate Tanabata, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is a song that aims to capture the exhilarating momentum of youth through the eyes of a protagonist experiencing their first love during a summer festival. Bright, energetic and fuelled with the heat of summer, Houkago Princess deliver a fresh, vibrant track that feels incredibly fitting for the current generation.
This is the first summer song the group has released since 2021 and when I first heard it, I was taken aback by how unique it sounded against the groups previous summer tracks. What surprised me even more was that Ishitani Hikaru composed it, not because he doesn't have range—believe me, he does—but because I often fall into the belief that he has a distinct sound that I often link to HouPri and I-GET. So, when he delivers something as distinct as Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi, I often find myself taken aback by how incredibly diverse Ishitani's sound is.
Then again, I really shouldn't be surprised; this is the very composer that gave us Seishun Mermaid and Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato, after all.
What makes Ishitani stand out as a musician is how he can create a song that perfectly fits the current line-up of Houkago Princess. No matter the generation, it's clear that he understands the members' strong points in terms of their vocals, as well as the kind of energy they deliver as a whole. Case in point: Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi.
As a song, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi feels so fitting for the current generation of Houkago Princess. Thanks to its energetic, bubbly sound, you can truly hear everyone shine when they sing. Their personalities stand too, both in the studio recording and live, and from the perspective of a fan, I really appreciate hearing their individuality in this track.
Karin especially stands out here in my opinion; you can really hear her energy and playfulness whenever she sings and, despite already being featured on a handful of tracks since her debut in 2022, I have started to consider Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi as the song where she shines the brightest.
It's as if her confidence has soared in regard to her singing voice, and whenever I watch a video of her performing this track, Karin completely stands out both visually and vocally for me. She is an absolute treat on this release, and I implore you all to listen to and watch it so that you can see just how brilliant Karin is in this song.
Now, that does not mean the other members don't stand out here, because they do; thankfully, every member is given at least two solo's to sing in Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi, allowing us to treasure each members moment when it comes up. For instance, Rin is an absolute delight during both her solos. Her youthful, cheerful voice is so cute and an absolute highlight, especially at the end of the song. You can really hear the joy in her voice when she sings, and I think that the energy of this song suits her so well.
Momo is also a treat here. Thanks to her refined voice, there's a touch of elegance added to Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi whenever Momo sings a solo line in the studio recording, though her energy and personality comes out during the 'sore sore sore sore' portion of the song. When performed live however, Momo is truly wonderful to watch; she's a bundle of energy, and her voice reflects that same energy when she's on stage.
She also sounds absolutely amazing paired together with Yuu. Together, their voices just melt together to create a seamless blend, and I would love to hear a duet from both Yuu and Momo at some point.
Regarding Yuu, I truly think that she shines here, too. Her voice is just so majestic in this track, and each solo leaves me stunned. Of all the members, Yuu's understanding of the lyrics and emotions poured into them are second-to-none. She truly captures the heart and soul of whichever line she is singing, be it a solo or group line. For me as a listener, I believe that Yuu feels the most diverse here when it comes to her vocals, and it is something I have noticed in previous tracks she has appeared on as well as during the live performances I watch online.
I am thankful Yuu was given the solo during the bridge for Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi, because her delivery holds so much emotion and passion, especially when she sings live. In general, I think that Yuu's performance here—both in the studio recording and live—is incredible, and I love that she blends so beautifully with every member she sings with.
And finally, we come to Ami. When it comes to her voice, Ami has one of the most romantic, clear singing voices within the group that creates a great balance against the other members' vocals. Her lines are perhaps the most melancholic within the song, often portraying the struggles of the protagonists feelings, yet when she hits a high note, it feels almost soulful, as if she is taking flight. She sounds simply magical here, both alone and when paired with the other members. Honestly, Ami's voice is gorgeous and I am waiting for the day she releases a solo song.
Image from Houkago Princesses official X account.
Regarding the song in its entirety, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is a bright, energetic track that allows me to feel nothing but joy whenever I listen to it. It's the kind of song that perfectly encapsulates the freedom summer gave me both as a child and a teenager and, as I listen to it now, I find myself reminiscing over the days spent on the beach building sand castles, or times spent hosting water fights in the streets before going home for an ice lolly.
Even now as an adult, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is making me crave a visit to the beach. It makes me want to drink slushies while sitting in the sand before going to play arcade games, or have a go at Dance Dance Revolution. It's a song that feels freeing in the most blissful of ways, and I love that it has taken me back to the memories of simpler days, back when I hardly had a care in the world.
In short, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is a song that brings me happiness and allows me to escape. It is also a song that allows me to appreciate the current generation of Houkago Princess even more than I already do, and that is all thanks to how well the track compliments each and every member. My only hope is that I get to experience this song live one day, because while I do love the studio version, it is the live experience where this song and the members will undoubtedly shine most.
𓆩:*¨༺✧ Conclusion ✧༻¨*:𓆪
As of writing this review, it hasn't been that long since Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi has been released, yet it already feels like a staple within HouPri's discography. Upbeat, cheerful and a perfect summer tune, there is no denying that Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi feels like a breath of fresh air, all while seamlessly fitting in with the groups impressive collection of 60+ songs.
It is a wonderful, expressive song that represents Houkago Princesses current formation beautifully, and I am so happy to see that, despite being so new, Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi has already become an important song to both the group and the fans.
Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is brilliant, and I look forward to the day I can hear it live and witness each member shine on stage as they perform it.
♕♕♕♕♕
As the years have passed us by, the Houkago Princess I once knew has not only changed, but evolved into the group we see today.
For some the release of Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi may not be remarkable, but for me as a fan it is the culmination of 15 years' worth of history. It is a song that shows the brilliance of the current line-up and how the group has grown throughout the years, regardless of how much has changed and the challenges they have faced along the way.
Tonde Hi ni Iru Natsu no Koi is the beginning of Houkago Princesses next chapter. I wonder what kind of story will unravel as the members walk towards their 15th anniversary?
I'm excited to see where their story takes us next~
Until next time, everyone. Please take care, stay happy and healthy, and love all that is Idol.
Much love and joy,
Kelly~
Kelly~
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