The Mystery of Houkago Princesses 'Shakunetsu no Mystery Eye' and Its Underwhelming Music Video (Pic Spam Review)

*Please note that this music video review is made up of my opinions, and my opinions alone (unless stated otherwise). Feel free to disagree with me, I am open to discussion over this music video and all that it shows, but please respect all thoughts and opinions given. I am not saying I am right, but please do respect that tastes differ, and what I enjoy may be something you dislike, or what I dislike may be what you enjoy. Thank you for your understanding.

In which Chiima laments over Houkago Princess being transported to a computer generated Egypt...

With just a week before the physical release comes out in stores, Houkago Princess saw fit to finally unveil their much-anticipated music video for the first track, Shakunetsu no Mystery Eye, a song with a heated summer dance sound that fans have been enjoying around the world.

But will the music video have the same effect, or will it fall flatter than a drunk tripping up a curb?

This is what we will be finding out today my dear readers, because in a miraculous twist of fate I have manged to pic spam the crap out of this music video just days after its release! This is also my first music video review / pic spam of 2020, as well as one of my first informal reviews in a while, so it's serving as a nice change of pace from everything else I have been doing lately. And hey, what a PV to come back to in regards to pic spams and informal posts, because damn, I couldn't have been formal with Shakunetsu no Mystery Eye even if I tried.

I won't get into the details right now - that's the end of this reviews job, and damn... I kinda went off a bit. You'll see, trust me - but I can't say that I'm mad, because whilst this video is everything that I would have never wanted this MV to be, I have had a lot of fun watching and taking the piss out of it. It's a goldmine of what the heck, and though some may enjoy it, there will definitely be plenty who hate it. Me? Well, I'll leave my thoughts to the end of the post.

So, without further ado, I present my latest PV review, along with a whole lot of nonsense to follow once the pics are over and done with. I hope you all enjoy, and I look forward to the formalities of my single reviews unravel dramatically with, well... this.

Are you ready to travel to Egypt and meet the Queen of the Desert herself, or would you rather fly far, far away from the dusty sand dunes? Let's fine out and read on.

Abracadabra, Love Me More! Hear The Desert Maiden's Spell in 'Abracadab Luv!'

With November's end upon us, it's time to clear up with a few final posts for the month, just before the onslaught of December hits. It will be a busy month this year, with very few opportunities to post anything but Graduation Appreciations, Christmas themed reviews and my Year End selections.

And if y'all didn't know this was coming, then you don't know me well enough, because THIS IS HOUPRI, BITCHES >8U

Bibbidy-Bobbity-Blimmin'-BOO!

With HouPri's quiet departure from Universal Music Japan - no promotion since July '17, the change in their 'uniforms' for day performances, Cute Black Ltd's. closure, as well as the fact the group has released the full music video on their channel, the first in two or so years - the Princess themed unit continue their story-book quest in Abrakatab Luv!, which begins a brand new chapter in their own story, as well as creating a refreshing new theme for one of the worlds most beloved stories.

Inspired by the One Thousand and One Nights collection (also known as The Arabian Nights), the members of Houkago Princess transform into a beautiful Arabian princess, most likely inspired by both Disney's Princess Jasmine and Scheherazade, the story teller from One Thousand and One Nights who tells her husband a story each night in order to prolong her life. Here, the members express the tale of a beautiful desert Princess through rich, emotional song and choreography, with the hopes that they will cast a spell on you all.

Now, when the information for the song was originally released, I mistakenly claimed this to be all about the tale of Aladdin. I don't think it actually is; Abrakatab Luv! seems to be linked more to One Thousand and One Nights, though it could easily be a mixture of both the story collection and Aladdin. I have yet to read the lyrics, so, I can't determine what it's about yet, but for now, I'm saying it's more likely the group is depicting the character of Scheherazade, with Jasmine's look thrown in there for good measure. Of course, I could be completely wrong, because it's me; I get everything wrong.

It's also the best explanation for why there are a lack of flying carpets and jinni's. I am sticking to it >o>

And now it's time to enter a whole new world of glittering jewels, floating veils and chai tea. In their latest adventure, Houkago Princess tackle one of the most beloved story collections of all time, and embody the Princess who told beautiful tales for 1001 nights. Are you ready to be enchanted by HouPri's spell?

The Queens are Born! Houkago Princess Release 'Junpaku Antoinette's' Short MV and Covers!

On February 1st 2016, Houkago Princess released the short Music Video for their second singles title song, Junpaku Antoinette!

And to say that this was a highly anticipated release for the fans of the HouPri Kingdom is certainly an understatement!

A new story is about to begin...

A song that celebrates Odagiri Nana's up-coming 26th Birthday (February 18th, 2016) as well as Japan's White Day (March 14th), Junpaku Antoinette is said to be a song full of beautiful grace and yearning that is pure and enchanting.

Themed around the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette, Houkago Princess take their first step into becoming Queens for this beautiful Music Video whilst indulging in the popular confectionery macarons, and singing amidst scattered rose petals.

We also see the return of the story book here, of which was present in Seifuku Cinderella, and are royally transported into a world of beauty and grace that we have yet to see from Houkago Princess, one which I am ready to fall into and indulge in forever more.

I am already in love with this Music video. Honestly, just looking at its preview, I can already see that this is going to be one of the best directed Music Videos from the group since... well, since any of their latest Music Videos, because yeah, HouPri are always improving one way or another, whether its in their choreography, or how their videos look.

 And hey, it seems the terrible lighting situation is gone from Kiete, Shirayukihime, as well as the use of a terrible border... hooray for all!

But really, this is such a pretty Music Video, and the song! It's so sweet and sounds just like a chocolate bar commercial, In some ways, it reminds me of Endless Sky, except it has better vocals and feels that little bit more romanticised. I like that about it, and yeah, hearing this song makes me happy... especially knowing that, dang, Nana sounds really freakin' good! I didn't think that would happen any time soon!

 Also, I am looooving how they went from cute (Seifuku Cinderella) to cool (Kiete, Shirayukihime) to Romantic (Junpaku Antoinette). Their diversity in sound makes me so happy, and their consistency with this Princess / Royal theme makes me even giddier!

By the way, have you guys seen these covers yet? They're so regal and poised!

(Left: Regular Edition  |  Right: Limited DVD)

(Left: Odagiri Nana Solo ver.  |  Right: Miyashita Mayuka Solo ver.)

(Left: Yamaguchi Miran Solo ver.  |  Right: Ayase Miho Solo ver.)

(Left: Kizuki Saori Solo ver.  |  Right: Maika Solo ver.)

(Left: Sirosaki Himari Solo ver.  |  Right: Saho Michishige Solo ver.)

These honestly have to be their best costumes yet, they're so fluffy! I mean, I know they use the same kind of style from their previous two costumes, but I do enjoy seeing what the designers will come up with in the end, and honestly? These happen to by my favourite costumes since the Sailor Moon-esque ones used in Smile x3 ~Egao Zutto Saita mama de~. They are just so gorgeous and fluttery, and they don't look cheap! Score!

Also, I absolutely adore these covers! I felt that the Kiete, Shirayukihime covers seemed a bit doll like and lifeless, but these ones are definitely a step up and feel a lot more real and gentle. Plus, that backdrop! DANG!

 Flowers are becoming a somewhat significant theme in their covers as of late though, huh?

Really though, this PV, the costumes, the song... they make me feel so excited and happy, and I can't wait to see the full version when I can eventually get my hands on it! It's pretty, the video is one of their best, and I think that vocals wise, this is superb for HouPri. They keep stepping up their game, and I am forever left impressed. Seriously, this group... they make me so happy.

On a more somber note, Junpaku Antoinette happens to be the final single for 3rd generation member Ayase Miho, who will be leaving this coming March in order to pursue other things in life outside of the entertainment field. I'm sad, considering she is my Top member of HouPri currently, as well as my favourite Idol from all of 2015, however I know that Graduations happen, and this is meant to be.

 I still love her, and I will miss her, but I know she will have to leave and move on no matter what, and so I will also have to move on, no matter what. I will never forget the happiness she and delight she has brought me.

And rounding that up, the b-side for Junpaku Antoinette was recently revealed to be titled Sakura saku, a song that is about graduation. Sakura Saku will be Houkago Princesses second Graduation themed song after Sotsugyoushiki, released back in 2013. Members have stated that during recordings and performances, they cried many tears through the beauty and sadness of the lyrics.

 And yes, if it's that beautiful, I may cry too... because I will forever know this as Mihotan's final song, her Graduation piece. I pray she gets a solo line in it, at least!

A second story is about to begin, and Houkago Princess want to take you along with them! Will you indulge and fall into this beautiful world of Royalty and enchantment?

Junpaku Antoinette is set to be released on February 17th 2016, and your royal invitation has been delivered! Let's partake in all the sweets and delight HouPri are sure to deliver!

Until next time! Please stay happy, healthy, and always love your Idols!

Much Love,

Chiima~

Grab your own copy of Junpaku Antoinette (Regular Edition) today, and support HouPri, too! You know you wanna! ;) <3