When The Tiara Falls... Houkago Princesses Michishige Saho Has Been Demoted.

On September 17th 2017, Michishige Saho announced via her official Twitter account that she will be demoted as a member of Houkago Princess, and continue as a Houkago Princess YOUTH member from September 27th, on-wards. Staff have yet to release a statement on the matter, but the decision seems final.

From June 3rd, Michishige Saho had been undergoing a 'Study Period' as a member of Houkago Princess, where she would only attend various events subject to availability. She would attend all Team Miracle events that were planned out, however, her performance as a Regular member was very sporadic, to say the least.

This decision was made by both Saho and staff members to try and maximise her abilities, and to improve herself so that she could keep up with the other Regular members. However, due to what may staff's interpretation of a lack in progress, it has now been decided that Michishige Saho will be demoted, and no longer perform as a Regular member of Houkago Princess.

Her final performance as a Regular member will be on September 26th, which is also the Birthday LIVE for Kojima Mayumi, who will turn 22 years of age. Saho has expressed that it is a good occasion to spend her last live as a Regular member, as it is a stage of celebrations.

At 18 o'clock, New Princesses-In-Training Shall Go To The Ball! HouPri YOUTH Introduce A New Generation!

With the recent withdrawal of both Horii Nina and Tanaka Asami on June 3rd this year, Houkago Princesses little sister unit, HouPri YOUTH, went defunct, thanks to its lack of members. This also meant that, at the time, there would be no new 'successors'coming into the main group, not until new trainees were found, of course.

Actually, it was quite surprising that management hadn't already sourced a few new girls before the withdrawal of Nina and Asami. Then again, it would have probably made the auditions they recently held contain a little less impact. Who knows?

So, it was then announced on June 16th via SHOWROOM LIVE that Houkago Princess would hold auditions, with the winners being announced towards the end of August or early September. Girls between the ages of 15 - 25 could audition to become a potential Princess in the running, and they could apply either on SHOWROOM LIVE, or through private documentation and screenings.

And given the date this is being posted, y'all can guess that a few girls made it! So, what are we waiting for? Let's discover just how many made it through, and who they are! Are ya ready to go on another little HouPri trip down member-lane?

Let's GO!

After receiving well over 1,000 applications for their nation-wide search, Houkago Princess finally introduced the faces of a new YOUTH generation to the public! On August 26th and August 28th respectively, 18 new members were unveiled to the public! August 26th saw the debut of the first twelve members, whilst August 28th introduced the final 6, creating one of Houkago Princesses largest generations yet, right after the 3rd generation (which totaled to 7 new members in the trainee programme).

And with all new members accounted for, Houkago Princess and YOUTH brings the Princess-themed unit to a total of 26 members! Someone, call Aki-P up! HouPri48's a-GO!

SIDE BIT: Does the first 12 members' introduction represent 12 o'clock, the time the magic wears off, and the final 6 members' intro represents the 6 is 16 o'clock, when the members become Princesses? >o> Or am I reading too deeply into this, as per usual?

Jokes aside, it's time we take a look at the new HouPri hopefuls! Who is who, and what will we make of them? Better yet, how long will they stay? It's all speculation at this point, but for now, let's celebrate the arrival of a new generation, and look forward to their developments as Idols!

Let's get those profiles up, and take a look!

New Year, New Members! Princess Training Begins for these Duo Houkago Princess Candidates!

A New Year, new news! It's 2017, and I hope that so far, everyone has been enjoying their time in this new chapter of their lives! Hopefully, for the New Year, you had a fun time, did the count down with your family, and drank a little bit of happiness. Hopefully, you were all safe, too, because I don't want anything happening to y'all. You're my buddies, so please, stay safe, otherwise it's not as fun of a New Year as one would hope.

And now, for the first post of the year! Of course it has to be HouPri, so... let the news commence!

On December 27th, 2016, it was revealed through Cute Black's Twitter that Nozomi Ota and Tanaka Asami of Heart x Strings affiliation would be leaving the group, in order to joined Houkago Princess as Apprentice / Candidate members. From January 1st, 2017, the duo have since been transferred, and are set to make their debut appearance as official HouPri Apprentice members come January 4th!

The two members join Morishita Rina - who has since been bestowed with the member colour, yellow-green - as one of HouPri's latest additions to the unit, as well as Horii Nina, who has been with the group since January 2016. Both have joined the group with aims to eventually debut as Regular members, where they will become full-fledged Princesses, and dress up in beautiful gowns and re-enact stories of old that we all know and love.

Both members have been active within Heart x Strings since its beginnings in Summer 2015, however Nozomi Ota has had a career prior to that, with one interesting resume to boot. Asami is a little less known, however, that matters very little, especially in this world of Idols. Still, it's interesting to find a few things out!

So, in order to get to know these two new Candidates for the HouPri Throne, let's delve into their profiles, and check out just who they are, in order for you to pick out your favourites! Let's go~

A Coronation of Smiles! Houkago Princess Crown A New Class of Royalty!

On September 22nd, Houkago Princess took to the stage at Zepp Diver City in Tokyo, perform two one-man lives titled ~Twinkle~ (day performance) and ~Miracle~ (evening) respectively. It was during these very performances that Nagasawa Marina, Sekine Sasara and Kojima Mayumi held their coronation ceremony, the final step in crowning them as 'princesses' of the Regular Lineup for Houkago Princess.

Throughout the ~Twinkle~ performance, members wore their seifuku uniform, as well as newly debuted sports costumes, whilst in the evening, the members transformed into their Idol and Princess costumes. It was close to the end of the ~Miracle~ performance that the three former Candidate members were crowned, and fully initiated into the Regular Lineup along with the senior members of Houkago Princess.

It was also during the ~Miracle~ performance that the four members of Houpriyusu, Nagasawa Marina, Sekine Sasara, Kojima Mayumi and Horii Nina held their final performance together, before the three latest members were crowned. It was a heartfelt moment for the three new princesses, who were taking their steps forward whilst leaving Horii Nina behind as the sole member of Houpriyusu.

A New Line of Princesses Head for the Throne! Houkago Princesses 7th Generation to Make their Debut! (+ New Single Announcement!)

*This Update Post is not a part of my Houkago Princess series I am currently releasing, however, it couldn't have come at a better time! Well done, significant announcements!

On August 7th 2016, it was revealed during the final performance at Tokyo Idol Festival that the Houkago Princess Cadet members Kojima Mayumi, Nagasawa Marina and Sekine Sasara had all been promoted to the Regular Lineup. Congratulations!!!

Furthermore, the group also made the announcement that their 4th single is currently in the works! It will be released on October 12th, and is said to focus on the character Princess Ann from the film Roman Holiday, which stars Audrey Hepburn.

Regarding my thoughts on the announcement, of course I am indescribably happy with the news, as well as a bit annoyed by it, too. On the very day I publish my post regarding these members' introductions as HouPri Youth girls, they go ahead and get Promoted to the Regular lineup! Pfft! It's super typical, but truly, I am happy with this announcement, especially now that Mayumin will appear in the PV's from here on out!

I am, of course, most excited for Mayumin's debut, because of the Cadets she was my favourite. She radiates happiness, and honestly, she's just too cute! It's very clear that she adores HouPri and the senior members, and that performing brings her the utmost joy. Every time I see her in a post or a video, she's just beaming away, proud to be a member of such a wonderful unit. So, to see her debut is my dream come true, basically! She's truly deserving of it after all this hard work she has put in!

With Marichu, though not my favourite of the three, I am really damn glad that this debut is finally happening, because firstly, she's wonderful, and secondly, she's spent near-on two years trying to prove to management that she's got a good work ethic and that she wants this as much as anyone else. And, honestly, it would be a tad stupid of both Cute Black and Universal not to recognise how hard she has worked to get to this point in her career; she's too well known for them to ignore, and she's far too popular for them to let go, too. So, if you ask me, she is extremely worthy of this Regular Member title, if not the most deserving.

Sasara's debut is also one I've been awaiting impatiently, because I know that for her, Disney and Princesses is everything, and since becoming a member of Houpriyusu, this girl has given it her all and dedicated everything to the group with passion. All three of them have, however I think Sasara's undying passion for Disney makes her distinct, in a way. Plus, she has an elegant look to her that is deserving of a Princesses role... she and Maika will do nicely together in scenes, I believe, thanks to their maturity and gorgeous aesthetic!

All three members will have their Coronation on September 22nd, during Houkago Princess one-man Live at Zepp Tokyo.

.｡.:*☆*:.｡.☆.｡.:*☆*:.｡.

Concerning the groups 4th single release, it has been confirmed by various members of Houkago Princess that the up-coming release has been titled 秘密のティアラとジェラート, or Himitsu no Tiara to Gelato (The Secret of the Tiara and Gelato). Based on the 1953 film Roman Holiday, the group will portray leading character Princess Ann, originally played by Silver Screen starlet Audrey Hepburn.

The release date is set for October 12th this year, meaning that it will be delivered on Kizuki Saori's 25th Birthday... maybe that means it will be a Saorin lead? Who knows, at least until further details are revealed, that is.

With the groups 4th single, it will be the first since Manatsu no Yoru no Yume to to include an entirely new generation in two years. Also, with the up-coming graduation of Mayuka, the latest single release be one of the first since the groups major debut to feature a fresh lineup.

Single covers, costumes, the coupling track(s) and music video releases have yet to be revealed, however with only three months to go until it drops in stores, it is a short amount of time to wait. However, with these next three months passing me by, you can be blooming well sure I'll be the most impatient fan of all, because HouPri's singles really could (and should) come sooner.

And, in a final piece of small news, the group will be releasing their second Calendar for the year 2017! On October 29th, it will be released, and include 8 pages. It will be size B2, and you can pre-order via CDJapan.

Hokago Princess [Calendar 2017 (Try-X Ltd.)]

Hokago Princess

All of these wonderful announcements have made my day, and I am honestly ecstatic about the up-coming release, as well as the new lineup! It's been a long time coming, and now it is finally happening!

Congratulations to the new 7th Generation of Houkago Princess, and congratulations to the girls for their up-coming single! I await the release with anticipation and impatience, and will eagerly watch that PV Preview once it hits youtube!

Until the next update, everyone, please take care, love Idols, enjoy the HouPri, and stay happy and Healthy! Mwah!

Much Love,
Chiima~

External Links Regarding the Announcements:

Member Promotion (via Kojima Mayumi)
Member Promotions + New Single (via Michishige Saho)
Member Promotion (via Sekine Sasara)

New Single (via Shirosaki Himari)
New Single (via Kizuki Saori)
New Single (via Kojima Mayumi)

An Introduction to The Houkago Princess Apprentice, Cadet and Youth Programme (Updated on June 29th, 2020)

*As of August 7th, 2016, the day this was posted, Kojima Mayumi, and possibly Nagasawa Marina and Sekine Sasara, were promoted to the Regular Lineup.

*As of May 25th, 2020, this post has finally been updated.

With Houkago Princesses 5th Anniversary happening this very month, as well as the first anniversary of their major debut, I thought it wise to create a small series of posts commemorating this beautiful groups latest accomplishment. Following the Introduction Post for the Regular lineup that makes up Houkago Princess, it is now time to introduce the newest group under the Princess name, HoupriYusu, otherwise known as HouPri Youth. If you would like to know more about this Model Generation, then stay tuned and take some notes!

You can find the Regular Member Profiles HERE, if you have not yet read it!

An integral part to Houkago Princesses system, HouPri Youth was formerly known as the 'Apprentice-Candidate system', and originally acted as a smaller but just as important branch within the main groups system. From 2011 up until 2015, Apprentices and Candidates would perform with members in the back of all performances, typically wear similar costumes - minus a few embellishments and frills - and would even appear in music videos and in songs with the Regular members.

The idea behind the Apprentice to Candidate system was that, in order to prove you were earnest in your plight to becoming an idol, you would do the graft and showcase your skills, or perhaps prove your popularity and capability to the staff members. For some promotion was easy, but for others it could take a year or two to be recognised. Regardless of how long it took, it should be noted that promotion within HouPri's first Indies period was far easier than it is now.

2015 saw a shift in how the trainee system worked for Houkago Princess. With the groups major debut in place, the Apprentice to Candidate system turned into what is now known as HouPri Youth. Introduced on February 18th 2015, Houpriyusu (or, HouPri Youth) became the groups official younger sister unit. Housing Apprentices and Candidates with a desire to become Regular members, HouPri Youth would hold separate performances from the Regular members to improve their skills as singers as dancers, whilst also being given the opportunity to perform as backing dancers and chorus for bigger live shows. There was also the odd opportunity for some Youth members to act as backups for absent Regular members, which would allow any given Youth member to prove their worth.

As it goes, most HouPri Youth members dabble in modelling work of some form, especially bikini gravure.

Since the dynamic changed in early 2015, HouPri Youth members will now have a timeline of a year or more before expecting to be promoted to the Regular lineup. With stricter rules in place and high expectations to match up to, the goal to become a Regular member is a lot farther than it was before. Because of how difficult it is to get to this point, it's common for Youth members to stop their activities at some point, especially if they have been told that they do not meet the standards set by the staff.

As of mid-2019, HouPri Youth is currently a one-idol show. Whether FORZA Records will continue to keep the group going or not is an uncertainty, however the remaining member is working hard alongside her seniors and supporting them as best she can.

In A Nutshell: HouPri Youth has had 3 phases so far. The first being the original Apprentice-Candidate system that had no unique name to define it, the second phase that began in 2015, and the third phase that started with a whole new lineup in 2017. The 3rd phase is slowly pattering out with its remaining member, and it looks unlikely that FORZA Records will continue implementing the Youth system as it currently stands.

With a desire to become Princesses and attain their own tiaras, HouPri Youth are the support that Houkago Princess needs. They may be backing dances and chorus singers, but the hard work and effort they put in will showcase their desire to become the best idols that they can be. So when the clock strikes 4pm, will these girls have a chance to turn into Princesses, or will they turn into Pumpkins instead?

Let's see if they can find the fairy tale ending they have been longing for~

Cadets! Gravure! Graduations and Covers! Updates from the Houkago Kingdom have Arrived!

Though I no longer do my Digests, I do try my best to constantly update on Houkago Princess whenever a bundle of news comes about, and considering I've been busy with essays and University, I have not yet had the time to update you all on the recent events all the way from the Houkago Kingdom!

So, without further ado, I will be updating y'all on what has happened since Ayase Miho, Kamiya Airi and Izumi Sakura's graduations from Houkago Princess and Houpri Youth right here, to keep everyone on track! So, let's dive in and see what our Princesses have given us these past two months in news~

Please jump over the cut to read the rest of the post!