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)

Say Hello, Say Goodbye; Classmates Come and Go for Houpriyusu

Yoohoo, I am back~ A day after coming home from Hong Kong, and I am ready for some updates! And giv en that the world of HouPri has a few to talk about... well, we're going to talk about them! So, let's get updated, shall we? :D

These will go in chronological order, just for the ease of things! Let's get crackin'!

On February 7th 2016, staff revealed that Houpriyusu members Nagasawa Marina, Kamiya Airi, Sekine Sasara and Izumi Sakura would all leave the group and pursue different things. Both Marina and Sasara were revealed to begin a unit together after parting ways with Houpriyusu.

Kamiya Airi, who was originally supposed to be a part of the new unit with both Marina and Sasara, later declined it and chose to instead graduate.

Izumi Sakura also chose to graduate in order to pursue solo activities within the entertainment industry.

On March 9th 2016, Houpriyusu introduced their latest member, Makihara Yuyu (牧原ゆゆ). 19 years old and 153cm in height, Yuyu is a (possibly former) cosplay model who has previously cosplayed as Nico from Love Live! and Hashimoto Kanna from Rev. from DVL. She looks up to Nagasaw Marina of Houpriyusu the most.

There is not a lot else about Yuyu for now, however here are a few pictures of this cutie doing her cosplay thang~ Enjoy!

Next up;

On March 20th 2016, Kamiya Airi of Houpriyusu (Houpri Youth) graduated from the group. Though her original intention was to join both Marina and Sasara in a new unit outside of Houpriyusu, it was later revealed on March 19th that she had instead chosen to simply decline becoming a part of it, and to graduate Houpriyusu altogether.

Her reasons for declining a position within the new unit was because, compared to others, Airi felt that she was being half-hearted in her pursuit as an Idol, and that her interest in this career has waned for her since she first began last year. She felt this would be rude to the staff and other members if she could not put all of her effort in, and so, she chose to just graduate instead of pursuing a new unit.

(This is a real rough translation, just so you know. Google translate is not the most reliable, so take all of this with a grain of salt XD)

She apologiesed to her fans for betraying their expectations with this new unit, and thanked everyone for liking the clumsy girl that she is and for supporting her. She is thankful for what she has learned, and for all the experiences she has gained as a member of Houpriyusu.

Airi's blog will cease to update, whilst her Twitter profile will be deleted within a month.

On March 20th, Izumi Sakura of Houpriyusu also graduated from the group in order to pursue other activities within the entertainment industry. Whilst the activities she hopes to pursue are yet to be made clear, it can be assumed that she will head into the gravure career as Marina has done.

The DVD cover for her up-coming debut DVD was also released on March 24th, just so ya know~

Also on March 20th;

A signifigant announcement was made during Houpriyusu's performance by both Odagiri Nana and Yamaguchi Miran, who revealed that Kojima Mayumi had been promoted from an Apprentice to a Cadet! She is the first of the Houpriyusu group to be promoted.

Now after being promoted, Mayumi states that her goal is to receive a crown as a part of the Regular lineup.

.｡.:*☆*:.｡.☆.｡.:*☆*:.｡.

Regarding Mihotan's graduation, I will write a separate post for that. For now, though, I hope that these few updates regarding HouPri have sated you all, if this is what interests you! For now though, I will leave you be, and also wish you all a wonderful day!

Until I see you next, please do take care, live life to the fullest, stay happy and, of course, LOVE THEM IDOLS!!! <3

Much Love,

Chiima~

The Princess Will Have Her Coronation! Michishige Saho to Become A Regular Member of HouPri!

... This is a lot later than it should be!

On the 9th of August during the Houkago Princess 4th Anniversary Live and their Major Debut Commemorative performance, it was announced that Michishige Saho of the Cadets would finally be awarded her desired promotion to that of a Regular member!

Congratulations, Sahochi!

The announcement had been made during the groups encore, which had been going normally until suddenly, The Imperial March (the theme song for Darth Vadar) began playing, only to send the members of HouPri into a panic at the sound of the unexpected tune. An envelope was then passed to Student Council President, Odagiri Nana, who made the surprising announcement and happy news that the Japanese History Chairman, Michishige Saho, would finally become a Regular member after almost two years since she had joined!

Upon hearing the announcement all of the members rushed towards Sahochi and congratulated the tearful member. Through these tears, Saho thanked the members and fans:

"It is a blessing from both the members and the fans. I had many things that I could not reach, things that meant I could not be promoted to the Regular lineup so easily. But today, it will be nice to come to a new start. Though I am still learning, I will now move forward as you look over me, and work even harder. Thank you." - Michishige Saho, August 9th 2015 (rough translation, original article here)

It was also announced that Saho will hold her Coronation on August 20th, making her promotion official and crowning her as a Princess withing Houkago Princess and leaving her days as a Cadet behind.

Okay, firstly, I am so freakin' HAPPY that Sahochi is finally getting her chance to become a Regular member of the HouPri lineup. Ever since she joined, I have waited for this day. Ever since both Maika and Himari joined, and even after both of them were promoted at a quicker rate than Sahochi, I have hoped and prayed for the day that Sahochi would become a full member of the group, that she would be able to dance in the front with everyone and be given duet lines or more. As nearly two years have passed since Sahochi joined HouPri, I wished for her to become a Regular member, only to find out she was still a Cadet whenever it seemed like it would be announced that she could be promoted.
 For a long time, I've felt disappointed that Sahochi was never given this chance, and even now after it's announced, I feel like this could have been done so much sooner, because she has always been a wonderful, dedicated member.

Hearing this news made me cry - as any happy news with HouPri does, really - and I was overwhelmed and thankful, because this is what many fans have been waiting for. It bothered me a lot, knowing that Sahochi was the first of the 6th generation to be added, and the last of them to actually get promoted, especially when Maika was promoted a lot more quickly than the average Cadet or Apprentice. I know, Maika deserves it, cause Maika is fantastic, but on so many occasions Sahochi showed her dedication to HouPri... I mean, the one big break she took was to finish her University exams, and that was the only time I can recall. Other members had breaks to just focus on school, but Sahochi? She studied, and went to performances. She worked hard, so for me, I feel that she does indeed deserve the Regular member title; she just deserved it way earlier than this.

Huh, you know? Now I get why fans of the H!P Kneshuusei get pissed off with some girls waiting to debut for so long. I really get it!

Okay, so I'm whinging a bit. I'll quiet that down... for now.

Sahochi is wonderful, and she has truly grown since joining Houkago Princess back in 2013, and I am glad that she's stuck around this long and finally become the Regular member she so desired to be. Even though she watched her fellow 6th generation members get promoted before her, even though she feels like she had many things she could not reach, I still think she is one of the greatest members of Houkago Princess. Now, I hope to see her blossom as a performer.

I am happy for Sahochi, and she deserves to shine after so long! On her Coronation day, I hope that she gets her chance to show everyone what she is truly made of as a Regular member!

Michishige Saho of Houkago Princess, congratulations on your promotion and up-coming Coronation! May you steal the hearts of the fans, and show everyone just how great you are!



Seifuku Cinderella, Houkago Princesses Major Debut mini-album, will be released this August 19th! Be sure to check out the MV, and potentially buy it, too!

Much Love,
Chiima~

For Her US Debut, Please Aid Tomimoto Airu in Coming to Idol Matsuri!

Idol Matsuri, the first Japanese Idol convention based in the United States of America, will be hosting its second year of Idol love in Seattle this coming August, and already the acts are being prepped and announced for those attending. With Chii Sakurabi, Beri! New Day, Berri~Team! and Pete Ellison already announced for the up-coming event, and more to be revealed, there is one act that hopes to make her US debut, but is in need of a bit of help...

Images from Tomimoto Airu's Official Ambelo Blog
All rights belong to that of Tomimoto Airu and her Management

Tomomito Airu, 10 years old and a part of the Actors School Hokkaido, is a children's fashion model as well as a regular performer of live concerts and fashion events in both Sapporo and Tokyo. As of now, Airu is an active soloist who performs various cover songs from other Idol groups and singers, and is continuously growing her fanbase in Japan, and now, she wants to begin her international career in the USA!

Though she's young and still in her early stages of being an Idol, it's obvious that already Airu has the determination and drive some older Idols may lack, as well as holding a broader insight to a potential and prospective new fanbase. Certainly, she is stretching her limit to the sky and beyond, but without the help of the fans and those possibly attending Idol Matsuri this year, Airu can't make her desired US debut a reality this year.

(be sure to switch on the captions for English subtitles!!!)

With any live performance from any artist or group overseas and out of the way, it of course costs money to not only fly them over, but to also host and provide for them as guests of honor at events such as conventions like Idol Matsuri. So in order to try and help Airu to get to the US and make her live debut, Idol Matsuri have set up their Indiegogo Fundraiser Campaign to aid Airu in her mission! With the help of the fans, no matter if it's big or small, hopefully the contributions will allow Idol Matsuri to hold Airu's international debut!

Tomimoto Airu's Indiegogo Campaign (Link)

By contributing to the campaign, you will be awarded a variety of perks depending on how much you choose to offer, ranging from digital photo's of Airu's performance, to a personalised video message from Airu herself.

Without the help of everyone, however, Airu's American debut cannot be, so if you are going to Idol Matsuri, want to help out just a little, or even have something to spare, please consider Airu and think of the debut she could have if everyone comes together and makes a dream come true!

If you want to help out with Idol Matsuri in other ways, you can also enter the Mascot Contest for Idol Matsuri 2015, which closes on July 14th, 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time. You can also book for panels, workshops or attend as an Artist to help out and contribute, too! And if you are thinking of registering, but have not yet done so and want to, then be sure to sign up before it's too late, as spaces are limited!

Mascot Contest (Link)
Panels, Workshops & Contests (Link)
Artist & Vendor Registration (Link)
Attendee Registration (Link)

Idol Matsuri is still only in its early stages, and are striving to improve and strengthen as a convention, and aim to spread the joy of Japanese Idols all around America. Though they are only in their second stage, Idol Matsuri has big plans for the future, and hopes to grow and bring great Japanese and American talent to its stage, as well as to entertain the fans as well! If you can help, then please do what you can, and continue to support Idol Matsuri as it heads into its second year, its third and beyond!

Please help out if and when you can, and until next time, I hope to see you all soon! Please take care, and stay happy and loving!

Much Love,
Chiima~

Source(s) and Links:

Airu's Official Ameblo Blog
Airu's Artist Profile (Recochoku)
Airu's Official Youtube
Airu's Indiegogo Campaign

Idol Matsuri Official Website
Idol Matsuri Twitter
Idol Matsuri Facebook
Idol Matsuri Youtube

Other Promotional Posts:

This Is Your Wake Up Call!
Selective Hearing