Houkago Princess Selection: The Top 10 Songs New (and Old!) Fans Should Hear!

With 5 years and a variety of songs under their belt, I always wonder just where new listeners can start when it comes to the joy that is Houkago Princess? I mean, the group itself has a rather diverse sound within their discography collection, from cool to cute songs, ballads and energetic pieces fit for crowd participation. Some songs are staples, whilst others are used sparingly, however there is no denying that this group, in their short five year career as Idols, have created some memorable tracks that will appeal to whole host of people, depending on what your tastes are!

So, to celebrate Houkago Princess and their recent Anniversary, I am sharing a small collection of posts introducing fans both old and new to the group, including member introductions and, right now, some samples of what Houkago Princess can do in sound. So, if you have heard these pieces or not, be sure to check them out, and see what you enjoy! Let's go!

Now, I do want to start off by saying that, whilst I feel I have picked a good variety of what this group can do, this list is also completely subjective - I am one person, and I am also a huge fan of this group and their work, so of course it will contain what I think is great. There might be something here that appeals to you, but there may also be nothing in here that you click with; it's just how it is, and I know that my tastes do not match everyone else's.

Regardless, I do hope you enjoy this post, and I do sincerely wish that you find something here to enjoy from Houkago Princesses discography, whether it's one or two songs, or all of them. And, with that said and done, I present to you all the Houkago Princess Selection: The Top 10 Songs New (and Old!) Fans should hear, at least according to Chiima. Let's go!

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~

An Introduction to Houkago Princess: Idols by Day, Royalty by Night (Updated on March 25th, 2020)

*This post was finally updated on April 8th, 2020. 4 years' worth of neglected member information has been included, and I can now go to bed. Please don't envy my annoying sense of dedication towards making this post as correct as possible, nor should you do what I did and ignore updating this for 4 years. Karma's a bitch.

With their 5th Anniversary since their indies debut already passed, as well as my love for them continuously soaring, I thought it wise to (finally) create a post introducing the lovely ladies who make up Houkago Princess, and giving all of you lovely readers some insight into the group, what it's all about, and who the girls themselves are! And, if you're interested, I do hope you further your research, and learn more about the greatness that is Houkago Princess, the Idols who become Royalty once the clock strikes 4pm!

As a side note, written in lovely pink scripture, I have decided that I will only be looking at Houkago Princess: The Regular lineup in this piece. I will take time to create a separate piece for Houpriyusu, its members and its creation, as they are somewhat separate, despite the relation. So, please do bare with me, and enjoy!

Formed back in late 2010 and debuting on the indies scene on August 3rd 2011, Houkago Princess (also known as HouPri) have had their fair share of ups and downs in the great Japanese Entertainment Industry. From departures to scandals, returns and more, this group has lost and found some great girls until, finally, they stand as they are today, a major-label group with a steady lineup, as well as an ever-growing fanbase who love what these girls do.

With 7 indies singles, four commemorative singles, two digital releases, a collaboration, one mini-album and three major singles under their belt, HouPri have been pretty consistent in their releases since their indie days, and have slowly built up a strong foundation from the ground up. Working their way from the bottom, the group started out performing at Ikebukuro WHITEBASE, a small venue that could barely hold all of the girls on the small platform they would sing and dance on in front of a handful of fans. It was not until 2013 that HouPri moved on to bigger venues, namely Ruido K2, Shibuya DUO and Coconuts STAGE, which were more accommodating to the increasing size of the group, who at that point held more than 14 members and feeling more AKB than HouPri at the time in terms of how many members there were.

2013 was also the year that saw HouPri's biggest turnover in its members, with 10 members leaving between the months of March and October. This included the leave of former front girl, Chiba Sakino, who graduated, as well as the dismissal of Noda Hitomi, both popular members of the group. Though the year proved to be rocky for the remaining members, Houkago Princess continued performing and gaining fans with each new release, and each new performance.

In 2015, Houkago Princess made their major debut with Universal Music Japan. This was also the groups 4th anniversary.

In 2016, Teams Twinkle and Miracle were introduced as a means to showcase the various talents of the members. Where Team Twinkle focused on the more skilled members and giving them performances that matched their skill level, Team Miracle would work as a means to further enhance the members abilities and allow the idols to improve. In late 2018, Team Miralce would eventually turn into Team SWEET. It would eventually become defunct with the graduations of multiple Youth and Regular members.

In September 2017, Houkago Princesses contract with Universal Music Japan came to an end, resulting in the group entering their 'second chapter' and a new indies phase. Now under FORZA Records, the group has continued to create music fitting of their Princess status, and are continuing to play around with the idea of what a Princess is.

As of 2019, the group is currently moving towards this idea of being your own kind of Princess, instead of focusing on fictional or historical royalty. Both Shin Jidai Princess / Princess no Teigi and My Princess II are examples of this.

Now under FORZA Records, the group continues to flourish as an indies group that is not attached to a major label. With their 'Princess' theme intact, the group has begun to shift their focus from fairy tales to becoming their own type of Princess who is both strong and beautiful.

And now they are waiting to enchant you, so if you feel intrigued by these Idols who become Princesses once the clock strikes four in the evening, will you take a look at who is who, and find a Princess to take to the ball before the clock rings 12?

[PV Selection] July 2016

With July out of the way now, I think it's about time we ready ourselves for August, and enjoy the rest of the summer and what it has to offer us all! Hopefully your Summer so far has been warm and filled with sunshine, and that you have enjoyed yourselves! And, if you're in winter right now, I hope that it isn't too cold or rainy for you, and that you are enjoying your days as much as us Summer folk are right now!

But if you hate summer, and you're waiting for the winter... well, it'll come to you soon, guys, don't worry! Summer doesn't last forever, at least, not for us Brits! Haha!

No matter what the weather, though, you can be pretty darned certain that our beloved Idols will bring out some entertaining PV's, fitting every season under the sky! And, with this post being my July Selection, you can bet that some of these Music Videos included will contain bikini's, sunshine and beaches, but which ones will they be? We shall have to see, won't we?

As per the usual, the videos shown here are simply the videos I have viewed and enjoyed. I am one person, and my opinion is subjective, so I will not include everything. If there is something you enjoyed that I have missed out on, it's either because I might not have seen it, or because I didn't enjoy it as much as you - sad, but true! If you want to share what you love with me, however, please do let me know, and I will check it out and see for myself!

For now, though, these are my July PV picks, and I have enjoyed them all thoroughly! The question is, will you enjoy them as much as I have done? Watch on, and find out! Start the PV's, hyaaah!

Updates in Blogging! (August 2016)

With so much happening in my Writing x Blogging life right now, I thought that it might be nice to update you all on some of the things I've been working on, both here and everywhere else! So, let's get going, shall we~?

First things first; I've opened up a new blog site, but it's not just for me! Even though I'm the sole (permanent) writer for now, (I do have one contributor, Ami) I aim to make this a blog that will include a multitude of writers, from regulars to sporadic contributors. I want it to become a platform filled with a variety of Japanese music, and not just my divine favourites.

Titled Hashire! Idol Manic, this blog has been a dream of mine for a while now, and slowly, I aim to make it a reality. Hopefully I can keep this up, and hopefully it will become a blog people can go to for reviews and to find something new to listen to. Of course, it's still at the baby steps period right now, and I'm figuring out how to go about writing the posts, however what I have now, I am happy with. Let's just hope it grows into more than its three existing posts, and hopefully, it will gain some new writers along the way!

For the future, I do hope to host both casual and permanent writers, even one-time or sporadic authors who would like to try their hand at Reviews and editorials. If you want to writer, then I would like Hashire! Idol Manic to be one of those places you would want to write for, and to share your views and love for music.

You can find Hashire! Idol Manic HERE, and if you want to have your go at writing, then please get into contact with me, and let me know what you'd like to write and review for! Thank you very much~

Second on the list in my Blogging and Writing life is that, as of July 31st 2016, I am a writer for the Japanese Music Review site, JaME World! My first review is currently a featured piece, which is a review of Hamasaki Yoko's Blue Forest, and wow, do I feel like I've accomplished something! In general, writing for blogs that are not your own is pretty hard, as your style and presentation needs to fit in with what already exists, and you have to cut out a lot in order to keep it looking professional and presentable, however... it's fun. It's a lot of fun, and you feel proud of yourself once it's up and running.

Being a part of a team is great, if you ask me, and it can go on your CV or job applications, if you want it to. Plus, you feel a little professional when you write for these kinds of blogs... it's awesome!

I know that currently I'm tackling 4 blogs, first being Okay! Musume Time, then Selective Hearing, and now my own multi-writer platform as well as JaME, however I want to do this, and I want to try my best writing for these other blogs. I like growing as a writer and improving myself, and switching up my style and tone for each one is pretty fun, too, though it can be stressful. Hopefully I'm not piling too much onto my own plate, because heck, I'm going to have to write a lot now that dissertation is looming for University... but, I'll cross that rickety bridge when I come to it, and see if I can handle the giant work load I've given myself.

Seriously though, I'm pretty damn proud of myself right now, and glad to be a part of an amazing team of writers and editors. JaME is so good, and they have a huge variety of music reviewed there, as well as interviews and news pieces. So, if you get a chance to, take a look at what they have, and support them by reading and enjoying what there is to offer!

My review, Hamasaki Yoko - Blue Forest, is live and ready to be read, and I hope that you enjoy!

*As a side note, for both Hashire! Idol Manic and JaME, I am credited by my birth name, Kelly-Mae, so if you get confused... apologies! xD

Thirdly, in Okay! Musume Time news... HOLY WHACK-A-MOLEY! HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN!? I hit over 1,000 pageviews!?

Okay, so, at the time the screen grab was taken, it wasn't even the end of the day, and by the time my clock changed, the views were at 1,877 for July 31st... which is insane, because my highest page count has been about 900+. Hell, I barely even expect to get over 500 on a good day, and that's because I know I am a tiny blog, and that not a lot of people visit me in general. I fit a niche category, too, so of course my page views wouldn't be that gigantic!

Plus, I'm not Tokyo Girls' Update, Selective Hearing or JaME... my numbers will never be like theirs, and I accept that, but seriously, this is insaaane.

And then August 1st's views wracked up to 1,065. SERIOUSLY, YO!?

AND THEN AUGUST 2ND WAS 1,118!? What. The. HEYLL!?

It's that Nagasawa Marina I-Candy post, isn't it!? I mean... she's pretty damn popular at the minute, so it's gotta be! It already has 2181 page views alone, so... that's gotta be it!

Either way, to those who read on a regular basis, thank you. It makes my day just to know I have readers at all, and I am eternally grateful to those who enjoy what I do and think I'm a decent writer. Doing this makes me happy, and if I can make you smile with what I write and post, then I'm doing something right, and accomplishing my goals! Again: Thank you, everyone.

Also, in terms of up-coming posts, I thought I might share with you my plans for August!

• A small series of Houkago Princess based posts, to celebrate the groups 5th Anniversary!
• My Half-Year favourites for Singles and Albums... a bit late, but better late than never, aye?
• [PV Selection] July 2016... Hopefully. Coming soon, because I actually wrote it, so YAAAAS!!!!

As well as those three (actually, that would make 8 posts all together, because there will be a little more than three with the HouPri posts!), I also aim to write for the other three platforms I am currently contributing to, so looking at August already, I would say the up-coming August month is going to be a busy period for me, writing wise. Plus, I'll be looking for a job, so... busy times ahead, me dears! But hey, I can do it, I'm sure I can! If I didn't have this belief in myself, then I wouldn't be writing, now, would I?

Anyway, I think that should be all for now, at least when it comes to blogging. Lots of exciting things, and lots of work to do, but hey-o, I should be alright, at least for now. SO! Until my next post, please do enjoy yourselves, keep listening to music, and love those Idols with all your heart! I shall see everyone in my next post, so take care!

Much Love and Happiness,

Chiima~

[Music Selection] July 2016

Happy August to you all! Hopefully summer has been treating you well thus far, and that your July went off without a hitch, and that you listened to lots of great Idol Music along the way! For me, I actually didn't listen to that much Idol music, because for 12 days of my July, I was off in Poland with my friend, going around Gliwice, Katowice and Krakow, discovering a few things and trying my hand at saying 'hello' and 'thank you' in Polish! So, yeah, I didn't listen to a lot of music unless I had some down time and did some writing... and even then, it was mostly music from February to June, so nothing new!

So, if this July post feels a bit scarce, I do apologise, but I wasn't going to listen to new J-pop music 24/7 when I was away! Still, I listened to some, and about three singles popped out, so those are the three you're getting, for now xD Sorreh! Maybe a few July songs will pop up in the August post, hm?

ANYWAY, with that all said and done, as per the usual, the idea behind [Music Selection] is to love and share music I have heard from the month before, and other past months, to give you an idea of what I have personally been obsessing over during the month of July, August, and so on so forth. Because this is a personal list, if there are songs that are not on here, do not get offended; it's usually because I have either A) Not heard them, or B) didn't like them, and if I didn't enjoy what you did, well... music is subjective! I can't like everything, my mind does not work that way!

I also have a [PV Selection] post that comes out monthly, as well, however... I might not have one this month, due to the fact I did not watch any videos for July due to panicking, preparation and being away with barely any internet, so... apologies for that! O-O

Aaaaaand with all that said and done... let's look at some music! What did I enjoy in July? Let's find out, whoooo