Houkago Princess: 2012
In January 2012, it was announced that Houkago Princess would release their second single, Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ to the public. The single was officially released on February 29th in two versions; Type A and Type B, with both versions containing the track Daisuki, as well as a third track that was different to the other depending on what version was purchased.
Juliet ~Kimi wo Suki na 100 no Riyuu~ was the only single to be publicly released in 2012, however quickly became the groups most popular song to sing, as well as their image theme.
As of late 2012, the single is no longer available for purchase, and has ceased production.
On May 6th it was announced that 1st generation members Yumeka, Kishitani Yuuki and Mirashita Mayuka would all graduate from the group in order to pursue other things. Yumeka cited that her reason behind the decision was due to health problems, whilst Mayuka revealed that she wished to instead pursue a career in fashion modelling. Yuuki, whose own reasons for graduating were vague, later went on to form and lead the Idol group DREAM FACTORY, before she eventually released her debut gravure DVD in 2013. As of the same year, Yuuki has taken a hiatus from the entertainment industry.
At the same time, Odagiri Nana had also announced her graduation from the group, however on May 20th she withdrew the decision to graduate and stayed with the group.
Houkago Princess went on to introduce their 3rd generation of Candidates on June 2nd, which would become their largest generation to date with seven members. Sakuragi Nene, Yamaguchi Miran, Shiraishi Rika, Ayase Miho, Shiroboshi Chiaki, Momose Fuuka and Asakura Megumi brought the groups total to 12 members, all aiming towards a Regular member status within the group.
Just a month later, Sakuragi Nene became the first 3rd generation member to claim a Regular member spot, as well as becoming a center for the groups next single.
On August 17th, Chiba Sakino announced through her blog that she would be leaving Houkago Princess in September that year. However after much debate and through listening to both her fans and the other members, Sakino decided to withdraw the decision to graduate, however she would give herself time to think about whether or not she would leave Houkago Princess.
On October 7th, Houkago Princess released their 3rd single, Kojiki Shika!, which was only available for purchase at the venues they performed at for a short period of time.
On October 13th, it was revealed that Shiroboshi Chiaki had been Dismissed from Houkago Princess after it had come to light that she was contacting fans personally, and possibly meeting up with them outside of work hours. Because of this, Chiaki's contract was immediately terminated.
On December 2nd, Houkago Princess released their fourth single, Housobu Please, which was restricted to being sold at venues only. On the same day, both Kizuki Saori and Matsumoto Ria were introduced as the groups new 4th generation Cadets.
On December 21st, Houkago Princess handed out their Christmas song Uchuu Ichi no Christmas (2012-2013 ver.) free to those who attended their performance that day, as a special gift to the fans.