The beloved anime franchise, Precure, is set to take the stage anew with its upcoming series, 'You and Idol Pretty Cure,' which is poised to debut on February 2, 2025, at 8:30 AM on ABC TV and the TV-Asahi network. This marks the 22nd installment of the franchise, bringing fresh themes and vibrant characters to fans old and new alike.
The storyline centers around the energetic protagonist, Sakura Uta, who loves singing. Uta's life takes a magical turn when she meets the fairy Prirun from the enchanted yet troubled KiraKiland, where darkness has stolen the sparkle from its inhabitants. Inspired by the threats posed by the Chokkiri Gang, led by the malevolent Dark Een, Uta transforms using her passion for singing and the hope to reunite her world with joy and light. Her evolution leads her to become the legendary savior, Cure Idol, dedicated to igniting happiness through song and dance.
Alongside Uta are her classmates who join her on this adventure: Aokaze Nana, known as Cure Wink, who plays the piano and possesses intelligence and kindness; and Shigure Kokoro, known for her dancing prowess and intense spirit, who becomes Cure Kyun Kyun. The blend of their talents offers diverse dynamics as they work together to restore the magic of KiraKiland, embodying the show's theme, "You shine because 'You' are here!"
Noteworthy is the dedication and passion exhibited by the voice actors assigned to these characters. Misato Matsuoka, the voice behind Uta, reflects her immense excitement for portraying her childhood idol, stating, "I cried with joy when I realized I would play the role of my beloved Precure since childhood." Similarly, Minami Takahashi, who voices Nana, joyfully proclaimed, "This is the moment I’ve always dreamed of!" The involvement of these talented actors adds depth and authenticity to the series, enhancing its emotional resonance.
Music will also play a pivotal role, with the opening theme song titled 'Light Up!' featuring celebrated artists and composers renowned for their contributions to previous Precure theme songs. Collaborators include Ishii Ami, Kumada Akane, and Yoshitake Chiho, who promise to bring infectious energy and joy to the series' musical backdrop. The ending theme, performed by Cure Idol, Cure Wink, and Cure Kyun Kyun, is set to encapsulate the essence of their teamwork and the overarching message of the franchise.
Engagement with fans is at the forefront of this series' launch, as the production team has organized special debut events across three major cities – Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka – set to occur between February and March 2025. These events entertain not only audiences who have eagerly anticipated this debut but also aim to create memorable experiences celebrating the franchise’s dedication to positivity and community connection. The titular slogan, "You shine because 'You' are here!" resonates through these gatherings, uniting fans under the shared excitement for the healing and joyous adventures the new characters promise to deliver.
Producers Mai Nishimura and Aki Murase have expressed their hopes to make this series resonate deeply with viewers. Nishimura noted, "Every 'You' and 'I' can shine together, and we will deliver such works," embodying the spirit of companionship and creativity at the heart of the show. Murase added, "You can only have 'Idol' if there is someone to admire, so it's 'You and Idol Pretty Cure.'"
Anticipation is building for 'You and Idol Pretty Cure' as it prepares to delight audiences with its unique themes and memorable characters. The series not only aims to inspire through its narrative but also fosters connections between fans and performers, encouraging everyone to shine brightly together. Mark your calendars, as this enchanting new chapter of the Precure saga promises to be filled with sparkles, music, and joy, creating heartfelt moments for everyone watching!