The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Witchy Precure!, titled Witchy Precure! -MIRAI DAYS-, has officially premiered, captivating audiences and reigniting the magical girl fervor. The series, a continuation of the 13th installment in the long-running Pretty Cure franchise, debuted on January 11, 2025, on ABC TV/TV Asahi networks’ “ANiMAZiNG!!!” programming block. This premiere marks a significant moment for fans, revisiting familiar characters and their enchanting world.
A Nostalgic Return to the Magic World
Witchy Precure! -MIRAI DAYS- brings back the core cast of the original series: Cure Miracle, Cure Magical, Cure Felice, and their adorable mascot, Mofurun. The story revisits the characters after their initial adventures, exploring their lives and challenges following their separation at the end of the first series. This sequel taps into the strong sense of nostalgia felt by fans, allowing them to reconnect with characters they have grown to love. The premise sees Mirai Asahina, the curious 13-year-old girl, and Liko Izayoi, the young witch, reunite after their initial adventures, continuing their journey as the Legendary Witch Precures.
Plot Overview
The original Witchy Precure! series, also known as Maho Girls PreCure!, follows the story of Mirai, a girl with a fascination for the mysterious, who encounters Liko, a witch, during spring break. Through a series of magical events, they transform into the Precures and, alongside Mofurun and Ha-chan, a fairy born from the Linkle Smartbook, they combat chaos threatening both the Magic World and the human world. The new series, -MIRAI DAYS-, picks up after the events of the original, where the characters had to separate. It delves into the consequences of their initial battles and the new challenges they now face. The narrative of the sequel has been structured to appeal to a more mature audience while staying true to the magical girl genre’s core themes of friendship, courage, and hope.
Character Dynamics
The focus remains on the strong bond between Mirai and Liko, whose friendship is at the heart of the series. The return of Mofurun and the introduction of new elements add depth to the character interactions and overall plot. The series will likely explore how these characters have evolved since their initial separation, adding new layers to their established relationships. The character development of Mirai and Liko has been a key factor in the success of the original series and will remain central in -MIRAI DAYS-.
The Pretty Cure Legacy
Witchy Precure! is the 13th installment in the long-running Pretty Cure franchise, which began in 2004 with Futari wa Pretty Cure. With nearly 1,000 episodes across various anime series, numerous films, manga adaptations, toys, and video games, Pretty Cure has become a cultural phenomenon. The franchise’s consistent popularity is attributed to its engaging stories, memorable characters, and positive themes that resonate with a wide audience.
A 20th Anniversary Celebration
The Pretty Cure franchise celebrated its 20th anniversary with multiple projects, including the spin-off series Kibou no Chikara ~Otona Precure ’23 and the movie Precure All-Stars F. The announcement of Witchy Precure! -MIRAI DAYS- in March 2023 as part of this anniversary celebration further underscores the enduring appeal of the series and its characters. These projects aim to appeal to both long-time fans who grew up with the franchise and new audiences.
Evolution of the Franchise
Each series in the Pretty Cure franchise brings its unique themes and motifs. Witchy Precure!, with its focus on magic and jewelry, stands out for its magical world and character designs. The series’ exploration of friendship and courage has become a hallmark of the franchise, appealing to audiences of all ages. The success of Witchy Precure! paved the way for subsequent series, each adding new dimensions to the magical girl genre.
Production and Broadcast
The original Witchy Precure! anime was produced by Toei Animation and aired on ABC and other ANN television stations from February 2016 to January 2017. The sequel, -MIRAI DAYS-, is also being broadcast on ABC TV/TV Asahi networks. This consistent broadcast partnership highlights the franchise’s strong presence in Japanese television. The new series is expected to maintain the high production quality of the original, featuring vibrant animation and engaging storylines.
Staff and Creative Team
While specific details about the creative team for -MIRAI DAYS- haven’t been widely publicized, it is expected that the sequel retains key members involved in the original to ensure a consistent and high-quality production. The original series was directed by Masato Mitsuka and written by Isao Murayama, with character designs by Emiko Miyamoto. The musical compositions and soundtrack have been a crucial part of the Pretty Cure experience, and the new series is expected to maintain the same high standards in this area.
Anticipation and Fan Reception
The premiere of Witchy Precure! -MIRAI DAYS- has been met with considerable excitement from fans globally. The return of beloved characters and the promise of a continuation to their story have generated significant buzz on social media platforms and fan communities. The success of the original series and the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Pretty Cure franchise have further fueled anticipation for the sequel. The positive response to the premiere suggests a promising future for the series.
Global Appeal
While the Pretty Cure franchise is incredibly popular in Japan, it has garnered a significant international fanbase. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll have made the series more accessible to global audiences, contributing to its growing popularity worldwide. The international release of -MIRAI DAYS- is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see the next chapter of the beloved magical girl story. Toei Animation is exploring strategies to further popularize the franchise globally, seeking to build upon its existing success.
Future Prospects
The premiere of Witchy Precure! -MIRAI DAYS- is a significant event for the Pretty Cure franchise and the magical girl genre. The series not only provides a continuation of a beloved story but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of these kinds of narratives. The blend of action, magic, and heartwarming character interactions makes the series appealing for a broad audience. As the series unfolds, it is expected to add to the already rich lore of the Pretty Cure universe, delighting long-time fans and captivating new viewers.
A New Era for Magical Girl Anime
The return of Witchy Precure! highlights the continued relevance and popularity of the magical girl genre. With other series like Wonderful Precure! and upcoming titles like Witch Watch also generating buzz, the future looks bright for this genre. The success of -MIRAI DAYS- could inspire future projects and solidify the Pretty Cure franchise’s place as a cultural cornerstone. The series represents a powerful testament to the enduring appeal and evolution of magical girl anime.
