The highly anticipated 22nd installment of the Precure franchise, You and Idol Precure♪ (Kimi to Idol Precure♪), has officially announced its premiere date, along with key details about its story, cast, and staff. The anime is set to debut on February 2, 2025, capturing the hearts of fans with its unique blend of magical girl action and idol culture.
The Story of Sparkling Songs and Heroic Transformations
The story of You and Idol Precure♪ begins in the vibrant town of Hanamichi, where we meet Uta Sakura, a cheerful second-year middle school student with a passion for singing. One fateful day, while walking her dog Kyu-chan, Uta encounters a peculiar sight: a giant peach-like object floating down the river. This mysterious object leads her to Purirun, an adorable fairy from a place called Kira-Kira Land, who is on a quest to find the legendary Idol Precure.
Purirun explains that her home, Kira-Kira Land, is in grave danger, having been plunged into darkness by the malevolent Chokkiri gang and their leader, Darkiine. As if things couldn’t get worse, the “sparkle” of Hanamichi Town’s residents starts being stolen by the Chokkiri gang. Moved by a sense of responsibility and a desire to help, Uta proclaims “I want to sparkle! With my song!” and is transformed into Cure Idol, the first of the Idol Precure. Her journey as an idol-themed magical girl begins here, promising a series filled with action, songs and friendship.
Meet the Shining Stars: The Main Cast
The anime features three main characters who transform into Precure warriors:
- Misato Matsuoka voices Cure Idol/Uta Sakura, the energetic protagonist whose love for singing sparks her transformation. She is at the center of this new magical girl team.
- Minami Takahashi lends her voice to Cure Wink/Nana Aokaze, a talented pianist and Uta’s classmate, bringing a cool and collected demeanor to the group.
- Natsumi Takamori plays Cure Kyun-Kyun/Kororo Shigure, a strong-willed character who rounds out the trio.
These three voice actresses will also be performing the ending theme song, “Trio Dreams”. The series also features the mascot characters Purirun and Meloron, fairies from Kira-Kira land, who support the Precure. While their voice actors have not been revealed yet, Purirun’s goal is to find “Idol Precures.”
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
The production of You and Idol Precure♪ brings together a talented team of anime professionals:
- Chiaki Kon takes the helm as the series director, known for his work on Eiga HappinessCharge PreCure! Ningyō no Kuni no Ballerina and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal.
- Yoichi Kato is overseeing the series scripts, with experience from Wonderful Precure! The Movie! and Aikatsu!.
- Miho Sugimoto is responsible for the character designs.
- Rie Iida is designing the art, and Tong Nian Chen is directing the art.
- Kumiko Yanagisawa serves as the color key artist.
- The music will be composed by Erika Fukasawa, who also worked on Wonderful Precure!, and Misaki Umase, who co-composed Kaina of the Great Snow Sea.
This talented team promises to bring the vibrant world of You and Idol Precure♪ to life.
Music that Makes You Shine
The opening theme song, titled “Kimi to Idol Precure♪ Light Up!,” will be performed by Ami Ishii, Chihaya Yoshitake, and Akane Kumada. Both Ami and Chihaya return from Wonderful Precure, while Akane is new to the Precure universe. The ending theme song, “Trio Dreams,” will be sung by the three main voice actresses. In addition, the three Precures will be releasing their debut CD single, which includes solo versions of their songs, on February 26, 2025.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Franchise
You and Idol Precure♪ marks the 22nd entry in the long-running Precure franchise. The series is notable for incorporating an “idol” theme, which is a unique and exciting element to the series. The inclusion of the “♪” symbol in the title is also noteworthy, marking the first time since the 8th installment, Suite Precure♪, that it has been used after 14 years.
The Precure franchise has always pushed boundaries, introducing various “firsts” throughout its run. This includes the first canine Precure in Wonderful Precure!, the first blue-themed protagonist, male, and adult Precure in Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure, the first mermaid Precure in Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure, and the first extraterrestrial Precure in Star☆Twinkle Precure. The franchise continues to captivate audiences with its innovative approach to the magical girl genre.
Where to Watch
You and Idol Precure♪ will premiere on February 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (JST) on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 other affiliated channels throughout Japan. It will also be available on the Broadcasting System of San-in, as well as on TVer and various streaming services. For viewers outside of Japan, the show will air on February 1 at 6:30 p.m. EST.
As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the debut of You and Idol Precure♪. With its exciting blend of music, magic, and the indomitable spirit of the Precure, it’s poised to be another sparkling chapter in the franchise’s history.
