The highly anticipated You and Idol Precure anime is set to premiere on February 2nd, 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 22nd installment in the beloved Pretty Cure franchise. To add to the excitement, the production team has just revealed two new cast members who will be joining the series as the adorable companion fairies. This news comes alongside the release of a lyric video for the show’s debut single, further building anticipation for the series.
New Fairies Join the Magical Girl Team
The magical world of You and Idol Precure is expanding with the introduction of two new fairy characters: Purirun and Meroron. These characters hail from Kirakira Land, a place now threatened by the forces of darkness. They have journeyed to Earth to find the legendary warriors known as the Precure.
- Yoshino Nanjo will voice Purirun, the easygoing and cheerful fairy. Nanjo is well-known for her role as Eli Ayase in Love Live! School Idol Project.
- Miharu Hanai will voice Meroron, the mischievous and playful fairy. Hanai is known for her role as Kokoa in Acro Trip.
These two fairies will play a vital role as companions to the main characters, assisting them in their quest to save their world and restore light.
Plot Overview
The story of You and Idol Precure centers around Uta Sakura, a second-year middle school student who loves to sing. One day, while walking her dog, Kyu-chan, Uta encounters a giant, peach-like object floating down the river. Inside, she finds Purirun, a fairy seeking the legendary Idol Precure. Purirun’s home, Kirakira Land, is in danger, plunged into darkness by the Chokkiri Gang and their leader, Darkiine.
Soon after, the “sparkle” of Hanamichi Town’s residents begins to disappear, stolen by the Chokkiri Gang. Driven by her desire to restore the town’s shine, Uta proclaims, “I want to sparkle! With my song!” This declaration transforms her into Cure Idol, a magical girl with the power of song.
Meet the Precures
Uta Sakura, the main protagonist, is not the only magical girl in the series. She is joined by two other Precures:
- Cure Idol/Uta Sakura: Voiced by Misato Matsuoka, Uta is a second-year middle school student who transforms into Cure Idol. Her “idol smile” is a key part of her charm. Her catchphrase is “Singing with you, shining hearts! Smiling brightly, Cure Idol!”
- Cure Wink/Nana Aokaze: Voiced by Minami Takahashi, Nana is a second-year middle school student skilled at playing the piano. Her transformation into Cure Wink includes a “wink” for her fans. Her catchphrase is: “Twinkling with you, brave hearts! Winking brightly, Cure Wink!”
- Cure Kyun Kyun/Kokoro Shigure: Voiced by Natsumi Takamori, Kokoro is a first-year middle school student and a talented dancer. She transforms into Cure Kyun Kyun with her signature “Kyun Kyun pose.” Her catchphrase is: “Dancing with you, rhythmic hearts! Feeling Kyun Kyun, Cure Kyun Kyun!”
Together, these three Precures use their unique talents and strengths to combat the Chokkiri Gang and restore the sparkle to the world.
Idol Theme and Music
You and Idol Precure embraces a vibrant idol theme, making it the second series in the franchise to focus on music and singing after Suite PreCure. The Precures not only fight evil but also sing, dance, and interact with their fans, adding a unique dynamic to the series.
The opening theme, “Kimi to Idol Precure♪ Light Up!” is performed by Ami Ishii, Akane Kumada, and Chihaya Yoshitake. The ending theme, “Trio Dreams,” is sung by the main trio of Precures. The series is also releasing a debut single on February 26, 2025, featuring solo songs from each Precure, including “Egao no Unison” by Cure Idol, “Mabataki no Senfu” by Cure Wink, and “Kokoro Revolution” by Cure Kyun Kyun.
Production Team
The creative team behind You and Idol Precure includes:
- Director: Chiaki Kon (known for Sailor Moon Eternal).
- Series Composition: Yoichi Kato (known for Aikatsu! and THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE!).
- Character Designer: Miho Sugimoto.
- Music Composers: Erika Fukasawa and Misaki Umase.
These experienced professionals ensure that You and Idol Precure will be a high-quality and engaging series.
Broadcast and Streaming
The series is scheduled to premiere on February 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. JST on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 other affiliated channels throughout Japan. For international audiences, this translates to February 1st at 6:30 p.m. EST. In addition to broadcast television, You and Idol Precure will also be available on streaming services like TVer and others.
Movie Adaptation
Adding to the excitement, a movie adaptation of You and Idol Precure has been announced for the fall of 2025. The movie, tentatively titled You and Idol Precure♪ the Movie, will further expand the series’ universe and provide fans with more adventures of the idol Precures. Details about the movie’s cast, crew, and story will be released as the year progresses.
Legacy of the Pretty Cure Franchise
You and Idol Precure is the 22nd main anime entry in the Pretty Cure franchise, created by Izumi Todo. The franchise revolves around magical girls who combat evil forces. The series maintains its tradition of empowering young girls while also incorporating the exciting element of the idol culture.
Conclusion
The upcoming premiere of You and Idol Precure is a highly anticipated event for fans of the Pretty Cure franchise. With its unique blend of magical girl action, idol performances, and a captivating story, the series promises to be a standout addition to the franchise. The addition of Yoshino Nanjo and Miharu Hanai to the cast as the companion fairies, Purirun and Meroron, alongside the main trio of Precures, adds another layer of excitement for the premiere next month.
