The 22nd installment of the popular TV anime series PreCure (ABC TV/TV Asahi, airing Sundays at 8:30 AM) is titled You and Idol PreCure♪ and will begin airing on February 2. This new series revolves around the theme of idols, with the tagline, “Because of ‘you,’ we can shine and become stronger!” The story follows the PreCure heroines as they save people whose sparkle has been stolen, all while singing, dancing, and interacting with fans.

The story begins with protagonist Sakura Uta, a second-year middle schooler who loves singing. One day, she encounters Purirun, a fairy searching for the legendary savior known as the Idol PreCure. Purirun’s homeland, Kirakiraland, has been plunged into darkness by the villainous Boss Dark-ine of the Chokkiri Gang. When the townspeople’s sparkle is stolen by the Chokkiri Gang, Uta makes a heartfelt decision to brighten the darkness with her song, transforming into the legendary savior, Cure Idol.

Character & Cast Information

The cast has also been revealed. Misato Matsuoka will voice the protagonist, Cure Idol/Uta Sakura, who transforms with her “idol smile” to deliver fan service as Cure Idol. Her signature introduction is:
"Singing with you, the sparkle of the heart! Cure Idol, with a big smile!"

Minami Takahashi will voice Nanase Aokaze, a second-year middle schooler skilled at playing the piano, who transforms into Cure Wink. Her fan service feature is her “wink,” and her introduction is:
"Twinkling with you, the courage of the heart! Cure Wink, with a big blink!"

Natsumi Takamori will voice Kokoro Shigure, a first-year middle schooler passionate about dancing. She transforms into Cure Kyun kyun, delivering fan service through her “Kyun kyun Pose.” Her introduction is:
"Dancing with you, the rhythm of the heart! Cure kyun kyun, with a fluttering heart!"

Theme Songs

The opening theme song, Wonderful PreCure!, will be performed by Chihaya Yoshitake, known for many past PreCure theme songs, and Ami Ishii, who previously performed the opening theme for Hirogaru Sky! PreCure. They will be joined by Akane Kumada, making her debut in PreCure music.

The ending theme will feature the three Idol PreCure heroines—Cure Idol, Cure Wink, and Cure Kyun kyun—singing together.

Cast Comments

Misato Matsuoka (Cure Idol/Sakura Uta) Comments

How did you feel when you were cast as a PreCure character?

I was overwhelmed with both surprise and joy at the thought of playing the PreCure I had admired since childhood—I even cried. The staff revealed the news to me as a wonderful surprise, and their warmth and kindness brought me to tears again. It's a tremendous honor to be part of a team that creates characters children look up to. I want to treasure this role and give children the same feelings of admiration I had back then.

What do you think makes the PreCure series so special?

I still talk about PreCure with friends, and the feelings I had as a child—fresh, pure, and sparkling—remain vivid. The way the series provides timeless, unchanging joy is remarkable! Also, being part of Wonderful PreCure! gave me a perspective different from what I felt as a child. It made me laugh and cry, proving that PreCure is enjoyable for adults as well. Its ability to inspire people of all ages to revisit it after years is one of its unique charms.

What are your thoughts on playing Cure Idol/Uta Sakura?

Uta-chan is a bright and cheerful girl who loves singing, and she’s filled with her own sparkly charm! Her innocence and positivity naturally make people want to cheer her on. I hope to bring out her charm and make viewers smile just by watching her. I've received so much sparkle from others in my life, and now, I want to deliver that same sparkle to each of you through this role. I'll give it my all!

Minami Takahashi (Cure Wink/Nanase Aokaze) Comments

How did you feel when you were cast as a PreCure character?

I had been dreaming of this day for so long that when it finally came, a flood of indescribable emotions washed over me. It felt like a dream, but it wasn’t. I remembered all the PreCure auditions I had taken and knew for certain that I had finally found my destined PreCure role. I was overjoyed, and my heart sparkled brightly. I want to make the hearts of all PreCure fans sparkle just as much! Alongside the joy, I also felt a great sense of responsibility—it was an emotional rollercoaster!

What do you think makes the PreCure series so special?

What captivates me most is the constant evolution of PreCure. Every year, it takes on new challenges and becomes even more radiant as a work of art. Staying as a source of admiration for everyone is no small feat, and the way PreCure continues to evolve without losing its core values is truly inspiring. It motivates me to live my life the same way.

What are your thoughts on playing Cure Wink/Nanase Aokaze?
Nanase-chan is a girl who values “what’s important” and always works hard for others. As I go through the recording process, I want to make sure she also learns to work hard for herself and take brave steps forward. I’ll cherish this long-awaited moment in my life and put my heart into portraying her. I can’t wait to share this happiness with my fans, friends, and family. Everyone, Minami Takahashi has become a PreCure!

Natsumi Takamori (Cure kyun kyun/Kokoro Shigure) Comments

How did you feel when you were cast as a PreCure character?

I was overwhelmed with disbelief—“Me? A PreCure?” I asked repeatedly if it was really true. When it sunk in, I went home and tears came flowing. Even now, I feel like I’m dreaming. I want to approach this role with gratitude and spend the year treasuring every moment of this incredible opportunity.

What do you think makes the PreCure series so special?

Having voiced Komekome in Delicious Party PreCure, I spent a year close to the PreCure characters and saw firsthand how warm, strong, and radiant they are. The series is full of love, teaching kindness, inner strength, and the courage to keep going even when things are tough. Above all, it delivers so much excitement and sparkle every week, and I adore that about it.

What are your thoughts on playing Cure Kyun kyun/Kokoro Shigure?

When I first saw Cure Kyun kyun’s illustration, I was struck by how adorable and graceful she looked. At first, I imagined her personality based on her cute name and appearance, but as I connected with her, my impressions evolved. I believe “Kyun kyun” refers to emotions like passion and fighting spirit, as well as a heart full of warmth. I hope to portray those qualities with care. Kokoro has fulfilled my dream of becoming a PreCure, and now it’s my turn to make her shine as brightly as possible.

Source : ORICON NEWS