The popular anime franchise Precure, broadcast on ABC TV and TV Asahi every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Japan time, has announced its 23rd television series titled Star Detective Precure, set to premiere on February 1

New character details have been unveiled, revealing that the protagonist Anna Akechi transforms into Cure Answer, a brilliant detective themed Precure dressed in purple. While several Precure characters with purple color schemes such as Cure Kyun Kyun and Cure Majesty have appeared in past installments, this marks the first time in the series history that the main protagonist herself has been assigned purple as her official character color.

According to the series promotional team, this distinction makes Cure Answer the first purple themed lead Precure since the franchise began.

Story Setting

Star Detective Precure introduces the first detective themed Precure storyline in the franchise and is set primarily in 1999. The protagonist Anna Akechi is a 14 year old second year middle school student living in Makoto Mirai Town. On her birthday, she encounters a fairy named Pochitan and is guided by a mysterious pendant found in her room, triggering a time slip from the year 2027 back to Makoto Mirai City in 1999.

There, Anna meets another 14 year old girl, Mikuru Kobayashi, who dreams of becoming a great detective. When a series of incidents begin to occur, the two girls find themselves unable to ignore people suffering from stolen treasured possessions. Together, they transform into the Star Detective Precure, solving mysteries with the catchphrase “That mystery will be cured” while protecting smiles through sharp deduction and searching for clues that may allow Anna to return to her original time.

Characters and Cast Announcements

The newly announced characters and cast include

Cure Answer, Anna Akechi, voiced by Hikari Senga
Cure Mystic, Mikuru Kobayashi, voiced by Kaede Hondo
Cure Arcana Shadow, Ruruka Moria, voiced by Nao Toyama
Cure Eclair will be announced at a later date.

Supporting characters include

Pochitan the fairy, voiced by Emiri Kato
Mashutan, voiced by Hina Yomiya
Jet Senpai, voiced by Yuki Kaji
The voice actor for Shushutan will be announced later.

Transformation Lines and Producer Commentary

Each Precure features a unique self introduction line. Cure Answer declares, “Any mystery gets a perfect solution. Star Detective Cure Answer.” Cure Mystic proclaims, “Layered deductions leap into smiles. Star Detective Cure Mystic.” Cure Arcana Shadow announces, “Wrapped in mystery and secrets. Cure Arcana Shadow.” Cure Eclair states, “Unleash the hidden fragrance of inner truth. Star Detective Cure Eclair.”

Producer Kanako Tada explained that the core message of the series is encouraging children to grasp the truth with their own strength. She emphasized the importance of maintaining personal conviction in a rapidly changing information driven society, respecting others, acting with empathy, and confronting one’s true feelings sincerely.

She further added that Star Detective Precure encourages viewers to see, feel, and think for themselves to arrive at their own true answers. While a detective’s truth is absolute, the truth in one’s life can change depending on personal choices. Through Anna’s journey from 1999 to the future year 2027, the series explores how truth is shaped by one’s decisions.

Toei Animation producer Masaya Aramaki noted that unlike traditional detective stories centered around a flawless genius, this series deliberately portrays a beginner detective protagonist. The message emphasizes that while one person alone may struggle, teamwork and companionship make it possible to overcome even the most difficult cases, blending growth, resilience, and collective strength into a unique Precure narrative.

Note: At this stage, the lines are direct translations from the original Japanese.

Cast Comments

■ Hikari Senga (Cure Answer / Anna Akechi)
“I have loved Precure ever since I was a child, so when I heard that I had passed the audition, tears just started spilling out before I knew it. During the audition, I already felt so happy just being able to live as a Precure for that brief moment, so the thought that I would actually get to be involved in the series left me completely overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude.

At the same time, I strongly felt the weight of the history that has been passed down by all the wonderful Precure who came before me. It was the moment I resolved to pour everything I have into this role and face it with care and sincerity.

Anna is someone who instinctively reaches out and offers a hand whenever she sees someone in trouble. She has such an honest and warm heart. The way she reads people’s feelings through their expressions and gestures, then encourages them through her actions and words, truly makes her a great detective in my eyes. I hope I can portray her with the same sincerity so that her charm reaches everyone. And I would be so happy if you would all join Answer and the others, solving mysteries together with us.”

■ Kaede Hondo (Cure Mystic / Mikuru Kobayashi)
“I never even dreamed that the day would come when I could play a Precure, so I was honestly very surprised. The joy came a little later, and until the recording sessions actually began, it still did not feel real at all. I was filled with thoughts like wanting to tell my family as soon as possible and wanting to surprise everyone. Finally reaching this day feels incredibly moving to me.

Mikuru is the kind of girl who thinks things through very carefully before taking action. Because of that, she can sometimes be hesitant to make the first move. That is where Anna’s decisiveness really supports her. They have such a wonderful relationship, do they not? I am someone who also tends to think before acting, so I hope to portray Mikuru while staying close to her feelings. I truly admire people who can act right away, so through this project, I want to learn from Anna as well.”

■ Nao Toyama (Cure Arcana Shadow / Ruruka Moria)
“A very long held dream has finally come true, and I am overflowing with emotions that cannot be expressed in just a few words. About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to be part of Go Princess Precure as the fairy Puff, and knowing that I can once again experience such a happy year makes me truly grateful. I hope to cherish the time ahead and walk forward together with everyone.

Cure Arcana Shadow is a mysterious existence, a Precure who also stands as an enemy. I hope viewers will pay close attention to how she became who she is today. As Aruruka continues on her path, I will do my very best to walk alongside her and become the best possible partner. I look forward to your continued support.”

Source : ORICON NEWS