The highly anticipated anime series, “You and Idol Precure♪” (Kimi to Idol Precure♪), has announced that Sayaka Ōhara will be joining the cast. Ōhara will be voicing Pikarine, the Queen of Kirakiland, in the show, starting with the second episode which airs this Sunday, February 9th.
A Veteran Voice Actress Takes on a New Role
Sayaka Ōhara is a well-known and respected voice actress in the anime industry. She has lent her voice to numerous popular characters over the years. Notably, she previously played the role of Papple, an enemy executive, in “Hugtto! Pretty Cure,” the 15th installment in the Precure franchise.
“I’m Sayaka Ohara, playing Queen Pikariine,” Ōhara stated. “I previously voiced Papple, an enemy executive in Hugtto! Pretty Cure, and I’m thrilled to be involved in the Pretty Cure series again—this time as an ally! When I was told I’d be playing the queen of Kirakiland, I was so happy I nearly fainted.”
Episode 2 Introduces Queen Pikarine
The second episode of “You and Idol Precure♪”, titled “Am I Going Viral!?”, will feature the debut of Queen Pikarine. The episode will air on ABC TV and TV Asahi at 8:30 a.m. on February 9th.
In the episode, Uta and Prirun return home after rescuing Ema. They discover that Cure Idol is trending as a “mysterious new idol gaining traction on social media.” Prirun then receives a message from Queen Pikarine, who reveals that a figure named Darkine has stolen the “Big Kirakira Ribbon,” plunging Kirakiland into darkness.
The Premise of “You and Idol Precure♪”
“You and Idol Precure♪” is the 22nd main anime entry in the Precure franchise. The motif of the anime is “idols,” and the theme is “Because of you, I can shine and become stronger!”
The story follows Uta Sakura, a second-year middle school student who loves to sing. One day, she encounters Purirun, a fairy from Kirakiland, who is searching for the legendary savior, Idol Precure. Together, they must fight against the Chokkiri Gang and their boss, Darkine, who are stealing the “sparkle” from the residents of Hanamichi Town.
The Cast and Staff
The cast of “You and Idol Precure♪” includes:
- Misato Matsuoka as Cure Idol/Uta Sakura
- Minami Takahashi as Cure Wink/Nana Soukaze
- Natsumi Takamori as Cure Kyun Kyun/Kokoro Shiu
- Yoshino Nanjō as Purirun
- Sayaka Ōhara as Pikarine
The staff for the anime includes:
- Director: Chiaki Kon
- Series Script Supervisor: Yoichi Kato
- Character Designer: Miho Sugimoto
- Art Designer: Rie Iida
- Art Director: Tong Nian Chen
- Color Key Artist: Kumiko Yanagisawa
- Music Composers: Erika Fukasawa and Misaki Umase
Ōhara’s Excitement for the Role
Ōhara expressed her enthusiasm for her new role in “You and Idol Precure♪”. She stated, “In ‘Hugtto Precure,’ I played the role of Papple, an enemy executive, but I’m thrilled to be involved with the Precure series again, and to hear that I’ll be entrusted with the important role of an ally this time, and of course, the Queen of Kirakira Land! I’m overjoyed.”
She also added, “The Precure series reflects courage and hope that shines like a rainbow in the hearts of viewers, transcending time and generations. I’m very excited to see what kind of sparkle I can create together with the encouraging cast and staff of KimiPri.”
About Kirakiland
Kirakiland is the home of Purirun and Queen Pikarine. It is a land that is powered by the “Big Kirakira Ribbon,” which is the source of its radiance. When Darkine cuts the ribbon, Kirakiland is plunged into darkness, prompting Purirun to seek out the Idol Precure on Earth.
The Significance of Idols in the Anime
The motif of “idols” plays a significant role in “You and Idol Precure♪”. The Idol Precure gain their power from the support and love of the people around them. They sing, dance, and provide “fan service” to those they care about, and in return, the presence of their fans makes them shine brightly and strongly.
The series explores the themes of courage, hope, and the importance of connection. The Idol Precure serve as a symbol of inspiration for the people of Hanamichi Town, encouraging them to embrace their own “sparkle” and pursue their dreams.
Where to Watch
“You and Idol Precure♪” premiered on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 other affiliated channels throughout Japan on February 2nd. The series is also being streamed on Crunchyroll as it airs.
The Music of “You and Idol Precure♪”
The opening theme song for “You and Idol Precure♪” is “Kimi to Idol Precure♪ Light Up!”, performed by Chihaya Yoshitake, Ami Ishii, and Akane Kumada. The ending theme song is “Trio Dreams,” performed by Cure Idol, Cure Wink, and Cure Kyun Kyun.
The Return of Familiar Voices
In addition to Sayaka Ōhara, several other voice actors from previous Precure series have returned to work on “You and Idol Precure♪”. This includes Erika Fukasawa and Misaki Umase, who previously composed the music for “Wonderful Precure!”.
A New Chapter in the Precure Franchise
“You and Idol Precure♪” marks a new chapter in the long-running Precure franchise. With its focus on idols, music, and the power of connection, the anime promises to be a fresh and exciting addition to the series. The addition of Sayaka Ōhara as Queen Pikarine is sure to delight fans of the franchise.
Fan Expectations
Fans of the Precure franchise are eagerly anticipating the second episode of “You and Idol Precure♪” and the debut of Sayaka Ōhara as Queen Pikarine. Many are excited to see how Ōhara will bring her unique talent and experience to the role. With its engaging story, vibrant characters, and catchy music, “You and Idol Precure♪” has the potential to become a fan favorite.
Looking Ahead
As “You and Idol Precure♪” continues to unfold, viewers can expect to see the Idol Precure face new challenges and grow stronger as they fight to protect the “sparkle” of Hanamichi Town and Kirakiland. With Sayaka Ōhara joining the cast, the future of the anime looks bright.
The series emphasizes the idea that everyone has the potential to shine, and that by supporting and encouraging each other, we can all become stronger. This positive message, combined with the exciting action and heartwarming relationships between the characters, is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages.
