Crunchyroll has announced it will stream the highly anticipated “You and Idol Precure♪” anime series, the 22nd main installment in the long-running Pretty Cure franchise. The series is set to begin streaming on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 8:30 PM EST in North America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, marking the latest addition to Crunchyroll’s Winter 2025 lineup.
What is “You and Idol Precure” About?
“You and Idol Precure♪” introduces viewers to Uta Sakura, a second-year middle school student residing in Hanamichi Town with a deep love for singing. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Purirun, a cute fairy who arrives on Earth seeking the legendary saviors, the “Idol Precure.” Purirun’s home, Kira-Kira Land, is under threat from the evil Chokkiri Gang, led by Darkiine, who are stealing the “sparkle” from people. Uta, driven by her desire to “sparkle” with her singing, transforms into Cure Idol, the first of the Idol Precure, to fight against these dark forces.
The series is not just another magical girl anime; it blends the traditional Pretty Cure formula with an idol theme, making it the second in the franchise to have music as a central element, after Suite PreCure. The main motif of this season is idols, which is a new direction for the franchise. This unique blend has already generated excitement among fans, with many drawing comparisons to the idol anime series, Aikatsu, due to the CGI and aesthetic similarities.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
The anime will premiere in Japan on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 8:30 am JST on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 other affiliated channels. It will also be available on the Broadcasting System of San-in, as well as on the TVer service and other streaming platforms. Crunchyroll will provide subtitled episodes, allowing international audiences to watch the show shortly after its Japanese broadcast.
Characters and Cast
The main cast members for “You and Idol Precure♪” include:
- Misato Matsuoka as Cure Idol/Uta Sakura
- Minami Takahashi as Cure Wink/Nana Aokaze
- Natsumi Takamori as Cure Kyun-Kyun/Kororo Shigure
- Yoshino Nanjō as Puririn
- Miharu Hanai as Meroron
The series is directed by Chiaki Kon, known for their work on “Eiga HappinessCharge PreCure! Ningyō no Kuni no Ballerina” and “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal.” The screenplay is written by Yōichi Katō, and character designs are by Miho Sugimoto. The music is composed by Erika Fukasawa and Misaki Umase.
The Pretty Cure Franchise
The Pretty Cure, also known as PreCure, franchise is a Japanese magical girl anime series created by Izumi Todo and produced by Toei Animation, ABC Animation, ADK Emotions, and ABC Television. The franchise began in February 2004 with “Futari wa Pretty Cure” and has since produced numerous anime series, movies, manga, toys, and video games.
Each Pretty Cure series centers on a group of teenage girls who gain magical abilities and transform into legendary warriors, known as Pretty Cure, to battle against evil forces. These series have become a staple in the magical girl genre, appealing to young audiences with their themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance. The series often involves fighting monsters and rescuing people in distress. They use their powers to fight those who want to harm Earth.
Why is “You and Idol Precure” Highly Anticipated?
“You and Idol Precure♪” is the 22nd main entry in the franchise and is highly anticipated for several reasons:
- Unique Theme: The idol theme introduces a fresh perspective to the Pretty Cure series, blending magical girl battles with music and performance elements. This has generated significant buzz among fans, as seen in online discussions where fans are already calling it “Aikatsu Precure” due to the similarities in the idol theme and aesthetics.
- Long-Running Franchise: The Pretty Cure franchise has a strong fan base and has consistently delivered entertaining and engaging stories. With each new installment, fans are excited to see how the franchise evolves, and “You and Idol Precure” is no exception.
- High Production Quality: With direction from experienced personnel like Chiaki Kon, and with the involvement of Toei Animation, fans expect the series to maintain high production standards.
- Crunchyroll Streaming: Having Crunchyroll stream the series allows a global audience to enjoy the show soon after its initial broadcast in Japan, further boosting its popularity.
Other Anime Streaming on Crunchyroll
The Winter 2025 anime season is packed with new releases and returning favorites on Crunchyroll. Alongside “You and Idol Precure♪”, Crunchyroll is also streaming several other notable series, such as:
- Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-: A highly anticipated continuation of the popular action anime.
- Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE: The continuation of the science-adventure series.
- Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Season 2: The second season of the supernatural series.
- Dragon Ball DAIMA: The English dub of this popular series is coming to Crunchyroll this season.
- Witchy Precure!! ~MIRAI DAYS~: A direct sequel to Maho Girls Precure!
- Shangri-La Frontier Season 2: The return of the popular adventure anime.
Crunchyroll is also offering a wide variety of other series this season, including Fate/strange Fake, Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective, Grisaia Phantom Trigger, Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four!, Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time, Momentary Lily, I’m Getting Married to a Girl I Hate in My Class, OKITSURA: Fell in Love with an Okinawan Girl but I Just Wish I Knew What She’s Saying, I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons, ZENSHU, I’m a Noble on the Brink of Ruin, So I Might as Well Try Mastering Magic, Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms, and more, providing anime fans with a diverse range of content.
Conclusion
The arrival of “You and Idol Precure♪” on Crunchyroll is a significant event for fans of the franchise and the magical girl genre. With its blend of classic Pretty Cure action and idol-themed elements, this series is poised to be one of the standout anime of the Winter 2025 season. The series promises a blend of action, music, and heart, and is one that many anime fans are looking forward to watching.
