The 42nd episode of the popular anime series "PreCure," "You and Idol Pretty Cure," titled "Connect! Echo from You," aired on ABC TV and TV Asahi on November 30th, in which Kaito Hibiki transformed into Cure Connect. Kaito is a legendary idol who even the Cure idols look up to in the You and Idol Pretty Cure," and it's also been talked about that he is voiced by Daisuke Sakuma of the popular group "Snow Man."
In episode 42, Kite finds out that his best friend Kazuma has become a Jogi underling of Darkine, and decides to sing in order to rekindle their bond. His strong feelings for his best friend create a miracle in an instant, and he transforms into Cure Connect, shouting, "I'll play the bond of our hearts with you! Beyond the sky, Cure Connect!" Cure Connect is a male PreCure with the air of a legendary idol, and wears a turquoise blue cape as clear as the sky. A beautiful transformation scene is also depicted.
Sakuma, who plays Kaito, commented, "I was told shortly before the recording that Kaito would transform into Cure Connect, and I was so happy and proud that I couldn't help but exclaim, 'Wow! Finally!' The visual of Cure Connect is a little more mature than Idol PreCure, and the design makes it seem like an aspirational presence, and I was simply impressed by how cool it was. In episode 42, I was impressed by how carefully the friendship between Kazuma (Jogi) and Kaito was portrayed, and it taught me that even if you have a falling out with your friends, if you face each other, you can understand each other again. I hope everyone will experience the friendship depicted in episode 42, and I would be happy if there are any events that bring to life the experiences you have had watching it."
This is not the first time that a male PreCure has appeared in the "PreCure" series. The first male PreCure, Cure Infinite, appeared in episode 42, "Exchanging Cheers! This is My Support!!," of the 15th series, "HUGtto! PreCure," which aired from 2018 to 2019. The male PreCure, Cure Wing, also appeared as a regular character in the 20th series, "Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure," which aired from 2023 to 2024.
The first stage production of the "Pretty Cure" series, "Dancing☆Star Pretty Cure The Stage (Boku Pretty Cure)," also depicted the exploits of male Pretty Cures. The appearance of male Pretty Cures from "Boku Pretty Cure" in the anime version in episode 39 of "You and Idol Pretty Cure" also attracted attention.
The motif of "You and Idol Pretty Cure" is "idols," and the theme is "Because of you, we can shine and become stronger!". The legendary saviors, Idol Precure, sing, dance, and give "fan service" for "you," whether it's the people they love, the important people, the people who support them, the people next to them, or the people in front of them, and your presence makes Idol Precure shine brightly and strongly.
The cast includes Misato Matsuoka as Cure Idol/Sakura Uta, Minami Takahashi as Cure Ink/Aokaze Nana, Natsumi Takamori as Cure Kyun Kyun/Shizume Kokoro, Yoshino Nanjo as Cure Zukyoon /Purirun, and Miharu Hanai as Cure Kiss/Meloron. The series airs every Sunday at 8:30 am on ABC TV and TV Asahi.
