It has been announced that Kaede Hondo will be playing Cure Mystic/Kobayashi Mikuru in the 23rd installment of the popular anime series "Pretty Cure," "Detective Pretty Cure!" Hondo expressed her joy at being in the role, saying, "I never dreamed that the day would come when I would be able to play Pretty Cure, so I was very surprised. The joy came late, so it didn't even sink in until recording began. I wanted to tell my family as soon as possible, and surprise everyone. I was filled with such feelings. I am deeply moved that the day has finally come."
Kobayashi Mikuru, played by Hondo, is clumsy but straightforward. She has a wealth of detective knowledge, works harder than anyone, and is the type to think things through rather than rely on intuition to find answers. She loves cute things more than anything. She transforms into Cure Mystic, saying, "Jump into a smile with layered deductions! Great detective Cure Mystic!"
Hondo said, "When I was little, I didn't have many opportunities to come into contact with anime, but I still heard the word 'PreCure' a lot. And I've always seen how it has been a part of the lives of people all over the world. I hope that 'Detective PreCure!' will also be a work that will remain in people's lives!"
Regarding Mikuru, the character she plays, she said, "Mikuru is the type of girl who thinks things through carefully first and then takes action. That's why she tends to be cautious when she takes action. Anna's drive makes up for that. It's a wonderful relationship, isn't it? I'm also the type of person who thinks things through before I act, so I hope to be able to play someone who is close to Mikuru. I really admire people who can act quickly, so I'm hoping to learn from Anna in this production!"
The motif of "Detective PreCure!" is "detectives," and the theme is "see, feel, think, and find the 'true' answer for yourself." In today's world, where there is an abundance of information, "truth" can become "lie," and "lie" can become "truth." Rather than relying on "someone else's" thoughts as the answer, how did "you" see and feel? This series conveys to children the importance of thinking for yourself and finding the "answer."
Anna Akechi, a 14-year-old second-year middle school student living in Makoto Mirai Town, is guided by a fairy named Pochitan who appears on her birthday and a pendant in her room, and travels back in time from 2027 to 1999 in Makoto Mirai City. There, she meets Mikuru Kobayashi, a 14-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a great detective. When someone is in trouble after having something important stolen by the Phantom Thieves, Anna and Mikuru transform into the great detective PreCure, determined not to let someone in trouble slip away. They solve the mystery, saying, "That mystery! Cure, solve it!"
In addition to Cure Answer/Akechi Anna played by Senga Hikari and Cure Arcana Shadow/Moria Ruka played by Nao Toyama, the mysterious Cure Eclair will also make an appearance. Also appearing are Emiri Kato as Pochitan, Hina Yomiya as Mashtan, and Yuki Kaji as Jet Senpai.
The "Pretty Cure" series is an anime that depicts ordinary children transforming into Pretty Cure and facing various challenges. The first series, "Futari wa Pretty Cure," began airing in February 2004. The 22nd series, "You and Idol Pretty Cure," is currently airing on ABC TV and TV Asahi every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. "Detective Pretty Cure!" will be broadcast on the same network from 8:30 a.m. on February 1st.
