It has been announced that Nao Toyama will be playing Cure Arcana Shadow/Mori Aaruka in the 23rd installment of the popular anime "PreCure" series, "Detective PreCure!" Toyama, who previously played the fairy Puff in the 12th installment, "Go! Princess PreCure," which aired from 2015 to 2016, expressed her joy at being cast, saying, "My long-held dream has come true, and I am filled with emotions that are hard to put into words. I was involved in 'Go! Princess PreCure' as the fairy Puff 10 years ago, so I am really happy to think that I will be able to experience that happy year again. I look forward to cherishing the time that lies ahead with everyone!"
Higashiyama plays Moria Ruka, a mysterious girl who, despite being a Pretty Cure, for some reason works as a member of the Phantom Thieves. She has a laid-back and unconventional personality and doesn't say much, but she actually has a passionate heart inside her. Her favorite food is ice cream. She transforms into Cure Arcana Shadow, saying, "I'm Cure Arcana Shadow, wrapped in mystery and secrecy!"
Higashiyama commented on her thoughts on the "PreCure" series, saying, "It's filled with so many dreams and aspirations. The feelings of the children who cheer on PreCure with their eyes sparkling and straight-forward are truly precious. And everyone who becomes a PreCure or is involved with PreCure is serious. I feel that the coming together of such feelings creates such a wonderful work!"
"Cure Arcana Shadow is a mysterious character who is both a Pretty Cure and an enemy. I hope you will pay attention to how she became who she is today. I will do my best to be the best partner as we walk alongside Ruka on her future journey. I look forward to your continued support!"
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 Mystic/Kobayashi Mikuru played by Kaede Hondo Kaede, the mysterious Cure Eclair will also make an appearance. Also appearing are Emiri Kato Emiri 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.
