The magical girl anime series "Pretty Cure," created by Izumi Todo, is still going strong! Its 22nd installment, "Idol Pretty Cure: You and Me!," which premiered this year, is already a massive hit, proving Toei's long-running flagship franchise is holding its own.
In episode 42 of the anime, which aired today (November 30), Hibiki Kaito, voiced by Snow Man member Daisuke Sakuma, officially transformed into the brand-new Pretty Cure, "Cure Connect" (キュアコネクト)! Official character designs were released simultaneously, marking him as the first adult male Pretty Cure in the series. Sakuma excitedly shared, "I screamed with joy! It's such an honor."
A long-time anime enthusiast, Daisuke Sakuma began his voice acting career in 2020, lending his talents to shows like "Black Clover" and "Cardfight!! Vanguard." Voicing a character in "Idol Pretty Cure: You and Me!" is a dream come true for this self-proclaimed Pretty Cure fan.
His character, Hibiki Kaito, is an 18-year-old legendary idol in the show, known for his "gentle big brother" persona (though this wasn't the initial direction for the first three episodes; the official stance was set from episode four onwards).
Episode 42 kicks off with the beloved "legendary idol" Hibiki Kaito performing a concert when suddenly, the Idol Pretty Cure's enemies appear. Kaito is shocked to discover that the villain is none other than his best friend, Toya Kazuma.
Determined to rekindle their bond, Kaito decides to reach out to his friend through song. In a miraculous moment sparked by his desire to save his dearest friend, he shouts: "With a heart of bonds, I'll play with you! Soar through the sky, Cure Connect!" (キミと奏でる、ハートの絆！空の向こうへ、キュアコネクト！), awakening his power and transforming into Cure Connect. He then uses "Legendary Echo" to restore Kazuma to his original self.
Daisuke Sakuma revealed that he only learned about his character's transformation into Cure Connect shortly before recording. He exclaimed, "When I heard, I couldn't help but shout, 'Ohhh! It's finally happening!' I was over the moon and incredibly proud."
After seeing the character designs, he raved, "Cure Connect's look is more mature than the typical Idol Pretty Cure, with an aspirational vibe. I thought it was super cool at first glance, and I'm just so thrilled to be part of the Pretty Cure cast."
Daisuke Sakuma's Cure Connect also holds significant milestone status as the first adult male Pretty Cure in the "Pretty Cure" anime series.
(The first primary male member was Tsubasa Yuunagi / Cure Wing from 2023's "Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure.")
This clearly shows Pretty Cure's continuous breakthroughs in recent years. "Idol Pretty Cure: You and Me!" even features fairies Prilulu & Mebol transforming into "Cure Heartbeat" and "Cure Kiss," respectively. It's safe to say the Pretty Cure franchise is truly embracing more diverse directions!
