This year's 23rd installment in the beloved Pretty Cure franchise, "Detective Pretty Cure!", has been generating major buzz since its title reveal and character introductions, drawing even more fans to this fantastic, long-running IP.
But there's one character who's been shrouded in mystery since before the show even aired: the enigmatic "Cure Éclair" (キュアエクレール), whose true identity has kept fans guessing. Today (June 12), the official team announced the launch of the "Cure Éclair Arc" starting June 21! They'll be airing four consecutive episodes, each spotlighting a different "transformation candidate," and inviting viewers to vote on who they think Cure Éclair really is. The big reveal? It's all going down in Episode 25, airing July 19!
Ever since the official character design for Cure Éclair (キュアエクレール) dropped, everything about her has been a secret – no info on her civilian identity, not even a voice actor has been revealed, and she hasn't even appeared in the anime yet! Her design looks more mature than the other characters, making fans super curious about how long the production team plans to keep us in suspense.
Her transformation catchphrase? "Unleash the true fragrance within! Detective, Cure Éclair!" (解き放て！内なる真実の香り 名探偵 キュアエクレール！)
The official team has also unveiled the four potential candidates, all residents of Shinshin Mirai City:
Eliza Kurusu (CV: Riko Akechi)
A 17-year-old high school student and budding mystery novelist.
Rei Kaneda (CV: Lynn)
A 15-year-old student council president at Shinshin Mirai City Private Academy.
Shiruku Ieiri (CV: Natsumi Murakami)
A 16-year-old rising star actress, balancing high school with her acting career.
Claire Hoba (CV: Ikumi Hasegawa)
A 16-year-old pastry chef at the Chouchou Cake Shop.
The official schedule reveals that upcoming episodes will feature each of these four characters in their own spotlight.
▼ June 21: Episode 21 – Eliza Kurusu's Episode (CV: Riko Akechi)
▼ June 28: Episode 22 – Shiruku Ieiri's Episode (CV: Natsumi Murakami)
▼ July 5: Episode 23 – Claire Hoba's Episode (CV: Ikumi Hasegawa)
▼ July 12: Episode 24 – Rei Kaneda's Episode (CV: Lynn)
▼ July 19: Episode 25 – The Grand Reveal of Cure Éclair's True Identity!
But wait, there's more! They're also launching a nationwide fan-sleuthing event! You can cast your vote for the most likely candidate on the official special website, or at 8 locations across Japan, including Pretty Store branches in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Koshigaya, and Nagoya, plus event venues in Hamamatsu, Osaka Nanko ATC, and the Toei Animation Museum.
And for all you detectives out there, Episodes 21-24 will be available for a limited-time free rewatch on the official Pretty Cure YouTube channel and TVer from July 12, 09:00 JST to July 26, 08:59 JST. Perfect for reviewing those crucial clues before you cast your final vote!
▼ Vote in person and snag a "Voting Completion Certificate" prize (5 designs total: 4 candidates + Cure Éclair, distributed randomly).
So, to sum it up: the official team has turned the long-hidden identity of "Cure Éclair" into a massive, interactive event! They're challenging fans to a nationwide mystery game, featuring four characters from the current anime. You'll get four weeks to watch, guess, and then finally get the big reveal in Episode 25.
Honestly, "Detective Pretty Cure!" is absolutely packed with selling points, and the official team's clever moves keep the show constantly trending. If you're up for a challenge, make sure to join the vote!
via： 名探偵プリキュア！｜東映アニメーション