original:https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1757048874
"Idol Pretty Cure You and I♪ LIVE2025 You&I＝We're IDOL PRECURE" Commemorative Interview: Takamori Natsumi | "Seeing the children, I'm worried about whether I can stand on stage without crying." [Part 6]
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, "Idol Pretty Cure You & I♪ LIVE 2025 You&I＝We're Idol PreCure" will be held at the Pacifico Yokohama National Hall. Performers include: Matsuoka Misato as the Idol Angel/Sakura Uta, Takahashi Minami as the Winking Angel/Aokaze Nana, Takamori Natsumi as the Heartbeat Angel/Purple Rain Heart, Nanjo Aino as the Touching Angel, and Hanai Miharu as the Kissing Angel/Melloren. The opening theme song will also be performed by Ishii Ami, Kumada Akane, and Yoshitake Chisa. And this year, the idol Pretty Cure will also be taking the stage!
This idol-themed work is expected to bring a gorgeous stage full of sparkling ♪.
In Animate Times' regular "Pretty Cure Live Interviews," we interview voice actors about their enthusiasm for the live shows, their thoughts on the tracks included in the summer release of "'Idol Pretty Cure You and Me♪' Vocal Album ~We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪~," and the anticipated merchandise. In the sixth episode, we feature Natsumi Takamori, who plays the role of Heartbeat Angel/Purple Rain Heart.
My feelings about the Pretty Cure concert
With all five idol Pretty Cure members here, I think the dubbing scene has become even more lively. Looking back on your journey since your first dubbing, what are your thoughts?
Natsumi Takamori (hereinafter referred to as Takamori), who plays Heartbeat Angel/Purple Rain Heart: "I feel like the journey before the five of us become Pretty Cure is something we haven't seen in previous Pretty Cure series. It took about a month for Heart to become a partner, and I felt like I joined a little later. Meanwhile, Prilu has been there from the beginning, and Melorun took time to become a partner. As the number of people increases, their roles gradually change, which is a surprising and refreshing development. At the concert, everyone will be together, and we can show everyone how happy we are. Because there are so many stages leading up to the five of us, there's a sense of being fully prepared and ready to go."
That's true. That's why Kokoro's first transformation happened in episode 7, "My Heart's Beating! The Angel of Heart Makes Her Debut!"
Takamori: Yes. So lately, I feel like I've finally been able to see Kokoro's full side... At first, she was a fan who admired Uta-senpai, but after she opened up, she started to say things like, "Please don't meddle in my business!" and treat them in a more casual manner (laughs), showing a more relaxed side. Even though she's a fan of Idol Angels and Winking Angels, she's now able to speak her mind to Uta and Nana, which is a big change. At first, I thought she was the kind of kid who would be respectful and polite even when she was with Uta and Nana, but it turns out she's a kid who can have a conversation with them on an equal footing when she's not a Pretty Cure. I've discovered a lot since I joined the dubbing set.
There are so many wonderful moments in "Be careful." Episode 14, "To Mom ~A Message from the Heart~," made me burst into tears.
Takamori: My mom also said she cried (laughs). I was also moved while dubbing, but the scenes that made me cry the most were the flashbacks. Even though I didn't have any lines there, I felt like the director, the cinematography, and the music really brought out a wonderful story.
──Takamori, as the voice actor for Mimi, has appeared in "Delicious Party♡Pretty Cure", but this is your first time appearing in a Pretty Cure concert, right?
Takamori: Yes. Until now, I've only watched the show as a spectator, sitting alongside the three fairy characters (Takamori, Hioka Natsumi, and Hanba Tomoe), so I'm really looking forward to appearing this time. During the "Delicious Party" concert ("Delicious Party♡Hika no Pretty Cure LIVE2022 Cheers! Delicious LIVE Party♡"), Machico kept appearing, and I was like, "Machico's going to appear again, Machico~! Is there going to be another appearance? How many Machicos are there?" (laughs).
──Machico's active performance back then was really amazing...! Judging from the number of songs in this concert, the voice actors will probably sing a lot of songs as well.
Takamori: Yes. Because there are so many songs sung by the voice actors, I feel like this will be an extraordinary Pretty Cure concert. Even before I started dubbing, I already had a ton of recordings. "There's another song!" "Where will this one go?" It was so overwhelming that it was confusing (laughs). With so many tracks, I figured there would be a lot of songs at the concert, so I've been slowly preparing myself for the Pretty Cure concert. Since it's a one-time concert, I'm going to hold back and perform a lot.
However, since I started this job, I've never experienced a concert where I had to sing so many songs. So, this is uncharted territory for me. Plus, since it's in front of children, I've been thinking, "How should I feel when I step onto the concert stage?" This is a question I've been pondering lately.
──I see. Could you please explain in more detail?
Takamori: Until now, I've always approached concerts with the mindset of "standing on stage as a character." But with Pretty Cure, the children, with the Pretty Cure right in front of them, probably think, "What kind of older sisters are we (the voice actors)?" But recently, in the materials I received, it clearly stated, "We're Pretty Cure, too." "Oh, yeah, we're Pretty Cure too!" So now, I'm thinking, "Standing on stage as Zi Yu Xin, as Pretty Cure." The children are also very flexible, so I think they'll definitely accept us.
──It's the first time for Pretty Cure to appear together at a Pretty Cure concert.
Takamori: Personally, I really want everyone to see a lot of Pretty Cure. So I don't want to overthink it; I'd be happy if the kids could just enjoy themselves and think, "Pretty Cure is singing!" Actually, when I went to their debut concert, the kids naturally moved their bodies and danced along to songs they hadn't heard before. I was really moved by their agility. Even though the show hadn't even aired yet (it took place on February 1st, Pretty Cure Day), the little Pretty Cure kids were already transforming into heart-throbs... My tear ducts get weird when I see the little Pretty Cure, so now I'm worried about whether I can stand on stage without crying. My own thanksgiving festival has left a psychological scar... (bitter smile).
--I also cried while listening to Takamori's speech in "Delicious Party♡Pretty Cure." However, the way the children cheered for Pretty Cure with such sincerity was truly touching.
Takamori: Exactly! I also cried my heart out during the "Pretty Cure" appreciation festival. Seeing the kids naturally shouting "Go Pretty Cure!" in support, I was overwhelmed by the pure power and burst into tears. This time was also really dangerous, or maybe I just lacked confidence.
I especially love "GARDEN." If I were to sing it, I'd definitely cry. I've already told Kon (Chiaki) and Murase (Aki), "If we can't sing it, please come out through the stage doors and sing for us" (laughs).
—Series director Kon and producer Murase suddenly appeared (laughs). But this is a song that really makes you cry, and I want to hear it both on the audio and at a live performance.
Takamori: Yes. "GARDEN" is not only a great song in itself, but I heard it's closely tied to the main storyline, which makes it even more touching. I think I might cry before I even start singing.
At Pretty Cure concerts, songs from the character song albums released each summer are traditionally performed on stage. "'Idol Pretty Cure You and Me♪' Vocal Album ~We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪~" includes "GARDEN" and Kokoro's character song "GR∞VE L∞P," but Kokoro's character song was revealed earlier in this story than the others.
Takamori: Yes. Because of this, I recorded the character songs and "Soul Revolution" early on, all by myself. At the time, Kokoro's personality wasn't completely finalized yet (laughs). So, for this live, I think I'll finally be able to perform "GR∞VE L∞P" based on my understanding of Kokoro. I think it'll be something different from the original soundtrack, something that only Kokoro can express now.
──Based on your understanding of the mind, how do you feel when you listen to "GR∞VE L∞P" now?
Takamori: The lyrics were so representative of the character that they made me realize, "Ah, so this is the kind of child she is." After the actual dubbing, the lyrics naturally emerged in the dialogue.
For example, in "Spiritual Revolution," there's a line called "Kyun is the master of all things," and it ended up appearing in this episode (Episode 26). I was surprised, thinking, "Isn't this from the lyrics?" Even before that, during recording sessions, I'd often think, "Ah, the lyrics are here!" This gradually deepened my understanding of the songs. I've come to understand these songs in a strange order.
──The opening theme song "キミとアイドルプリキュア♪ Light Up!" is also true. If you listen to it again, you will find that there are many foreshadowings buried in it.
Takamori: That's exactly what happened. I covered the song myself and realized, "So, that's what it's about!" (laughs). I felt like the music producers understood our characters better than anyone else and had given us hints in the lyrics beforehand.
The album also includes the self-introduction song "We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪." It's a lively song. What was your impression when you listened to it?
Takamori: It's a really cute song. Actually, that song's key is the easiest for me to sing. People say it's too low a pitch and hard to sing, but with Kokoro's vocal range, the other songs are pretty high.
──The character's vocal range is different from your own. I think that's what makes character songs difficult.
Takamori: Yes. "We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪" is very easy to sing for Kokoro's vocal range, so I had a lot of fun singing it. It's also my favorite idol introduction song. It takes a little practice, so I hope everyone gets familiar with it beforehand. I think this song will bring everyone's hearts together.
Actually, we recorded the call in two modes: a "vibe-based version" and a "super otaku version." It seems like the super otaku version was used (laughs). I really shouted it out, so please listen carefully.
──Are there any songs on the album that particularly interest you?
Takamori: I'd love to hear Prilu and Melorun's "Nakayoshi J♡YFUL" at a live concert! I never thought I'd be able to sing as a fairy. I don't think Mimi can sing (laughs).
Being able to hear the songs in the animation at the concert is also the fun of this concert.
──Although it is not included in this album, what is your impression of the five-member stage song "Kimito Shingaribon"?
Takamori: This song has such a powerful, pulsating feel, I thought it would be incredibly exciting to play in the show! The chorus creates a sing-along-and-fight vibe. I was surprised to see such a cool piece in a children's anime. In that vein, the touching and kissable stage song "Awakening Harmony" is a genre that I think the children were first exposed to.
──It might be refreshing for children to be exposed to new types of music and vocabulary.
Takamori: Yes. It's like this every year, and this might be their first exposure to the character songs. In the past, at Pretty Cure concerts, the songs were mostly only available to those who bought the character song albums and then heard them at the concert. But with "Idol Pretty Cure You and Me♪," the character songs are often played in the anime, so they can be enjoyed directly at the concert. Previously, it was mostly adults who knew the songs, but this time, it might be a concert where children can enjoy them together. I think this format is relatively rare.
──Indeed...! And there are a lot of songs you can dance to. I think a lot of kids are looking forward to hearing the end song "Kimito Rurala" and the beginning song "Trio Dreams" at the concert.
Takamori: I thought too much about the lyrics of "Kimito Rurara" (laughs). Is the word "lu la la" important...? I couldn't help but overthink it. Also, considering the balance between the five of us, I thought, "So that's why it's the style of 'Kimito Rurara'!" On the other hand, I felt that "Trio Dreams" had a nostalgic feel, like the theme songs of early Heisei anime, which was very touching.
——Ah, I understand.
Gao Sen: The lyrics of "Trio Dreams" mention musical genres. I was in charge of the song "Chanson," and I think the children would probably wonder, "What is Chanson?" Then they'd ask their parents, "What does it mean?" or look up information together, connecting to new learning through music.
--And then, in "Movie Idol Pretty Cure ♪ We've been waiting for so long! We'll present you a shining stage!", in addition to the theme song "♪HiBiKi Au Uta♪", they also covered "ひろがるスカイ！プリキュア～Hero Girls～". Takahashi said she "challenged it with the determination to turn into ash" (laughs).
Takamori: Yes (laughs). "Hirogaru Sukai! Prikura ~Hero Girls~" was incredibly difficult. The pitch was really high, and it was incredibly difficult. "Ishii (Ami)...!! What's with that pitch!" I was surprised she sang it alone. Because it's so far outside my vocal range, I recorded it after telling them, "I'm not sure my blood vessels can handle it. I'd probably snap all over the place!" (laughs).
──It's rare to see a song covered in a movie across a series.
Takamori: Yeah. And it's Heartbeat and Wink singing "Open the Sky! Pretty Cure," while Touch and Kiss sing "Wonderful Pet Pretty Cure!" Since Touch and Kiss feel more mature, to be honest, it feels like they're taking on different roles, which is something I find quite refreshing.
Because it's a Pretty Cure concert, I wanted to consider things that would be fun for parents and children.
──Are there any items you're interested in regarding this year's Pretty Cure concert merchandise?
Takamori: Last year's lineup was already perfect, like a music festival. This year, they also have towels, silicone wristbands, and towel clips. I'm so grateful! (laughs). And they even have shoelaces, which is really new. I'm especially looking forward to the uchiwa fans. They really stand out from the stage. When I performed on stage in other productions before, I learned that uchiwa fans and T-shirts are instantly recognizable even from a distance, and I was like, "Wow, that's amazing!" (laughs). I think they'd be great as merchandise, too.
──Next, let's take a look at the standard questions for our relay interviews. Every year, we collect questions in advance in a relay format. Takahashi's relay question is, "What's the best thing to do before a concert?"
Takamori: "Get some sleep" (laughs). My goal before a concert is to "get some sleep." I'm actually the type who has trouble falling asleep... If it's a two-day concert, I usually go on stage with almost no sleep on the first day, and then finally fall asleep on the second day due to exhaustion (laughs). But this time, it's only one day, so I want to get some sleep to adjust. Ideally, I'd like to get about seven hours of sleep. However, sleeping more than that can actually make the sound worse, so adjusting that aspect is a challenge.
──The next question is for Nanjo Aino. What would you like to ask?
Takamori: I'd like to ask her, "What's the mood like when she enjoys a live performance?" I'm the type who tends to worry easily, constantly wondering if I'll make a mistake singing a lyric or if something goes wrong. But even if I do, I try to act as if nothing happened (laughs). But because I'm constantly thinking about these things, it's hard to feel "I'm so happy!" during a live performance. However, seeing someone truly having fun singing makes me very happy. This time, I think Misato (Matsuoka) will definitely help everyone feel "I'm so happy!" And since Minamijo is a veteran entertainer, I'd like to know how she enjoys live performances and how she overcomes challenges.
──Takamori, what are you looking forward to on the day of the concert?
Takamori: I really want to see the little Pretty Cure girls. The venue, the Pacifico Yokohama National Hall, is a huge place. I think the daytime and nighttime shows will be completely different. Of course, it's not just the children; I think everyone is a Pretty Cure. I hope parents can enjoy it too, thinking, "I'm a Pretty Cure!" I'm not sure yet, but I plan to try a "Heart hairstyle" that matches Kokoro's hairstyle. Usually, Kokoro wears her hair high, but I'll tie it a little lower, a "lower heart hairstyle." If I do that, I think it'll be easier for mothers to imitate. I'm thinking it would be great if we could show how to do it somewhere beforehand.
—Wow, that's great.
Takamori: I'd be very happy if parents and children could have fun together. This is my first time standing on the concert stage for parents and children to have fun together, so thinking about these things is also very fresh and interesting.
──We are looking forward to it. Finally, please say a few words to everyone who is looking forward to the concert.
Takamori: Some of you might be attending a Pretty Cure concert for the first time, while others have been many times. This year's concept is "idol," so I have a feeling it'll be a special performance. Plus, with voice actors and Pretty Cure all appearing, the stage will be completely packed with Pretty Cure! You might not be able to get enough of it (laughs).
But on the other hand, I hope everyone will enjoy every corner. As I said earlier, what I'm most looking forward to is seeing the children dancing in the audience. Until now, I've only seen everyone's backs from the audience, but this time, I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's faces from the stage. Please join in singing, dancing, and enjoying yourself.
[Interview with Mari Sakai]