original:https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1757048874
'Idol Pretty Cure You & Me♪ LIVE2025 You&I＝We're IDOL PRECURE' Commemorative Relay Interview Natsumi Takamori | "Seeing the children, I'm already worried about whether I can take the stage without crying" [Part 6]
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, 'Idol Pretty Cure You & Me♪ LIVE2025 You&I＝We're IDOL PRECURE' will be held at Pacifico National Hall Yokohama. The cast includes: Saki Kaito / Cure Soprano voiced by Misato Matsuoka, Aofu Nana / Cure Alto voiced by Minami Takahashi, Shiu Kokoro / Cure Heartful voiced by Natsumi Takamori, Prilu / Cure Feel voiced by Yoshino Nanjo, Melorin / Cure Kiss voiced by Mihana Hanai, as well as opening theme singers Ami Ishii, Akane Kumada, and Chisae Yoshitake. And this year, the Idol Pretty Cures will take the stage!
As a work themed on idols, it promises to deliver a stage full of ♪ sparkling brilliance.
In Animate Times' regular feature, "Pretty Cure Concert Relay Interview," we asked the voice actresses about their enthusiasm for the concert, their thoughts on the songs included in the summer release "'Idol Pretty Cure You & Me♪' Vocal Album ～We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪～", and the notable merchandise. The sixth installment features Natsumi Takamori, the voice of Cure Heartful / Kokoro Shiu.
On her feelings about approaching the Pretty Cure concert
——With all five Idol Pretty Cures gathered, I imagine the recording site has become even livelier. Looking back on the journey since the first recording, what are your thoughts?
Ms. 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."
——Indeed. Precisely because of that, Kokoro also made her first transformation in episode 7, "Heart-pounding♪ Cure Heartful's First Appearance!"
Takamori: Yes. So, I've finally started to see Kokoro's full picture recently... At first, she was in the position of a fan admiring her senior Kaito, but after Kokoro opened her heart, she started to retort with "Please don't interfere too much!" or treat them in a more casual way (laughs), showing a relaxed side. Although she is a fan of Cure Soprano and Cure Alto, being able to say what she wants to Kaito and Nana is also a big change. At first, I thought she was the kind of child who would interact with Kaito and Nana with respect and a bit of reserve even in their civilian forms, but it turns out when she's not a Pretty Cure, she's a child who can speak with them as equals. There were many new discoveries after entering the recording studio.
——There are many wonderful scenes with Kokoro-chan. Episode 14, "To Mama ~A Message from Kokoro~" made me burst out crying.
Takamori: My mother also said she "cried" (laughs). I myself was moved during the recording, but where I cried the most was the recollection scene. Although I had no lines there. With the direction, visuals, and music, I think Kokoro was truly responsible for a wonderful story.
——Takamori, as the voice of Komekome, 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 always attended as part of the fairy trio (Takamori, Natsumi Hioka, Tomoe Hanba) sitting in the audience, so I'm really looking forward to being able to perform this time. During the 'Delicious Party' concert ('Delicious Party♡Pretty Cure LIVE2022 Cheers！Delicious LIVE Party♡'), Machico kept appearing, "Machico is appearing again, Machico~! Again!? Just how many Machicos are there?" (laughs).
——Machico's active performance back then was really amazing...! Looking at the number of songs in this concert, the voice actor cast will probably sing a lot too.
Takamori: Yes. Because there are many songs sung by the voice actors, I feel this will be an extraordinary Pretty Cure concert. Before we started the voice work, there was just so much recording for Kaito's songs. "Another song!" "Where will this one be used?" It was confusing how many there were (laughs). Given the number of tracks, it means that many songs will be sung at the concert, so I've slowly been steeling my resolve for the Pretty Cure concert. Since it's a one-time concert, I imagine we won't hold back and will perform a lot.
However, since starting this job, I haven't experienced a concert where I have to sing this many songs. So, it's unknown territory for me as well. Plus, because it's in front of children, "With what feelings should I stand on the concert stage?" I've been thinking about that until recently.
——I see. Could you tell us more specifically?
Takamori: Until now, I've approached concerts with the awareness of "standing on stage as the character," but in the case of Pretty Cure, for children, with the Pretty Cures present right before their eyes, we (voice actors) might be seen as "what kind of big sisters are they?" something like that. But recently, in the materials I received, it was clearly stated that "we are also Pretty Cures." "Ah, that's right, we are also Pretty Cures!". So now, I'm holding the feeling of "standing on stage as Kokoro Shiu, as a Pretty Cure." Children are also flexible, and I think they will surely accept us.
——The Pretty Cures appearing together is also a first in Pretty Cure concerts.
Takamori: Personally, I really want to show everyone many scenes of the Pretty Cures. So I don't want to think too complicatedly, and I'd be happy if the children can simply enjoy it, thinking "The Pretty Cures are singing!". Actually, when I went to see the public debut concert, the children were naturally moving and dancing to songs they hadn't heard before. I really thought they were flexible and was moved. Although the broadcast hadn't started yet (held on February 1st, Pretty Cure Day), among the little Pretty Cures, there were already children who had transformed into Heartful... My tear ducts act up whenever I see little Pretty Cures, so I'm already worried about whether I can take the stage without crying. Because my own experience at the "Kanshasai" left a "trauma"... (wry smile).
——Regarding Takamori's statement at the "Delicious Party♡Pretty Cure" Kanshasai, I was also listening and crying. But the sight of children purely cheering for Pretty Cure is really touching.
Takamori: That's right! I also cried a lot at the 'Hugtto! Pretty Cure' Kanshasai. When I see children naturally shouting "Pretty Cure, fight!" to cheer, I'm defeated by that pure power and really cry. This time is also really dangerous, or rather, I have no confidence.
Especially, I really like "GARDEN," and if we sing that song, I'll definitely cry. I've already told Kon (Chiaki) and Murase (Aki), "If we can't sing, please come out from the stage entrances and help us sing" (laughs).
——Series director Kon and producer Murase suddenly appearing (laughs). But it really is a song that makes you want to cry, and I'd love to hear it both in the audio source and at the concert.
Takamori: Yes. "GARDEN" is not only a great song itself, but I've heard it's closely connected to the main story's plot, and thinking about that makes it even more moving. I think I might cry before I even start singing.
At Pretty Cure lives, 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 that, both the character song and "Kokoro Kakumei" were recorded early, with just me alone. At that time, Kokoro's character wasn't fully settled yet (laughs), so at this concert, I think I can finally perform "GR∞VE L∞P" with an understanding of Kokoro. It should show something different from the audio source, something that only the current Kokoro can express.
──Now that you understand Kokoro's heart, how do you feel when you listen to "GR∞VE L∞P" now?
Takamori: The lyrics represent the character so well that they became a trigger for me to understand, "Ah, so this is what she's like." As the recording sessions progressed, those lyrics would naturally appear in the dialogue.
For example, in "Kokoro Revolution," there's a phrase that goes "Kyun koso mono no jōzu nare," and this phrase also appeared in the main story (Episode 26), and I was surprised, "This phrase was in the lyrics!" Even before that, during recordings, there were moments where I'd think, "Ah, the lyrics are appearing here," little by little, deepening my understanding of the song, so to speak. I'm understanding the song in a mysterious order.
──When you listen to the opening theme song "キミとアイドルプリキュア♪ Light Up！" again, you notice it's sprinkled with foreshadowing, isn't it?
Takamori: That's so true. I also did a cover of it and thought, "So that's what it meant here!" (laughs). I feel that the song staff understood our characters better than anyone and had shown that through the lyrics beforehand.
──The album also includes the self-introduction song "We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪". It's a lively song, but what was your impression when you first heard it?
Takamori: It's an incredibly cute song. Actually, to tell you the truth, that song is in the easiest key for me to sing. Everyone else said it was low and hard to sing, but for Kokoro's key, the other songs are quite high.
──The key for the character and your own key are different, right? I think that's the tricky part about character songs.
Takamori: Exactly. Since "We are! You & IDOL PRECURE♪" in Kokoro's key was very easy for me to sing, I enjoyed singing it. Plus, I also love the idol introduction song itself. It requires a bit of preliminary study, so I want everyone to please listen to it carefully beforehand. I think this song is what will unite everyone's hearts as one.
Actually, the call parts I recorded as Kokoro were done in two patterns: a "reads-the-air version" and a "hardcore otaku version." And it seems the hardcore otaku version was the one adopted (laughs). Since I shouted with all my might, I'd be happy if you could listen for it.
──Are there any songs in the album that you're particularly interested in?
Takamori: I'd really like to hear Purrun and Meroron's "なかよしJ♡YFUL" live! I'd never thought about the fairy forms singing a song. I don't think Kome-Kome could sing (laughs).
Being able to hear the songs from the anime performed live is one of the highlights of this live concert.
──Although it's not included in this album, what are your impressions of the five members' stage song "キミとシンガリボン"?
Takamori: I thought the driving pace of this song was amazing, and it would be so cool to have it play in the show! The chorus has an atmosphere like they're fighting while singing. I was surprised that a kids' anime would have such a cool song. Speaking of which, I think Zukyun to Kiss's stage song "Awakening Harmony" is also the type of song children might be encountering for the first time.
──In the sense of being exposed to new genres and words, it might sound fresh to the children.
Takamori: Yes. Like every year, this might be their first encounter with character songs. In past Precure live concerts, I think often only those who bought the vocal album could listen to the character songs and then hear them live. But in 'Kimipuri's case, character songs are always playing within the anime, so they can be enjoyed directly in the live concert too. Previously, it was more like the adults were the ones who knew the songs, but this time, I think it can be a live concert that the children can also enjoy together. I don't think we've had this format much before.
──Indeed...! And there are lots of songs you can dance along to, right? I think many children are looking forward to hearing the later ending theme "Kimi to Rurara" and the earlier ending theme "Trio Dreams" live as well.
Takamori: I ended up overthinking the lyrics for "キミとルララ" (laughs). I wondered if the word "Rurara" was particularly important...? I thought about it too much. Also, considering the balance among us five, I thought, "So this is the musical style 'Kimi to Rurara' ended up with!" On the contrary, "Trio Dreams" feels nostalgic, reminiscent of early Heisei period anime theme songs, and it's emotional.
——Ah, I understand.
高森：「Trio Dreams」には歌詞の中に音楽のジャンル名が出てきて、私は〈シャンソン〉を担当しているんですが、子どもたちにとっては「シャンソンって何だろう？」と感じると思うんです。そこでお父さんやお母さんに「これはどういう意味？」と尋ねたり、一緒に調べたりして、音楽を通じて新しい学びにつながっていくのかなと。
──And in the 'Movie You and Idol Precure♪ Matase! Kimi ni Todokeru Kiratti Live!', besides the theme song "♪HiBiKi Au Uta♪", you also sang a cover of "Hirogaru Sky! Precure ~Hero Girls~". (Yukari) Takahashi said, "I challenged myself with the feeling of turning to ashes" (laughs).
Takamori: That's right (laughs). Regarding "ひろがるスカイ！プリキュア～Hero Girls～", I thought, "What a difficult song!" The key was really high and tough. "Ami (Ishii)-san...!! How high is this?!" I was surprised that she sang this alone originally. Since it was far from Kokoro's key, I told them, "I'm not confident my blood vessels will survive. Various things might go 'pop pop'," and then proceeded with the recording (laughs).
──It's rare to sing covers from across the series within a movie, isn't it?
Takamori: Yes, it is. Moreover, Kyun-Kyun and Wink are from 'HiroPri', and Zukyun and Kiss are from 'Wonderful Precure!'. Zukyun and Kiss have a more mature feel, so if you think about it plainly, you might expect the opposite assignment, which I found fresh too.
Thinking about what makes it enjoyable for parents and children, precisely because it's a Precure Live
──Among this year's Precure Live goods, are there any items you're interested in?
Takamori: Last year's lineup was already perfect, like a "festival." This year again, there's a towel, silicone band, and towel clip – it's like, thank you! (laughs). And there are even shoelaces, which is very fresh. I'm especially looking forward to the uchiwa fans. When seen from the stage, uchiwa are very noticeable. When I was on stage for a different work before, I learned that uchiwa and full graphic T-shirts are instantly recognizable even from afar, thinking "Wow, amazing" (laughs). I think they are really great as goods too.
──From here on out, it's the standard relay interview question. In this interview, we receive a question passed on in a baton relay style every year. The baton question from (Yukari) Takahashi-san was, "Is there anything you think is better to do before the live?"
Takamori: "Sleep properly" (laughs). My goal before lives is to "sleep properly." Actually, I'm the type who has a lot of trouble falling asleep... For 2DAYS events, on the first day I usually face it having barely slept, and finally on the second day, I can sleep due to exhaustion (laughs). But this time it's only one day, so I want to sleep soundly and get my condition in order. My ideal is about 7 hours. However, if I sleep more than that, it actually becomes harder to produce my voice, so adjusting that is also a challenge.
──And next, what would you like to ask Ms. (Yoshino) Nanjo?
Takamori: I'd really like to ask her "What mindset does she have for enjoying the live?" I'm a worrier, constantly thinking about whether I'll make a mistake in the lyrics, or if some trouble will occur. Although, if I do make a mistake, I remain calm (laughs). But because I'm always thinking about such things, I don't often get the feeling of "This is fun~!" during the actual performance. However, I feel really happy when I see my colleagues singing looking like they're truly enjoying themselves. This time, I think (Matsuka) Misato-chan will probably lead the "fun~!" feeling, but Nanjo-san is also a senior artist, so I'd really like to know how she enjoys the live and how she overcomes (the challenges).
──Ms. Takamori, is there anything you are looking forward to regarding the live day itself?
Takamori: Above all, it's seeing the little Precure fans. The venue, Pacifico Yokohama, is also a large hall, right? I feel the atmosphere will be completely different between the daytime and evening performances. Of course, I don't think it's only small children who are Precure; I want even the parents to enjoy it with the feeling of "I am Precure!" I'm not sure yet, but I myself am planning to challenge the live with "Kokoro Hair," styled to match Kokoro's hairstyle. Usually, Kokoro-chan ties her hair up high, but I'll tie it a bit lower, perhaps "Lower Kokoro Hair," you could say. If so, I think it would be an easier hairstyle for mothers to imitate too. I'm thinking it would be nice if I could share how to tie it somewhere in advance.
—Wow, that's great.
Takamori: I'd be happy if parents and children can enjoy it together. Since this is my first time standing on the stage of a live that families come to enjoy together, thinking about these things is also fresh and fun for me.
──We're looking forward to it. Finally, please give a message to everyone looking forward to the live.
Takamori: There might be people participating in a Precure Live for the first time, and also those who have come many times. Since the concept this year is "idol," I have a feeling it will be a special stage. Moreover, both the cast and the Precure will appear, so the stage will be full of Precures! It might even be a case of "not having enough eyes" (laughs).
But for that reason, I think you can enjoy every corner of it. As I mentioned earlier, what I'm looking forward to the most myself is seeing the children dancing in the audience seats. Until now, I've been seeing their backs from the audience seats, but this time I can see everyone's faces from the stage, so I'm really looking forward to it. Please, let's all sing and dance together throughout the entire venue and enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
[Interviewer: Mari Sakai]