original:https://www.crank-in.net/trend/interview/173578/1
The latest anime in the idol-themed "Pretty Cure" series, "Idol Pretty Cure You and Me ♪" (ABC and TV Asahi series, airing every Sunday at 8:30 AM Tokyo time), premiered in Japan on September 12th. The film adaptation, "Idol Pretty Cure You and Me ♪: Long Wait! We'll Sparkle for You!", premiered nationwide on September 12th. Set on the mysterious "Ai Ai Island," the story follows the idol Pretty Cure, who perform at the "Universe's First" idol festival, as they fight to save the island and the world from a crisis. To commemorate the release of the film, Crank In! Trend interviewed Misato Matsuoka, who plays Sakura Uta, Minami Takahashi, who plays Nana Aokaze, who plays Nana Aokaze, who plays Nana Aokaze, who plays Zi Yuxin, who plays Aino Minami, who plays Prilu, who plays the Angel of Love, and Miharu Hanai, who plays Melorun, who plays the Angel of Kiss. In addition to the highlights of the film, they also asked about their favorite and passionate interests as "Universe's First."
■This is also a very exciting work for those who are keen on supporting idols
――Please tell us what you thought after reading the script.
Matsuoka: The diverse cast of idols and the sheer scale of the "Universe's No. 1 Idol Festival" made this a truly unique film, distinct from the TV series. I hope everyone will find their ideal idol!
Takahashi: When I read the script, I felt like it encapsulated all the joys and sorrows of supporting idols. I'm also a big fan of supporting idols, and I felt so connected to the emotions that I even cried while reading the script. It's a story that captures the emotions of us fans. It's a truly wonderful film for everyone who's passionate about supporting idols, so I hope you'll see it soon.
Takamori: The movie is filled with heartwarming lines that could only be found in movies. I was particularly moved by the words of the veteran Pretty Cure characters from "Open the Sky! Pretty Cure" and "Wonderful Pet Pretty Cure!" They were so moving that they brought me to tears, and I hope everyone will pay attention to their lines as well.
Nanjo: I probably cried at the same point (laughs). I hope everyone can see the lively performances of the senior Pretty Cure. The grand scale of each scene is full of the unique charm of a movie. The plot builds layer by layer to a climax that finally explodes. I hope everyone can enjoy this work on the big screen and with its powerful sound effects soon.
Hanai: The story and the interactions between the original characters are also very insightful. The antagonists aren't simply terrifying, but have their own fully developed backgrounds, so please pay attention to that aspect as well. And, of course, the most important thing is the concert! After all, it's the "world's largest idol festival," so the scale is truly grand. I hope everyone will enjoy the show together, waving glow sticks in front of the screen!
――What was the atmosphere like on set during the dubbing? Please share a memorable anecdote.
Takamori: The TV series' series director, Chiaki Kon, came to visit the set... No, she came to cheer us up (laughs). She even brought Nana's favorite banana snack as a souvenir.
Takahashi: She said, "This is a banana snack, so Nana must have it!" and gave us the treats, but there were only four snacks. There were five of us!
Takamori: The five of us were like, "Are we supposed to have a fight?" (laughs)
Takahashi: We thought so, but Ms. Kon left with a banana snack and a smile (laughs). That's a wonderful memory, too.
- I heard that the five of you also visited the dubbing sites of previous Pretty Cure productions.
Takahashi: Super cool!
Nanjo: We can feel the historical legacy of their continued efforts. Seeing the backs of our predecessors ignited our resolve to follow their example. It was truly impressive.
Matsuoka: When I hear the voices of my seniors, even in times of crisis, I feel like, "I'm definitely going to be saved!" It's a powerful, reassuring feeling.
Hanai: The characteristics of each of the seniors are very distinct in each series, which is also impressive.
Takamori: I can feel the sense of reliability that the Pretty Cure seniors have accumulated over a year and persevered to the end.
Nanjo: The combined lines were also powerful. After watching the voice acting of our seniors in Pretty Cure, I felt like, "We have to show them our excellent performances, too."
- Please tell everyone what you, the "number one in the universe", like or are passionate about!
Matsuoka: I love the feeling of being full! Lately, I've even gone beyond just being full and become addicted to the feeling of stuffing my mouth with delicious food.
Takahashi: When we went out to eat together, a huge dish appeared and I couldn't finish it. Matsuoka said, "Leave it to me!" and ate it for me. He's really reliable.
Matsuoka: I'm good at eating, so please leave it to me!
Hanai: Speaking of food, plum sweets have been my favorite since I was a kid. I have a huge collection of them at home, and I always carry them in my bag.
Takahashi: We often share snacks at the dubbing studio, and the plum snacks we had that time were so delicious that I was moved!
Hanai: That was my first time encountering that kind of plum pastry!
Takahashi: We were so touched that we ordered it online right then and there. Now both of our homes are probably overflowing with that sweet treat (laughs).
Gao Sen: I like cookies. The simpler the better!
Nanjo: We even went to a cookie festival together.
Takamori: I bought a ton. I've never bought so many cookies on instinct before. It felt like some important switch had flipped (laughs). I don't think I'll ever be able to resist eating cookies again.
Takahashi: I don't love food, I love idols. Just like food, I can't live without it every day. Every day, I watch everyone dancing and singing with all my heart. I think about them 24/7, even in my dreams (laughs).
Nanjo: I absolutely love looking at menus. Aren't izakaya menus filled with all sorts of delicious dishes? Just looking at them gets me excited. I even thought about setting the menu as my phone's home screen (laughs). I also love gaming, and I often stay up late playing. I live a free and easy life (laughs).
Takahashi: That’s the best!
- Please share something that made you feel "sparkling and brilliant" recently.
Takahashi: I also love watching idol concerts. When I see the best performances, I can't help but pump my fist and shout, "I've never seen such an amazing performance! This is amazing!" That moment makes me think, "This is the shining moment."
Nanjo: My nieces have watched "Idol Pretty Cure" and seem to like Prilu too. My gaming friend's child has also watched it and recently told me he learned the word "push." Also, when I went back home for Tanabata (Valentine's Day) festival, I saw wish sticks decorated in drugstores with messages like "I want to be a Pretty Cure! I want to meet her!" Seeing these things made me realize that the show truly reached so many people. It was a truly brilliant moment. I was very happy and moved.
Hanai: I have a favorite cup of yakisoba. It's incredibly spicy. It used to be very common, but recently it's been gone. I loved it so much I wanted to buy a whole box, but it suddenly disappeared, leaving me feeling lonely. Then, a few days ago, I happened to be browsing a convenience store and saw it back, and the spiciness was reduced by 50%! I immediately bought it and ate it, reminiscing about the past while savoring the brilliant moments. This cup of yakisoba has made me realize once again that "you should push while you can."
Takamori: Continuing on from that topic, I've recently been doing a concert promotion called "See a concert at least once in your life." The most enjoyable thing I went to this year was the joint performance of Kishidan and Tamashii. Seeing people I've loved since childhood or who I've always wanted to meet in person, I deeply appreciate the value of those who are still active. These events are truly brilliant and inspiring.
Matsuoka: Listening to "Idol Mitsume" makes me want to run. I really love her songs and listen to them regularly, but one day, I suddenly had the thought, "I really want to run!" It was like I'd found a sparkle. "Now!" I thought, and so I started running in the nearby park while listening to "Idol Mitsume." While running can be a bit of a burden, listening to her songs gives me the motivation to do it. I think that's a shining moment.
- Please give some information to the audience who are looking forward to the release of the movie.
Hanai: Since this is the "Universe's No. 1" idol festival, idols from all over the universe will gather together to sing, dance, and interact with fans, furthering the story. I hope everyone will enjoy it together, waving their glow sticks.
Nanjo: This movie will fill everyone's heart with sparkling, brilliant feelings. The original characters from the film also gave very enjoyable and wonderful performances, so please enjoy them as well.
Takamori: For those watching, this could be your first movie, first concert, first festival, first vacation. It's going to be a theatrical release filled with countless firsts. With so many ways to enjoy it scattered throughout, I hope everyone will fully appreciate the visuals, sound effects, and music.
Takahashi: This is a wonderful film filled with laughter, tears, songs, and brilliant moments, all filled with love. I'd be so happy if it became one of the works you remember forever. I hope you'll still remember this film someday. We put our best efforts into the performances. The Pretty Cure are also giving their all, so please come to the theater with shining hearts and support us. We're waiting for you!
Matsuoka: This is a film that truly shines brightly for you! You'll undoubtedly experience a myriad of emotions while watching it, and all of them belong to you. I hope you'll remember everything you felt, the moments when you felt that sparkle, and accept that this is who you truly are. You're truly wonderful just like that! Please be sure to watch the movie and find your own sparkle. Enjoy it with all your heart!
(Interview and article by M.TOKU, photography by Hiromi Takano)
