MANTANWEB interviews you and idol Pretty Cure Takamori

This work takes "idols" as its theme, and its core spirit is "It's precisely because of 'you' that we can shine, that we can be strong!" The legendary savior・Idol Precure將透過歌舞與粉絲互動，為重要之人、支持者、身旁的「你」帶來光芒。而「你」的存在也將讓偶像光之美少女更加耀眼。演出陣容包含飾演偶像天使／咲良歌的松岡美里、媚眼天使／蒼風奈奈的髙橋未奈美，以及高森奈津美飾演的Heartbeat Angel／Purple Rain Heart. This work airs every Sunday at 8:30 AM on ABC TV・TV Asahi affiliate stations.

Having played Mimi in "Yummy Party♡Pretty Cure" for a whole year, Takamori has a special feeling for the series.

"Before I got the role of Mimi, I had auditioned for Pretty Cure many times. At that time, I thought that all the previous auditions were for Mimi! So I performed with the awareness of a culmination. Mimi gradually grew up from a baby, and she is the only fairy who can transform into a human. She also became the focus in the movie version. Not only did she fight alongside Pretty Cure, but she also realized the dual dreams of "wanting to be a Pretty Cure" and "wanting to be a fairy". At that time, I felt that this was the peak, and I even wondered if there could be a more breakthrough performance?"

She officially became a member of Pretty Cure through the audition. She said frankly, "It's unbelievable! Although the recording has been going on for a while, I still feel this excitement in my heart."

◇ Looks cute but actually has a lot of passion

First-year middle school studentShigure KokoroShe is good at dancing, harbors a burning fighting spirit within, and her catchphrase is "My heart is pounding!" Though she is a cute-type character, she hides an even deeper charm.

"At the first audition, there was only a text setting, described as a 'reliable-type' character. But when I saw 'Cure Kyun Kyun" this name, I thought it was simply a cute-type character. But when I saw the character design at the live audition and heard general director Chiaki Kon's in-depth explanation, it suddenly became clear—she looks cute on the outside but hides a samurai spirit! The phrase 'heart pounding' actually contains deep layers. As for the voice, while it might make people think of a lively girl's voice, it's actually closer to the passionate vocalization I use when playing boy characters."

Episode 6: "My Heart Is Throbbing!?" The "Samurai" qualities are revealed for the first time. What exactly is the Samurai spirit?

"I think everyone is curious (laughs). I interpret this as the spirit of an athlete who is abstinent and self-disciplined. Episode 6 is the chapter that shows this persistence. Although she is a junior in the team, she is as reliable as the eldest daughter of a large family in private - although it was later discovered that she is actually an only child (laughs). After understanding her family background, I also understand her sense of responsibility of "not letting her mother worry". Although she is a samurai soul in her bones, she still has the heart of a star-chasing girl in line with her age, and she will be very happy when she is pampered by the two seniors (idol angel and charming angel). At this stage, she is still chasing the backs of her seniors, and she admits that she still has some shortcomings, but the feeling of respect for "I can actually be on the same stage with the idols!?" is the key to the interpretation."

Kokoro, who couldn't successfully transform in episode 6, finally in episode 7〈Heart Pounding♪Cure Kyun KyunFirst appearance!〉completing her first transformation. Most PreCure voice actors have revealed that "I was incredibly nervous for my first transformation," but Takamori had a different experience.

"It's a luxury to spend two episodes on a transformation! I was really nervous when recording episode 6, because it was the first episode where Kokoro had a lot of lines, and I even scared myself by raising my voice unconsciously. But in episode 7, I was much calmer when I first transformed. For this reason, I practiced the transformation slogan over and over again, because Guangmei and the others were so smooth and natural when they transformed. I asked myself to "speak like I've transformed thousands of times before," and I kept reciting the slogan in my spare time. In the end, I was very satisfied with the result."

◇ Recording session led by Misato Matsuoka

The chemistry between her and the three beautiful voice actors, Misato Matsuoka and Minami Takahashi, is also worth noting.

"Misato-chan's (Matsuoka) acting is a light that leads the whole audience. When I first worked with her, I was shocked by the holy light when I heard the lines of the idol angel she played. The idol angel leads the direction, the charming angel provides support, and the three of them form a wonderful balance."

Although Matsuoka has relatively little experience, he has demonstrated leadership beyond his age.

"Before entering the studio, I thought we were supporting the idol angels. It was the exact opposite! Misato-chan was confident in her performance, had no fear, and always enjoyed the performance with full energy. Her positive energy was like the idol angel herself, raising the atmosphere of the whole place, and making people truly feel that 'this child was born to be a Pretty Cure'."

Since the first game "Ryota ga Pretty Cure" was released in 2004, the series has been around for 20 years. When asked about the secret of longevity, Takamori said:

"During the Delicious Party era, we couldn't record as a group due to the pandemic, so this time I finally got to experience the cohesion of performing together! Our generation always wished on Tanabata as children to 'become Sailor Moon,' and now children's dreams have become PreCure. A dancer friend told me, 'I have a student who aspires to becomeCure Kyun Kyun", she truly realized that she was participating in an admired legendary work. In the past she was a beloved character like Mimi, and now she has become an adored existence."

The children's smiles and cheers become Takamori's source of strength.

"When I participated in the Thanksgiving Festival, the 20th anniversary concert, and the debut concert of Idol Pretty Cure, I couldn't help but burst into tears when I saw the children dancing passionately. They were not just watching the performance, but truly believed that 'Pretty Cure was right in front of them.' This pure belief was touching."

Takamori, in her portrayal ofCure Kyun KyunAt that time, I deeply realized: "KokoroShe is the embodiment of effort and spirit, and she also faces setbacks. Precisely because of that, I have to work harder than her to keep up!" It seems this passionate warrior who overcomes obstacles with sweat and perseverance will firmly capture the audience's attention.