Source:https://mantan-web.jp/article/20250907dog00m200001000c.html
The film "Idol Pretty Cure You and Me ♪ So Long! A Sparkling Live Concert for You!": Interviews with Matsuoka Misato, Takahashi Minami, and Takamori Natsumi. Laughter, tears, and resonance. What is the charm of "Idol Pretty Cure"?
The 22nd installment in the popular anime "Pretty Cure" series, "Idol Pretty Cure ♪ It's been a long time since we last saw you! A dazzling live concert!", will be released on September 12th. The story follows the singing group as they travel back in time to participate in a super miracle idol festival held on the mysterious Ai Ai Island. We spoke with Misato Matsuoka, who plays the idol angel Sakura Uta, Minami Takahashi, who plays the eye-catching angel Nana Aokaze, and Natsumi Takamori, who plays the heart-throb angel Shihakoro, to discuss their thoughts on the film.
◇A profound theme and a unique feel!
- What do you think is unique about the movie?
Matsuoka: It retains the hallmarks of "the beauty of idols" while also imbuing it with the unique feeling of a "universe's best" idol festival. When I went to festivals during summer vacation as a child, I always felt like I was in another world, and it's become a special memory for me. I think this movie will become a special memory for everyone, too.
Takahashi: As Misato mentioned, while retaining the "idol Mitsumei" identity, it also allows for first-time experiences at various locations. There are some areas where you, the cinemagoer, experience the same feelings as the Mitsumei, which is quite special.
Gao Sen: The themes are very profound. Some of them touch the very core of the soul, themes that wouldn't have appeared ten years ago, and they're very moving. I'm looking forward to what the finished work will look like!
- What are the characteristics of "idol beauty"?
Matsuoka: I think the TV series has both comedic elements and a sense of loneliness and a sense of empathy, creating a rich emotional experience that makes people laugh, cry, and connect with others. This is also portrayed very well in the film.
Takamori: Just reading the script makes you laugh. The stage directions are also very funny and playful, which is very attractive.
Takahashi: Each character is full of humanity. The film depicts everyone's emotions and lives in detail, and even Nana has her own troubles. This sense of intimacy is the hallmark of "Idol Mitsumi."
- The TV series added the Kokoro Kiss Group, increasing the number of Guangmei members to 5.
Matsuoka: The two members of the Kokoro Kiss team seem quite mature after their transformation. The original three-member group was quite lively and boisterous, but now they feel more composed. The sense of team unity has also increased.
Takahashi: Their appearances were quite impactful. Even after their transformations, they still retain the qualities that Prillon and Meloron value, which is also very charming. The explosive power they unleash when they join makes you feel like, "Finally, they're all here!" Mellon would be jealous, wouldn't he? It's a character type we haven't seen before.
Gao Sen: Yes, yes, the humidity is very high (referring to strong emotions).
Takahashi: The humidity feels very comfortable and moisturizes the skin.
Takamori: With deep love, Melorun's existence is very novel.
◇Playing the role of Guangmei makes every day shine
- The movie also features the Pretty Cure characters from "Wonderful Pet Pretty Cure" and "Open the Sky! Pretty Cure."
Matsuoka: It was really fun to participate in the recording together!
Takahashi: Super cool!
Takamori: Because each work has a different theme, the direction and coloring vary. "Sky Light Beauty" is very handsome, while "Wang Light Beauty" gives people a warm feeling.
Takahashi: The director said, "'Idol Mitsumi' is more boisterous and lively." We ourselves weren't really aware of that.
Takamori: It's been wonderful to witness the bonds that have been built over the past year. I gaze at everyone with warmth, thinking, "Maybe in the future we too..."
Matsuoka: It was very touching to rehearse our lines again after such a long time. I was a little surprised, "Is that how it feels?" but when we actually started, we were able to coordinate perfectly. I could feel the results of our accumulated efforts, and it made me want to work even harder!
- How do you feel about playing Guangmei so far?
Matsuoka: I've watched Mitsume since I was little, and I've always admired her for the energy she brings. Now that I get to play Mitsume, I feel like I'm getting that energy through the performance. Singing is a role I can't play without energy, so I can't hesitate for a moment. Singing naturally brings me to life, and I get that energy from singing. It's reaffirming that I can shine every day! Mitsume is amazing!
Takahashi: During the performance, I saw some differences between Nana's character and the one I had initially imagined. While she experienced confusion, Nana herself also took steps forward with that confusion, so perhaps there were similarities. As Nana took steps and experienced various things, I, in playing the role of the admired Mitsume, gradually became closer to her admiration, and I felt like we were growing together. There were also lines in this film that I really enjoyed acting. I was moved by the idea that after taking more steps, there is a wider world ahead, and I cried just watching the scenes. I feel that it is because of this journey that Nana has been able to grow further. I want to continue to support Nana's growth.
Takamori: The impression Kokoro gave during the audition remains unchanged, and I think it's because she has a core essence of being a samurai. As long as she keeps that samurai spirit in mind, Kokoro will never waver. Her drive to strive hard and her ability to promote her as a force remain constant. Kokoro herself has become a Kumimi, but she continues to promote idol angels and angels with charming eyes. That's interesting. While some things remain constant, I also discovered during the recording process that she has the potential to expand in this way. I look forward to her future development.
- Finally, please let Mr. Matsuoka say a few words to the audience who are looking forward to the movie.
Matsuoka: "It's a film that feels like a live concert, and the story is profound, making it perfect for families. Adults will find it entertaining, too! I hope it's enjoyable for audiences of all ages. I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please let us know! We'd be happy if you could share them."