Source:https://mantan-web.jp/article/20250907dog00m200001000c.html
Movie "You and Idol Precure♪": Interview with Ms. Misato Matsuka, Ms. Minami Takahashi, and Ms. Natsumi Takamori – Laughter, Tears, and Empathy; What Defines "You and Idol"?
The theatrical version of the popular anime "Pretty Cure" series' 22nd installment, "You and Idol Precure♪," titled "You and Idol Pretty Cure the Movie: For You! Our Kirakilala Concert!", will be released on September 12. The story follows Uta and the others participating in the Super Miracle Idol Festival on the mysterious AiAi Island but getting sent back in time... We asked Misato Matsuka (Cure Idol / Sakura Uta), Minami Takahashi (Cure Wink / Aokaze Nana), and Natsumi Takamori (Cure Kyun Kyun / Shiame Kokoro) about the movie version.
◇ Deep Themes and a Sense of Specialness!
-- What felt unique to the movie version?
Matsuka: It has the essence of "KimiPuri" while being full of special elements like the "Number One in the Universe" idol festival. When I was a child, going to a festival during summer vacation made me feel like I was in another world. That became a special memory for me. I think this movie could also become a special memory for everyone.
Takahashi: As Miri-chan said, it has the essence of "KimiPuri," but they go to a different place and have new experiences. There are parts where the feelings of the "Kimi" who comes to the theater and the Pretty Cures synchronize, which gives it a special feel, right?
Takamori: The themes are deep, aren't they? There are parts that grab you by the roots of your heart and hit core issues. These probably weren't themes 10 years ago, so it feels profound. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it looks when completed.
-- What defines "KimiPuri"?
Matsuka: I think it's how, even in the TV series so far, it has a comedic taste while also making you feel a bit lonely, or making you cry, evoking various emotions. You laugh, cry, and can empathize, experiencing various emotions, and this is also depicted solidly within this movie.
Takamori: You can laugh just from the script. The stage directions are also funny, and it's charming how there's a sense of playfulness.
Takahashi: They all have their own humanity, right? It carefully depicts everyone's emotions and lives; in Nana-chan's case, she has worries too, and I think that relatable, close-to-home feeling is part of "KimiPuri's" charm.
-- In the TV series, Z-Swoon Kiss joined, making the Pretty Cures five members.
Matsuka: The two of Z-Swoon Kiss have a more mature appearance after transforming, right? With just the three of us, it was more bubbly, but I feel it's become more focused. The team's unity has also increased.
Takahashi: Their entrance was quite impactful, wasn't it? It's also charming that even after transforming, what Pururun and Meroron cherish doesn't change. With the explosive power they brought when joining, I felt, "They're complete!" Meroron gets jealous, right? She's a character unlike any before.
Takamori: Right, right. She has "high humidity" (intense emotion).
Takahashi: That "humidity" somehow feels comfortable, like it moisturizes your skin.
Takamori: There's deep affection, and Meroron's presence is new, right?
◇ Playing Pretty Cure Makes Every Day Sparkle
-- The Pretty Cures from "Wonderful Precure! (WanPuri)" and "Hirogaru Sky! Pretty Cure (HiroPuri)" also appear in the movie version.
Matsuka: We got to record together, and it was fun!
Takahashi: They were so cool!
Takamori: Because each work has different themes, their direction and colors are different, right? "HiroPuri" is really cool, and "WanPuri" felt warm.
Takahashi: The director told us, "'KimiPuri' is very bubbly (capi capi)." But we ourselves aren't really aware of it.
Takamori: Seeing the bonds they've built over a year right before my eyes made me happy. Thinking "Maybe future us too...", I watched them all with a warm feeling.
Matsuka: It was also emotional doing unison lines together after so long. While saying, "Was it like this?", when it came to the actual take, it matched perfectly. I felt the things they had built up, and it made me think, "I'll do my best too!"
-- What are your feelings having played Pretty Cure up to this point?
Matsuka: I watched Pretty Cure since I was a child, received energy from it, and also had admiration. Being able to play a Pretty Cure, I feel I receive energy even through acting. Uta-chan is a character I can't play if I'm not energetic; I must not have even a bit of hesitation within me. Playing Uta-chan naturally makes me energetic, and I receive energy from Uta-chan. I feel again, "So every day can look this sparkling and shining! Pretty Cure is amazing!"
Takahashi: Through acting, I've also seen aspects of Nana's character that are different from what I initially imagined. There was confusion, but Nana herself is also taking steps forward while feeling confused, so that might be a point where we are similar. Nana takes a step and experiences various things, and I, too, am getting closer step by step to my dream of appearing in Pretty Cure, and I feel we are growing together. In this movie, there was a line that made me really happy while acting. I was moved by how she had taken many steps and found a world beyond, and I cried watching the footage. I felt that because she has come this far, Nana can grow even more. I want to keep watching over Nana's growth from now on.
Takamori: Kokoro hasn't changed from the impression I had during the audition, and I think that's because she has a core of "being a samurai." As long as I don't forget the "samurai" spirit, Kokoro doesn't waver. She has the drive to do her best, and the fact that her "oshi" (favorite) gives her strength hasn't changed either. Kokoro became a Pretty Cure herself, but Cure Idol and Cure Wink are still ultimately her "oshi." That's the interesting part. While there are unchanging aspects, through recording, I also feel there are sides to her that can expand like this, and I look forward to seeing her growth from now on.
-- Finally, a message from Ms. Matsuka representing the group for those looking forward to the movie version.
Matsuka: You can enjoy it with a live concert feeling, and the story is also profound, making it a movie that parents and children can enjoy together. It's interesting even for adults! I want various people to see it, and I'm curious about everyone's impressions, so please let me know! I'd be happy if you share your thoughts.