Get Ready for the Latest Pretty Cure Adventure: Meitantei Pretty Cure!
The wait is over for fans of the long-running magical girl series! The latest installment in the anime Pretty Cure series, Meitantei Pretty Cure! (which can be translated as Detective Pretty Cure!), is officially set to begin broadcasting on February 1, 2026 (Sunday). Along with the announcement, a treasure trove of details has been revealed, including character profiles, a synopsis, the full cast and staff list, theme song information, and even special comments from the key players behind this exciting new mystery.

The Pretty Cure series is an original, long-running TV anime franchise that began with Futari wa Pretty Cure on February 1, 2004. Each year, the series adopts a new motif and theme, telling stories of ordinary girls who transform into “Pretty Cures” to protect their everyday lives from various threats. Through their battles, they deepen friendships and bonds with the companions they meet, showcasing heartfelt growth. Meitantei Pretty Cure! is the 23rd entry in the series, following the 22nd season, Kimi to Idol Pretty Cure♪, which began airing in February 2025.
With the curtain about to rise on this detective-themed chapter, let’s dive into all the clues and revelations we have so far!
The Synopsis: A Time-Slip Mystery
Fourteen-year-old middle school student Akechi Anna lives in Makotomirai Town. Guided by a mysterious power, she time-slips from the modern day all the way back to the year 1999. There, she meets Kobayashi Mikuru, a girl the same age who dreams of becoming a famous detective. These two, who were never meant to meet, transform into “Meitantei Pretty Cure” to help people who have had their precious belongings stolen. They face off against the mysterious “Phantom Thief Gang” in a story about protecting everyone’s smiles through deduction!

Marking the first “detective” motif in Pretty Cure history, the theme of Meitantei Pretty Cure! is “See for yourself, feel for yourself, think for yourself, and arrive at the ‘true’ answer.” In a modern world overflowing with information where “truth” can become “lies” and vice versa, the series aims to convey to children the importance of not simply accepting someone else’s answer, but of thinking for themselves about what they see and feel, and finding their own “answer.”

Meet the Characters
Cure Answer / Akechi Anna (CV: Senga Hikari)


A second-year middle school girl who has time-slipped from the year 2027. She has a straightforward, caring personality and can’t stand to see someone in trouble or tell a lie. She’s the type to act on intuition rather than overthink. She now lives with Mikuru at the “Cure-tto Detective Agency” in Makotomirai City, 1999. Her catchphrase is “Hana maru!” (meaning “Perfect!”), and her birthday is January 24. After transforming into Cure Answer, her signature line is: “Any mystery gets a perfect solution! The detective, Cure Answer!”
Cure Mystic / Kobayashi Mikuru (CV: Hondo Kaede)


A clumsy but earnest second-year middle school girl. She just arrived in Makotomirai City to work at the “Cure-tto Detective Agency,” aiming to become a famous detective. She has a wealth of detective knowledge and is more of a hard worker than anyone. She’s the type to think things through before arriving at an answer. She absolutely adores cute things, and her birthday is April 22. After transforming into Cure Mystic, her signature line is: “A leap to smiles through layered deduction! The detective, Cure Mystic!”
Cure Arcana Shadow / Moria Ruruka (CV: Tooyama Nao)


A mysterious girl who, despite being a “Pretty Cure,” is somehow active as part of the “Phantom Thief Gang.” She’s easygoing and doesn’t fit into molds. Though she doesn’t say much, she actually harbors passionate feelings inside. She loves ice cream, and her birthday is November 1. After transforming into Cure Arcana Shadow, her signature line is: “Wrapped in mystery and secrets, Cure Arcana Shadow!”
Cure Eclair

A mysterious Pretty Cure of unknown origin. Details are a secret to be revealed after the broadcast begins! Her signature line is: “Unleash it! The scent of inner truth, the detective, Cure Eclair!”
Pochitan (CV: Kato Emiri)

The companion fairy for Cure Answer and Cure Mystic. A “Space-Time Fairy” with the ability to transcend time and space. After using his power for the time-slip, he’s reverted to a baby form. If they collect the Makoto Jewels to restore him to his original form, they might be able to send Anna back to 2027… He has a cheerful, innocent personality and loves fun. His favorite thing is milk.
Mashutan (CV: Yoomiya Hina)

The companion fairy for Cure Arcana Shadow. A “Fortune-Telling Fairy” who can pinpoint anything through divination. She shares a strong bond with Cure Arcana Shadow. She’s fashionable and has a nurturing personality. Her favorite thing is marshmallows.
Shushutan

The companion fairy for Cure Eclair. Details are a secret to be revealed after the broadcast begins!
Jet-senpai (CV: Kaji Yuuki)


A self-proclaimed genius doctor who invents the “Prekit” devices that support the Meitantei Pretty Cure. He’s embarrassed to be seen in his fairy form, so he often stays in his human form. He’s a kindly, dependable person at heart. Anna and the others look up to him and call him “Jet-senpai.” He loves candy and all things sweet.
Voice Cast & Comments
Here’s a look at the main voice actors bringing these characters to life, along with their personal thoughts on joining the legendary franchise.
| Character | Voice Actor (Seiyuu) |
|---|---|
| Cure Answer / Akechi Anna | Senga Hikari |
| Cure Mystic / Kobayashi Mikuru | Hondo Kaede |
| Cure Arcana Shadow / Moria Ruruka | Tooyama Nao |
| Pochitan | Kato Emiri |
| Mashutan | Yoomiya Hina |
| Jet-senpai | Kaji Yuuki |
Senga Hikari as Cure Answer / Akechi Anna

■ What was your reaction when you learned you’d be playing a Pretty Cure?
“Since I was obsessed with the series as a child, when I heard the news that I passed the audition, tears just started flowing. During the audition, just being able to live as a Pretty Cure for that moment was happiness enough, so I never imagined I could actually be involved in the series…!! I was filled with surprise and gratitude. At the same time, I felt the weight of the history woven by my seniors, and it was a moment I resolved to face this role with everything I have.”
■ What do you find appealing about the Pretty Cure series?
“I was really into it myself—playing Pretty Cure make-believe with friends and dancing to the ending themes. But even now as an adult, I enjoy watching the series! I think the charm of the Pretty Cure series is that it can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults, across generations. Of course, you can enjoy the anime world, but the fact that through costumes and toys you can become the Pretty Cure you admire in daily life is also a unique charm of the series!”
■ What are your impressions of Cure Answer / Akechi Anna, and your enthusiasm for the role?
“Anna-chan has a very honest and warm heart; if someone is in trouble, her body naturally moves to lend a hand. The way she can sense people’s feelings from their expressions and gestures and encourage them through her actions and words is just like a true detective…! I want to sincerely face the role so that her charm comes through. And I’d be happy if everyone could solve mysteries and puzzles along with Answer and the others!”
Hondo Kaede as Cure Mystic / Kobayashi Mikuru

■ What was your reaction when you learned you’d be playing a Pretty Cure?
“I never dreamed the day would come when I could play a Pretty Cure, so I was very surprised. The joy came later, so I didn’t even feel it was real until recordings started. I was filled with thoughts like ‘I want to tell my family soon,’ and ‘I want to surprise everyone.’ It’s deeply moving to finally have reached this day.”
■ What do you find appealing about the Pretty Cure series?
“When I was little, I didn’t have many opportunities to接触 anime, but I still heard the word ‘Pretty Cure’ a lot. And I’ve always seen how it has been a part of people’s lives around the world. I hope ‘Meitantei Pretty Cure!’ will also become a work that remains in people’s lives!”
■ What are your impressions of Cure Mystic / Kobayashi Mikuru, and your enthusiasm for the role?
“Mikuru is the type of girl who thinks things through carefully before taking action. Because of that, she can tend to be cautious about moving forward. That’s where Anna’s decisiveness complements her. It’s a wonderful relationship, isn’t it? I’m also the type to think before acting, so I hope I can perform while staying close to Mikuru. I strongly admire people who can act immediately, so I plan to learn from Anna in this series!”
Tooyama Nao as Cure Arcana Shadow / Moria Ruruka

■ What was your reaction when you learned you’d be playing a Pretty Cure?
“A long, long dream has come true, and I’m filled with so many emotions I can’t put into words. Since I was involved 10 years ago as the fairy Puff in ‘Go! Princess Pretty Cure’, thinking that I get to experience another happy year like that makes me truly happy. I want to walk through the coming time carefully with everyone!”
■ What do you find appealing about the Pretty Cure series?
“It’s packed with so many dreams and aspirations. The feelings of the children who support Pretty Cure with straight, sparkling eyes are truly precious. And everyone who becomes a Pretty Cure or is involved with Pretty Cure is serious. I feel that the culmination of such feelings creates a wonderful work!”
■ What are your impressions of Cure Arcana Shadow / Moria Ruruka, and your enthusiasm for the role?
“Cure Arcana Shadow is a mysterious existence—a Pretty Cure who is also an enemy. I hope you’ll pay attention to how she became who she is now. I will do my best to become the best partner while walking alongside Ruruka on the path she will take from here. Please look forward to it!”
Theme Song Information
The opening theme song is “Hirogaru Sky! Pretty Cure,” performed by Ishii Ami, known for the opening theme of Kimi to Idol Pretty Cure♪ and the ending theme of Wandafuru Purikyua!.

The ending theme song is handled by Kumada Akane, who has performed theme songs for numerous anime works including the opening theme for Kimi to Idol Pretty Cure♪, and Masui Yuka, who is active as a musical actor and voice actress. The ending dance features powerful and cute choreography by dancer yurinasia.


Staff Insights
Here are comments from the producers, sharing the core themes and ambitions behind this detective story.
| Position | Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Producer | Tada Kanako | ABC Animation |
| Producer | Aramaki Masaya | Toei Animation |
Tada Kanako, Producer (ABC Animation)
“We want children to grasp the ‘truth’ with their own strength. That is the message we’ve embedded in this work for them. In a society overflowing with information and rapid change, we hope they don’t lose sight of themselves, but carve out the future with willpower. To respect others, act and speak with compassion. To seriously confront their own ‘true feelings’ = ‘truth’. It’s never easy. ‘Meitantei Pretty Cure!’ sees, feels, thinks for itself, and finds the ‘real answer’. What we cherish in this work is ‘thinking thoroughly for yourself’ without being swayed by surroundings. The future reached after that is your own ‘truth’. The ‘truth’ a detective reveals is unshakable. But the ‘truth’ in life always changes depending on ‘yourself’. The protagonist, Anna, who time-slips to 1999. How will she think, judge, act, and what ‘truth’ will she grasp in the future of 2027? Please watch along with us until the very end.”
Aramaki Masaya, Producer (Toei Animation)
“When you think of detective stories, there’s often one perfect, absolute master detective who brilliantly solves cases no one else can. This time, however, we deliberately made our protagonists girls who are rookies as detectives. Alone, they can’t solve cases. But with two of them… and with companions by their side, they can solve any difficult case! We wanted to express a ‘Meitantei Pretty Cure’ that isn’t just a detective story, but one where they grow with their companions with an unwavering heart and confront great evil! What kind of detectives, what kind of Pretty Cures will they become as they grow? And what kind of ‘answer’ will they ultimately arrive at? To match the theme of ‘See for yourself, feel for yourself, and arrive at the “true” answer,’ we’ve scattered many mysteries throughout the work. This is a Pretty Cure that ‘thinks’ like never before. Please! We’d be delighted if you could enjoy ‘deducing’ along with the Pretty Cures while watching.”
Pre-Broadcast Events and Fun Plans
On January 31, 2026 (Saturday) at 5:30 PM, a special streaming event titled “Meitantei Pretty Cure! ~Ouchi de Ohhirome Show~” will be held to introduce the highlights of the new series. Cure Answer and Cure Mystic will appear on the official Pretty Cure YouTube channel. The event will feature an introduction video for “Meitantei Pretty Cure!”, dance lessons, quizzes, and more.
Furthermore, during the TV anime broadcast, there will be a corner showcasing viewer illustrations. They are accepting submissions of “nigaoe” (character portraits) of family, friends, pets, or characters from Meitantei Pretty Cure! via the official website.
Additionally, the official SNS accounts on X, Instagram, and LINE will deliver the latest information and fun content. The official X account is scheduled to transition from Kimi to Idol Pretty Cure♪ on January 26, 2026 (Monday).
The long-awaited latest work in the timelessly beloved Pretty Cure series is almost here. All eyes are on the story of Anna and Mikuru’s meeting, friendship, and growth!
Series Summary
■ Meitantei Pretty Cure! Overview
【Synopsis】
“Akechi Anna” is a 14-year-old second-year middle school student living in Makotomirai Town! On her birthday, guided by the fairy “Pochitan” who appears and a pendant in her room, she time-slips from 2027 to Makotomirai City in 1999…! There, she meets “Kobayashi Mikuru,” a 14-year-old girl who aspires to be a famous detective! Then, a case occurs!? It seems someone has had their precious item stolen and is in trouble…! Is the case the work of the “Phantom Thief Gang”…!? They can’t overlook someone in trouble…! With such feelings, Anna and Mikuru transform into “Meitantei Pretty Cure”!! The detective Pretty Cures protect everyone’s smiles through deduction! “That mystery? Cure-tto solved!” And, will Anna be able to return to her original time…!?
【Cast】
| Cure Answer / Akechi Anna | Senga Hikari |
| Cure Mystic / Kobayashi Mikuru | Hondo Kaede |
| Cure Arcana Shadow / Moria Ruruka | Tooyama Nao |
| Pochitan | Kato Emiri |
| Mashutan | Yoomiya Hina |
| Jet-senpai | Kaji Yuuki |
【Staff】
| Series Director | Kawasaki Koji |
| Series Composition | Murayama Isao |
| Character Design | Yano Akane |
| Art Design | Imai Miki |
| Chief Art Director | Hamano Eiji |
| Color Design | Takizawa Satoshi |
| Director of Photography | Anzai Yoshiyuki |
| Music | Fukasawa Erika / Mase Misaki |
【Theme Songs】
・Opening Theme: “Heart ni Hint! Meitantei Pretty Cure!” by Ishii Ami
・Ending Theme: “Naze? Nazo?! ANSWER” by Kumada Akane & Masui Yuka
【Broadcast Start Date】
February 1, 2026 (Sunday) at 8:30 AM (on ABC TV / TV Asahi network of 24 stations nationwide) ※ Starts on BSS San-in Broadcasting on February 8 (Sunday) at 6:15 AM.
【Streaming】
・Early Streaming (Web Fastest): Free streaming on “TVer”! Available for one week after each broadcast (until the following Sunday at 23:59). Unlimited streaming on “U-NEXT / Anime Hodai”!
・Other unlimited streaming services: TELASA, ABEMA, Prime Video, Toei Anime Channel, d Anime Store, DMM TV, Hulu, J:COM On Demand, Miru Plus, Ponta Pass.
※Please check each streaming service for details. Schedules are subject to change without notice.
■ “Meitantei Pretty Cure! ~Ouchi de Ohhirome Show~” Overview
Streaming Date/Time: January 31, 2026 (Saturday) from 5:30 PM
Performers: Cure Answer (cv: Senga Hikari), Cure Mystic (cv: Hondo Kaede)
Streaming Channel: Official Pretty Cure YouTube Channel
※This is an online-only event. Archive stream content may differ slightly.
(C) ABC-A・Toei Animation
Writer: 《Hori Megumi》
_






