by The Pretty Cure (PreCure) franchise is once again capturing the spotlight. Character visuals, cast details, and setting images for the 23rd installment of the long-running anime series, titled Detective PreCure!, have officially been revealed—and fans are already buzzing with excitement.
Set to premiere on February 1, 2026, Detective PreCure! will air every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on ABC TV and TV Asahi, continuing the franchise’s tradition as a beloved Sunday morning anime. While Pretty Cure is known for its magical girl action and heartfelt messages, this new entry introduces a fresh twist: mystery-solving and time travel.
A Unique Setting: Time Travel Meets Detective Action
Detective PreCure! is set in 1999, a symbolic year that marks the birth era of the very first Pretty Cure characters. The story cleverly blends nostalgia with a modern perspective by introducing a protagonist from the future.
The main character, Anna Akechi, is a 14-year-old second-year middle school student living in Makoto Mirai Town. On her birthday, she encounters a mysterious fairy named Pochitan and discovers a strange pendant hidden in her room. This encounter sends her back in time from 2027 to 1999, where she arrives in Makoto Mirai City.
There, Anna meets Mikuru Kobayashi, another 14-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a great detective. When a significant incident occurs involving something precious being stolen, the two girls are unable to ignore someone in distress. This moment becomes the catalyst for their transformation into Detective PreCure.
Together, they face mysteries with intelligence rather than brute force, declaring their slogan:
“That mystery! Cure! Solve it!”
Using sharp deduction and teamwork, they protect smiles while searching for clues that may help Anna return to her original timeline.
New Pretty Cure Characters and Voice Cast Revealed
The announcement also introduced several new Pretty Cure characters along with an impressive voice cast lineup:
- Cure Answer / Anna Akechi – voiced by Hikari Senga
- Cure Mystic / Mikuru Kobayashi – voiced by Kaede Hondo
- Cure Arcana Shadow / Ruruka Moria – voiced by Nao Toyama
- Cure Eclair – voice actor to be announced
In addition, the supporting characters include:
- Pochitan (Fairy) – Emiri Kato
- Mashtan – Hina Hitsujimiya
- Jet Senpai – Yuki Kaji
- Shushutan – cast to be announced
Each Cure introduces herself with a distinct and memorable line, reinforcing the detective theme while highlighting their unique personalities.
Character Catchphrases Add to Their Charm
Each Pretty Cure has a signature self-introduction that fans are already quoting online:
- Cure Answer:
“The great detective Cure Answer, who can solve any mystery perfectly!” - Cure Mystic:
“Jump to a smile with layered deductions! Great detective Cure Mystic!” - Cure Arcana Shadow:
“Cure Arcana Shadow, wrapped in mystery and secrets!” - Cure Eclair:
“Unleash the scent of inner truth, great detective Cure Eclair!”
These introductions emphasize intelligence, intuition, and mystery—elements rarely seen as the main focus in previous Pretty Cure series.
Fan Reactions Explode Online
As soon as the character visuals were released, social media platforms lit up with enthusiastic reactions. Many fans were particularly struck by the dark-themed design of Cure Arcana Shadow, whose black outfit sharply contrasts with the franchise’s traditionally colorful aesthetic.
Some notable fan reactions include:
- “Oh no… I’ve found another character whose visuals I absolutely love.”
- “The girl in black is cute… I love her already.”
- “Wait, Cure Arcana Shadow? Does that mean there might be more than one shadow character?”
- “Her design is way too good. Honestly, they’re all my type—what is happening?”
The overwhelmingly positive response suggests that Detective PreCure! may appeal not only to younger audiences but also to long-time fans who appreciate bold character designs and more mature themes.
Detailed Character Profiles
■ Cure Answer / Anna Akechi (CV: Hikari Senga)
Anna is a time traveler from 2027 with a straightforward, kind-hearted personality. She cannot ignore people in trouble and tends to act on intuition rather than deep analysis. After arriving in 1999, she lives with Mikuru at the Cure Detective Agency. Her cheerful catchphrase is “Hanamaru!”, and her birthday is January 24.
■ Cure Mystic / Mikuru Kobayashi (CV: Kaede Hondo)
Mikuru is a hardworking and slightly clumsy girl who dreams of becoming a great detective. Unlike Anna, she prefers to think carefully before reaching conclusions. She possesses extensive detective knowledge and puts in constant effort. Despite her serious goals, she has a soft spot for cute things. Her birthday is April 22.
■ Cure Arcana Shadow / Ruruka Moria (CV: Nao Toyama)
Ruruka is a mysterious Pretty Cure who secretly works as a member of the Phantom Thieves. Calm, quiet, and unconventional, she rarely speaks—but beneath her reserved exterior lies a passionate heart. Her favorite food is ice cream, and her birthday is November 1. Her striking black-themed design has made her an instant fan favorite.
Why Detective PreCure! Is Generating So Much Attention
Unlike previous entries, Detective PreCure! places logic, mystery, and emotional intuition at the center of its story. The combination of time travel, detective work, and classic Pretty Cure themes creates a fresh experience while honoring the franchise’s legacy.
With strong character designs, an experienced voice cast, and a unique setting tied to the origins of Pretty Cure, this 23rd installment is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about anime of early 2026.
Final Thoughts
Detective PreCure! proves that even after more than two decades, the Pretty Cure franchise continues to evolve. The bold character designs—especially the fan-favorite Cure Arcana Shadow—combined with an intriguing mystery-driven storyline, have already won over fans before the first episode even airs.
As anticipation builds toward its February premiere, all eyes are on whether this detective-themed magical girl anime will become one of the standout titles of the year.
