Wonderful Pretty Cure!

Wonderful Pretty Cure! (わんだふるぷりきゅあ！) is a Japanese magical girl anime television series produced by Toei Animation. It is the twenty-first installment in the Pretty Cure franchise and its first entry with a title written in hiragana. It is directed by Masanori Sato and written by Yoshimi Narita, with character designs by Yoko Uchida and costume designs by NaSka. It began airing on all ANN stations in Japan on February 4, 2024, succeeding Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure's timeslot. The series' main theme is bonds and its main motifs are pets and animals.

Story
After the magical realm of Niko Garden is attacked, its animal inhabitants are corrupted and turned into eggs. One day, in Animal Town, where humans and animals live together, middle school student Iroha Inukai is walking her family's dog Komugi, who finds a strange stone-like object. When one of the eggs hatches into a monster called a Garugaru that begins rampaging, Komugi's desire to protect Iroha resonates with the Mirror Stone and causes the stone to turn into a Wonderful Pact, which grants her the power to become human and transform into a Pretty Cure. She purifies the Garugaru and turns it back to its original form: a Niko Animal named Mey Mey. He tells her and Iroha what happened to Niko Garden and that they must purify the Garugaru and return them to Niko Garden. Together with Iroha, Yuki, and Mayu, Komugi works to save the Garugaru and Niko Garden.

Pretty Cures

 * Komugi Inukai (犬飼こむぎ) / Cure Wonderful (キュアワンダフル)
 * The Inukai family's pet Papillon, who was abandoned before Iroha took her in. She is energetic, athletic, and curious, gluttonous, and loves to go for walks. When a Garugaru attacks her and Iroha, Komugi's desire to protect Iroha resonates with the Mirror Stone and grants her a Wonderful Pact, allowing her to become human and transform into Cure Wonderful. After gaining the ability to transform into a human, she is able to talk to Iroha and loves to imitate her catchphrase, "Wonderful" (ワンダフルー). She is the first mascot of the franchise to be a protagonist. Her theme color is pink.
 * The Inukai family's pet Papillon, who was abandoned before Iroha took her in. She is energetic, athletic, and curious, gluttonous, and loves to go for walks. When a Garugaru attacks her and Iroha, Komugi's desire to protect Iroha resonates with the Mirror Stone and grants her a Wonderful Pact, allowing her to become human and transform into Cure Wonderful. After gaining the ability to transform into a human, she is able to talk to Iroha and loves to imitate her catchphrase, "Wonderful" (ワンダフルー). She is the first mascot of the franchise to be a protagonist. Her theme color is pink.


 * Iroha Inukai (犬飼いろは) / Cure Friendy (キュアフレンディ)
 * An honest and athletic 14-year-old second-year middle school student who lives in Animal Town and is Komugi's owner, whose daily routine is taking her for morning walks. She has many friends who she loves to help, and is well liked by animals. Her catchphrase is "Wonderful" (ワンダフルー！). Iroha transforms into Cure Friendy using the Wonderful Pact. Her theme color is purple.
 * An honest and athletic 14-year-old second-year middle school student who lives in Animal Town and is Komugi's owner, whose daily routine is taking her for morning walks. She has many friends who she loves to help, and is well liked by animals. Her catchphrase is "Wonderful" (ワンダフルー！). Iroha transforms into Cure Friendy using the Wonderful Pact. Her theme color is purple.


 * Yuki Nekoyashiki (猫屋敷ユキ) / Cure Nyammy (キュアニャミー)
 * Mayu's pet cat, who has recently moved to Animal Town with her and supports her when she is shy. In the past, she was a stray cat who lived at an abandoned house in a village in the mountains. She and Mayu met when her family traveled to the village for her father's job, with Mayu deciding to adopt her after bonding with her over the course of their stay. She later gains the ability to transform into a human and into Cure Nyammy, a mysterious Pretty Cure who appears to aid Wonderful and Friendy and to protect Mayu. She later reveals to Mayu that she gained this power when the bear Garugaru attacked her and the charm Mayu made for her transformed into the Shiny Cats Pact. Unlike them, who aim to rescue the Garugaru, she initially prefers to fight them until she comes to empathize with their pain and their similarity to her past of being alone. As well, unlike them, who use the Wonderful Pact to transform, she uses the Shiny Cats Pact. Her theme color is blue.
 * Mayu's pet cat, who has recently moved to Animal Town with her and supports her when she is shy. In the past, she was a stray cat who lived at an abandoned house in a village in the mountains. She and Mayu met when her family traveled to the village for her father's job, with Mayu deciding to adopt her after bonding with her over the course of their stay. She later gains the ability to transform into a human and into Cure Nyammy, a mysterious Pretty Cure who appears to aid Wonderful and Friendy and to protect Mayu. She later reveals to Mayu that she gained this power when the bear Garugaru attacked her and the charm Mayu made for her transformed into the Shiny Cats Pact. Unlike them, who aim to rescue the Garugaru, she initially prefers to fight them until she comes to empathize with their pain and their similarity to her past of being alone. As well, unlike them, who use the Wonderful Pact to transform, she uses the Shiny Cats Pact. Her theme color is blue.


 * Mayu Nekoyashiki (猫屋敷まゆ) / Cure Lillian (キュアリリアン)
 * A 14-year-old girl who has recently moved to Animal Town, where her parents own a branch of Pretty Holic. Despite wanting to make friends, she is shy and timid and often needs her pet cat, Yuki, to motivate her at first, but after meeting Iroha and Komugi, she begins to befriend them. When she was younger, she met Yuki at an abandoned house when her family traveled to a village in the mountains for her father's job. Although the villagers told Mayu that Yuki did not trust humans, she bonded with her during their stay and decided to adopt her so that she would not be left behind. After Yuki reveals her true identity to her, she comes into conflict with her when she tries to prevent her from being friends with Komugi and Iroha. This is resolved after she declares her desire to protect Yuki, which causes the Mirror Stone to resonate with her compact, transforming it into the Shiny Cats Pact. Mayu transforms into Cure Lillian using the Shiny Cats Pact. Her theme color is green.
 * A 14-year-old girl who has recently moved to Animal Town, where her parents own a branch of Pretty Holic. Despite wanting to make friends, she is shy and timid and often needs her pet cat, Yuki, to motivate her at first, but after meeting Iroha and Komugi, she begins to befriend them. When she was younger, she met Yuki at an abandoned house when her family traveled to a village in the mountains for her father's job. Although the villagers told Mayu that Yuki did not trust humans, she bonded with her during their stay and decided to adopt her so that she would not be left behind. After Yuki reveals her true identity to her, she comes into conflict with her when she tries to prevent her from being friends with Komugi and Iroha. This is resolved after she declares her desire to protect Yuki, which causes the Mirror Stone to resonate with her compact, transforming it into the Shiny Cats Pact. Mayu transforms into Cure Lillian using the Shiny Cats Pact. Her theme color is green.

Animal Town residents

 * Satoru Toyama (兎山悟)
 * Iroha's classmate, who is kind and good at studying; he has a crush on her, which she is unaware of. He is researching Animal Town's history in hopes of learning more about the Mirror Stone. After learning that Komugi and Iroha are Pretty Cure, he uses his extensive knowledge of animals to support them.
 * Iroha's classmate, who is kind and good at studying; he has a crush on her, which she is unaware of. He is researching Animal Town's history in hopes of learning more about the Mirror Stone. After learning that Komugi and Iroha are Pretty Cure, he uses his extensive knowledge of animals to support them.


 * Daifuku (大福)
 * Satoru's pet Holland Lop rabbit, who usually plays with Komugi.
 * Satoru's pet Holland Lop rabbit, who usually plays with Komugi.


 * Ema (えま)
 * A girl who owns a Pomeranian named Pon (ポン).
 * A girl who owns a Pomeranian named Pon (ポン).


 * Pon (ポン)
 * Ema's pet Pomeranian.


 * Inui (戊井)
 * A girl who owns a poodle named Choco.
 * A girl who owns a poodle named Choco.


 * Choco (チョコ)
 * Inui's pet poodle.
 * Inui's pet poodle.


 * Okuma (大熊), Kanie (蟹江), Youda (羊田), Torie (鳥枝), Ushigome (牛込), Kamogawa (鴨川), Takayama (鷹山) & Saruwatari (猿渡)
 * (Okuma), Hana Shimano (Kanie), Tomoko Ikeda (Youda & Saruwatari), Misato Matsuoka (Torie), Aika Wakuno (Ushigome), Yuki Kodaira (Kamogawa) & Masahiro Yamanaka (Takayama)
 * Iroha, Mayu, and Satoru's classmates.


 * Sho Ikari (猪狩勝)
 * Iroha, Mayu, and Satoru's classmate, who plays soccer. After Komugi impresses him with her soccer skills on her first day of school, he begins to see her as his rival.
 * Iroha, Mayu, and Satoru's classmate, who plays soccer. After Komugi impresses him with her soccer skills on her first day of school, he begins to see her as his rival.


 * Kiyoshi Babazono (馬場園清)
 * Iroha, Mayu, and Satoru's homeroom teacher.
 * Iroha, Mayu, and Satoru's homeroom teacher.

Niko Garden
The Niko Garden (ニコガーデン) is a magical realm where Niko Animals and Kirarin Animals live in peace. Prior to the events of the series, its ruler, Niko, created the realm and brought animals from Earth to live there happily. After it was attacked, its inhabitants were transformed into Garugaru, whom the Pretty Cure must save.
 * Mey Mey (メエメエ)
 * A sheep-like Niko Animal who once resided in Niko Garden and worked as a butler. He was turned into a Garugaru after Niko Garden was attacked, but after Cure Wonderful purifies and saves him, he decides to support the Cures in saving the Niko Animals and Kirarin Animals.
 * A sheep-like Niko Animal who once resided in Niko Garden and worked as a butler. He was turned into a Garugaru after Niko Garden was attacked, but after Cure Wonderful purifies and saves him, he decides to support the Cures in saving the Niko Animals and Kirarin Animals.


 * Niko (ニコ)
 * The leader and creator of Niko Garden, who Mey Mey used to work for as a butler. She went missing after it was attacked. After Niko Garden is restored, she is reborn as an egg.
 * The leader and creator of Niko Garden, who Mey Mey used to work for as a butler. She went missing after it was attacked. After Niko Garden is restored, she is reborn as an egg.


 * Niko Animals (ニコアニマル)
 * Animals that live in Niko Garden and were corrupted and transformed into Garugaru after it was attacked. The Pretty Cure work to save them and bring them back to Niko Garden.
 * Animals that live in Niko Garden and were corrupted and transformed into Garugaru after it was attacked. The Pretty Cure work to save them and bring them back to Niko Garden.

Kirarin Animals
The Kirarin Animals (キラリンアニマル) are a special type of Niko Animal, which each grant a special ability to the Cures.
 * Kirarin Rabbit (キラリンウサギ)
 * The first Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance hearing.
 * The first Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance hearing.


 * Kirarin Penguin (キラリンペンギン)
 * The second Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to slide.
 * The second Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to slide.


 * Kirarin Lion (キラリンライオン)
 * The third Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance speed.
 * The third Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance speed.


 * Kirarin Bear (キラリンベアー)
 * The fourth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance strength.
 * The fourth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance strength.


 * Kirarin Fawn (キラリンコジカ)
 * The fifth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance jumping.
 * The fifth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to enhance jumping.


 * Kirarin Hamster (キラリンハムスター)
 * The sixth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to shrink.
 * The sixth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to shrink.


 * Kirarin Fox (キラリンキツネ)
 * The seventh Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to shapeshift.
 * The seventh Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to shapeshift.


 * Kirarin Panda (キラリンパンダ)
 * The eighth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to put others to sleep.
 * The eighth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to put others to sleep.


 * Kirarin Swan (キラリンスワン)
 * The ninth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to fly.
 * The ninth Kirarin Animal to appear. It has the ability to fly.

Leader

 * Mysterious Voice (謎の声)
 * A mysterious being resembling a Japanese wolf who controls the Garugaru and harbors hatred towards humans. He can empower the Garugaru, as seen when he empowers the hamster Garugaru, granting it the ability to shrink others in addition to itself.
 * A mysterious being resembling a Japanese wolf who controls the Garugaru and harbors hatred towards humans. He can empower the Garugaru, as seen when he empowers the hamster Garugaru, granting it the ability to shrink others in addition to itself.

Monsters

 * Garugaru (ガルガル)
 * The main monsters of the series. They are born from corrupted Niko Animals or Kirarin Animals that are trapped in eggs, which eventually hatch to wreak havoc.
 * The main monsters of the series. They are born from corrupted Niko Animals or Kirarin Animals that are trapped in eggs, which eventually hatch to wreak havoc.

Cures' family members

 * Youko Inukai (犬飼陽子)
 * Iroha's mother, who works as a veterinarian at Friendly Animal Hospital & Salon. Along with Tsuyoshi, she later learns that Komugi can talk and transform into a human, as well as of the Niko Garden from Mey Mey.
 * Iroha's mother, who works as a veterinarian at Friendly Animal Hospital & Salon. Along with Tsuyoshi, she later learns that Komugi can talk and transform into a human, as well as of the Niko Garden from Mey Mey.


 * Tsuyoshi Inukai (犬飼剛)
 * Iroha's father, who owns and runs the Friendly Animal Hospital & Salon. Along with Youko, he later learns that Komugi can talk and transform into a human, as well as of the Niko Garden from Mey Mey.
 * Iroha's father, who owns and runs the Friendly Animal Hospital & Salon. Along with Youko, he later learns that Komugi can talk and transform into a human, as well as of the Niko Garden from Mey Mey.


 * Sumire Nekoyashiki (猫屋敷すみれ)
 * Mayu's mother, who runs Pretty Holic. She later learns that Yuki can talk and transform into a human.
 * Mayu's mother, who runs Pretty Holic. She later learns that Yuki can talk and transform into a human.


 * Takayuki Nekoyashiki (猫屋敷貴行)
 * Mayu's father, who works overseas as a photographer.
 * Mayu's father, who works overseas as a photographer.

Others

 * Shinnosuke Nohara (野原 しんのすけ)
 * The main protagonist of Crayon Shin-chan, who appears in episode 16 as a guest along with Shiro. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he transforms into Cure Oshiri (キュアオシリィ) to fight against a Garugaru.
 * The main protagonist of Crayon Shin-chan, who appears in episode 16 as a guest along with Shiro. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he transforms into Cure Oshiri (キュアオシリィ) to fight against a Garugaru.


 * Shiro (シロ)
 * Shinnosuke's pet Maltese from Crayon Shin-chan, who appears in episode 16 as a guest along with Shinnosuke. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he transforms into Cure Wataame (キュアワタアメ) to fight against a Garugaru.
 * Shinnosuke's pet Maltese from Crayon Shin-chan, who appears in episode 16 as a guest along with Shinnosuke. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he transforms into Cure Wataame (キュアワタアメ) to fight against a Garugaru.


 * Buriburizaemon (ぶりぶりざえもん)
 * A minor character from Crayon Shin-chan. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he is transformed into a boar Garugaru, but is purified after Cure Oshiri accidentally kisses him.
 * A minor character from Crayon Shin-chan. In episode 1233 of Crayon Shin-chan, he is transformed into a boar Garugaru, but is purified after Cure Oshiri accidentally kisses him.

Movie characters

 * Natsuki (ナツキ)
 * The creator of the game Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom.
 * The creator of the game Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom.


 * Mujina (ムジナ)
 * A character in Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom. He is a tanuki and the boss of Ponta and Pokota.
 * A character in Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom. He is a tanuki and the boss of Ponta and Pokota.


 * Ponta & Pokota (ポンタ & ポコタ)
 * Characters in Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom. They are tanuki brothers and Mujina's henchmen.
 * Characters in Dokidoki♡TanuKingdom. They are tanuki brothers and Mujina's henchmen.

Development
The series' trademark was first confirmed by Toei in November 2023, and the official website launched on November 30, 2023. The series was fully revealed on January 7, 2024, along with Toei announcing merchandise related to the series.

The theme of animals was confirmed by ABC producer Kanako Tada, who explained that "Nowadays, it has become common to bring various animals into our homes, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. For me, dogs are important companions. Irreplaceable animals that shower us with great love... Although they may not speak the same language, there is probably an indescribable bond between animals and their owners." He said the theme is also connected to the bond between humans and its pets as an animal becoming a Pretty Cure for the first time, stating "In this Pretty Cure series, the main character, the dog Komugi, changes into a human form, She speaks with its owner Iroha in human language. We will then communicate our feelings to each other and deepen our bond. However, in the real world, animals and humans cannot communicate with each other. Komugi's lines spoken in this work are beyond the realm of imagination. "This is what the dog is probably thinking." You may worry that this is just the human ego. However, precisely because we cannot communicate with each other, we need to think deeply about the feelings of animals. The important thing is to make an effort to get to know the other person. I believe that after that, "compassion" is born, wishing for the other person's happiness. The most important thing is to understand each other without imposing your feelings on others."

Maki Takahashi of Toei Animation said that the theme of bonds is important, as is the relationships between the main characters: "The theme of this work is the bond with animals. Think about someone important to you and act accordingly. The relationship of "family" and "best friends" is the same for both humans and animals. This idea is reflected in our catchphrase: to dream, never giving up, standing up on your own feet, sharing with your friends, believe in your friends, act for someone and thinking about someone. The power of the feelings depicted and connected in the history of Pretty Cure. Even if we look different, even if we don't speak the same language, if we have a caring heart, it will definitely reach our hearts. We will carefully depict such a "Pretty Cure" appearance through the bond with animals."

The lead characters' voice actors released statements discussing their roles. Maria Naganawa stated that "I never thought that I would become a Pretty Cure, so I felt like I couldn't believe it. Immediately after that, I burst into tears with so many emotions: happiness, desire to do my best, and gratitude." Atsumi Tanezaki, who previously voiced Puca in Pretty Cure All Stars F stated that "When it was decided that I would be appearing in the movie Pretty Cure All Stars F, I was very happy and honored to be able to work on Pretty Cure, but I never expected that I would be given this opportunity in the TV series as well. I watched many Pretty Cure characters in the movies, and felt the bond that everyone has created over the past year in each series, from the characters to the cast members. When I was recording for the movie, I couldn't see it with my eyes, but I could definitely feel it, and I was so jealous that I was so happy, and I thought, oh, I can do that too..."

Anime
Wonderful Pretty Cure! premiered on February 4, 2024 on Japan's ANN stations, replacing ''Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure'' in its timeslot. Chihaya Yoshitake performs the opening theme, "Wonderful PreCure! Evolution!!" (わんだふるぷりきゅあ！evolution!!). Moeha Nochimoto and Ami Ishii perform the first ending theme, "Fun Fun Wonderful Days!" (FUN☆FUN☆わんだふるDAYS！) and the second ending theme, "Happiness Evolution♡" (しあわせえぼりゅ～しょん♡). Erika Fukasawa composes the series's music.

Toei Animation Inc. licensed the anime outside Japan, with Crunchyroll streaming the series in limited territories in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, CIS, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Films
A movie based on the anime, Wonderful Pretty Cure the Movie: A Thrilling Adventure In The Game World! (わんだふるぷりきゅあ！ざ・むーびー！ドキドキ♡ゲームの世界で大冒険), is set to release in Japanese movie theaters on September 13, 2024.

Merchandise
Bandai Namco Holdings, under the Bandai branding, handles merchandising for the series, which includes toys and related goods. The fourth incarnation of the Pretty Holic cosmetic goods was released upon its debut.