Star Detective Precure!
Star Detective Precure! is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and the twenty-third installment in the Pretty Cure franchise. Directed by Koji Kawasaki, it began airing on all ANN stations in Japan from February 1, 2026, succeeding You and Idol Precure's timeslot. It is the second time the Pretty Cure series has included kanji in its title.
Story
Anna Akechi is a 14-year-old second-year middle school student living in Makoto Mirai Town. On her birthday, guided by the fairy Pochitan and a pendant she finds in her room, she time-slips from 2027 to Makoto Mirai City in 1999. There, she meets Mikuru Kobayashi, a 14-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a detective. Suddenly, a robbery incident occurs, as someone has something precious to them stolen. Figuring that the "Phantom Thieves" may be responsible, and driven by the feeling that "I can’t ignore someone in trouble", Anna and Mikuru transform into Cure Answer and Cure Mystique. Together, they become the Star Detective Precure, running the CUREtto Detective Agency while solving mysteries and searching for a way for Anna to return to her original time.Characters
Precures
; Anna Akechi / Cure Answer; Mikuru Kobayashi / Cure Mystique
; Cure Eclair
Fairies
; Jett-senpai; Pochitan
; Shushutan
Phantom Thieves' Guild
The Phantom Thieves' Guild are the main antagonists of the series. Their main goal is to create a terrifying "world" blanketed in lies by exploiting the Makoto Jewels, crystallized feelings that dwell within objects people hold dear. Disguising themselves as various individuals, they secretly steal treasured possessions and the smiles connected to them without anyone noticing.Generals
; Nijee; Luluka Moria / Cure Arcana Shadow
; Mashutan
Monsters
; HannindaProduction
The series' trademark was first confirmed by Toei in November 2025, and the official website launched on November 27, 2025. The series was fully revealed on January 11, 2026, along with merchandise related to the series.Regarding the theme, ABC Animation producer Tada Kanako explained, "We hope the children can find the 'truth' with their hands throughout the journey of this series. In this flood of information and a fast-changing society, don’t feel lost, having the will to bridge the future. Respect others, care about others, speak up, and take action. Having their 'true feelings' equals 'the truth'. This is not something easy to do. Star Detective Precure! is a series that makes you think and find 'the truth' through your observation, feelings, and consideration." Soya Aramaki of Toei Animation explained, "Speaking about Detective stories, there is usually one absolutely perfect detective who brilliantly solves difficult cases that no one else has been able to solve. But this time, we deliberately made a novice detective the main character. Nobody can solve a case alone. However, with two of them...if there is a friend by her side, they can solve even the most difficult case! This is not just some ordinary detective story, but a story with girls who never give up, grow together with their friends, and stand up to great evil! This is the kind of Star Detective Precure! we would want to portray."
The series premiered on February 1, 2026 on Japan's ANN stations, replacing You and Idol Precure in its' timeslot, with Koji Kawasaki as director, series composition by, character designs by, and music by Erika Fukusawa and Misaki Umase. The opening theme song is "Hint In Our Hearts! Star Detective Precure!" by Ami Ishii, while the ending theme song is "Why? A mystery?! ANSWER" by Akane Kumada and Yūka Masui. Crunchyroll is streaming the series.