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    Pretty Cure
    Anime, Entertainment, Toys

    Pretty Cure

    Japan flagJapan

    "A Japanese magical girl franchise where ordinary girls transform into powerful warriors to fight evil."

    Founded February 2004 Japan
    Community

    About

    The Pretty Cure franchise, often shortened to Precure, is a beloved Japanese magical girl anime series created by Izumi Todo and brought to life by Toei Animation. It kicked off its incredible journey in February 2004 with the original series, Pretty Cure. At its heart, each installment features a group of young girls who discover they have the power to transform into super-powered heroines, the Pretty Cures, dedicated to protecting the world from darkness and malevolent forces.

    Over the years, the franchise has blossomed into a massive multimedia phenomenon. Beyond the numerous anime series, which collectively boast well over 1000 episodes, Pretty Cure has expanded into feature films, manga adaptations, a vast array of toys, and video games. Toei Animation continues to be the driving force behind its production, consistently delivering new stories and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide. The brand's 20th anniversary in 2023 marked a significant milestone, highlighting its enduring popularity and strategic evolution.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Anime SeriesMoviesMangaToysVideo GamesStage Plays

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the meaning behind the name Pretty Cure?
    The name 'Pretty Cure' is a combination of 'pretty' and 'cure,' reflecting the magical girls' dual nature as both beautiful fighters and protectors who heal and safeguard the world from evil. They are the Pretty Cures, and their collective name embodies their mission.
    Why is the franchise often called Precure?
    Precure is a widely used abbreviation for Pretty Cure, stemming from its Japanese pronunciation. Fans and even official titles often use 'Precure' interchangeably with 'Pretty Cure,' making it a familiar and shorthand way to refer to the entire brand.
    What is the general story of a Pretty Cure series?
    Each Pretty Cure series typically follows a group of ordinary girls who are chosen to become magical warriors. They gain the ability to transform into powerful Pretty Cures, uniting to battle dark forces threatening their world. While the core concept remains, each series introduces unique themes, characters, and magical abilities.
    When did the original Pretty Cure anime debut?
    The very first Pretty Cure anime series premiered in Japan in February 2004. This marked the beginning of the long-running franchise that fans have come to love.
    Is Pretty Cure still active and producing new content?
    Absolutely! Pretty Cure is a vibrant and ongoing franchise. It celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 and continues to release new anime series, with Star Detective Precure! scheduled to begin airing in February 2026. The brand remains very popular and financially successful.

    Keywords

    magical girlanimetoei animationizumi todoprecuresuperheroinesfranchisemahō shōjo

    Sources

    WikipediaToy-People Article on 20th AnniversaryToei Animation USA - Pretty CurePretty Cure Fandom Wiki

    Company Info

    Founded
    February 2004
    Founder
    Izumi Todo
    Headquarters
    Japan
    Industry
    Anime, Entertainment, Toys
    Parent Company
    Toei Animation
    Revenue
    Achieved highest revenue in a decade around its 20th anniversary in 2023
    Creator
    Izumi Todo
    Production Company
    Toei Animation
    First Series Premiere
    February 2004
    Total Episodes (as of recent data)
    Over 1000
    Franchise Expansion
    Anime, Movies, Manga, Toys, Video Games, Stage Plays
    20th Anniversary Strategy
    Broadened appeal to adult audiences, leading to increased revenue
    Notable Representation
    Features androgynous characters and same-sex couples in some series
    Recent Controversy
    Debates around adult fan etiquette ('Ootomo etiquette') at events
    Next Anime Series
    Star Detective Precure! (scheduled for February 2026)

    Official Website

    www.toei-anim.co.jp/ptr/precure/

    Links

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