Yōko Hikasa Joins "Otona Precure 23" Anime as Bell

On Sunday, the official website for the upcoming anime “Kibō no Chikara Otona Precure 23” (Power of Hope Grown-Up Precure 23) revealed that Yōko Hikasa has been cast as Bell, an entirely new character exclusive to the series. 3

Bell is characterized by her enigmatic presence, adorned with ebony wings and an intriguing aura.

Set to make its debut on NHK Educational at 6:25 p.m. JST (5:25 a.m. EDT) on October 7, this anime will grace our screens every Saturday.

The anime stars:

Atsuko Enomoto (Futari wa Precure Splash Star) as Mai Mishou
Orie Kimoto (Futari wa Precure Splash Star) as Saki Hyuuga
Yuko Sanpei returning as Nozomi Yumehara
Junko Takeuchi (Yes! Precure 5, Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!) as Rin Natsuki

Additional returning cast includes:

Eri Sendai as Kurumi Mimino
Mariya Ise as Urara Kasugano
Ai Maeda as Karen Minatsuki
Ai Nagano as Komachi Akimoto

Takayuki Hamana, renowned for directing anime such as “Prince of Tennis” and “Sorcerous Stabber Orphen” in 2020, holds the position of series director at both Toei Animation and Studio DEEN. Yoshimi Narita, known for her involvement in numerous “Precure” series and movies, takes charge of series composition.

Handling character design duties is Atsuko Nakajima, recognized for her work on series like “Komi Can’t Communicate” and “Ranma ½.” Meanwhile, Naoki Satō, who contributed to several “Precure” series, including “Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!,” is responsible for the music.

The anime’s opening theme, “Tokimeki” (Heart-Throbbing), will be performed by Ikimono-gakari. On the other hand, the ending theme, “Shizuku no Precure” (Drops of Precure), will be brought to life by Cure Quartet, consisting of esteemed Precure theme song performers Mayumi Gojo, Yuka Uchiyae, Mayu Kudou, and Kanako Miyamoto. It’s worth noting that Cure Quartet previously contributed the second ending theme for the 2008 “Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!” anime.

Toei Animation had previously unveiled two exciting projects as part of the Precure franchise’s 20th-anniversary celebration: “Kibō no Chikara Otona Precure 23” and the tentatively titled “Mahō Tsukai Precure! 2,” a direct sequel to “Maho Girls Precure!” Both of these endeavors are tailored for the franchise’s adult fanbase.

In 2024, “Mahō Tsukai Precure! 2” is set to make its debut on the late-night “Animazing!!!” block, airing on ABC TV, TV Asahi, and 22 affiliated networks.