Habemus Curatus! Introducing Cures Zukyoon and Kiss!

On June 1 and 8, 2025, fans of the Pretty Cure series from all over the planet have witnessed the (reboot and) rise of the two warrior idols. However, this isn’t the usual stuff that we’ve seen in all the midseason Cures’ initial and fully maiden debuts since 2009.

Enter Purirun and Meroron, the two mascot fairies from KiraKiland that transform into Cures Zukyoon and Kiss, whose memories and experiences of the former and feelings of the latter have been literally locked in due to a very forbidden item called the Heart Kirari Lock. What the hell just happened?!!

Following two weeks of roller coaster of emotions and intense curiosity, Yoshino Nanjo (Eli Ayase in Love Live! and Shirabe Tsukuyomi in Symphogear) and Miharu Hanai (Tomoe Murakami in Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls and Twin Turbo in Uma Musume Pretty Derby) have been finally taking over as the first two seiyuus to play two midseason Cures in seven years since Nao and Yukari Tamura, and the first in two years since Aoi Koga, respectively.

The return of the mascot fairies-turned-Cures trope in the global action magical girl show’s Reiwa production era is very unprecedented and predictable as well as for the first time in 16 years of the midseason one, there are no sign of leaks circulating on the internet like the others, and so the guys at Toei Animation surprised us with those two gorgeous official arts of Zukyoon and Kiss which posted on May 30, 2025, two days before their pre-debut.

The two slayed and braved fluffy divas’ birthdays will be on October 9 and December 7 respectively.

In an interview with the Japanese otaku media site Animate Times, Nanjo and Hanai have shared their own thoughts and experiences of being part of a long running show like Pretty Cure with the former says that she was surprised, happy and pressured all at once. While the latter answers that she couldn’t believe that she got the job and her mind went blank.

“It felt like I was being handed the baton [pass message] that everyone who had been involved in the work up until now had cherished, and it was also the moment when I resolved to spend this year cherishing it with Purirun and Zukyoon, the cast and the You and Idol Pretty Cure [production] team,” Nanjo said.

“It was a very strange feeling to be able to be involved with Pretty Cure, which I had been watching and admiring since I was little. At the same time, I was of course happy that I could become a part of Pretty Cure, which had been my dream and goal, and I felt a sense of responsibility...!!” said Hanai, who’s also a longtime Cure fan.

The two seiyuus are also commented about their characters’ charms and recommended points, among other things as well.

Zukyoon and Kiss’ henshin sequence has been revealed on the current season’s 19th episode aired on Father’s Day, June 15, marking the first time to do so since Macherie and Amour. Also, we’re finally getting a short glimpse of Purirun and Meroron’s human forms in it, both animated by Nishiki Itaoka, with the latter being designed by the season’s character designer Miho Sugimoto. However, the celebratory official debut has been overshadowed by a gut wrenching scene when Uta Sakura aka Cure Idol (voiced by Misato Matsuoka) is shockingly learned that her beloved Purirun has lost her memories due to the after effects of the aforementioned forbidden item, as well as her wish to protect the said Cure leader at the cost of becoming a hero and turning her ribbon into gray, at the end of the episode.

Truly, what the hell just happened?! What do think about Cures Zukyoon and Kiss so far? Let us know in our comments here or on our socials.

ADDENDUM: We’re apologize for not posting new content on our blog due to numerous commitments for the first half of 2025, but we’ll be doing our best to make it active as possible, especially we have the upcoming Yona Kuromatoki’s Interactive Podcast Fan Favorite Awards 2025 and the Yona Kuromatoki Platform Top Cosplays Rank: The Philippines Cosplay Community and Industry Silver Anniversary Edition in December, with the usual voting period that’ll start by the late October.

In addition to these, we’re gonna do The Goddess’ Playlist segment posts and interviews with fella geeks again for this year, so keep on eyes out on them in the coming days.

It's Krejza! It's Majestic! Introducing Cure Majesty!

On September 3 and 10, 2023, fans of the Pretty Cure series from all over the planet have been witnessed the birth of the fifth Hirogaru Sky Pretty Cure that is Ellee, the Sky Land princess who is also known as the Child of Destiny, transforming into Cure Majesty for the first time.

Following these two weeks of surprised excitement and anticipation, Aoi Koga (Shouko Komi in Komi Can't Communicate, Ange Le Carre in Princess Principal, Kaguya Shinomiya in Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Yuri Miyata in Two Car) has already been taking over from Ai Kayano, the woman who played Amane Kasai aka Cure Finale in the global action magical superhero show's previous season Delicious Party, as the fourth exclusive additional and the first late season Cure in the Reiwa era, and also the first since Ako Shirabe aka Cure Muse. Despite these slight changes, Ellee's birthday will still be on March 12.

Continuing the current season's groundbreaking trends as with her teammates-slash-surrogate family, Ellee is also the youngest canonically main Cure and the first mascot-turned-Cure who doesn't automatically default to a human form around the same age as the heroes.

In an interview from Anehime, Koga expresses her reason of becoming a voice actor through the franchise, and wanting to be part of it and its expanding history since childhood.

"As a child back then, I admired Futari wa PreCure, and after wanting to become a voice actor, I said to myself, 'I want to be in the PreCure series someday!', 'I want to become a Pretty Cure someday!' became my dream and goal.

That's why PreCure is a dream, a goal, and an admiration! Even now that I get to play the role of Cure Majesty, my feelings of admiration haven't changed, and I want to cherish this feeling."

The seiyuu also stresses about the stereotypes at the time of the first Cure season's airing, but then she said that with the season, it's okay for girls to be cool, refreshing to see fighting through it and it was also cool to see them working hard for their loved ones and friends.

Koga also said that her favorite Cure is Nagisa Misumi aka Cure Black, the first hero and leader, due to being lively and has a strength that makes everyone want to follow her naturally, and the coolness that makes decisions to which she admires. She even learned about lacrosse because of Nagisa and the latter was the key to steadily overcome her shyness as a kid.

What do you think about Aoi Koga as Ellee and Cure Majesty? What are your thoughts about the mythical hero so far? Let us know in the comments section on the blog, and our FB page, our Instagram and the Yona Kuromatoki's Interactive Podcast X accounts.

Interview source: https://cocreco.kodansha.co.jp/anehime/news/interview/HAOLN

Anime In-Depth: The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

Henlo, lads and vadengs! I'd like to apologize again for not posting on my blog due to work, attending ganaps like the Ozine Summer Fest 2023 trilogy, cleaning up some backlogs and working on a cosplay project which is expecting to be done this May.

Apologies done and we're bringing another Anime In-Depth, this time I'm going solo again, bejba, and itz kajnda krejza (well, Eurovision fans can get this joke anyway)! Speaking of solos, I'll be doing overall impressions about The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, which was in fact a "late to the party-party" lineup of my recent winter anime season watchlist thanks to my fella yuri fans, especially the JaneNella fans aka the vadengs who're also otakus on the bloody Twitter. Guys, you owe me into that rabbit hole and quickly dig in! Seriously though, why are shows that I watch getting included so late in that anime season sked every three years? The last time I did so was back in 2020 with OshiBudo, in which took place in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I first took that thingy three years earlier with Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid. 

MagiRevo, as a lot of lads short for, is an isekai-slash-yuri light novel series written by Piero Karasu and illustrated by Yuri Kisaragi. It was originally serialized online on the novel website Shosetsuka ni Naro between February 2019 and August 2021 before getting acquired physically by Fujimi Shobo's Fantastia Bunko imprint on January 2020. The manga version on the other hand is illustrated by Harutsugu Nadaka and has been serialized in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Maoh from July 2020 onwards. Both versions are licensed by Yen Press in North America. The anime series meanwhile was produced by Diomedéa (Domestic Girlfriend, Fuuka, Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu LOVE!) just last January and ended on March 22.

The story revolves around Anisphia von Palletia (voiced by Sayaka Senbongi), a princess who remembered her previous life at her young age and set her own fantasies into a fantasy kingdom, yet also gave up her claim to the throne. Anis has an intense love for magic despite not having one, but develops her own field of study known as magicology and invents tools that can access everyone to the wonders of magic, something that only the royals can cast out.

One night, Anis was testing on her customized witch broom in the castle and flying towards an unfamiliar place which created a magical mishap. There, she stumbled and party-pooped upon a scene where her younger brother Algard (voiced by Shogo Sakata) was breaking up his relationship with Euphyllia Magenta (voiced by Manaka Iwami), the daughter of the Duke Magenta and a high-ranking noble, following an alleged bullying against Lainie Cyan (voiced by Hina Yomiya) who was the prince's love interest, yet the latter then said a few episodes or so later that it was just really a misunderstanding case. With all the party-pooping going on, Anis decided to take Euphie by living with her and becoming her assistant in magic researching with a plan of finding ways to restore the latter's good name.

As the story went on progressively, the two ladies would be dealing with a conviction to their respective fams on their relationship, misogynistically and toxically points of view by the so-called boomer and close-minded royals on pressuring for the kingdom's future and accepting magicology as a good contributing figure to it, and yup, the monsters to take down. Fortunately, that went pretty well thanks to the lads who believed in them and their relationship and surely, there'd be more to come and more obstacles coming in their way.

Look I'm casually nothing new to isekai and yuri, but this is the first time that I see something, well, very revolutionary! Anyway, besides that, Anis and Euphie are cute and awesome heroines in my mind, like a lot of female heroes that I look up to, but also the contrasts on each other in terms of various lifestyles and personality are very interesting. Anis' struggles on accepting her own study and dealing with the heirship to become the next queen is unusual for other works involving young royals who're doing the same old formula but with a twist, plus not wanting Euphie to become the next queen in exchange of taking the spirit contract is a sad moment. But on top of that, she's witty, openly queer, eccentric and creative who doesn't think twice, and also has been enduring the traumas within her.

Speaking of Euphie, man the power she holds! No literally, I mean she has the guts and glory in dealing with the royals and officials over politics and ways to accept an unfamiliar thing that the commoners need to those rotted lads. But she has weaknesses and flaws that need to adapt and reflect, yet also become the notes to regain herself every time. Her depression and sense of loss is one of the memorable parts of the series, but also the seriousness and calmness in her are a good mix in contrast to Anis' eccentricity and outlandishness. That's what makes them an amazing duo that go on and on and on through thick and thin, and their chemistry is so strong!

Another amazing joy to the show are the supporting cast, specifically Ilia (voiced by Ai Kakuma) aka Anis' loyal maid, Lainie and Tilty the medical magician. They're pretty interesting to watch and read, if you're getting with the novels and the manga. Surprisingly, Ilia and Lainie have an unexpected chemistry, which is something that has never ever done before in most isekai works but on top of that, they're also sweet, though I do wish to see more of them in the future. Tilty meanwhile is both intriguing and hot. Intriguing because I wonder what kind of magician she really is and motives on some sort, and hot in terms of the visuals, design and aura. The other characters on the other hand are either a-okay, somewhat not or kinda making my head ache such as Algard. I shouldn't talk about that guy, but his aspirations of becoming the next ruler is mostly somewhat ambitious rather than intentional, although he gets something to care about by his big sis who concerns on his well being even after an unfortunate incident when they were kids and his own disownment from taking over the throne.

The fights are at least as intense as those in other female lead shows and the recent isekai ones such as Reincarnated as a Sword and Beast Tamer, the angsty drama and wacky comedy blending into a single note is very nice and ahem, the very kilig EuphiAni moments - both happy and sad - are as delicious smiley as the onigiri and as bitter as the ampalaya! And the kisses! Yeah, those dang kisses in the first and finale episodes, and even the opening and ending themes are making me go kyaa and aaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!

Okay enough with the fangirl screams, as always I personally can forgive with the flaws and need to point out like why Anis has an Earthling past and how she ends up into an unfamiliar kingdom to create and invent tools or how Euphie goes with an unplanned marriage on Algard to (supposedly) become the next queen consort. But that's on a different time.

Overall, MagiRevo is nothing but full of wonders and adventure in the queerest ane revolutionary ways, high tensions and romantic in the sweetest ways especially our two revolutionary hero gals and the other, unexpected but cute pair against monsters and nasty royal officials. Ah well, maybe I should look on the novel and the manga to get more of it! But also, we have fanfics and hopefully, doujins. We can only hope and manifest for a followup, but for now, we shall taste ourselves for these contents to crave in while waiting for the aforementioned.

What did you think of MagiRevo overall? Who's your favorite character and why? Lemme know in the comments box here, on my FB page or my Twitter @goddessyk13.

Insights From a Goddess (and Mates): A Geek's Impressions About Being a Pretty Cure Fan and Amane Kasai/Cure Finale

The Insights From a Goddess (and Mates) segment of this blog makes a delicious smiled return after almost two years and to commemorate its comeback, I was stumbling to a geek that I just met during ToyCon PH 2022 day 3 and he's actually also a fan of the Pretty Cure series since Star Twinkle! Moreover, he quickly recognized my newly-debuted Cure Macherie cosplay and I got his approval to take some selfies that day. 

Introducing Limuel Oco, the dude who is quickly included into the small yet very delighted Cure fan community in the Philippines and wanting to share his own experiences as a fan as well as his impressions about the newest midseason Cure heroine, Amane Kasai aka Cure Finale from Delicious Party. 

Yona's Blog: How did you get into the Pretty Cure series? 

Limuel Oco: I got into the Pretty Cure series when I saw a clip from Star Twinkle☆PreCure that they are transforming, it finds me more interesting since they are singing while becoming Cures and it looks fun! 

YB: What was the first season that you've watched regularly? 

LO: The first season that I've watched was Star Twinkle. 

YB: Kirayaba (Twincool)~~!! 

YB: What is your favorite season and why? 

LO: Star Twinkle, likewise. 

YB: Do you have a favorite Cure from each season? 

LO: Yes. 

• Nagisa Misumi aka Cure Black (Futari wa and Max Heart)

• Mai Mishou aka Cure Egret and Windy (Splash Star)

• Milk/Kurumi Mimino aka Milky Rose (Yes! 5 and Yes! 5 GoGo!)

• Setsuna Higashi aka Cure Passion (Fresh!)

• Yuri Tsukikage aka Cure Moonlight (HeartCatch!)

• Kanade Minamino aka Cure Rhythm (Suite)

• Miyuki Hoshizora aka Cure Happy (Smile!)

• Aguri Madoka aka Cure Ace (Doki Doki!)

• Iona Hikawa aka Cure Fortune (Happiness Charge!)

• Towa Akagi aka Cure Scarlet (Go! Princess)

• Ha-chan/Kotoha Hanami aka Cure Felice (Mahou Tsukai!)

• Aoi Tategami aka Cure Gelato (KiraKira☆A La Mode)

• Homare Kagayaki aka Cure Étoile (HUGtto!)

• Yuni aka Cure Cosmo (Star Twinkle)

• Asumi Fuurin aka Cure Earth (Healin' Good)

• Laura Apollodoros Hyginus La Mer aka Cure La Mer (Tropical-Rouge!)

• Amane Kasai aka Cure Finale (Delicious Party) 

YB: Wonderful choices! Who are your favorite main fairy mascot from each season? 

LO: Kururun (if applicable) from Tropical-Rouge! I find her cute even though that she can't speak, just she said her name. 

YB: Napaka-funny talaga si Kururun (Kururun is really funny) eh. 

LO: True. 

YB: Anyways, who is your favorite villain general (redeemed or not)? 

LO: My favorite villain general is Lock from Go! Princess PreCure. 

YB: Okay, how about your favorite main villain (redeemed or not)? 

LO: The Witch of Delays from Tropical-Rouge! 

YB: 'Yung backstory nila (Their backstory) with [the season's ancient heroine Aunete aka Cure] Oasis was so sad. 

LO: True ang sad nun, pero it also ended na nakakaiyak (it's so sad, but it also ended tearfully). 

YB: I mentioned sa podcast ko (Yona Kuromatoki's Interactive Podcast) that both the Witch and Oasis were similar kina [Manatsu Natsuumi aka Cure] Summer and La Mer yet in different ways (I mentioned in my podcast (Yona Kuromatoki's Interactive Podcast) that both the Witch and Oasis were similar to [Manatsu Natsuumi aka Cure] Summer and La Mer yet in different ways). 

LO: Ooohh I see! 

YB: Yeah. Tsaka the reason na na-delay n'ya was because gusto n'ya palang makipagkaibigan kay Oasis (And the reason why she delayed it was because she actually wanted to make friends with Oasis). Not knowing the latter had died so many years ago pa (already). 

LO: True, almost 100 years n'ya dinelay 'yung battle nila (she (the Witch) delayed their battle for almost 100 years). 

YB: Mm, yet at least nag-reunite sila (they're reunited) and nagsama na sila (they've been joined) into the heavens. 

LO: True. 

YB: That was why, from what I observed, gumawa ng memory wiping machine (the memory wiping machine was made) from a mermaid whose human friend had died due to short life span. So in short yes, semi-immortal ang mermaids/merfolks (mermaids/merfolks are semi-immortals). 

LO: True. 

YB: Anyways, let's move on sa (to the) next question! Do you collect various Cure merchandises? 

LO: Not yet but looking forward to, but right now I have PreCure Juu-Style dolls. The first one is Cure Star, then second is Cure Fontaine that I bought yesterday from ToyCon PH 2022. (BLOGGER'S NOTE: This online conversation was taped on July 11, 2022) 

YB: What is your initial impression on Amane Kasai? 

LO: I like her, but I expected that she is the midseason Cure. 

YB: As a baddie, what did you think of her as Gentle? 

LO: What I think her is as Gentle is she is a badass girl with a gentle heart for Recipepes. 

YB: We already learned her past about loving parfaits and meeting the Parfait Recipepe since childhood kasi, but after becoming a baddie everything has changed. However, as I did to some past midseason Cures that came before, I know that Amane isn't really bad at all. 

LO: True, she is not talaga (she is really not). 

YB: Seeing the Recipepe again alongside her made me so happy. 

LO: Yaaass!! 

YB: 'Yung regrets n'ya (her regrets) about what she has done reminds me of the almost same scenarios dati kina (before to) Passion, Beat and Scarlet. 

LO: Yes, me too. 

YB: What is your first impression about Amane as Finale? 

LO: Amazed because I didn't expect her design was so good. 

YB: Ako din (Me too)! Na-overjoy ako (I was overjoyed) that she overcomes 'yung doubts n'ya (her doubts). Well, enough with the overjoying stuff because we're down to the last three questions before I let you go. 

LO: Go! 

YB: What are the things you looking forward for our dear golden parfait girl and her friends in the coming episodes? 

LO: Getting to know more of her story and what she can offer as the new midseason Cure. 

YB: How does it feel that Ai Kayano is voicing a Cure? 

LO: To be honest I'm not familiar with the seiyuus. But I know that they are bringing our Pretty Cures to life, and giving them emotions and strengths to make more of the characters to be loved by the fans. 

YB: Last question before you really go, what are your fan messages to both Kayano and Amane/Finale? 

LO: My message will be good luck and you are slaying it from just one episode, and looking forward to see you more until the season finale! 

YB: Yay! But also no pun intended, anyways thank you for your time and you're always welcoming back to the blog, and probably we'd love to have you as a guest in Yona Kuromatoki's Interactive Podcast in the future! 

LO: Thanks for the info and looking forward to that! 

YB: Do you have social media accounts so that everyone can follow you? 

LO: I do have socmeds, but it's personal so I don't have any of them with PreCure/anime content. But I have another account that has my hobbies content. 

YB: What is your hobby account? 

LO: It's @toyluvzz21 on Instagram. 

YB: Again, thank you so much for the time in this blog! 

LO: You're welcome and thanks for the oppurtunity! 

YB: No problem!

Anong Gentle, Gentle?! Introducing Cure Finale!

 

In the dawning hours of June 30, 2022, which happens to be the birthday of Laura Apollodoros Hyginus La Mer aka Cure La Mer, Usagi Tsukino aka Sailor Moon and Chibi-Usa aka Sailor Chibi Moon as well as MNL48 member Dian Mercado and former member Alyssa Garcia, plus the not-so festive and kinda dully as hell inauguration of the highly controversial 17th Philippines president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the identity of the fourth Delicious Party Pretty Cure has been revealed to the world by Toei Animation and it's none other than Amane Kasai, formerly the Bundoru Gang's food phantom thief Gentle, who was appeared at the beginning of the story. She is going to be transformed into Cure Finale starting from the current Pretty Cure season's 18th episode on July 10. Her birthday is revealed to be on November 24, a day after Doctor Who Day, and the birthdays of Madoka Kaguya aka Cure Selene from Star Twinkle and Scottish actress Michelle Gomez, who played the first female Master named Missy from the aforementioned sci-fi show.

With this announcement therefore, Ai Kayano (Darkness in KonoSuba, Hana Mutou in Captain Earth, Meiko "Menma" Honma in Anohana and Kirika Akatsuki in Senki Zesshou Symphogear) will be taking over from Rina Hidaka, the woman who played the aforementioned fighting mermaid queen in the global action magical girl show's previous season Tropical-Rouge!, as the newest midseason Cure heroine and making the third exclusive in the Reiwa era preceeding the former aforementioned and Suzuko Mimori, who played Asumi Fuurin aka Cure Earth in Healin' Good.

Amane will be the fifth redeemed midseason heroine after Fresh!'s Setsuna Higashi aka Cure Passion (voiced by Yuka Komatsu), Suite's Ellen Kurokawa aka Cure Beat (voiced by Megumi Toyoguchi), Go! Princess' Towa Akagi aka Cure Scarlet (voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro) and HUGtto!'s Ruru Amour aka Cure Amour (voiced by Yukari Tamura), and the very first from planet Earth. However, she is also the first midseason Cure from the planet since HUGtto!'s Emiru Aisaki (voiced by Nao Tamura) in 2019 and the fourth to have a sibling (in this case, twin brothers) after HeartCatch!'s Itsuki Myoudouin aka Cure Sunshine (voiced by Houko Kuwashima), Happiness Charge!'s Iona Hikawa aka Cure Fortune (voiced by Haruka Tomatsu) and the latter aforementioned. 

In the Cure series' official YouTube channel, Kayano takes on some delicious smiled questions during a video interview that is posted there. 

Q. "How did you feel when you were chosen to play the role of PreCure?" 

Kayano: At first, I was feeling happy slowly, but it hadn't hit me yet, vaguely thinking, "I'm going to play the role now, I'm going to be a part of this family." When I met with the cast and staff and heard their passion for PreCure, I felt more and more like, "This is real!" Amane (who transforms into PreCure after the Phantom Thief Gentle) has a lot of emotional turmoil, so the staff asked me to play that part of her well, and I felt a lot of pressure. But I was very happy to be entrusted with such a role, and I looked forward to receiving the script every week. I also felt that everyone on the staff was supporting me as much as possible, so I have participated in the recording session every week with the hope of responding to their wishes. 

Q. "What is the appeal of the PreCure series?" 

Kayano: Each PreCure series has a strong theme, and I feel a passionate desire "to convey this to children." I think that the charm of the PreCure series lies in the fact that all the staff members share the same passion and are working hard in the same direction. I feel like my heart is ignited by that passion, and I think that "Delicious Party Pretty Cure" in particular is filled with "warm hearts" (on the production site as well). When I was chosen to play Amane-chan, a friend contacted me. A mother with a young child said to me, "You're going to be in PreCure!" I was so happy to hear that. I felt that "PreCure" is a work that is watched by so many people, even people who don't usually watch anime, and it made me feel like I had to work even harder. I want to to love Amane Kasai/Cure Finale myself, and I hope that everyone will love her too. 

Q. "What is the most important meal for you?" 

Kayano: It must be "mother's food." I wouldn't trade it for anything. Ever since I was a child, the "winning meal" in the Kayano family was always "green pepper stuffed with meat." And, what surprised me when I read the scenario of a little future episode this time was the appearance of "Fruit Punch with Shiratama (rice cake ball)" in the story. I felt it was my destiny because I used to make "Fruit Punch with Shiratama" with my mother when I was a child. On a special day, I was eating it, so I felt I had something in common with Amane-chan. I want to make it again, and on special occasions, I think I will be a little selfish to ask my mother to make it for me (laughs). "Delicious" is something important that can be expanded upon. I hope that "Delicious Party Pretty Cure" will provide more opportunities for everyone to enjoy "delicious." 

As always like all the midseason Cure seiyuus that came before, I'm super excited for Kayano to take on the iconic Pretty Cure heroine role and she'll be nailed it as well. I'm also looking forward to see Amane-tan in action as Finale and what things are in store. 

What do you think about Amane-tan as the newest midseason Cure heroine? Are you excited to see her in action? Comment down below, on my Facebook page and Instagram @yonakuromatoki or my Twitter @goddessyona13. 

References:

https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/06/29-1/ai-kayano-is-confirmed-as-the-voice-of-cure-finale-in-delicious-party-pretty-cure?utm_source=community_cr&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=news_en&referrer=community_cr_twitter_news

https://youtu.be/oATQ8kNu4qs

Sulong sa Bento Uno! Follow the Bright Summer Light! The Yona's Blog Year-End Special 2021

 

Hello, cockles! You missed me, right?! I was super busy for the past couple of weeks due to work, Heroes Con (plus the first YKIP Live) and recording of my year-end video. But now I'm back again in this blog and speaking of which, our 2021 year-end special, titled Sulong sa Bente Uno! Follow the Bright Summer Light, is a different thing compared to the ones I made in the recent years (except 2018 and 2019) because it'll be focused and themed about rewind memories and the importance of the now. Meaning to say, I won't able to highlight the good and bad moments that shape the year, but instead to pinpoint the pluses and minuses of it in perspectives of ordinary people.

I prepared five questions to four of my mates in order to share their 2021 experiences and here are their amazing and tropica-shiny responses!

1. What are the positives and negatives 2021 has brought you?

"The positives:
1. My best achievement ever in school (Placed 1st on Top 10 and became an Honor Student for the first time),
2. I am able to study in a private school (Yes. That dream of mine became true).
3. I am able to open up to my friends about my mental health.
4. I am able to relax and break my cabin fever by going outside for a walk.

The negatives:
1. Jealousy... Because I am feeling sad, having a simple but lonely graduation celebration, while others have very special graduation celebration.
2. Discouragements. I feel so discouraged because my parents are so mad at me for not doing anything valuable for our family and for taking wrong decisions that led me to regret the decisions I chose.
3. Pressure. It's all because of my parents putting much more pressure to me, just to meet their expectations from me, though I didn't sign up for anything they expected for me."

- Jasper Pernia

"The positive thing that happened this year is me leaving amino and trying to find another outlet to share my art and opinions.

And the negative experience is a tie between this message a received from an irl friend because of my pride month post. And a homophobic comment I received under a drawing of Minako (Aino) and Rei (Hino).

This last one really like ruined my day. I blocked the user who commented it cause I don't want to deal with this sh*t."

- Mostafa

"The positives for 2021, I have my family with me, still studying my course and I will be looking forward to graduating from college next year. I am blessed to be alive during the pandemic. I have cut off from my toxic friends and ex-boyfriend for good. I've met incredible online fandom friends.

The negative for 2021, that I am not able to see the rest of my family due to COVID. "

- Chloe

"Positives is that I got a good job working at a hospital that pays well, I made a Pretty Cure server that's filled with loving people and enjoy the franchise for what it is. The negatives is that I sadly wasn't able to pass my fall semester and sadly I didn't hit my subscriber goal of 10,000 subs."

- Jackson Jordan aka Blazeix

2. What are the things you've been thanked for this year?

"- I thanked myself for having true friends that kept me going, despite all the pressure parents put on me.
- I thanked myself for being able to go on through adventures by going outside walking around.
- I thanked myself for successfully meeting my Oshis in MNL48 last December 18.
- I thanked myself for succeeding my dream of studying in a private school.
- I thanked myself for expressing my creativity through comics.
- I thanked myself for taking risks, though my parents didn't want me to.
- I thanked myself for meeting other local Japanese idols through the use of a Japanese livestreaming app.
- I thanked myself for staying loyal to my original (very first) Kami-Oshi in MNL48, though she was a former member now."

- JP

"The second question is a little bit hard, I don't think I did anything that's worthy of thanks. My co-workers thank me about alot of things but I don't think I really did anything to be thanked for. While in the other hand I have alot of things to be thankful about, like my awesome supportive group of friends. Also being done with mandatory military service, I'm really thankful for that. *laughs*"

- Mostafa

"I am thankful to my family. Always and forever. All of my life.

- Chloe

"I'm thankful for the people who watch my channel and for the friends I've made in the Pretty Cure fandom. I also love the Pretty Cure Club I made and the people in it.

- JJ

3. Do you have comfort stuff (TV shows, movies, characters etc) that keep you sane all throughout the year?

"Comfort stuffs:
- Anime characters: Chiyu Sawaizumi, Sango Suzumura, Mana Aida, and Makoto Kenzaki.
- Anime/TV Series: Kamen Rider Series, & PreCure Series.
- MNL48 Oshis:
- Kami-Oshi (Currently): NekoNyan
- Ni-Oshi: Cole
- San-Oshi: Princess
- 4th Oshi: Ruuuuth~
- 5th Oshi: Dana
- 6th Oshi: Klaire
- 7th Oshi: Miho
- 8th Oshi: Kath
- Real life: True friends and my imaginary gf."

- JP

"I do have a comfort manga and that would be Kase-san."

- Mostafa

"I grew up with Disney, Marvel movies and anime. So they all are my comfort stuff. If I had to choose one it would be Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. They're my escape from reality every once in a while."

- Chloe

"Pretty Cure (obviously), Mewkledreamy, Digimon Ghost Game, Nodoka (Hanadera aka Cure Grace) from Healin' Good, Laura (La Mer aka Cure La Mer) from Tropical-Rouge!, Healin'♡Tropical, the fan made Cure story (by Raspberry)."

- JJ

4. What are your 2021 amazing moments?

"- I get 2 pentakills this year in LoL
- I get my very first RP
- I met 2 of my Oshis in MNL48: Princess and NekoNyan~
- I've finished 5 of my comics this year.
- I get to have my wishes with my imaginary gf come true by letting me open up about my mental health to someone that understands me well, and to release the worries I have in her own way.
- I got to study in a Private School as a First Year College Student."

- JP

"I don't have an amazing moment of 2021, nothing really happened that really stuck with me. The year was fine."

- Mostafa

"I have been invited to an Exhibition and saw my design work being displayed. I worked so hard to have my entries submitted and I got to talk to the governor that night. And I'm proud of that achievement."

- Chloe

"The amazing moment would be that my YouTube channel that's slowly growing and the people I've met thanks to my channel. Meeting new Pretty Cure fans like Yona and Raspberry."

- JJ

5. What is your message to me (the blogger) and your friends that made 2021 still meaningful?

"To you, I am very glad to meet you because I know you're impressed about my love for Chiyu because until now, I love her as my favorite PreCure character.

To my true friends, I wanna say that I am very glad, because without all of you, I won't be able to keep myself going."

- JP

"My message for everyone is to stay true to yourself, do not let people around you change just to fit the image they have for you. Your life is your business, no one else's."

- Mostafa

"Have a wonderful and safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope 2022 will be a great year for you all!"

- Chloe

"I want to thank all of you for being my friend. I hope that when you talk to me, that I have made you smile if just a little. Sometimes I don't know how the person looks on the other side of the screen, but I hope that if you're having a rough day that talking to me helps if just a little. I hope that we can talk again in 2022. Thank you for all the memories and see you all in 2022. Let's make 2022 the best year of all of our lives."

- JJ

From me, my fam and my mates, have a tropica-shiny and deliciously New Year to all of you! Always keep being awesome and kicking, and stay safe!

Anime In-Depth - Fena: Pirate Princess

 

In this edition of Anime In-Depth, we'll go to another historical fiction piece, and quickly one of my favorite seasonal anime shows of 2021 and of this decade, Fena: Pirate Princess.

Created by Kazuto Nakazawa and studio Production I.G, produced by Rui Kuroki, and directed by ToyGerPROJECT, Nakazawa, Tetsuya Takahashi and Junichi Fujisaku, the show is a co-production between Crunchyroll and Adult Swim and premiered on August 15, 2021 on both platforms in before taking its Japanese broadcast on October 3, 2021. The music was composed by Yuki Kajiura, while the overall scripts of the story was written by Asako Kuboyama.

The opening theme, "Umi to Shinju (The Sea and Pearls," was performed by JUNNA and the ending theme, "Saihate (The Farthest Shore)," was performed by Minori Suzuki. Meanwhile, the finale episode ending, "Taiyou no Funaji (The Sun's Voyage)," was also performed by JUNNA.

The plot synopsis of Fena was published by the MyAnimeList team:

A decade ago, a tragic shipwreck separated Fena Houtman from her childhood friend Yukimaru and took her father's life. Now, at age 23, she is trapped on an island and is doomed to spend the rest of her life selling herself to men. On the night she is to be forcibly wed to a client, Fena hatches a plan to escape from her employers, but two old acquaintances unexpectedly intervene and help her run away.

The three make haste for the open sea and land upon Goblin Island—a mysterious place that a clan of fierce warriors call home. It is there that Fena learns that her father's ill-fated final journey at sea was in search of a place called "Eden," the location of something important that he had to protect. With nothing but a clear crystal as a clue, Fena is tasked with finding this place, as she is the only person who can do so.

While still contemplating the search for what her father left behind, Fena reunites with Yukimaru, who encourages her to take up the quest. Now the captain of a seven-person crew, Fena must navigate the high seas in search of Eden. But as uncanny groups begin to target her, the perilous journey proves to be even more challenging than it previously seemed.

To culminate the show's recent conclusion, we met a cool fan from the Down Under, Chloe aka Crimson Mage, and were preparing some interesting but heart-wrenching in-depth questions about Fena!

Yona Kuromatoki: Why are you liking the show so much and what it means to you? It could be about the plot, the animation or the storyline, everything is fine.

Chloe aka Crimson Mage: Oh so many things I should say! Uh well first of, I love the story of Fena: Pirate Princess. It is such a unique show that has pirates, ninjas and samurai all together. And I absolutely love the pairing FenaMaru (ship name for Fena Houtman and Yukimaru Sanada). Their love story in my eyes is truly out of this world.

YK: We all know that we love interracial relationships in the fictional universe, specifically, the romantic ones, at all. So speaking of Fena and Yukimaru, how do you find them as a pair generally?

CM: I find the pairing so endearing. Yukimaru and Fena have a great understanding between them. They believe in each other. They're dorks in their own way. What I love about them is that they always protect one another and they love each other so deeply. They are the most strongest, beautiful and understanding couple. The best!

YK: What's your reaction about their reunion during the pilot episode?

CM: My first reaction is that "Oh they're gonna be the endgame ship for sure!"

YK: What else?

CM: Ummmmm that their reunion was really well done. Especially the animation and the acting. The acting was brilliant and hilarious! It felt natural.

YK: I agree.

CM: (smiles and gives thumbs-up) Awesome!

YK: Squeeing aside, your thoughts about Abel Bluefield, as well as Karin and co?

CM: First about Abel. He is really a tragic person who had lost the love of his life, Helena (aka Fena's late mom). I thought he was an intriguing and mysterious character when introduced. He's been driven mad and obsessed but understood his pain when losing a loved one.

The crew. They gave me a team as a family feels. Just every time being shown on the screen. They all have great chemistry and great bonds with each other. They're right knit and work together very well.

YK: Okay I know this is a quite complicated question, but does the secret about Eden make sense in the story?

CM: Hmmm that's a complicated question. Uh, I think in a way it does. The story is filled with mystery and magic. I don't know that's what I think.

YK: In your own words, why is Fena important for Yukimaru?

CM: Fena is so important to Yukimaru because... She is his light, his rock and his first love. She is everything to him. And he loves her and still does after ten years.

YK: A wonderful answer! The next question will be an emotional one, so here I go! What's your reaction when Yukimaru almost lost Fena and then the latter lost her memories?

(Chloe starting to cry slightly for few seconds)

YK: (shocked) Oh boy, I knew this is gonna be hitting in the feels on ya!

CM: (sniffs then gently wipes her tears with her tissue before she begins to answer)  My heart was racing... Big time. Cried for two hours  I cried a lot and him shouting out to her really hits home. He really does love her even though her memories are lost.

This trope has been rarely used and I want to see where this may lead.

YK: In case of a sequel, what would you wanna see more on Fena and co's expanded adventures?

CM: Oooh hmmm well, see more new lands, new allies and enemies. As well as more... I mean MORE FenaMaru and more crew moments!!

YK: Do you have a message from the cast and staff, both in Japanese and English? And to Fena, Yukimaru and the gang?

CM: Oh! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL ANIME EVER! I ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT!

FENA, YUKIMARU AND THE GANG! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LAUGHTER, THE TEARS AND THE ADVENTURES!!

YK: Thanks for taking your time in making this in-depth impressions for my blog, Chloe!!

CM: Oh, no worries!! Happy to be of service! (smiles)

Yona's Rankings - Top Fairouz Ai Characters

 

It's the mid-year once again and Yona's Blog brings back my personal rankings, this time I'll jolt down the characters voiced by the wonderful Japanese-Egyptian seiyuu, Fairouz Ai! Speaking of which, it's her 28th birthday today, so I will send a big tropica-shiny felicitations to her for bringing these amazing characters to life!

And coz it's her special day, I'm gonna round up my top four Fairouz characters that I've seen so far right away!

4. Eripyo (OshiBudo)

The first Fairouz character I've seen during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic when OshiBudo was a very late addition to my 2020 winter anime season lineups, but since it tackled about idols and the wota culture, one thing quickly came into my mind was the crazily energetic part-time worker Eripyo.

The main heroine of the show, she has Maina as her kami oshi (the top favorite member) and the only one who supports the idol in various events, similar to some of my co-fans in the PH idol community with the same case. However, I have some very similarities to her in showing an unconditional adoration and wholesome love to my oshis, and I also attended various events like handshake events and concerts very often.

Eripyo is such a cool character and she depicts us fangirling over idols like crazy hippies. But other than that, she trusts and loves her co-wotas despite the differences in supporting their own oshis and is very passionate whenever Maina takes the spotlight before her presence.

3. Hibiki Sakura (How Heavy are the Dumbbells You Lift?)

Fairouz's breakthrough anime and the one that cemented her bumpy yet bloomed seiyuu career. I just took a few episodes into Dumbbells, but Hibiki is the definition of proper healthy living that all of us should inspire to and I like how she's working hard to achieve the almost impossible goal of having a very hot, sexy body alongside her schoolmates Akemi, Ayaka and Gina, and their teacher Satomi-sensei.

Her solid-like bond with the super muscular trainer Machio is one of my faves from the show although Hibiki had a crush on the latter at the beginning, but nevertheless they have a wonderful dynamic relationship. They also got some funny moments and I love the edutainment section about various workouts in each episode and the post-ending credits with Machio himself.

Hibiki may have a very rocky start since she started doing workouts both in and out of the gym, but her sheer determination, perseverance and having a never give up spirit to attain a hot but longer life-worthy body. Maybe I should do workouts too even though they're pretty tough, eh? We'll see.

2. Tokiwa Anzai (Mewkledreamy)

One of my favorites from Mewkledreamy and Fairouz's debut in the magical girl universe before being promoted to a bigger role that I'm gonna talk about in the last part. A probinsyana who moves to the city to start a new life and is Nene's Dream Partner, Tokiwa is an all-around talented person because she plays the piano, and is part of the choir and cheerleading clubs which the latter that Yume Hinata is also part of, yet also afraid of ghosts and scary stuff.

In the first season, we saw Tokiwa saved Nene from getting flew into the river before her move and a couple of episodes later, she was transferred to Yume's school only to get her dream caught by Yunicchi's Black Abyss. But her willingness to be part of the city life and Nene's encouragement triggered the gal to get out of the Black Abyss with Yume and Mew's help, and subsequently became partners from then on. Afterwards, Nene and Tokiwa are lending hands to Mew and Yume to protect people's dreams from the nightmares within them. However, things are getting tougher in season two as they faced new enemies, but also gaining a new ally.

Tokiwa is basically a precious cinnamon roll and who doesn't? I can't wait for her wider adventures with Mew, Yume and the gang as the show's season two is still rolling and kicking!

1. Manatsu Natsuumi/Cure Summer (Tropical-Rouge! PreCure)

Our current Cure leader who is super duper tropica-shiny and full of unlimited motivation! I love everything about and really enjoy Manatsu so far and I cannot underestimate the fact that she's not only putting a smile to our faces, but also encourage us to be motivated for true productivity in this planet.

I do love all the leaders coz they're my primary favorites in the show and Summer is no exception. Her relationship with her parents, especially her mom, is both touching and very nice to see which makes me miss my own parents so much, and with Sango, Minorin, Asuka and Laura is just so amazing! Speaking of the funny fighting mermaid, I can always tell from my inner thoughts that both Summer and La Mer have the very awesome dynamic relationship too, and you know? They're very something and unique!

I'm looking forward to see more of Manatsu and her gang in this current PreCure season, and they're surely treating us with more surprises and twists to come on the way.

Who is your favorite Fairouz character? Lemme know on the comments box below, or on my FB page or my Twitter.