Toei's flagship magical girl franchise Precure will celebrate 15 years of sparkle next year. A special website dedicated to the ongoing series opened, promising announcements for celebratory events and merchandise.

The first announcement is a special stage show that was held at the Tamashii Nations 2017 event in Akihabara on December 1. The stage event hosted Toei producer Takashi Washio, series director Daisuke Nishio, Cure Black voice actress Youko Honna, and Cure White voice actress Yukana.

The site also posted comments from Washio, Nishio, Honna, and Yukana on the series' longevity. Washio shared that when the series first premiered in 2004, he never expected it to last 15 years much less have more than 50 magical girls. He said that the first five years were rough, and he never had much time for feelings when he had to focus on continuing to push forward. However, he still looks back at the time fondly. He also thanked viewers, staff members, and other people related to the anime's production for their support.

Nishio stated that the last 15 years seem to have passed in the blink of an eye. He said that the production has had its difficulties over the years, and there was a tumultuous period. However, the cast and staff put their blood and sweat into the production, and the series found its way. Nishio said he is looking forward to the continued progress of the series and supporting the staff and cast in the future.

Honna said that she was recently organizing scripts at home and reminiscing about the anime's early days. She said she made a lot of mistakes in the beginning and shed tears. But she also had positive experiences and, like Nishio, said the 15 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. Honna thought the series would only continue for a short time, so she believes its resilience is amazing. Although continuing such a work can be daunting, she plans to face obstacles when she reaches them. She is surprised at how the Precures have become like a big family.

Yukana said she is happy about the feelings she is able to convey together with her fellow voice actors through the series. She remarked that some of the young fans who have watched the series over 15 years have grown up and become members of society. Yukana said that even at her workplace there are people who say, "I watched [Precure] as a child." She is deeply moved that the series has become such a work that can connect people who watch it to those that produce it.

The website also features a series timeline from when the anime first premiered in 2004 to October's Eiga Kirakira ☆ Precure a la Mode: Paris to! Omoide no Mille-Feuille! film (seen above right) premiere.

The franchise's newest series Hugtto! Precure will premiere this spring.

[Via Nijimen]