Hugtto! PreCure is a Japanese magical girlanime television series produced by Toei Animation. It is the fifteenth series in the Pretty Cure franchise, released to celebrate its 15th anniversary. It is directed by Junichi Sato and Akifumi Zako and written by Fumi Tsubota. It began airing on ANN on February 4, 2018, succeeding Kirakira PreCure a la Mode in its initial timeslot. It was then succeeded by Star Twinkle PreCure on February 3, 2019. The series' main topic is destiny and future, with dress code as the Cures' main motifs.
Summary
Thirteen-year-old Hana Nono, a girl who aspires to be seen as mature, is beginning middle school in Hagukumi City when she encountered a strange baby named Hugtan and a hamster-like fairy named Harryham Harry who had appeared out of the sky. But amidst the encounter, Hana learned from them that they were pursued by the Criasu Corporation, an evil conglomeration from the future who wants Hugtan's Mirai Crystal and to alter the present to suit their needs. Hana's desire to protect Hugtan causes her to gain her own Mirai Crystal using the PreHeart, which transforms her into the Pretty Cure of High Spirits, Cure Yell. Together with Saaya Yakushiji and Homare Kagayaki, their group is later joined by Emiru Aisaki and Criasu android Ruru Amour, and they form the Hugtto PreCure team in hopes of protecting everyone's future.
The Criasu Corporation are the main antagonists of the series who originate from the distant future, their goal being to obtain the Mirai Crystals as part of their CEO's scheme to freeze time. The name "Criasu" comes from which can translate as "Dark Tomorrow". The employees of the Criasu Corporation's Azababu Branch Office have the powers to attract energies from people by using Negative Wave, allowing them to create monsters called Oshimaidas which can be enhanced into Mou-Oshimaida. ;George Kurai ;Listle ;Daigan ;Papple ;Charaleet ;Gelos ;Dr. Traum ;Bishin ;Jinjin Takumi
The series was first revealed through a trademark posting filed in September 2017. The series was officially announced on November 28, 2017 and began airing on All-Nippon News Network stations in Japan including ABC and TV Asahi from February 4, 2018, replacing Kirakira PreCure a la Mode in its timeslot. The opening theme is called "We can!! Hugtto! Precure" by Kanako Miyamoto. The first ending theme is called "Hugtto! Future✩Dreamer" performed by Rie Hikisaka, Rina Honnizumi, and Yui Ogura, while the second ending theme is called "Hugtto! Yell For You" performed by the aforementioned three alongside Nao Tamura, and Yukari Tamura. The background music in this series is composed by Yuki Hayashi, who previously composed the music for Kirakira PreCure a la Mode. The first official soundtrack for the series was released on April 25, 2018 with the title PreCure Sound For You!!, while the second one was released on December 26, 2018 with the title PreCure Cheerful Sound!!.
The characters of the series appeared alongside characters from Kirakira PreCure a la Mode and Maho Girls PreCure! in the crossover film, Pretty Cure Super Stars!, which was released in Japan on March 17, 2018. In addition, a film to honor 15 years of the franchise, titled was released on October 27, 2018. The film will feature characters from Hugtto! PreCure teaming up with the original Pretty Cures from Futari wa Pretty Cure, who appeared in episodes 21, 22, 36, and 37.
Episode 19 of the series was critically praised by fans for showing a positive message regarding that children can become who they want to be, whatever their gender and regarding gender stereotyping in anime. The film topped Japanese box office records in its first release in theaters. It earned more than US$9.18 million in total ticket sales, and currently owns the Guinness World Record for "Most Magical Warriors in an Anime Film", with a total of 55 Cures. Rina Honnizumi won the Best New Actress Award for her portrayal of Cure Ange at the 13th Seiyu Awards. Cosplay marathoner Mitsunobu Saita ran in the 2018 Kobe Marathon as Cure Yell.
