, often shortened simply to PreCure Splash Star, is a magical girl anime series produced by Toei Animation that aired on TV Asahi between February 5, 2006 and January 28, 2007. It is the third series in Izumi Todo's Pretty Cure metaseries, and follows a new story different from the previous two series that features the second generation of Cures. The series is directed by Toshiaki Komura, who previously directed Kinnikuman Nisei. The character designs were done by Akira Inagami, who previously worked on the character designs for the previous installments. The series' main motif is based on Nature, with its concept deriving from the Japanese idiom , which symbolizes the beauty of nature and the traditional themes of natural beauty in Japanese aesthetics.
Plot
Saki Hyuga and Mai Mishou met for the first time when they were both nine years old, after they followed two glowing balls that flew towards the Sky Tree, a big tree situated atop a mountain in their town. Five years later, they reunite at the Sky Tree and meet Flappy and Choppy, spirits from the Land of Fountains who reveal that they were the glowing balls they saw that day and that they were chosen to protect the Fountains hidden in their world, which they refer to as the Land of Fountains. Through Flappy and Choppy's power, Saki and Mai become Cure Bloom and Cure Egret respectively, and later on gain new forms called Cure Bright and Cure Windy from the power of the two spirits Moop and Fuup. Together, they fight against Dark Fall, who are searching for the Fountain of Sun, the last of the seven fountains that are connected to the World Tree - the source of life in all worlds. The leader of Dark Fall has set his sights on the Tree, and it is the Pretty Cure's job to protect it.
In the Splash Star movie, Sirlion, a warrior from Dark Fall, opens up a gateway to the Land of Clocks using directions from Mai. He plans to freeze time by halting the Eternal (Infinite) Clock, which will cut off everyone's future. Saki and Mai were in disagreement after Saki overslept and Mai wandered into a nearby clock store, causing them to miss the sign-up for the karaoke singing contest. After being thrown into an endless maze, Saki and Mai have to work together to solve the maze's puzzles.
Characters
Splash Star Pretty Cures
The Splash Star Pretty Cures are warriors chosen by the Land of Fountains to restore the Seven Holy Fountains and prevent Dark Fall from taking over the Land of Greenery. They both transform using the through the phrase . Later on in the series, both Saki and Mai transform using the , harnessing the powers of Moop and Fuup. After transforming, the duo introduces themselves with with Mai saying and Saki saying .
The main protagonist. Saki is a 13/14-year-old cheerful and athletic girl. Like Nagisa, Saki is excellent at sports, being a member of the girls' softball team at Yuunagi Middle School, is not good at academics, loves sweets, and has a large appetite. Unlike Nagisa, Saki has a mild personality and has a habit of saying when she is excited. Saki is bright and adaptive, and remains optimistic even when facing the unexpected. Although Saki appears childish at times, she is lenient and gregarious, and her cheerful and easygoing personality often cheers up others. Her family runs the Panpaka Pan bakery, which she works at; she is good at cooking and making delicious bread. She has a sister named Minori, who she shares a room with and is often annoyed by. Saki also has a crush on Mai's older brother, Kazuya. As Cure Bloom and Cure Bright, her short auburn hair becomes bright reddish blonde and is worn with a headband. As Cure Bloom, her theme color is pink and she represents the earth, and as Cure Bright her theme color is yellow and she represents the moon. She introduces herself as while as Cure Bright, she introduces herself as .
The secondary protagonist. Mai is a 13-year-old reserved and academic girl who likes the arts and has a gentle and innocent nature. Her father is an astronomer, her mother is an archeologist, and her brother, Kazuya, aspires to be an astronaut when he grows up. She and her family live in an observatory. Mai is very observant and aware, often noticing subtle details that others would easily miss. As Cure Egret and Cure Windy, her long dark blue hair becomes dark purple and is worn in a long ponytail. As Cure Egret, her theme color is white and she represents the sky, and as Cure Windy her theme color is blue and she represents the wind. She introduces herself as while as Cure Windy, she introduces herself as