Sanrio fans, get ready for a delightful treat! The highly anticipated stop-motion animated series, My Melody & Kuromi, is set to premiere on Netflix on July 24, 2025. This charming series brings the whimsical world of Mariland to life, celebrating the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi.
A Stop-Motion Adventure in Mariland
My Melody & Kuromi promises a visually rich and heartwarming experience for viewers of all ages. The series unfolds in Mariland, a pastel-colored world where My Melody and her friends live.
Storyline
My Melody, a cheerful and straightforward rabbit, opens a bustling cake shop with her friends Flat and Piano, attracting customers daily. Across the street, Kuromi, My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, struggles to attract customers to her Japanese sweets shop. Driven by a desire to outshine My Melody, Kuromi searches for the secret to her rival’s baking success.
One day, My Melody discovers a mysterious pink heart in the forest, triggering a series of strange events that threaten Mariland. Now, My Melody and Kuromi must put their rivalry aside and work together to protect their town and friends.
Episodes
The series will consist of twelve episodes, each approximately 13 minutes long. This format is perfect for delivering a captivating and heartwarming story in bite-sized adventures.
The Characters
The series features the beloved Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi, each with distinct personalities and aesthetics that have charmed fans worldwide.
My Melody
My Melody debuted in 1975 and is known for her sweet and gentle demeanor. She is often seen wearing a pink or red hood over her ears. My Melody is a symbol of innocence, friendship, kindness, and warmth. She enjoys baking cookies with her mother and spreads joy to everyone she meets.
Kuromi
Kuromi, introduced in 2005, is My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival. She has a mischievous and punk-rock style, featuring a black jester’s hat with a pink skull accent. Despite her tough exterior, Kuromi has a girly side and enjoys cooking and reading romance novels. Kuromi embodies rebellion and a mischievous spirit, appealing to those who enjoy a touch of edginess.
Production
My Melody & Kuromi is produced by Toruku Studio, a subsidiary of WIT Studio, known for titles like Spy x Family and Attack on Titan. This marks Toruku Studio’s first venture into stop-motion animation, promising a unique visual and narrative experience.
Director
The series is directed by Tomoki Misato, acclaimed for his work on Pui Pui Molcar. Misato expressed his excitement about working on this meaningful project, celebrating the anniversaries of both characters. He praised the challenges and creativity involved in pushing the boundaries of stop-motion animation.
Writer
The screenplay is written by Shuko Nemoto, who developed the story remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nemoto collaborated closely with Misato and the producers through virtual meetings, ensuring a seamless creative process. She believes that everyone, from children to adults, will find their favorite scenes and lines in the series.
Stop-Motion Animation
The series employs handcrafted stop-motion techniques, creating a visually rich and charming aesthetic. This meticulous approach brings the world of Mariland to life with intricate details and a unique artistic style.
Theme Song
Adding to the series’ charm, the theme song, “Kawaii (Prod. Gen Hoshino),” is performed by the popular K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM. Gen Hoshino, a renowned Japanese singer-songwriter, wrote, composed, arranged, and produced the song.
LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM is a five-member girl group consisting of KIM CHAEWON, SAKURA, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, who debuted in May 2022. Leader KIM CHAEWON expressed the group’s excitement about singing the theme song, as they are fans of My Melody and Kuromi.
Gen Hoshino
Gen Hoshino is known for his theme song work on SPY x FAMILY and other anime hits. Hoshino aimed to capture the world of My Melody & Kuromi and the charm of LE SSERAFIM, reflecting the show’s message of believing in yourself and being brave.
Target Audience
My Melody & Kuromi has charmed fans across the globe, from children to adults alike.
Sanrio Fans
The series is a must-watch for fans of Sanrio’s classic character lineup. It celebrates the long-standing popularity of My Melody and Kuromi, bringing their beloved personalities to life in a new and exciting way.
Anime Enthusiasts
Fans of Japanese animation will appreciate the series’ unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and nostalgic charm. The stop-motion animation and heartwarming story resonate with viewers who love these iconic characters.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
With its delightful cuteness and heartwarming story, My Melody & Kuromi is perfect for family viewing. The series explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the importance of working together, making it an enjoyable and meaningful experience for all ages.
Celebrating Anniversaries
The My Melody & Kuromi series is a special celebration of two significant milestones:
My Melody’s 50th Anniversary
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of My Melody, who debuted as a Sanrio character in 1975. Since then, she has been one of Sanrio’s most popular and beloved characters, known for her kindness and sweet nature.
Kuromi’s 20th Anniversary
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival. Kuromi’s mischievous personality and unique style have made her a fan favorite, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of edginess.
Where to Watch
My Melody & Kuromi will be available exclusively on Netflix, streaming worldwide starting July 24, 2025. Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the charming world of Mariland!
Reception and Anticipation
Since the announcement of the series, fans have expressed their excitement and anticipation. The release of the main trailer has generated even more buzz, with many praising the adorable animation and heartwarming story. Comments on social media reflect the enthusiasm: “The cuteness never ends!!~”, “July I cant wait this looks so amazing”, and “THIS IS THE MOST ADORABLE STOP MOTION I HAVE EVER SEEN~!!!”.
Conclusion
My Melody & Kuromi promises to be a delightful addition to Netflix’s growing slate of Japanese and anime-inspired content. With its charming characters, handcrafted animation, and heartwarming story, this series is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Don’t miss the premiere on July 24, 2025, and get ready to experience the sweet rivalry and adventures of My Melody and Kuromi in Mariland!
