Get ready for a delightful dose of kawaii! My Melody and Kuromi, two of Sanrio’s most beloved characters, are hitting Netflix in a brand-new stop-motion animated series set to premiere on July 24, 2025. This series promises a heartwarming and visually captivating experience for fans of all ages, celebrating My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary in style.
A Stop-Motion Adventure in Mariland
The series will transport viewers to Mariland, the whimsical home of My Melody and Kuromi. My Melody, a cheerful and straightforward girl, runs a bustling cake shop with her friends Flat and Piano. Across the street, Kuromi, the self-proclaimed rival with a surprisingly girly side, struggles to attract customers to her Japanese sweets shop. Driven by her determination to outshine My Melody, Kuromi is always on the lookout for ways to sabotage her neighbor’s success.
One day, My Melody discovers a mysterious pink heart in the forest, setting off a chain of strange events that threaten the fate of Mariland. As chaos unfolds, these two rivals must put aside their differences and work together to protect their town and their friends.
A Tale of Two Rivals
My Melody: Known for her positive attitude and love for baking, My Melody embodies sweetness and light. Since her debut in 1975, she has charmed fans with her gentle nature and iconic red hood.
Kuromi: With her mischievous demeanor and punk-inspired look, Kuromi adds a touch of edginess to the Sanrio universe. Despite her tough exterior, she has a soft spot for all things girly and has become a fan favorite since her introduction in 2005.
The series explores the contrasting personalities of My Melody and Kuromi as they navigate friendship challenges, magical mix-ups, and emotional growth. Through humor and heart, the show introduces gentle life lessons that resonate with viewers of all ages.
The Magic of Stop-Motion
The stop-motion animation style brings the world of My Melody and Kuromi to life with intricate, handcrafted detail. Each character appears as a charming felt stuffed animal, creating a cozy and visually stunning experience. Tomoki Misato, the visionary director celebrated for his work on Pui Pui Molcar, brings his innovative approach to storytelling to this unique series.
Misato shares his enthusiasm for the project: “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together, take on various challenges, and push the envelope with stop-motion. I hope everyone will enjoy this exciting story set in our handcrafted Mariland, the thrilling action that pushes the limits of stop-motion, and, of course, the cute and dynamic characters.”
Behind the Scenes
- Director: Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar)
- Writer: Shuko Nemoto, an award-winning playwright
- Studio: Toruku, a subsidiary of WIT Studio, marking their first stop-motion animation series
- Production: Toruku from WIT Studio
Shuko Nemoto, the screenwriter, reflects on her experience: “Having My Melody and Kuromi speak lines I wrote felt like a reward for me as a writer. Because of the pandemic, I couldn’t meet with Director Misato or the producers in person. But we connected remotely each week, carefully building this together. The project is filled with love for the world of My Melody, beloved by people of all ages. I believe everyone, from adults to children, will have favorite scenes and lines.”
Theme Song by LE SSERAFIM
Adding to the series’ charm, the theme song, “Kawaii (Prod. Gen Hoshino),” is performed by the popular K-pop group LE SSERAFIM. This collaboration marks the first time LE SSERAFIM and Gen Hoshino, known for his work on SPY x FAMILY, have worked together. Gen Hoshino wrote, composed, arranged, and produced the song, ensuring a perfect blend of cuteness and musicality.
KIM CHAEWON, the leader of LE SSERAFIM, expressed the group’s excitement: “We love My Melody and Kuromi, so we were really, really happy when we heard that we were going to sing the theme song!”
Celebrating Anniversaries
The My Melody & Kuromi series arrives just in time to celebrate two major milestones: My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary. Since her debut in 1975, My Melody has captured hearts with her sweet personality and iconic red hood. Kuromi, introduced in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, has gained a dedicated following with her edgy style and hidden girly side.
Netflix and Sanrio: A Perfect Match
My Melody & Kuromi joins Netflix’s growing lineup of Japanese offerings, showcasing the streaming platform’s commitment to diverse and engaging content. This stop-motion series is a testament to Sanrio’s enduring appeal and its ability to create characters that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Previously, Netflix welcomed a Sanrio series called Aggretsuko. Aggretsuko follows the story of Retsuko, a red panda who struggles with pent-up anger due to her monotonous and stressful office job, so she alleviates this anger through death metal karaoke. The series lasted for six years and received five seasons, proving Netflix’s audience has an appreciation for Sanrio’s characters.
What to Expect
- 12 episodes, each approximately 13 minutes long
- A heartwarming story about friendship, rivalry, and overcoming challenges
- Visually stunning stop-motion animation
- The perfect blend of cuteness and adventure
- A celebration of My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary
Other Animated Treats on Netflix
Netflix’s summer lineup for kids and families is packed with exciting animated titles. Here are a few to watch out for:
- 7 Bears: A brand-new animated film about seven very different bears who must complete a quest to save their magical forest.
- Paddington in Peru: Paddington Bear embarks on a heartwarming journey to Peru to help his Aunt Lucy.
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl: The iconic duo returns in a new clay-modeled adventure.
- Plankton: The Movie: Plankton’s world is turned upside down when his plan for world domination is thwarted.
- In Your Dreams: A comedy adventure about two siblings who magically travel into the world of dreams.
- K-Pop: Demon Hunters: An animated movie about K-pop stars who fight demons.
Get Ready to Stream!
Mark your calendars for July 24, 2025, and prepare to be charmed by the whimsical world of My Melody & Kuromi on Netflix. This stop-motion series promises to be a delightful treat for Sanrio fans and animation lovers alike. Don’t miss out on the adventure!
