Get ready, Sanrio fans! Netflix is ready to charm audiences worldwide with its upcoming Japanese stop-motion animated series My Melody & Kuromi, a delightful new adventure starring two of Sanrio’s most beloved characters. Slated for a July 2025 release, this highly anticipated project combines kawaii culture, cutting-edge animation and heartwarming storytelling to celebrate a milestone year. Whether you’ve loved these characters for decades or are meeting them for the first time, this whimsical show promises to be a treat for all ages.
A double celebration for My melody and Kuromi
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. This year marks 50 years of My Melody and 20 years of Kuromi – and what better way to celebrate than by bringing these beloved characters to life in a stunning stop-motion world? The series invites viewers to explore Mariland, a living and playful universe handcrafted down to the last detail. From the sneak peek, the stop-motion designs are so impossibly cute that you might catch yourself trying to reach through the screen. It’s a visual style that feels fresh yet nostalgic – a perfect match for Sanrio’s timeless charm.

My Melody vs. Kuromi: A Rivalry with Heart
Fans know and love My Melody as the sweet, cookie-baking girl next door who cares deeply for her family. Since her debut in 1975, she has been a symbol of positivity and kindness, captivating fans across generations. On the back is Kuromi, her rebellious yet lovable “rival”. Kuromi burst onto the scene in 2005, bringing a punk rock attitude to Sanrio’s pastel world. But don’t let her sassy exterior fool you—she’s every bit as sentimental as My Melody, and her balance of sassy and sweet has made her a fan favorite. (In fact, she was ranked in the top three of the 2024 Sanrio Character Ranking!)
Behind the Scenes: A Dream Team of Creators
The magic in My Melody & Kuromi is brought to life by none other than Tomoki Misato, the visionary creative genius behind the critically acclaimed Chicken Chicken Molcar. Misato’s passion for the project shines through as he shares his excitement: “This significant project motivated us all to come together, take on different challenges and push forward with stop-motion. I hope everyone will enjoy this exciting story set in our handcrafted Maryland, the exciting action that pushes the boundaries of stop-motion, and, of course, the cute and dynamic characters.”
He is joined by award-winning screenwriter and playwright Shuko Nemoto, who wrote the series during the pandemic and adds his unique touch to the series. Reflecting on the experience, Nemoto said, “Having My Melody and Kuromi speak lines I wrote felt like a reward for me as a writer. Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to meet director Misato or the producers in person. But we connected remotely every week and carefully built this. The project is filled with love for the world of My Melody, loved by people of all ages. I think everyone, from adults to children, will have favorite scenes and lines.”
The series is produced by TORUKU, a division of WIT Studio, making its debut in the world of stop-motion animation. Known for visually stunning works, WIT Studio is no stranger to bold creative challenges, and My Melody & Kuromi is no exception.
Special messages from My Melody and Kuromi
Adding an extra dose of cuteness, the Sanrio stars shared messages for fans themselves. My Melody says, “Our animation with Kuromi-chan starts this summer! ? I want to bring lots of excitement to all my friends. ? Please look forward to it. ?” Not to be outdone, Kuromi chimed in with her signature style, “A new anime featuring My Melody and me is starting! All you KUROMIES around the world, you’ll be watching it, won’t you? Don’t miss my cuteness. ?”
Save the date!
My Melody & Kuromi debuting exclusively on Netflix in July 2025. With its imaginative stop-motion artistry and heartwarming stories, this series is poised to charm a whole new generation of Sanrio fans. Mark your calendars, grab your popcorn and prepare for a trip to Maryland – you don’t want to miss it!
We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on My Melody & Kuromi! Share your excitement and favorite moments with us on ThePlayerLounge socials now!
| X| |