Netflix has officially pulled back the curtain on its newest foray into Japanese animation with “My Melody & Kuromi,” a stop-motion adventure featuring two of Sanrio’s most enduring icons. The streamer’s move hints at a growing strategy to amplify Japanese content, especially with other projects like “Bullet Train Explosion” and “Last Samurai Standing” also slated to drop this year.
This new series, scheduled to roll out in July, follows My Melody—a determined optimist who loves baking cookies alongside her mother—as she navigates playful rivalries and precarious scrapes with Kuromi. Despite her tough-girl persona, Kuromi carries a softer side that regularly bubbles to the surface. Their unfolding dynamic promises to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike, all while putting a fresh spin on the brand’s nearly five-decade legacy.
Behind the camera, director Tomoki Misato—best known for helming “Pui Pui Molcar”—brings a vision that merges handcrafted artistry with whimsical flair. Meanwhile, writer Shuko Nemoto penned the scripts during the pandemic, crafting an experience that, she says, embodies the heartfelt charm of Sanrio’s best. Produced under the Toruku banner (affiliated with WIT Studio), “My Melody & Kuromi” also marks a milestone as Toruku’s first official stop-motion animation project.
Sanrio aficionados might recall that My Melody first appeared in 1975, swiftly becoming a beloved fixture in the company’s lineup. Meanwhile, Kuromi joined the scene in 2005 and has maintained a star status thanks to her mischievous yet lovable personality. As the characters celebrate big anniversaries—50 years for My Melody and 20 for Kuromi—Netflix is aiming to elevate this already festive moment to a worldwide audience.
By leaning into stop-motion—a format that can be both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative—Netflix is betting on a faithful retelling of a classic tale, with enough modern touches to captivate today’s global fan base. Given the streamer’s recent focus on expanding its footprint in Japan, “My Melody & Kuromi” might just be the cherry on top of what’s shaping up to be a compelling year for Netflix’s international roster.
FAQs
Will “My Melody & Kuromi” be released globally?
Netflix plans a worldwide rollout in July, allowing fans from all corners to enjoy this whimsical new chapter in the Sanrio universe
Who created My Melody and Kuromi?
Both characters come from Sanrio, the Japanese company famous for Hello Kitty and other beloved icons.
What makes “My Melody & Kuromi” unique on Netflix?
It’s a stop-motion series—an animation style less common on the platform—that blends nostalgic storytelling with modern artistry.
Who is directing the series?
Tomoki Misato, known for his work on “Pui Pui Molcar,” takes the helm, infusing fresh energy into classic Sanrio characters.
Is “My Melody & Kuromi” part of a larger Sanrio anniversary?
Yes. The launch coincides with My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th, celebrating both characters’ milestones.
