Sanrio characters come to life in stop-motion series ‘My Melody & Kuromi’

Since her debut in 1975, My Melody has continued to be loved by a wide range of fans. Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, may seem like a troublemaker, but she’s actually quite feminine. She is one of the most popular characters, having ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.

My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother. She enjoys baking cookies with her mother. The series takes viewers on an adventure in Mariland, their whimsical home. A special sneak peek reveals the characters in their stop-motion form.

Directed by Tomoki Misato, a visionary creator celebrated for his work on Pui Pui Molcar, the series showcases his innovative approach to storytelling.

I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi! 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.

The series is produced by Toruku, marking the first stop-motion animation series from the studio, which was established as part of WIT Studio.

Screenwriter Shuko Nemoto, an award-winning playwright, adds her unique touch to the series. Her script, written during the pandemic, reflects a deep love for the world of My Melody and Kuromi.

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.

My Melody & Kuromi is set to charm audiences in July 2025, only on Netflix.