Netflix is set to enhance its Japanese animation catalog with the upcoming release of “My Melody & Kuromi,” a brand new stop-motion series featuring the iconic characters created by Sanrio, the masterminds behind “Hello Kitty.” Scheduled to premiere globally in July, this series is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
“My Melody & Kuromi” centers around the characters of My Melody and Kuromi, both beloved figures in the Sanrio universe. My Melody, who first captured hearts in 1975, is depicted as a cheerful and caring girl who adores baking cookies with her mother and looking after her younger brother. On the other hand, Kuromi, introduced in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, may come across as mischievous but has a surprisingly feminine side. Notably, Kuromi has consistently ranked in the Top 3 in Sanrio’s character ranking.
The series is helmed by director Tomoki Misato, known for his work on the popular series “Pui Pui Molcar.” Misato expressed his excitement for the project, especially in light of the significant milestones of My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th anniversary. The team behind the show was driven to push boundaries and explore the world of stop-motion animation. Viewers can anticipate a thrilling narrative set in the meticulously crafted Mariland, showcasing dynamic characters and action sequences that showcase the artistry of stop-motion animation.
This venture into stop-motion animation marks a first for Toruku, a studio that is a part of WIT Studio. Award-winning playwright Shuko Nemoto was tasked with penning the script during the challenges of the pandemic. Despite the limitations of remote collaboration, Nemoto found the experience rewarding, particularly in seeing My Melody and Kuromi bring her words to life on screen. The project is a labor of love for the beloved characters and promises to resonate with audiences of all ages.
In addition to “My Melody & Kuromi,” Netflix’s 2025 Japanese lineup includes other highly anticipated titles such as “Bullet Train Explosion,” “Last Samurai Standing,” and the third season of “Alice in Borderland.” With a diverse range of content catering to different tastes, Netflix continues to solidify its position as a leading platform for Japanese animation enthusiasts worldwide.
