Netflix is expanding its Japanese animation slate with “My Melody & Kuromi,” a new stop-motion series featuring Sanrio’s beloved characters, set to debut globally in July.
The series features My Melody, who since her debut in 1975 has continued to be loved by a wide range of fans, and Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival. My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother and enjoys baking cookies with her mother. Kuromi, who may seem like a troublemaker, is actually quite feminine and has ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.
“Pui Pui Molcar” director Tomoki Misato helms the project. “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” Misato said. “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 marks the first stop-motion animation series from Toruku, which was established as part of WIT Studio. Award-winning playwright Shuko Nemoto penned the script during the pandemic. “Having My Melody and Kuromi speak lines I wrote felt like a reward for me as a writer,” Nemoto said. “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.”
The series joins Netflix’s 2025 Japanese lineup alongside “Bullet Train Explosion,” “Last Samurai Standing,” and “Alice in Borderland” Season 3.
