Sanrio favorites My Melody, Kuromi star in new Netflix stop-motion show

Netflix is expanding its Japanese animation portfolio with "My Melody & Kuromi," a stop-motion series featuring Sanrio’s beloved characters from the "Hello Kitty" universe. 

Directed by Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar), the show will debut globally in July, focusing on My Melody, a cheerful and caring girl who loves baking cookies with her mother and spending time with her younger brother.

"I’m delighted this project is being revealed during such a milestone year, celebrating My Melody’s 50th anniversary and Kuromi’s 20th," Misato shared.

My Melody, introduced in 1975, has been a fan favorite for decades, known for her kindness and love of family. Kuromi, who debuted in 2004, is her self-proclaimed rival — an adorable troublemaker who has also captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Both characters remain iconic in Sanrio’s lineup.

The series is written by Japanese playwright Shuko Nemoto, a devoted fan of the Sanrio universe, who developed the story during the pandemic.

“Having My Melody and Kuromi speak lines I wrote felt like the greatest reward for me as a writer,” Nemoto says. 

“The project is filled with love for the world of My Melody, who is beloved by people of all ages. I believe everyone, from adults to children, will have favorite scenes and lines.”

"My Melody & Kuromi" joins Netflix’s robust 2025 Japanese slate, including "Bullet Train Explosion," "Last Samurai Standing," and "Alice in Borderland Season 3."