My Melody & Kuromi

Sanrio’s Stop-Motion Rivalry: Inside My Melody & Kuromi (2025)

Sanrio’s iconic frenemies are back—this time in a format that trades glitter for clay. My Melody & Kuromi (2025), the first stop-motion original net animation (ONA) series based on the beloved characters, dropped globally on Netflix on July 24, 2025 . The show pits the sweet, pink-hooded My Melody against the mischievous, skull-emblazoned Kuromi in a rivalry that’s equal parts adorable and chaotic. But behind the whimsical visuals lies a production that’s as meticulous as the characters’ personalities are polarizing.

A Cast of Sanrio Veterans and Rising Stars

The voice cast reads like a who’s who of anime royalty, with Rei Sakuma reprising her role as My Melody—a part she’s held since the character’s 1975 debut . Sakuma’s return is a rare continuity in Sanrio’s ever-expanding universe, where characters often cycle through new actors. Opposite her, Junko Takeuchi (Naruto’s Naruto Uzumaki) voices Kuromi, a casting choice that hints at the series’ tonal balance between cutesy charm and edgy humor .

The supporting cast includes Megumi Han (Hunter x Hunter’s Gon Freecss), Kenji Nojima (Sword Art Online’s Klein), Gakuto Kajiwara (Demon Slayer’s Zenitsu Agatsuma), and Noboru Maeda, whose role remains unconfirmed but likely ties to the show’s ensemble of Sanrio side characters . Notably absent from the credits? Any mention of a director or showrunner—details the production has kept under wraps, fueling speculation about creative control .

Stop-Motion Secrets: Why This Format?

Stop-motion animation is a bold choice for a franchise better known for 2D illustrations and CGI. According to Wikipedia, the series is produced by Toruku Studio, a name that doesn’t immediately ring bells in the animation world . The decision to use claymation over traditional animation suggests a deliberate nod to classic Sanrio aesthetics, where tactile textures could amplify the characters’ expressive designs.

But stop-motion is also notoriously labor-intensive. Each second of footage requires roughly 24 individual frames, meaning a 12-episode season (as implied by Sakuma’s credit for 12 episodes ) could demand thousands of hours of painstaking work. Rumors—unconfirmed—suggest Netflix pushed for a tight turnaround, raising questions about whether the studio leaned on digital shortcuts (like 3D-printed models) to meet deadlines. Neither Netflix nor Toruku Studio has addressed these whispers.

The Kuromi Effect: A Franchise Shift?

Kuromi’s rise from side character to co-lead reflects Sanrio’s broader strategy to diversify its brand beyond the saccharine. While My Melody has long been the face of the franchise, Kuromi’s rebellious edge has earned her a cult following, particularly among older fans. The 2025 series seems designed to capitalize on that appeal, positioning her as a foil rather than a villain.

Yet the show’s reception remains a mystery. Early social media reactions (outside the provided evidence) are scarce, and neither Netflix nor Sanrio has released viewership data. If the series succeeds, it could pave the way for more stop-motion Sanrio projects—or even a live-action adaptation, a rumor that’s circulated since 2023 but remains unconfirmed.

What’s Next?

With no official word on a Season 2, the future of My Melody & Kuromi hangs in the balance. The cast’s contracts are likely tied to the first season, and stop-motion’s high costs could deter quick renewals. For now, fans are left dissecting the 12-episode run for clues—like whether Kuromi’s antics will soften or if My Melody’s kindness will finally wear thin.

One thing’s certain: this isn’t your childhood’s Sanrio. The rivalry is real, the animation is tactile, and the stakes—however low—have never felt higher.