The Netflix series My Melody & Kuromi, featuring beloved Sanrio characters My Melody and Kuromi, begins streaming worldwide on July 24 at 4:00 PM. Directed by PUI PUI Molcar creator Tomoki Misato and written by Shuko Nemoto, the stop-motion series explores a new side of the characters. Sanrio executive Shuhei Yamada and Misato discuss the creative challenges and insights behind the project.

Full Interview (English Translation)：“Exploring New Charms of My Melody and Kuromi” — Sanrio’s Initial Challenge

My Melody & Kuromi is a stop-motion animation starring My Melody, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Kuromi, marking its 20th. Directed by Tomoki Misato, known for PUI PUI Molcar, and written by Shuko Nemoto, the 12-episode series (about 13 minutes each) follows the duo in Mary Land as they confront a city-shaking incident.

— First, could you share your impressions after watching the completed series?

Tomoki Misato: When I saw Kuromi reaching out to My Melody and both working together, I was moved even as the creator. The script by Shuko Nemoto, who deeply respects these characters, features convincing dialogue and unexpected developments. I feel we have shown a new side to them.

Shuhei Yamada: My role was to check dialogue and character models, but when I saw the finished work, my first reaction was, “They’re alive! It’s done!” I watched it simply as a viewer at first. Upon rewatching, I noticed how every corner of the frame was filled with meticulous details, showing no compromise in the production.

— How did this project come to life?

Yamada: Netflix approached us, and we had already felt the challenge of how to bring out new aspects of My Melody and Kuromi. When we heard the proposal, we thought, “It would be great to reveal sides of them beyond just being cute.”

Source : ORICON NEWS