During this Thanksgiving break, I finally got a chance to binge-watch some shows. One series that really stood out to me was the Netflix original My Melody & Kuromi. It’s based on characters created by Sanrio, the same company famous for Hello Kitty. The story starts off taking place in the magical land of Mariland. Mariland is happy place for living stuffed animals to live and enjoy their life.
Both My Melody and Kuromi are rabbit-themed stuffed animals with contrasting personalities. My Melody is the embodiment of kindness, always looking for ways to spread happiness and positivity. Kuromi, on the other hand, has a rebellious streak and often plays the role of the mischievous troublemaker. Despite her antics, Kuromi isn’t truly evil, she’s just a stuffed animal with a flair for drama, which makes her all the more kawaii.
The series kicks off with My Melody running her sweets shop, a cozy little spot that feels like the heart of Mariland. Her shop isn’t just about desserts; it’s a place where friendships blossom and problems get solved over a plate of cupcakes. From the very first episode, you can tell this show is designed to make you smile and, for many viewers, awaken their inner child.
Another thing I like about the show is how it handles themes of friendship and individuality. While My Melody represents innocent optimism and Kuromi leans toward mischief, the episodes often explore how these differences strengthen their bond rather than weaken it. There’s a subtle message here about embracing diversity in personalities, which feels refreshing in a genre that sometimes oversimplifies character dynamics due to being aimed at younger audiences.
As far as the technical aspects go, the attention to detail is truly impressive. The stop-motion sequences make the characters feel like real stuffed animals, while the CGI adds depth and vibrancy to Mariland’s magical landscapes. It’s rare to see such a seamless blend of techniques in a children’s series, and this combination makes the world of Mariland feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted yet visually stunning, this series is worth adding to your watchlist. It’s not just for kids, there’s a charm that appeals to anyone who appreciates creative storytelling, beautiful animation, and of course kawaii culture. The episodes are quite short (less than 15 mins each, excluding credits), so they are easy to fit in a schedule. With all of that being said, My Melody & Kuromi is the kind of show that makes you want to explode from cuteness. This series is an easy 10/10 for me. I don’t remember the last time when a show made me so happy like this.