Move over, Hello Kitty—Kuromi (クロミ) has entered the chat. With her devil-may-care grin, jester hood, and punkish flair, this pint-sized powerhouse is turning heads faster than you can say “kawaii.” But who exactly is Kuromi, and why is she suddenly everywhere—from TikTok to limited-edition streetwear drops?
Celebrating her anniversary with more attitude than ever, Kuromi’s moment has arrived in full throttle. Born from the ultra-cute universe of Sanrio, she’s long been the edgier counterpart to My Melody—her frilly-hooded frenemy. Now, the duo are storming the small screen in My Melody and Kuromi, a new Netflix series that’s equal parts chaos and charm, reimagining the classic rivalry with a 2025 twist.
Whether she’s gracing the backs of moto jackets or fronting collabs with cult-favourite brands, Kuromi is no longer just a cult icon—she’s pop culture’s newest anarchist sweetheart. Here’s everything you never knew you needed to know about Kuromi, the ultimate anti-hero of the Sanrio characters universe.
Who Is Kuromi?
Who is Kuromi? Think Harley Quinn by way of Harajuku. A self-proclaimed bad girl with a devil’s tail, punk attitude, and just enough pastel to keep it cute, Kuromi is Sanrio’s answer to the rebel yell. First appearing in the 2005 anime Onegai My Melody (おねがいマイメロディ ) as the sassy antagonist to her pink-cloaked rival, she’s since flipped the script—going from cartoon villain to cult icon.
Technically a white rabbit (or depending who you ask, a goblin-esque enigma), Kuromi’s signature look—a black jester’s hood topped with a pink skull—has become a Gen Z symbol of kawaii rebellion. She blends punk-rock angst with playful charm, and in doing so, has captured the mood of a generation tired of playing nice. In the age of curated chaos and soft-edged anarchy, Kuromi isn’t just a vibe—she’s a movement.
Kuromi and Friends: The Cutest Gang in Town
You don’t get to be a pop-culture icon without a posse. Kuromi and friends—also known as “Kuromi’s 5”—are a biker gang made up of equally chaotic and fabulous sidekicks: Nyanmi, Wanmi, Konmi, and Chumi. Together, they ride through Sanrio’s otherwise idyllic universe like a kawaii version of Sons of Anarchy.
Nyanmi ニャンミ
Cool, cunning, and always calculating—Nyanmi is Kuromi’s second-in-command in the Onegai My Melody biker gang, Kuromi’s 5. This purple cat sports a black hood, skull-clasped cape, and sunglasses that scream “don’t mess.” Known for her sharp intellect and zero tolerance for sentimentality, she’s the gang’s strategist with a soft spot for taiyaki—sweet bean paste in the tail, naturally.
Wanmi ワンミ
Pale orange fur, a black hood, and a tough-girl eye patch—Wanmi is Kuromi’s 5’s resident sleuth with a nose for trouble. This sharp-sniffing dog doesn’t just ride—she investigates, using her detective instincts and keen sense of smell to sniff out the facts. Always loyal but never naive, Wanmi brings brains and bite to the gang, wrapped in a look that says she’s seen a thing or two. Part biker, part bloodhound, all business.
Konmi コンミ
Sleek, sly, and always composed—Konmi is the stealth expert of Kuromi’s 5. With white fur, a fluffy tail, dark sunglasses, and a black hood pulled low, she’s the fox who knows how to disappear before you clock she was ever there. A master of hide-and-seek with a love for all things neat, Konmi brings a cool, calculated energy to the chaos. Silent, stylish, and razor-sharp—she’s the gang’s quiet operator.
Chumi チュウミ
Small, fast, and impossible to catch—Chumi is Kuromi’s 5’s speedster scout. This grey rat may be the tiniest in the gang, but with her black hood, pink skull clasp, and oversized shades, she’s got attitude to match. Lightning on her feet and always first on the scene, Chumi’s the eyes and ears of the crew. Bonus: bribe her with cheese—preferably on a pizza, extra mozzarella.
Kuromi and Melody: Frenemies or Soulmates?
Let’s get one thing straight: Kuromi and Melody aren’t sworn enemies. Their rivalry is more “playground drama” than “Game of Thrones.” While My Melody is the epitome of sugar and innocence, Kuromi is cheeky, wild, and just the right amount of extra. Together, they’re a yin-yang pairing that’s won over fans worldwide.
And the internet? It’s obsessed. Whether it’s Kuromi wallpaper downloads or fan-made edits of them riding motorbikes together, this duo has taken on a life of its own. Don’t be surprised if you see them on your next phone case—or tattoo.
Fashion, Diaries, and Drama: What Makes Kuromi Tick?
Kuromi is more than just attitude—she’s got layers. She writes in a diary, loves cooking (specifically, anything spicy), and secretly adores romantic novels. She’s basically your cool older cousin who listens to punk, journals about her crush, and always has the best eyeliner.
TV Shows with Kuromi
Onegai My Melody (2005 – 2008)
The one that started it all. Onegai My Melody introduced the classic clash: Kuromi, escaped from Mari Land prison with a wish-granting (and chaos-sparking) Melody Key, wreaks havoc in the human world. My Melody is dispatched to stop her, teaming up with a schoolgirl and a baton imbued with wholesome magic. What unfolds is a chaotic cocktail of magical duels, teen angst, and a rivalry that’s as comedic as it is iconic. Pure nostalgic anime gold, with a delightfully twisted bow on top.
Onegai My Melody: Kuru Kuru Shuffle! (2007)
In this turbo-charged second season, Kuromi’s back with a fresh set of magical tricks—and trouble. Escaping Mari Land with a new Melody Key and the enigmatic “Melody Pick,” she sets out to awaken dark power yet again. My Melody, never one to back down, returns to the human world, now armed with upgraded magical gear and a new goal: collect a perfect octave of musical notes to grant a wish. Oh, and Keiichi Hiiragi? Now he’s a reluctant superhero in bunny ears. Yes, really.
Kuromi’s Pretty Journey (Since 2023)
Think of it as Mad Max: Kawaii Edition. Kuromi’s Pretty Journey follows our favourite goth bunny on a globe-trotting quest to find her missing sister, Romina. Backed by her ride-or-die Baku and a misfit crew (including a baby with superpowers and a fangy introvert), Kuromi takes on an evil organisation while learning the power of being unapologetically yourself. Season two ups the ante with Escape from the Multiverse!, flinging her across dimensions in a chaotic spiral of self-discovery and alternate realities.
My Melody & Kuromi (Since 2025)
Premiering in July 2025, this stop-motion gem is as sugary as it is surreal. My Melody & Kuromi finds My Melody opening a cake shop in Mariland—only to be derailed by a cursed heart in the forest. Meanwhile, Kuromi’s struggling with her own wagashi (Japanese sweets) joint across the street. What follows is a sugar-dusted rivalry-turned-partnership as they face a mysterious threat and prepare for the ultimate bake-off that could decide the fate of their world. Rivalry never looked so pastel.
And if you’re wondering who played Kuromi in various adaptations, voice talents like Junko Takeuchi (Japanese) and Michelle Ruff (English dub) have brought the character to life with just the right mix of chaos and charm.
Fun Facts About Kuromi
Is Kuromi a bunny or a demon?
Kuromi’s a rabbit — but not your average cute-and-cuddly kind. Picture a white bunny with a devilish twist: a black jester’s hat crowned with a pink skull, impish features, and a signature black devil’s tail. She’s got that mischievous, borderline “demon” aesthetic that flips traditional kawaii on its head.
Is Kuromi a boy or a girl?
Kuromi is very much a girl—one with attitude and plenty of layers.
Is Kuromi bad or good?
Forget black and white—Kuromi lives in the grey area of anti-hero cool. She’s a cheeky troublemaker who loves stirring the pot and playing pranks, but she’s no villainess. Beneath that punk exterior, she’s surprisingly girly: diary-keeper, romance novel reader, and all-around complex character.
Why does Kuromi hate My Melody?
Their rivalry runs deep. In Onegai My Melody, Kuromi is an escaped prisoner from Mari Land who blames My Melody for her misfortunes—so much so, she keeps a diary tallying every perceived slight. The twist? They were likely friends once, and most of My Melody’s “wrongs” were accidents, not betrayals.
What happened to Kuromi’s sister?
Romina, Kuromi’s elusive older sister, is a mystery wrapped in magic. Introduced in Kuromi’s Pretty Journey, Romina sprang from a wishing stone after Kuromi longed for an ideal sister. After fulfilling her purpose, she reverted to stone, fading from most memories—though some still hope she’ll return.
Is Kuromi’s sister evil?
Not at all. Romina is more enigmatic muse than menace: cool, cute, and the sister Kuromi always wanted.
Who has a crush on Kuromi?
In Onegai My Melody, Kuromi’s got a thing for Keiichi Hiiragi. Yes, even rebels have a soft spot.
What’s the rarest Sanrio character?
Rarity’s subjective, but if you’re hunting for the obscure, think Corocorokuririn, Lloromannic, or Baku—Kuromi’s loyal sidekick. These characters tend to have limited merch, are Japan-only releases, or special editions. Meanwhile, Kuromi herself, alongside Cinnamoroll and Pompompurin, ranks as one of Sanrio’s most popular, not rare.
