News

My Melody & Kuromi is coming!

The highly anticipated Sanrio TV show, based on beloved characters My Melody and Kuromi, was teased during 2025 AnimeJapan over the weekend.

My Melody took the stage at the event to celebrate her dream of becoming a confectioner in the stop-motion series, set to release in July 2025.

Keep reading to find out more…

The news was also accompanied by a newly released still!

The series will serve as both a semicentennial and vicennial celebration for My Melody (50 years) and Kuromi (20 years), respectively.

Here’s a synopsis: “Get ready for a delightful adventure as My Melody & Kuromi brings the beloved Sanrio characters to life in a charming stop-motion animation series, premiering in July 2025. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi, the series takes viewers on an adventure in Mariland, their whimsical home. A special sneak peek reveals the characters in...

Netflix announces a new animated series about two of Sanrio's most beloved characters. Spy x Family's Wit Studio comes on board for the upcoming stop-motion title.

Netflix has announced My Melody & Kuromi, an upcoming stop-motion animation series for the characters' 50th and 20th anniversaries respectively. The series premieres in July 2025, taking "viewers on an adventure in Mariland, their whimsical home." A special sneak peek was released featuring the characters in stop-motion form, which can be seen below.

Related Sanrio's Kuromi Goes Pink With New Hello Kitty and Friends Valentine's Day Plush Toy

A festive and romantic new Kuromi collectible from Build-a-Bear lets fans dote on their significant other with a cute yet feisty Sanrio mascot plush.

Netflix's My Melody & Kuromi is directed by Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar), who said this following the announcement: "I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th...

Netflix has announced the stop-motion animated series My Melody & Kuromi, which brings the beloved Sanrio characters to life and will premiere in July 2025.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi, the series takes viewers on an adventure in Mariland, their whimsical home. A special sneak peek reveals the characters in their adorable stop-motion form.

My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother. She enjoys baking cookies with her mother. Since her debut in 1975, she has continued to be loved by many fans.

Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, may seem like a troublemaker, but she’s quite feminine. She is among the most popular characters, having ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.

Directed by Tomoki Misato, a visionary creator celebrated for his work on Pui Pui Molcar, the series showcases his innovative approach to storytelling.

Netflix’s latest Japanese order is My Melody & Kuromi, a stop-motion animation based on Sanrio characters.

The series, directed by Tomoki Misato (Pui Pui Molcar), will roll out in July, and will center on My Melody, a straightforward, cheerful girl who bakes cookies with her mother and cares deeply for her younger brother. Shuko Nemoto is the writer.

My Melody & Kuromi comes from Toruku, which is part of Wit Studio. For Toruku, it marks a first stop-motion animation.

My Melody debuted in Japan in 1975, while Kuromi was added in 2005 as a trouble-making rival to My Melody who is actually softer than she appears. Since her debut, she has been a top-three ranked Sanrio character.

“I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi,” said Misato. “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together,...

The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Sanrio mascot character My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Sanrio mascot character Kuromi. To celebrate, the two characters are teaming up for a stop-motion animation series entitled My Melody & Kuromi that will stream on Netflix in July 2025. Related: Hello Kitty and Clamp Collab for Magical Cardcaptor Sakura Redesign Based on characters created by Sanrio, Tomoki Misato ( Pui Pui Molcar ) directs My Melody & Kuromi at animation studio Toruko from Wit Studio, while Shuko Nemoto provides the series composition. The series will follow the everyday adventures of My Melody and Kuromi in their home of “Mariland”. Sources: Official press release , Comic Natalie...

Netflix has a treat in store for global fans of Japanese kawaii culture. The company revealed Thursday that production is underway on My Melody & Kuromi, a Japanese stop-motion animated series devoted to two of the most beloved characters from Sanrio, world-famous as the creator of Hello Kitty. Directed by visionary stop-motion artist Tomoki Misato, the series will launch on Netflix in July.

The characters My Melody and Kuromi have been favorites in Japan for decades. Sanrio launched My Melody in 1975 and describes the character as “a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother” and “enjoys baking cookies with her mother.” Kuromi is a more recent addition to the Sanrio pantheon of cute, having launched in 2004. My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival, Kuromi is often pitched as a lovable but adorable troublemaker. Both characters are widely considered Sanrio favorites.

“I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in...

Netflix is expanding its Japanese animation slate with “My Melody & Kuromi,” a new stop-motion series featuring “Hello Kitty” creator Sanrio’s beloved characters, set to debut globally in July.

The series features My Melody, who since her debut in 1975 has continued to be loved by a wide range of fans, and Kuromi, who debuted in 2005 as My Melody’s self-proclaimed rival. My Melody is a straightforward, cheerful girl who cares deeply for her younger brother and enjoys baking cookies with her mother. Kuromi, who may seem like a troublemaker, is actually quite feminine and has ranked in the Top 3 in the 2024 Sanrio character ranking.

“Pui Pui Molcar” director Tomoki Misato helms the project. “I’m thrilled that this project is finally announced in this important year marking the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi” Misato said. “This momentous project motivated all of us to come together,...

Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax may be out in cinemas as we speak, but new announcements keep coming for the CG film! Today, it was revealed that series creator Tomoki Misato appeared briefly in the film in the role of DJ Molcar's driver. Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of Misato recording his epic lines... which consist mainly of frustrated noises: Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Brings Chappy the Cat to the Big Screen Additionally, Misato will be appearing alongside director Mankyu at a fan event on December 22. The event, set to be held at Toho Cinemas Ikebukuro in Tokyo, will serve as both a stage greeting and teaching event. A similar event was held earlier this month with appearances from Mankyu and composer Harumi-chan. Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Announces Sequel on Premiere Day The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu...

Attack on Titan: The Last Attack , a compilation film of the two-part Attack on Titan Final Season The Final Chapters anime episodes, ranked sixth in its fifth weekend, two positions down from last weekend, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . The film's official website reported on December 5 that the film's cumulative total domestic gross had already surpassed one billion yen (6.61 million Usd) on 700,000 admissions since debuting in Japanese theaters on November 8. It has become the 12th Japanese anime film that has reached the one billion yen mark in 2024. The film was originally scheduled to run for a limited time of three weeks until November 28. However, screenings were extended in Japanese theaters due to the box office success. No end date for the film's theatrical run in Japan has been announced as of this reporting. As announced on December 6 , Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will theatrically release the Attack on Titan: The Last...

Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax is full of familiar faces and voices—from its celebrity cast to its recurring iconic characters. With the film now in cinemas in Japan, we now know of another surprise guest appearance: Chappy the Cat. Chappy is a cat belonging to Abbey's driver, first appearing in the episode "Cat Rescue Operation." While the Molcars want to help Chappy, whose owner forgot him inside Abbey, they're all also a bit afraid of him. Unfortunately for the Molcars, Chappy is present in the film—both in live action and as a CG model. Behind-the-scenes photos show Chappy hard at work in front of a green screen: Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Announces Sequel on Premiere Day In related news, director Mankyu and pianist Harumi-chan (who worked on the film's theme song "Pui! Pui! Max!") will appear at a teaching event at Toho Cinemas...

Attack on Titan: The Last Attack , a compilation film of the two-part Attack on Titan Final Season The Final Chapters anime episodes, ranked fourth in its fourth weekend — down two positions from last weekend , according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . The film opened in Japan on November 8 and was originally scheduled to end its three-week limited theatrical run on November 28. However, its screening period was extended due to popular demand, and 16 more theaters have been added from November 29 according to the anime's official X (formerly Twitter ). Furthermore, there will also be special screenings on December 4 and December 11 at nine theaters in Japan where audiences are allowed and encouraged to weep and cry loudly during the screenings. The date when the film will finish its theatrical run in Japan is not yet announced at the time of reporting. Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax , an all-new CG animated film based on Tomoki Misato's stop-motion series,...

Today marks the premiere of the CG-animated film Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax in Japan. And already, the filmmakers have announced that a sequel is in the works! Based on Tomoki Misato's stop-motion series, the CG film brings together a variety of talented voice actors to bring life to both the tiny human drivers of the Molcars and their new AI Molcar competition. The announcement was made today on the series's official X (formerly Twitter) account, along with a group shot of the film's many wheeled guinea pig heroes: Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Releases Theme Song with Guinea Pig Vocals More news will be forthcoming as production continues. For now, we're just happy to know that the Molcars and their world will live on in feature film form! The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu directs Pui Pui Molcar the Movie:...

Every good film needs a great theme song, and the upcoming Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax is no exception. Today, you can sample the film's theme song, featuring the dulcet tones of its cavy-car stars. The song is titled "Pui! Pui! Max!" and is credited to the vocalists Tsumugi and Ito with Molcars. The tune was composed and performed by pianist Haramichan, who has gained fame for her music on her YouTube channel . Musician and DJ Shinichi Osawa arranged the beats for the track. Check out the new video showcasing the track: Related: Pui Pui Molcar Anime Releases Duo of Heated Stuffed Toys The track will be available online starting November 29—the day the film premieres: Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Adds Two More Voice Actors to Cast The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing Pui Pui Molcar the Movie:...

Science has still yet to grant us Molcars of our own, but Premium Bandai has created the second best thing: mini Molcar plushies with heaters in their tummies. Two of these heated stuffed toys are now available for preorder. Two versions are available: Potato (tan and white) and Shiromo (white): Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Recruits Yukari Tamura as Powered-Up Magical Girl Morumi Each plush has a connected Usb cable and a heater built into its tummy. Plug the cord into your computer's Usb port, and you've got a warm cuddly Molcar in about 30 seconds. The size and charger accessibility make these perfect for keeping warm on chilly work days. Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Adds Two More Voice Actors to Cast Pre-orders are now open on Premium Bandai for the heated Molcars, which are priced at 5,500 yen each. Orders are scheduled to start shipping...

The upcoming Pui Pui Molcar film has been loading its cast list with famous names, and today we get two big additions! Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax has added a voice for its newly-introduced AI Molcars, as well as another human character. Joining the cast as Kanon, the prototype AI Molcar, is Ayumu Murase (Tsubasa/Cure Wing in Soaring Sky! Precure ). Meanwhile, Akari Kito (Nezuko Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ) will appear as Otohime-sama, who oversees the tourist attraction Ryugu-jo. Ayumu Murase as Kanon Akari Kito as Otohime-sama Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Recruits Yukari Tamura as Powered-Up Magical Girl Morumi The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax at Toho Next with a script by Yuko Kakihara ( Urusei Yatsura 2022) and supervision from original creator Tomoki Misato. The film is set to...

Long-time fans of stop-motion anime Pui Pui Molcar will recall Magical Girl Morumi: the guinea pig-themed anime character who appeared as molcar art in episode 10 of the series. In the tradition of all great magical girls, she's getting a feature film power up! Great Magic Angel Morumi will make her debut in Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax , with a suitably elevated character design: Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Gets Fast and Furious in Latest Teaser Trailer Voice actress Yukari Tamura will provide the voice of Morumi for the film. Tamura has a long history of bringing anime magical girls to life, having voiced Nanoha Takamachi in the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha franchise and Cure Amour in 2018's Hugtto! Precure . The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax at Toho Next with a script by Yuko Kakihara...

This November, Pui Pui Molcar is going where no guinea pig has gone before: to the moon! Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax just released a new trailer, featuring more information about the film's story and more clips of just how far the Molcars will go for a friend. The film introduces new AI Molcars, produced by tech company Many Many AIs. These high-tech alternatives to standard Molcars do not require carrots to run. We also see more of both the human characters in the film: the CEO of Many Many AIs (voiced by Masaki Aiba) and the owner of Wild Heart Carrot Farm (voiced by Akio Ohtsuka): Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Gets Fast and Furious in Latest Teaser Trailer As previously announced , The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax at Toho Next...

This year, Pui Pui Molcar conquers the big screen in their first CG animated theatrical release. A new teaser trailer gives us a closer look at what's to come—and like all the best car movies, it's about family. Check out the teaser, featuring our first look at the film's two human stars and Molcars old and new: Related: Pui Pui Molcar CG Anime Film Reveals Official Title and Character Art As previously mentioned, Molmax will mark the first time that the Molcars' tiny human drivers have spoken lines. Voice actor Akio Ohtsuka and singer/actor Masaki Aiba were both announced as being involved in the film, although no actual roles were announced along with the initial news. Today, we meet their characters. Aiba will be playing the CEO of Many Many Eyes, a tech company working to perfect AI Molcars: Akio voices the owner of Wild Heart carrot farm:...

The official website and accounts for the Pui Pui Molcar franchise today announced that the upcoming 3Dcg anime film titled Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax will crash into Japanese theaters on November 29 later this year. A new teaser visual was also revealed, along with the casting of Masaki Aiba and Akio Otsuka (All For One in My Hero Academia ) as human characters living in the Molcar world — even though they've never previously had dialogue in the series. Teaser Visual Related: Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax Introduces New Guinea Pig Voice Actor As previously announced , The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu is directing Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax at Toho Next with a script by Yuko Kakihara ( Urusei Yatsura 2022) and supervision from original creator Tomoki Misato. The story will see a new AI Molcar introduced into the city and Potato and his friends...

Today, July 16, is Guinea Pig Appreciation Day—the perfect day to introduce the star of the upcoming CG anime film Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax! All the molcars in Tomoki Misato's original stop-motion series were originally voiced by Tsumugi, Misato's own guinea pig. Sadly, Tsumugi passed away not long ago. Stepping up to the plate to take on the role in his stead is Ito-san, a grey Abyssinian guinea pig. Check out an interview with Ito-san, including a message for all the Molcar fans out there: Related: Pui Pui Molcar CG Anime Film Reveals Official Title and Character Art The video also gives us our first look at the newly-designed logo for the film: As previously announced , The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing the film at Toho Next with a script by Yuko Kakihara ( Urusei Yatsura 2022) and supervision from original creator Tomoki Misato.

From a stop-motion treat to a global success, Pui Pui Molcar has enchanted fans worldwide with its tales of wheeled guinea pigs. After TV and games, the next stop is film—and we have more information about the previously announced movie version coming this year. The CG-animated movie will officially be titled Pui Pui Molcar the Movie: Molmax . The newest visual for the project, shown above, also gives us a look a the lead Molcars in their CG animated form. The film project was first announced back in January, with a short teaser depicting lead piggie Potato in action: Related: Mr. Villain's Day Off Anime Shares a Snacktime Collab Visual with Pui Pui Molcar Today, June 16, also marks the birthday of Abbey, the Abyssinian Molcar. To celebrate, the series's official X (formerly Twitter) account has shared a profile pic of Abbey's CG art for fans to use on their...

The General just wants to have a nice time on his day off. Fortunately, he's just found a cuddly new friend to share his downtime with! In advance of the spring comedy's latest episode, Mr. Villain's Day Off is collaborating with the ever-popular Pui Pui Molcar for an absolutely adorable meeting of worlds. In the visual, the General brings a giant gift-wrapped carrot to Potato, the guinea pig car star of Tomoki Misato's hit stop-motion series. Related: Pui Pui Molcar Gets CG Anime Film in 2024 Pui Pui Molcar debuted in 2021 and became an instant hit with fans of all ages around the world. Since then, the series has racked up two seasons and multiple video game tie-ins, and has a CG anime film slated to premiere this year. For more healing vibes, be sure to catch Mr. Villain's Day Off , streaming every week right here on Crunchyroll : The...

The adorable hamster cars of Pui Pui Molcar will return to the big screen in their first full-length CG animated film later this year. A teaser trailer for the film was released alongside the announcement on Toho Animation’s YouTube account, which will be producing at their Toho Next studio. Related: Hamtaro and Pui Pui Molcar Anime Join Forces for Adorable Collab Event The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague anime director Mankyu will be directing Pui Pui Molcar at Toho Next with a script by Yuko Kakihara ( Urusei Yatsura 2022 ) and supervision from original creator Tomoki Misato. Source: Comic Natalie...

In January 2021, a weirdly cute stop-motion series about guinea pig cars took Japan — and the world — by storm. Tomoki Misato's Pui Pui Molcar was a phenomenon, and this month marks the third anniversary of its debut. To celebrate, the official website has received an overhaul, making it easier to navigate. The overhaul includes a celebratory picture of the cavy-car cast: Related: Hamtaro and Pui Pui Molcar Anime Join Forces for Adorable Collab Event A phone wallpaper using the new image has also been added to the site's present booth , so you can adorn your smartphone with even more Molcar goodness. Pui Pui Molcar debuted in 2021 as part of Tokyo TV's Kinder TV programming block. Since then it has inspired two stop-motion anime seasons, a film, and multiple games. Source: Oricon News...

Exciting times are ahead for anime enthusiasts! Wit Studio has announced a new project that’s set to rejuvenate a classic: “The One Piece.” This announcement comes as the series celebrates a quarter-century of thrilling adventures and unforgettable characters.

Wit Studio, acclaimed for their exceptional work on series like “Attack on Titan” and “Spy x Family,” is at the forefront of this ambitious endeavor. Their track record of delivering captivating and visually stunning animations has set high expectations for this new adaptation of “One Piece.”

Starting from the East Blue arc, “The One Piece” promises to faithfully recreate the original manga’s storyline. However, it’s not just a simple retelling. With an entirely new animation team, Wit Studio aims to infuse fresh energy and a contemporary perspective into the series, all while staying true to its roots.

Related: Why Is One Piece So Long? Here Are the Reasons!

The...

A mother goat rescues her kids from the belly of a wolf, but her eldest son Toruku is missing. One day Toruku shows up home and has to confront his own fears as well as the disfigured bodies of his brothers and sisters. As the wolf once again approaches, secrets of Toruku’s absence come to light as the flock fights for survival.

“My Little Goat” is screening at Winter Film Awards International Film Festival 2020

“My Little Goat” is a deceptively morbid stop motion animation. The use of felt work gives an overall soft and innocent aesthetic, but the deformation crafted into the sheep warps the warmth of the material into something frightening and uncomfortable. That is not to say that certain scenes are not stunning and beautiful, but the distortion of a wholesome image associated with baby sheep and soft materials turned horrific leaves the biggest lasting impression. Helping to create the ominous vibe,...

Starting on 20 February the ninth edition of the annual Winter Film Awards International Film Festival will open its gates for cinephiles eager to check out some of the most promising voices of independent cinema worldwide. As part of their programme including 79 films from 27 countries, this year’s edition will also include nine Asian titles.

Feature films

1) “Nipponia Nippon – Fukushima Rhapsody” directed by Ryo Saitana

2019 | Japan | 113 mins | Japanese | NYC Premiere

Naraho town in Fukushima Prefecture is on the front-line of the government-funded nuclear power plant decommissioning work. Kokuhei Kusunoki is transferred from Aizu Wakamatsu City to Naraho Town to take over the Disaster PR Division. Murai takes Kokuhei around Fukushima including areas washed away by the tsunami. They examine the still incomplete railway lines, the unfinished decontamination area and villages in the danger zone, where deadly cesium continues to pile up. One day Kokuhei is told to organize a party to...

The 9th edition of Paris International Fantastic Film Festival (Pifff) has unveiled the full Programme. Pifff will opens doors on the 11th of December and will run until the 17th, presenting more than 30 movies – including some interesting Asian titles – and lots of guests.

In the Pifff Team’s words: “This year, the festival is longer, better, stronger; diversified like never before. Bypassing preconceived concepts of classification, and engaging in the exploration of little known movies. Looking forward to our 10th birthday, we invite you to a taste of our 9th birthday cake. It will be generous and tasty. Promise.”

All The Asian Movies And Guests In Pifff

Official Competition

“Super Me” by Zhang Chong

“Vise” by Yasuhiko Shimizu

“Vise” by Yasuhiko Shimizu

Out of Competition

“Bullets of Justice” by Valeri Milev

“Gundala” by Joko Anwar (Indonesia – 2019)

“Jallikattu” by Lijo Jose Pellissery

“Ride Your Wave” by Masaaki Yuasa

“The Pool” by...