When Sanrio meets K‑pop: a collaboration made in kawaii heaven
Japanese character powerhouse Sanrio is celebrating two major milestones this summer: My Melody’s 50th anniversaryand Kuromi’s 20th. To mark the occasion, they’ve teamed up with Netflix to launch a charming stop‑motion series, “My Melody & Kuromi,” set to premiere on July 24.
To bring extra charm and energy, Sanrio turned to LE SSERAFIM, a powerhouse 5‑member girl group known for blending fierce confidence with irrepressible girl‑next‑door vibes.
About the Movie: My Melody & Kuromi – The Pretty Princess of Mariland
Premiering July 24 on Netflix, My Melody & Kuromi – The Pretty Princess of Mariland is a stop-motion animated feature created in celebration of My Melody’s 50th and Kuromi’s 20th anniversaries. The film takes viewers on a magical, pastel-colored adventure deep into the heart of Mariland, a whimsical world where friendship, mischief, and dreams reign supreme.
Plot Overview:
The story centers on My Melody and Kuromi, two iconic Sanrio characters with contrasting personalities—sweet and kind vs. mischievous and rebellious. When a mysterious disturbance threatens the harmony of Mariland, the unlikely duo must team up, embracing their differences to restore peace and protect their magical home.
Along the way, they encounter adorable allies, strange new creatures, and royal secrets that test their courage and compassion. With themes of self-discovery, friendship, and finding strength in softness, the movie carries a message that resonates with both children and longtime Sanrio fans.
Visual Style:
Told entirely through stop-motion animation, the film features handcrafted sets and characters with incredible attention to detail—bringing a nostalgic, tactile charm to the screen. From glittering castles to candy-colored fields, the aesthetic is a love letter to Sanrio's iconic visual universe.
“Kawaii (Prod. Gen Hoshino)” – The theme song that is the story
Musical styling
- Crafted by renowned Japanese artist Gen Hoshino, the track is produced, composed, and arranged to reflect the heartfelt cuteness of Mariland and the signature empowered aura of LE SSERAFIM.
Lyrics and collaborations
- Vocal director Huh Yunjin co-wrote the English lyrics, and the group expressed how heartfelt the project is:
“We really love My Melody and Kuromi… thrilled to be chosen to sing the theme song!” — Kim Chaewon
“Cuteness is strength. We want to turn each member’s individuality into empowerment.” — Sakura
Integration into their discography
- “Kawaii” will be featured as a B‑side on LE SSERAFIM’s upcoming fourth Japanese single, DIFFERENT, dropping June 24—coinciding with the series premiere.
Aesthetic synergy: visuals meet vibe
The recently released “Kawaii” MV sets the scene inside Sanrio Puroland, with each member immersed in pastel-filled, character-themed rooms—effortlessly blending K‑pop glamour with whimsical world-building The video captures the essence of the series itself: playful, pastel-toned, yet powerful.
Why this collab works—and why it matters
- Multigenerational appeal
- Sanrio fans spanning decades and K‑pop listeners of all ages get a shared candy‑colored experience
- Cultural fusion
- A Japanese-produced soundtrack featuring a Korean pop phenomenon—not just a catchy anime song but a global cultural handshake.
- Brand alignment
- Sanrio’s message of “cuteness is strength” dovetails perfectly with LE SSERAFIM’s I’M FEARLESS identity—and the result feels authentic, not forced.
LE SSERAFIM on the collab
- Sakura: “This song embodies the theme ‘cuteness is strength.’ We hope to show how LE SSERAFIM combines charm with strength.”
- Yunjin: Emphasized the depth behind the English lyrics, encouraging fans to listen closely
- Kazuha: Overjoyed to work with Gen Hoshino, whom she admires
- Eunchae: Charmed by the vibrant world of Mariland—“the characters’ expressions were very rich and entertaining to watch.”
Final thoughts
This sweet‑meets‑strong collaboration isn’t just a theme song—it’s a full‑on cultural moment. Between Gen Hoshino’s polished production, Sanrio’s nostalgic whimsy, and LE SSERAFIM’s creative confidence, “Kawaii” is more than a melody—it’s an anthem of empowerment wrapped in pastel dreams.
Whether you’re a FEARNOT stan, a Sanrio purist, or a trailer‑watching Netflix explorer, mark July 24 in your calendar. Mariland’s calling—and it sounds simply “Kawaii.”
