Debapriya Bhattacharya
Created by Sanrio, the Netflix series ‘My Melody & Kuromi’ tells the story of the titular best friends-yet-rivals who embark on an adventure together. The series begins with My Melody opening a cake shop in Mariland that becomes everyone’s favorite. Meanwhile, Kromi’s Japanese sweets shop across the stream fails to attract customers, who in part stay away because of her fiery demeanor. When world-famous pastry chef Pistachio decides to come over and judge their food in a contest, both My Melodi and Kuromi try to go above and beyond to impress him. But My Melody discovers a magical heart in the forest, and soon the whole of Mariland comes under grave danger.
Originally titled ‘Maimerodi to Kuromi,’ the Netflix series highlights the power of friendship and working together, as well as bravely facing all odds in life. If the overload of cuteness has you wanting more, here is a list of curated shows similar to ‘My Melody & Kuromi’ to satiate your craving.
8. Hamtaro (2000-2006)
Originally known in Japan as ‘Tottoko Hamutaro’ or ‘Trotting Hamtaro,’ the series ‘Hamtaro’ is based on a children’s manga series created by Ritsuko Kawai. It revolves around the titular hamster, Hamtaro, who is owned by a little girl, Laura. A curious extrovert by nature, he ventures out each day to make friends. Hamtaro is also a part of a local group of hamsters known as The Ham-Hams, with whom he often goes on adventures. The anthropogenic hamster going out on adventures brings to mind what My Melodi and Kuromi share in their own show.
7. Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater (1987)
Created by Yuko Shimizu, ‘Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater’ sees the beloved cartoon character Hello Kitty and her friends and family recreating their own versions of popular fairy tales and pop culture classics on stage. Tara Strong voices Hello Kitty, who serves as the theater director, as well as an actor in some of the plays. Hello Kitty’s best friend, My Melody from ‘My Melody & Kuromi,’ appears as a supporting bunny actress in the productions, thus tying the two shows together.
6. Sugar Sugar Rune (2005-2006)
Adapted for television by Studio Pierrot, ‘Sugar Sugar Rune,’ originally titled ‘Shuga shuga rûn,’ is based on a manga series of the same name written and illustrated by Moyoco Anno. It follows Vanilla and Chocolate, two best friends who are born in a magical place that is not on Earth. Vanilla’s mother is the Queen of that world and is looking for someone to succeed her on the throne. As per customs, two girls, Vanilla and Chocolate, are chosen and sent to the human world with the task of capturing the hearts of young boys. In the end, the one who has collected the most hearts will become the next queen. The hearts being at the center of a magical competition brings to mind a similar artifact seen in ‘My Melody & Kuromi.’
5. Jewelpet (2009-2010)
‘Jewelpet’ or ‘Juerupetto,’ as it is originally known, was created by Atsushi Maekawa for Sanrio and Sega Sammy Holdings. In the story, a magical place, Jewel Land, coexists with Earth in secrecy. The former is full of magicians and Jewelpets who study magic. When three magicians turn Jewelpets into Jewel Charms so they can rest calmly in the Dream Forest while they clean the town, the charms get blown away and scattered across Takaragaseki City on Earth. Only the white rabbit, Ruby, remains in Jewel Land and is soon sent by the magicians to Earth to locate her friends. The cute pets and the magical plot become reminiscent of ‘My Melody & Kuromi.’
4. Chi’s Sweet Adventure (2016-2018)
A spin-off of the ‘Chi’s Sweet Home’ manga series created by Kanata Konami, ‘Chi’s Sweet Adventure’ follows the story of the titular small and mischievous grey and white kitten with black stripes. Getting lost while on a stroll with her family, Chi gets rescued by a young boy and his mother. Growing up and exploring the new neighborhood, Chi becomes friends with the reliable boss cat Kuroino and the stray kitten Kocchi. The slice of life 3DCG animated show captures the heart of ‘My Melody & Kuromi’ with the stories of the cute cats.
3. Molang (2015-)
Created by Millimages based on the original character design by Hye-Ji Yoon, ‘Molang’ chronicles the adventures of the titular cheerful and optimistic rabbit, and its best friend and roommate Piu Piu, a timid and introverted chick. In every episode, Molang and Piu Piu take on situations ranging from everyday tasks to extraordinary adventures and do their best to see them through. The gender-neutral bundles of joy and kindness add to their endearment factor by speaking their own tongue, Molanguese. The bond that they share brings to mind the one between My Melody and Kurami in their show.
2. Care Bears: Unlock the Magic (2019-2021)
Based on the popular characters created by illustrator Elena Kucharik, ‘Care Bears: Unlock the Magic’ shares the adventures of best friends Good Luck, Funshine, Cheer, Grumpy, and Share Bear from Care-A-Lot. They embark upon an adventure to spread kindness, traveling through the wonderful world of Silver Lining. They occasionally face challenges, which they overcome by relying on friendship, courage, and belly badge power. The adventures of the cuddly bears are reminiscent of the ones shared by the titular characters of ‘My Melody & Kuromi.’
1. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2010-2019)
Lauren Faust created ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ based on the eponymous franchise by Hasbro. The story follows the studious unicorn Twilight Sparkle, her dragon assistant Spike, and her friends Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. When the ponies discover that they represent the different facets of friendship and are part of the magical Elements of Harmony, they journey from the kingdom of Equestria to Ponyville to learn more about the subject. With magic, wonder, and the power of friendship forming the heart of the show, it closely resembles ‘My Melody & Kuromi.’ Both shows also bring popular toy franchises to life on screen.
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