Kuromi (クロミ, Kuromi) is the rival of My Melody, an essential character in the world of Sanrio. This white rabbit or devilish creature is distinguished by his black jester's hat adorned with a pink skull and his black devil's tail. The skull's facial expression changes according to Kuromi's mood. His birthday coincides with Halloween, October 31. Her name, translated from Japanese to English, means “black beauty”.
A striking appearance
Kuromi's appearance is also reminiscent of cartoon characters from the 1990s, notably Pichu from Pokémon. Her singular silhouette and style have earned her great popularity among fans of the punk, scene and gothic movements.
Kuromi's personality
Despite her rebellious, punkish appearance, Kuromi possesses an undeniable femininity and is attracted to handsome boys! She loves to write in her diary and has a passion for romantic stories. Black and bright pink are her favorite colors. When it comes to cooking, she loves shallots, all kinds of meats and, more recently, cherries. Although she's a meanie, Kuromi appreciates food and doesn't shy away from the stove. She can be considered a turbulent free spirit.
Rivalry with My Melody
Kuromi embodies My Melody's tomboyish, punkish side. Although My Melody and Kuromi can understand each other, Kuromi's feelings lean more towards rivalry, in order to stand out as a tough cookie.
Kuromi's Friends
Kuromi is the leader of a motorcycle gang nicknamed “Kuromi's 5”. The other members are Nyanmi, a purple cat, Wanmi, a pale orange dog, Konmi, a white fox, and Chumi, a gray and white rat. All dressed in black, they stroll about menacingly. They like to ride their tricycles and wreak havoc at top speed, taking their inspiration from Japan's “bosozoku” girl gang subculture, which has its roots in the yakuza.
Television appearances
Kuromi is part of the Onegai anime My Melody. In this series, Kuromi holds a strong grudge against My Melody because of small, innocent mistakes she made during their childhood. She keeps a notebook she has nicknamed the “Kuromi Note”, in which she lists over 6,324 examples of times when My Melody has wronged her. These events may seem insignificant, like when My Melody ate the last pickled onion on Kuromi's school lunch tray. For Kuromi, however, they are real offenses, etched in his memory and fueling his desire for revenge. This resentment becomes a central comic spring in the series, where her obsession is often mocked. Despite her villainous airs, Kuromi remains a deeply endearing character, often overwhelmed by her own plans and sometimes showing a certain tenderness.
The anime features a funny and touching dynamic between Kuromi and My Melody, revealing that behind her rebellious mask, Kuromi is above all looking for attention and recognition. This duality largely contributes to her popularity with the public, who find themselves loving the “dark rival” as much as the heroine herself.
