My Melody: The Adorable Sanrio Bunny – History, Fun Facts, and

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the colorful universe of Sanrio, filled with iconic characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll, one adorable bunny stands out with her timeless charm—My Melody. With her signature pink hood and gentle demeanor, My Melody has captured hearts globally since her debut in 1975.

But who exactly is My Melody? Why is she so beloved? And what makes her different from other Sanrio characters? In this deep dive, we’ll explore her origins, personality, friendships, and the best My merchandise available today.

Chapter 1: The Origins of My Melody

1.1 The Birth of a Sanrio Star

My Melody (マイメロディ, Mai Merodi) was created by Sanrio in 1975, just a year after Hello Kitty’s debut. Designed by Yuko Shimizu, the same artist behind Hello Kitty, My Melod was initially introduced as Little Red Riding Hood’s rabbit friend.

Her original concept featured a red hood, but Sanrio later changed it to pink to make her more appealing to young girls. Over time, her design evolved into the cute, round-faced bunny we know today.

1.2 The Meaning Behind Her Name

The name “My Melody” reflects her gentle and musical nature. Unlike Hello Kitty, whose name is straightforward, My Melods name suggests sweetness, harmony, and a love for music—traits that define her personality.

Chapter 2: My Melody’s Personality and Friends

2.1 A Kind and Gentle Soul

My Melody is known for her:

Sweet and shy nature
Love for baking almond cookies
Close bond with her family (Mama, Papa, and younger brother, Rhythm)

She lives in Mary Land, a whimsical forest filled with friendly creatures.

2.2 Friends and Rivals

My Melody’s world includes several key characters:

Kuromi – Her mischievous rival (originally a villain but now a frenemy)
Flat – A shy bat who admires her
Baku – A dream-eating tapir
Hello Kitty – A fellow Sanrio star who occasionally appears in crossover merch

Her dynamic with Kuromi is especially popular, with fans loving their contrasting personalities- Melody being sweet and Kuromi being rebellious.

Chapter 3: Why My Melody is So Popular

3.1 Timeless Cuteness

My Melody’s soft pink aesthetic and innocent charm make her a favorite among Sanrio fans. Unlike trend-driven characters, her appeal is classic and enduring.

3.2 Relatable Personality

Many fans see themselves in My Melody—she’s kind, a little shy, and always tries her best. Her wholesome nature makes her a comforting figure.

3.3 Expansive Merchandise

From plushies to stationery, My Melody’s merchandise is everywhere. Sanrio frequently releases new collaborations, keeping her relevant in pop culture.

Chapter 4: The Best Merchandise

4.1 Plushies and Figures

Sanrio’s official My plushies (available in various sizes)
Nendoroid figures (for collectors)
Pop-up Parade figures (affordable and detailed)

4.2 Fashion and Accessories

My Melody-themed handbags (by brands like Samantha Thavasa)
Hoodies and dresses (featuring her iconic pink hood design)
Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, and charm bracelets)

4.3 Home and Lifestyle Goods

Stationery sets (notebooks, pens, and stickers)
Kitchenware (mugs, bento boxes, and cutlery)
Bedding sets (for a cozy, kawaii bedroom)

Chapter 5: My Melody in Pop Culture

5.1 Anime and Media Appearances

Onegai My Melody (2005) – A popular anime series featuring Melody and Kuromi
Sanrio collaborations (with brands like Uniqlo, McDonald’s, and Sephora)

5.2 Social Media Presence

My Melody has a strong fanbase on:

Instagram (fan art and merch showcases)
TikTok (cosplay and unboxing videos)
Twitter/X (fan discussions and Sanrio updates)

Chapter 6: The Evolution of My Design

6.1 Early Aesthetic (1970s–1980s)

My Melody’s original design featured:

A red hood (inspired by Little Red Riding Hood)
A more angular face and simpler features
Neutral color schemes for early merchandise like vinyl coin purses

By the late 1970s, Sanrio softened her look, introducing:

The now-iconic pink hood (to appeal to younger audiences)
Rounder eyes and blushing cheeks
Pastel-heavy merchandise, aligning with Japan’s kawaii boom

6.2 Modern Revamps (2000s–Present)

Sanrio’s 2000s rebranding gave My Melody:

Larger head-to-body ratio (emphasizing cuteness)
Detailed embroidery on plushies (e.g., floral stitching on her hood)
Themed variants:
- Strawberry-print Melody (summer editions)
- Gothic Melody (Halloween collaborations)
- Retro Melody (throwback designs for anniversary collections)

Chapter 7: My Melody’s Global Popularity

7.1 Asia’s Obsession

Japan: My Melody ranks among Sanrio’s top 5 characters in merchandise sales.
South Korea: Viral “Melody and Kuromi” merch (e.g., KakaoTalk emoticons).
China: Collaborations with Miniso and Bilibili (exclusive tech accessories).

7.2 Western Fandom Growth

North America: Hot Topic and BoxLunch partnerships (2020s apparel lines).
Europe: Appearances at Hyper Japan (London) and Japan Expo (Paris).
Online Communities: Over 500K+ fan tags on Instagram and TikTok.

Chapter 8: Behind the Scenes – Sanrio’s Strategy

8.1 Target Demographics

Primary: Girls aged 5–12 (toys, school supplies).
Secondary: Adult collectors (limited-edition figurines, luxury collabs).

8.2 Marketing Tactics

“Kuromi vs. Melody” narratives to drive dual merch sales.
Seasonal Themes: Cherry blossom (spring) and cocoa (winter) editions.
Collaboration Drops:
- Sephora (2019 makeup pouch)
- UNIQLO (2021 UT collection)
- Muji (2023 minimalist stationery)

Chapter 9: Cultural Impact Beyond Merch

9.1 Psychological Appeal

Studies on kawaii culture cite Melody as a “comfort character” for anxiety relief.
Used in Japanese pediatric clinics to calm children.

9.2 Subculture Adaptations

Streetwear: A Bathing Ape (BAPE) 2022 hoodie collab.
High Fashion: Maison Kitsuné 2020 pop-up featuring Melody motifs.
Music: Vocaloid producers use her image for “softcore” album art.

Chapter 10: Rare and Vintage Collectibles

10.1 Most Sought-After Items

1976 Red Hood Melody Vinyl Purse (auctions for $800+).
2005 “Onegai Melody” DVD Box Set (discontinued).
2015 Sanrio 40th Anniversary Gold-Plated Charm.

10.2 Where to Find Them

Mandarake (Japan’s premier secondhand anime marketplace).
eBay (search for “vintage Sanrio” with authentication checks).
Sanrio pop-up exhibitions (e.g., Hello Kitty Con in LA).

Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Melody

For nearly 50 years, My Melody has remained one of Sanrio’s most beloved characters. Her gentle nature, adorable design, and heartwarming friendships make her a standout in the kawaii world.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her, there’s no denying the sweet charm of Melody—a bunny who continues to bring joy to millions.

My Melody: The Beloved Sanrio Character and Her Endearing World