TV-Series
Description
Kuromi, a white rabbit character from the *Onegai My Melody* franchise introduced in 2005, exhibits a rebellious and mischievous nature, frequently acting as an antagonist to My Melody. Her appearance features a black devil-like tail and a distinctive black jester's hat bearing a pink skull; this skull's expression shifts to reflect her emotions, often showing determination or anger.

Originally an escaped prisoner from Mariland, a world of living stuffed animals, she fled after stealing the Melody Key. She sought to use this artifact, which corrupts dreams, to gather 100 Black Notes. Her goal was to resurrect the Spirit of Dark Power and exact revenge on My Melody. This deep-seated rivalry began in childhood when My Melody accidentally tore a page from Kuromi's diary, prompting Kuromi to chronicle over 6,000 perceived slights. Despite her vengeful plans, she demonstrates moral complexity, such as stealing bread to feed the impoverished family of her accomplice, Baku.

Her personality merges tomboyish aggression with concealed femininity. She openly displays a short temper, especially towards her purple tapir sidekick Baku, whom she often berates but fiercely protects. Conversely, she enjoys romance novels, diary writing, and admires attractive males like Keiichi Hiiragi. She collaborates with Keiichi in the human world, using his violin to amplify her dark magic. Kuromi leads "Kuromi's 5," an all-female biker gang riding modified tricycles, with members Nyanmi (a purple cat), Wanmi (a pale orange dog), Konmi (a white fox), and Chumi (a grey rat).

In the third season, *Onegai My Melody Sukkiri♪*, her role evolves. Following the dethronement of Mariland's king, she learns she can become the "Dark Princess" by collecting Anger Gems, competing against My Melody's mission to gather Twinkle Gems. This season also reveals her vulnerability through her tail; stepping on it renders her unconscious.

Later media depict significant development. The film *Onegai My Melody: Friends & Love* shows her reconciling with My Melody, shifting their dynamic from rivalry to reluctant camaraderie. This softer interaction continues in *Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures*, where her antagonism lessens, though situational conflicts arise. Her spin-off, *Kuromi's Pretty Journey*, introduces Romina, an older sister figure Kuromi idolizes. The narrative reveals Romina is an illusion created by a wishing stone, not a biological sibling. Romina's disappearance erases Kuromi's memories of her.

Earlier storylines detail her familial relationships. Her parents, who share her devil tail and jester hat, attempt prison visits, though initial misunderstandings fracture their bond. They later aid her during the Spirit of Dark Power's possession, demonstrating underlying familial loyalty.

Beyond anime, Sanrio's "KUROMIfy The World" project (2021) expanded her cultural presence, emphasizing individuality and self-expression. This initiative included her original song "Greedy Greedy" and cemented her status as a symbol of rebellious kawaii culture, resonating with punk and goth communities. By 2023, she ranked among Sanrio's top three characters globally, surpassing My Melody in popularity.

Her character design draws inspiration from 1990s animation, notably Pichu from Pokémon. Etymologically, her name combines "kuro" (black) and "mi" (beauty), meaning "black beauty." Her birthday is October 31 (Halloween).