Celebrating her 50th anniversary this year, My Melody's birthday falls on January 18. Known for her soft pink hood, adorable long ears, and sweet personality, My Melody is one of Sanrio's most iconic characters. But is she really a bunny? Public opinion is divided. To uncover the truth, we interviewed Kumiko Kobayashi, My Melody's designer at Sanrio, about her origins and the unique popularity of pink in Japan.

Is My Melody a Bunny? Her Debut Without the Iconic Pink Hood

With her long bunny-like ears, many assume My Melody is a rabbit. However, Sanrio's official website simply describes her as "a cheerful and kind girl who cares for her younger brother." Opinions range from "She's obviously a rabbit" to "Actually, she’s not!" To clarify, designer Kumiko Kobayashi shared the truth with a smile:

"My Melody is indeed a bunny character, modeled after a breed called Rex rabbit."

Though now associated with her soft pink hood, Kobayashi revealed that her debut hood color was red:

"When she debuted in 1975, My Melody was called 'LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD' as part of a Christmas promotion inspired by the classic fairy tale. She wore a red hood to match the story."

The pink hood emerged in 1979, evolving over time into lighter and darker pinks. However, in 1997, a bold redesign brought back the red hood for a more sophisticated target audience, such as high school and college students. This version leaned towards a cooler, edgier look, contrasting with her sweet, childlike image. Over time, designs targeting younger children reintroduced the pink hood, and the distinction between age groups eventually disappeared.

Pink's Popularity in Japan vs. Overseas

Sanrio's character goods often follow each mascot's signature colors—Hello Kitty in red, Cinnamoroll in blue, and Pompompurin in yellow. My Melody's soft pink hood remains her signature in Japan. Kobayashi explained:

"We once conducted a survey on Sanrio's official social platform asking fans about their most memorable My Melody designs. While many recalled the 'Red Hood,' pink remains the most popular."

Interestingly, this pastel pink preference is unique to Japan:

"Pastel pink and soft colors are particularly favored in Japan. In the U.S., bold, vibrant colors are more popular, while in China, red is seen as auspicious and preferred. Pastel shades are often associated with baby goods overseas, making it less common for adults to embrace them. Fans in Japan sometimes describe My Melody as 'baby-like,' reflecting a desire for her to evoke innocence and comfort."

For Kobayashi, designing My Melody encouraged a deeper appreciation for pink's versatility:

"Fans seek 'cuteness' from My Melody, which often encompasses gentleness, comfort, and healing. I believe pink symbolizes these qualities beautifully."

The "Midnight Melokuro" Series: Gothic Glam Meets My Melody

Since the 2000s, My Melody has sported various hood designs, from gingham checks to star patterns, adapting to evolving trends. Kobayashi explained:
"Around this time, diverse colorways for the same product design became trendy. This inspired us to experiment with new hood patterns and themes."

In 2014, My Melody embraced decorative floral hoods and black Halloween-themed designs. Her 50th-anniversary lineup continues this tradition with fresh and varied designs aimed at surprising fans.

Among recent hits is the "Midnight Melokuro" series, featuring My Melody and Kuromi in gothic-style outfits with dramatic makeup and a darker, edgier vibe. Reflecting the "dark aesthetics" trend popularized in the 2020s, Kobayashi shared:

"It was a bold new direction. We wondered if leaning so heavily into 'dark' themes might be risky. But when we saw the results, we loved them. The series resonated so well that we've released three iterations, with a special new line debuting in early 2025."

My Melody herself enjoys fashion, with her ears serving as expressions of mood and style:

"She has upright and droopy ear designs, reflecting emotions or complementing her outfits. Like people changing hairstyles to match their clothes, My Melody adjusts her ear style to suit her look."

50 Years of My Melody: Expanding Fanbases

Reflecting on her journey, Kobayashi noted that My Melody's fanbase has transformed significantly over the years:

"Originally, her fans were primarily children. However, in the 1990s, Hello Kitty's popularity surged among teens and adults, normalizing character-themed goods for older audiences. Today, My Melody is adored by fans of all ages."

As My Melody celebrates her 50th anniversary following Hello Kitty's milestone last year, Kobayashi shared her hopes for the future:

"While she has many fans in Japan, she remains less known overseas. I hope more people around the world get to know and love My Melody. To her fans, I’m deeply grateful for your continued support. My Melody feels so lucky to be cherished. Here's to 100, 200 years of friendship!"

Japanese characters like My Melody and Hello Kitty continue to capture global attention. With her healing charm and soft pink appeal, My Melody's reach may soon grow even further.

(C) 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. Author: Sanrio Co., Ltd.

Written by Arisa O.

Source : ORICON NEWS