My Melody is a beloved Sanrio character easily recognized by her iconic pink or red hood. While some may be unsure of her species, My Melody is a white rabbit. This simple fact clarifies any confusion surrounding her appearance and character design.
Known for her sweet and gentle nature, she often appears alongside Hello Kitty as a close friend. Her bunny traits, like long ears hidden under her hood, reinforce her identity as a rabbit, making her unique among Sanrio’s diverse lineup.
Fans appreciate her background story, which connects her to a magical land and adds depth to her character. Understanding that My Melody is a rabbit helps to better grasp her place in the Sanrio universe and her appeal across different media.
What Animal Is My Melody?
My Melody is easily recognized by her distinct appearance and backstory. Understanding her species involves exploring her origins, specific traits, and design choices by Sanrio. Each aspect reveals why she is depicted as a particular kind of character within the larger Sanrio universe.

Origin and Character Background
My Melody was introduced by Sanrio in 1975. She was created as a white rabbit inspired by the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood. This connection explains her signature hood, which is often red or pink.
She was born in the magical forest of Mariland. This setting grounds her story in a whimsical, nature-based environment. Her backstory includes hobbies like baking cookies with her mother, adding depth to her gentle and kind personality.
Species Identification
My Melody is a white rabbit. Her floppy ears and small paws clearly indicate this. She consistently wears a hood that covers her head, either pink or red, with a bow or flower usually seen on one ear.
Her rabbit identity is emphasized visually and contextually across Sanrio media. Unlike other characters, her design keeps her species clear to differentiate her personality and characteristics within the franchise. This clear species identity supports her role as a sweet, approachable character.
Sanrio Design Influences
Sanrio's design of My Melody reflects a blend of cultural storytelling and kawaii aesthetics. The rabbit shape was chosen for its soft, gentle image, aligning with her kind and honest personality.
The choice of the hood connects her to Little Red Riding Hood, making her visually distinctive among Sanrio characters. The hood's color and ear accessories add an element of cuteness and uniqueness. Sanrio also positions her as Hello Kitty’s close friend, complementing Hello Kitty’s simpler design.
Feature |
Description |
Animal |
White rabbit |
Hood color |
Pink or red |
Ear decoration |
Bow or flower |
Origin story |
Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood |
Personality traits |
Sweet, kind, girly |
Cultural Impact and Related Characters
My Melody has influenced Japanese pop culture and beyond through her distinct persona and connections with other Sanrio characters. Her presence spans various media and merchandise, establishing her as a recognizable figure among fans worldwide.
My Melody in Popular Culture
My Melody embodies kindness and innocence, traits that resonate widely. She first appeared in 1975 and quickly became popular for her signature red or pink hood and gentle personality.
Her influence extends to collaborations with other brands and appearances in video games such as Animal Crossing: New Leaf. The character's image symbolizes warmth and nostalgia, making her a staple in kawaii culture.

Comparisons With Other Sanrio Characters
As one of Sanrio’s earliest characters, My Melody is often compared to Hello Kitty. Both share a simple, cute design but differ in theme; My Melody wears a hood inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, highlighting a storybook charm.
Kuromi, another rabbit character, contrasts My Melody with a mischievous attitude, creating a popular dynamic that appeals to different fan preferences. This variety showcases Sanrio’s range in targeting diverse audiences.
Merchandise and Media Appearances
My Melody appears on a wide range of products, including stationery, accessories, and clothing. Sanrio’s marketing strategy leverages her universal appeal to reach children and adults alike.
Besides merchandise, she stars in animated series, comics, and promotional events. This consistent media presence helps maintain her relevance and expands her fanbase internationally.