TOKYO -- A Japanese-made character with devilish charm has become a sleeper hit in China, drawing much more attention than the Disney characters Elsa and Mickey Mouse.
The blockbuster popularity of Kuromi is a surprise even to its producer, Sanrio.
Cosplay video triggers popularity, boosting use of messaging-app stamps

The Sanrio character Kuromi has shot to fame on Chinese social networking services, which "play an extremely large role in communication between young people." © 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD.
TOKYO -- A Japanese-made character with devilish charm has become a sleeper hit in China, drawing much more attention than the Disney characters Elsa and Mickey Mouse.
The blockbuster popularity of Kuromi is a surprise even to its producer, Sanrio.