Sanrio's little fiend character Kuromi becomes sleeper hit in China

Cosplay video triggers popularity, boosting use of messaging-app stamps

20220602 Kuromi

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.

KENJI ASADA, TARO SAEKI and MASASHI IJICHI, Nikkei staff writers

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.

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