Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Signs That Come Before Stories: A Semiotic Analysis of the Creation of Kuromi as a Trend
Sarvenaz safavi
8 June 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 740-744
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11
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What is this article about?
This study focuses on the semiotic approach of the construction of Kuromi as a trend that driven consumer icon between children. In spite of many children that not attracted with the media in which Kuromi characters appears, the character’s produced has achieved extensive popularity.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 8 June 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 740-744
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This study focuses on the semiotic approach of the construction of Kuromi as a trend that driven consumer icon between children. In spite of many children that not attracted with the media in which Kuromi characters appears, the character’s produced has achieved extensive popularity. This research aims to investigate the symbolic signs that are rooted in merchandise and create desire, identity formation, and trend that is independent of narrative familiarity by emphasizing the role of semiotics in children’s consumption path. This research focused on identifying recurring semiotic approach, including color schemes, iconography, facial expressions, and poses to investigates how these signs communicate, shape perceptions of identity, and also influence consumer behavior. This research reveal that Kuromi’s black and purple color palette, skull motif, and playful gestures function as signs markers of mischief, edginess, and “coolness”. The constant use of these motifs across merchandise and promotional things reinforces the character’s identity as a stylish, mischievous icon, demonstrating how semiotic strategies shape perceptions and cultural significance. This study shows the power of signs in merchandise-led media culture. Also, showing that semiotic can explain children’s trend driven consumption beyond narrative engagement.
Keywords: Kuromi, Semiotics, Children’s Media, Merchandise Marketing, Qualitative Content Analysis
Cite this article
Sarvenaz safavi (2026). Signs That Come Before Stories: A Semiotic Analysis of the Creation of Kuromi as a Trend. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(6), 740-744. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11
@article{Sarvenaz2026,
title = {Signs That Come Before Stories: A Semiotic Analysis of the Creation of Kuromi as a Trend},
author = {Sarvenaz safavi},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {6},
pages = {740-744},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Sarvenaz safavi.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 6, pages 740-744, published by EP Journals Group on 8 June 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Sarvenaz safavi (2026). Signs That Come Before Stories: A Semiotic Analysis of the Creation of Kuromi as a Trend. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(6), 740-744. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-11
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