Japanese singer Ado is teaming up with Sanrio character KUROMI for a new collaboration single, “DND feat. KUROMI,” set for digital release on September 25. The two also unveiled a joint artist photo to mark the announcement.
“DND” stands for “Do Not Disturb,” and the song is described as a defiant self-affirmation anthem about tuning out outside noise and other people’s opinions to chase your own path. It was written for the pair by Asteroid Music Team.
The collaboration came about after KUROMI made a direct pitch to Ado. Since launching a full-fledged music career with her major-label debut EP “KUROMI IN MY HEAD” in October 2025, KUROMI has said she wants to “make everyone happy” and “get the whole world excited” through music, and it was that ambition that led her to approach Ado with the idea for the song.
“I got to sing together with KUROMI-chan! The song is called ‘DND feat. KUROMI,’ and it was written for us by the Asteroid Music Team. ‘Mute the noise’ — we’re fighting together with KUROMI-chan on a defiant beat. Please give it a listen!” Ado said in a statement.
KUROMI was equally enthusiastic: “I got to sing a super cool song with Ado, and it feels amazing! I practiced singing and dancing every day this summer just so I could sing alongside her. Am I getting a little closer to being a star like Ado? This is a song that says, ‘Don’t get in our way!’ Nobody can stop either of us on our own paths. Please listen to ‘DND feat. KUROMI’ a lot!”
Who is Ado?
Born in 2002, Ado began her career as an “utaite” (a singer who covers Vocaloid songs), posting a cover of “Kimi no Taion” to the video site Niconico Douga in January 2017. Her 2020 major-label debut single “Usseewa” became a nationwide phenomenon and turned her into one of Japan’s most recognizable vocalists. She released her first album, “Kyogen,” in January 2022 and held her first solo concert at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo that April. Later that year, she voiced the singing parts of the character Uta in the animated film “ONE PIECE FILM RED.” In 2025, marking her fifth anniversary since debut, Ado released her first best-of album, “Ado no Best Adobum,” and completed her first arena dome tour. She is scheduled to headline a two-night concert at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa in July 2026.
Who is KUROMI?
KUROMI is a Sanrio character who bills herself as the rival of My Melody, instantly recognizable by her black hood and pink skull charm. She made her official debut as a recording artist in October 2025 with the EP “KUROMI IN MY HEAD” on the Toys Factory label, launching a music career built around a message of self-belief and positivity for her fans worldwide.
Author’s Comment
A pop star teaming up with a Sanrio skull-hoodie mascot for a song about ignoring your haters? Only in Japan, and I mean that as the highest compliment. KUROMI has been quietly building herself into an actual recording artist since her 2025 debut, and landing Ado — the woman who turned teenage rage into a global hit with ‘Usseewa’ — is a genuine flex, not just a cute merch tie-in. ‘Block out the noise and do your own thing’ is advice half of Japan’s entertainment industry could stand to take. I’ll be listening on September 25, and honestly, I hope KUROMI gets her own arena tour next.
