Sanrio Fans Vote for Favorite Character in 2026 Ranking Contest

90 characters featured in annual competition, with Pompompurin ending Cinnamoroll's five-year streak last year

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A vibrant, abstract illustration featuring bold, geometric shapes in red and white, conceptually representing the excitement and community of the Sanrio character ranking contest.Sanrio fans unite to celebrate their favorite characters in the brand's annual ranking contest.Los Angeles Today

Sanrio fans can choose their favorite of 90 featured characters in the brand's annual Character Ranking contest, which runs from April 8 through May 24. Last year, Pompompurin was voted the fan favorite, ending Cinnamoroll's five-year winning streak.

Why it matters

Sanrio's Character Ranking contest is a highly anticipated annual event that allows the brand's passionate fan base to celebrate their favorite characters and the joy they inspire. The contest reflects the strong connection between Sanrio fans and the iconic characters they love.

The details

Fans can cast their votes every day online or in person at Sanrio Stores, Sanrio Cafes, Hot Topic locations, and the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. In-store voters will receive a free 'I Voted' sticker. The 2026 contest's theme is 'Sending Cheers and Hugs to Everyone Doing Their Very Best'.

  • Voting is open from April 8 through May 24, 2026.
  • Last year, Pompompurin was voted the fan favorite, ending Cinnamoroll's five-year winning streak.

The players

Sanrio Inc.

The company behind iconic characters like Hello Kitty and Pompompurin, which hosts the annual Character Ranking contest.

Jill Koch

Senior Vice President of Brand at Sanrio Inc.

Pompompurin

A popular Sanrio character who was voted the fan favorite in the 2025 Character Ranking contest, ending Cinnamoroll's five-year winning streak.

Cinnamoroll

A Sanrio character who won the Character Ranking contest for five consecutive years before being dethroned by Pompompurin in 2025.

Pochacco

A Sanrio character who placed third in the 2025 Character Ranking contest.

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What they’re saying

“Our annual Character Ranking contest is all about celebrating the connection fans have with our characters and with each other.”

— Jill Koch, Senior Vice President of Brand at Sanrio Inc.

“This year's theme, 'Sending Cheers and Hugs to Everyone Doing Their Very Best,' reflects the spirit of encouragement and positivity that Sanrio is known for. Every vote is a simple but meaningful way for fans to show their support and be part of that shared joy.”

— Jill Koch, Senior Vice President of Brand at Sanrio Inc.

What’s next

Fans can continue voting for their favorite Sanrio character on the official Character Ranking voting website or in person at Sanrio Stores, Sanrio Cafes, Hot Topic locations, and the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles until the contest closes on May 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Sanrio's annual Character Ranking contest allows the brand's passionate fan base to celebrate their favorite characters and the joy they inspire, reflecting the strong connection between fans and the iconic Sanrio universe.