The 2025 Sanrio Character Award has been officially announced, following its long tradition of celebrating the most beloved characters created by Sanrio since its inception.
Since 1986, when the Sanrio Character Award first emerged through the pages of Sanrio's magazine, this iconic event has captivated fans worldwide. With over 450 characters nominated this year, the competition promises to be fierce. Notably, the award garnered record-breaking participation last year, with the total number of votes surpassing 57 million, marking the event's popularity.
This year's award theme, "Kimi to Mirai he Jump!" translates to "Jump to the Future Together with You!" This celebrates the 40th anniversary of the event where Sanrio aims to jump even higher with its fans, fostering smiles and happiness worldwide. According to NTV News, the theme encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and joy inherent to the Sanrio community.
With 90 characters competing this time around, excitement is building among fans who've taken to social media to express their support. Following the latest reveal of candidates from March 12 to April 2, characters will be highlighted on the official Sanrio Character Award X (formerly Twitter) account. This year's lineup echoes the sentiment of nostalgia as some beloved characters are making their much-anticipated return, alongside fresh faces vying for the top spot.
Last year, hints of intrigue surrounded the outcomes, as Pochacco initially claimed the lead during the early rounds of voting, only for Cinnamoroll to triumph at the end, securing his fifth consecutive win. "This year's event showcases 90 characters, including some returning favorites and new entries," reported NTV News, reinforcing the event's innovative spirit.
Fans have made their loyalties known. Comments such as, "I absolutely want Cinnamoroll to win!" versus "This is Pochacco's year, without a doubt!" flood social media platforms, as enthusiasts rally much like sports fans during tournament season.
Looking forward, anticipation is mounting for the ultimate reveal of the 2025 Sanrio Character Award winner at the SANRIO FES 2025, taking place on June 29, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama. Will Cinnamoroll manage to clinch his sixth title, or could this be the year Pochacco makes his triumphant return to glory?
Charlene Matsumoto, director of operations at Sanrio, emphasized how much these character votes mean to the company. "This award isn't just about who wins; it's about recognizing the love and dedication our fans pour out for these characters every year!" This community-driven approach showcases the essence of the contest and the bonds built around it, making the Sanrio Character Award more than just competition but rather, a celebration of character fandom.
With such high stakes and heartfelt competitor support, fans eagerly await to see how the votes will stack up this year. The countdown begins, and everyone is excited to see if Cinnamoroll can withstand the pressure or if surprises are lurking among the competitors!