The 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking has officially kicked off, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Starting on April 10, 2025, fans can vote for their favorite characters until May 25, 2025, with the final results set to be revealed on June 29, 2025, during the SANRIO FES 2025 at Pacifico Yokohama. This annual popularity contest, which began in 1986 through Sanrio's monthly magazine, Ichigo Shinbun, has evolved into a beloved event that engages fans worldwide.
This year's ranking features 90 characters, all vying for the top spot under the theme "Kimi to Mirai e Jump!" (Jump to the Future!). The event is not just about voting; it includes various engaging initiatives such as the "Jump Up Game," which allows fans to interact with the voting platform in fun ways. Additionally, special awards will be presented this year, including the "Jump Up Award" for characters that significantly improve their rankings and the "40th Anniversary Special Award" for the character that places 40th.
Among the characters, Cinnamoroll, who previously achieved a five-peat victory last year, is aiming for a historic sixth consecutive win. However, strong contenders like Pochacco and Kuromi are also in the mix, promising an exciting competition. Both Pochacco and Kuromi have expressed their determination to capture the hearts of fans once again. Cinnamoroll stated, "I want to catch everyone's support with a big jump!" while Pochacco added, "Thank you for all the support last year! I'll do my best! Let's have fun together this year!" Kuromi, known for her bold personality, declared, "I'm going to barge in again this time. Are you ready?"
In addition to the character rankings, the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking Partner Department is also underway, featuring 37 partnerships between Sanrio characters and various companies and local governments. This initiative broadens the scope of engagement, allowing even more characters to shine in this celebratory year.
Sanrio has also introduced a unique customization service called "MY SANRIO" through its online shop, where fans can create original goods featuring their chosen characters from the 90 participating in this year's ranking. This service adds a personal touch to the event, enabling fans to celebrate their favorite characters in a unique way.
As for the voting process, fans can participate through multiple channels, including the Sanrio website and various events. For instance, Seven-Eleven stores are selling postcards featuring all 90 characters, with each postcard allowing fans to cast a vote for their favorite character. The cost is 200 yen per postcard, and every three postcards purchased count as one vote in the ranking.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking is palpable, especially with the inclusion of various campaigns. One such campaign encourages fans to predict which character will take the 40th spot, with a chance to win special limited-edition items. Additionally, fans who cast over 200 votes will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for premium seats at the SANRIO FES 2025 results announcement stage.
Moreover, the collaboration with the apparel simulation game "Garushyo☆" adds another layer of excitement. Starting April 10, players can vote for their favorite characters daily within the game, and special voting tickets can be earned through in-game events and purchases at collaboration shops.
As the event progresses, anticipation builds for the preliminary results, which will be announced on April 15, 2025. Fans are eager to see how their favorite characters perform, especially with the 40th anniversary adding a celebratory flair to the competition.
In summary, the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking promises to be an engaging and festive event, celebrating not only the characters but also the community of fans that support them. With numerous activities, awards, and the potential for surprises, this year’s event is set to be one of the most exciting yet. As characters like Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, and Kuromi gear up for the competition, fans are encouraged to join in the fun and make their voices heard.