The initial results for the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking have been announced, revealing a competitive start for this year’s event. Pom Pom Purin, who ranked fourth last year, has made a strong comeback, securing the provisional first place in the rankings. Following closely is Cinnamoroll, the reigning champion aiming for a remarkable sixth consecutive win, while Pochacco, Kuromi, and Hello Kitty round out the top five.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sanrio Character Ranking, a popular voting event that began in 1986 through Sanrio's newsletter, Monthly Ichigo Shimbun. Over the years, it has featured characters from a vast array of over 450 Sanrio creations, with voting open to the public. Last year, the event saw a record-breaking total of 57,074,053 votes cast, highlighting its immense popularity.
The theme for this year’s competition is "Kimi to Mirai he Jump!" (Jump to the Future with You), and the key visual showcases beloved characters energetically leaping towards a bright future. The initial rankings are based on web votes collected from April 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM to April 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM, along with votes cast at Sanrio shops and through voting cards at mass retailers and specialty stores.
Pom Pom Purin’s rise to the top is particularly notable, as the character has maintained a position in the top three for nine consecutive years since 2015, despite finishing fourth in last year’s final results. This year, it appears poised to reclaim its place among the top contenders.
In second place, Cinnamoroll, who is also a familiar face in the rankings, aims to continue its winning streak. Last year, Cinnamoroll secured the top spot after starting in second place during the preliminary results, making its current position a cause for speculation about a possible repeat victory.
Pochacco, who made headlines last year by finishing second for the first time in 28 years, is currently in third place. Kuromi and Hello Kitty follow closely, maintaining their status as fan favorites.
This year also sees the return of My Melody and Little Twin Stars, both of which are celebrating their 50th anniversaries. They have made a strong showing in the initial rankings, further emphasizing the event's legacy of beloved characters. Additionally, Hangyodon, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is also among the top contenders.
A newcomer to watch is Hanamaru Obake, who participated for the second time this year and has jumped to eighth place after finishing fourteenth last year. This impressive leap has garnered attention, and fans are eager to see if Hanamaru can continue its upward trajectory.
In a special recognition for the event’s 40th anniversary, the "40th Anniversary Special Award" will be given to Yoshikitty, a character inspired by the famous musician YOSHIKI from the band X JAPAN. This unique transformation of Hello Kitty has captured the hearts of fans, making it a noteworthy addition to the rankings.
The next significant milestone in the event will be the announcement of the interim rankings, which is scheduled for May 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM. This will provide further insights into how the competition is shaping up as it heads towards the final results announcement.
The grand results announcement will take place on June 29, 2025, during the second day of the "SANRIO FES 2025" at Pacifico Yokohama. This two-day event is set to be a celebration of Sanrio’s rich history and its beloved characters, drawing fans from all over.
As the excitement builds, fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process, which remains open until May 25, 2025. With numerous characters vying for the top spot, the competition is fierce, and the outcome remains uncertain.
In summary, the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking has kicked off with a thrilling start, and as the rankings evolve, fans are left eagerly anticipating what the final results will reveal. Will Pom Pom Purin reclaim its spot in the top three, or will Cinnamoroll secure yet another victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the celebration of Sanrio's characters is set to continue, bringing joy and excitement to fans around the world.
