Sanrio has announced the preliminary results of the 2025 Sanrio Character Awards, a highly anticipated event celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The initial rankings, released on April 15, 2025, show Pom Pom Purin taking the lead, a remarkable comeback after finishing fourth last year.
In the latest standings, Cinnamoroll, a fan favorite aiming for a fifth consecutive victory, holds the second position, while Pochacco, who was the runner-up last year, occupies third place. This strong showing by the three major Sanrio dog characters—Pom Pom Purin, Cinnamoroll, and Pochacco—has captured the attention of fans and is indicative of their enduring popularity.
Pom Pom Purin, who has consistently ranked in the top three since 2015, has claimed first place twice, second place six times, and third place once. Despite a disappointing fourth place finish in 2024, this year's preliminary results mark a significant return to form. As the voting continues until May 25, 2025, fans are eager to see if Pom Pom Purin can maintain this momentum.
The top five rankings also include Kuromi, in fourth place, and Hello Kitty, who remains a staple in the competition, finishing fifth. My Melody and Little Twin Stars, both celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, along with Hangyodon, marking its 40th anniversary, are also performing well, with My Melody in sixth place and Hangyodon in seventh. Additionally, Hanamaru Obake, a rookie character making its second appearance, has jumped to eighth place from last year’s 14th position.
In a special twist for this year’s event, Sanrio has introduced the 40th Anniversary Special Award, which honors the character that ranks 40th. This year, the honor goes to yoshikitty, a character inspired by YOSHIKI of the rock band X JAPAN, who transformed from Hello Kitty. This unique award adds an exciting layer to the competition, celebrating not just popularity but also the legacy of Sanrio characters.
The preliminary rankings are based on votes collected from various platforms, including online voting and votes cast at Sanrio shops and mass retailers. The voting period began on April 10, 2025, and will conclude on May 25, 2025. Fans can look forward to the next update, where intermediate rankings will be announced on May 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
As the excitement builds, the final results will be unveiled on June 29, 2025, during the SANRIO FES 2025 event at Pacifico Yokohama. This year marks the first time the festival will span two days, with festivities scheduled for June 28 and 29. Attendees can expect a variety of engaging activities, including special live performances and appearances by the top-ranked characters.
In addition to the domestic rankings, Sanrio has also shared preliminary results for overseas voting, where Pom Pom Purin has emerged as the top character in nine countries and regions. Notably, ChocoCat has topped the rankings in both the United States and Brazil, showcasing the global appeal of these beloved characters.
The 2025 Sanrio Character Awards is a celebration of the creativity and charm that Sanrio characters bring to fans around the world. With over 450 characters to choose from, the event has captured the hearts of many, making it a significant cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond. As the voting continues, fans are encouraged to support their favorite characters and participate in the excitement leading up to the final results in June.
This year’s event not only highlights the popularity of classic characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody but also gives newcomers like Hanamaru Obake a chance to shine. As the competition unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how the rankings evolve and which characters ultimately take home the top honors.
As we await the next update, the anticipation for the final results continues to grow. Fans are reminded to cast their votes and keep an eye on the developments leading up to the SANRIO FES 2025, where the culmination of this beloved event will be celebrated in style.
