Sanrio fans are set for exciting announcements as the beloved characters from the 2024 Sanrio Character Award are featured in the upcoming Sanrio Character Lottery, which will roll out nationwide starting March 22, 2025. The lottery will introduce adorable merchandise themed after the top three characters from the awards: Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, and Kuromi.
The lottery, priced at 990 yen per draw, promises unique goods showcasing the characters enjoying springtime adventures. Plush toys, tote bags, pet bottle holders, hand towels, mugs, sacoches, and storage containers will all be available, enticing fans to participate. This will surely delight fans, especially those who have followed these characters through decades of Sanrio charm.
"The lottery features original designs of our characters, exuding the essence of spring and joy," shared one of the designers involved, emphasizing the fun and engaging nature of the event.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there; Sanrio also announced the 2025 Sanrio Character Award, set to begin on April 10, 2025. This year marks the event's 40th anniversary, and the theme is "To the Future with You, Jump!" Enthusiasts will have until May 25 to cast their votes among over 450 participating characters. The final results will be revealed on June 29 during the Sanrio Festival 2025 at Pacifico Yokohama.
“Our characters have stood the test of time, and this event celebrates their legacy,” said Sanrio's spokesperson. “We’re excited for fans to share their love through voting and celebrating together.”
Preliminary rankings will be provided throughout the voting period, with the first report listing the top ten contenders set for April 15, 2025. Fans can expect additional announcements on April 25 and May 13 for rankings up to 20. The results announcement will culminate at the Sanrio Festival, which is expected to be filled with festivities, including designer signings and live character greetings.
For the 2025 Sanrio Character Award, there will also be a separate voting event for the Partner Department, running parallel to the main event. Voting will remain accessible to everyone, with improvements announced for physical store voting methods, bringing fresh engagement for customers visiting Sanrio shops. Voting can also occur via the Sanrio online shop and through magazine cards released with the Strawberry Newspaper.
Sanrio has long been known for its innovative ways to connect with fans. Events like these encourage community building, showcasing fans' favorite characters and making them more accessible than ever. The Sanrio Character Lottery is just one way the brand continues to adapt and excite its audience, ensuring everyone's beloved characters remain key players at the forefront of popular culture.
Whether fans are eager to collect exclusive merchandise or vote for their favorite characters, the anticipation builds as both events approach. The Sanrio community is set to celebrate milestones and make new memories with these quintessential characters!