Surprises in the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking: A Pig? A Grandma? Unexpected Trivia and International Favorites Including Myaku-Myaku Collabs

The Partner Category: TWICE, Myaku-Myaku, and More

ーThe Partner Category running alongside the main ranking offers another layer of fun, doesn't it?

"Yes, the Partner Category includes collaborations with various municipalities and companies. This year, we’ve also partnered with artists. There’s the collaboration between TWICE’s official characters TWICE LOVELYS and Sanrio characters, A-no-san with Bad Badtz-Maru, and Leon Niihama with Reosuke. One special highlight this year is the collaboration between Hello Kitty and Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. The merch is proving to be incredibly popular."

Surprising Characters from the Past: A Pig? A Grandma?

ーThere are 90 characters entered this year, and social media is full of reactions like “I didn’t know this character existed!” Could you share some trivia from the Sanrio Character Ranking?

Sure. One surprising fact for some is that Zashikibuta—a pig—was the very first champion of the Sanrio Character Ranking 40 years ago. Some younger fans have reacted with, “Wait, a pig was the first winner?” Zashikibuta is Sanrio’s iconic pig character, although his appearances have been limited in recent years. But for those around their 50s, he was a familiar presence in childhood, with lots of merchandise available back then.

ーThere’s also a grandma character called Ume-ya Zakkaten that surprised some people.

Yes, she’s Grandma Ume, who runs a general goods store. She debuted in 1986, and her “pocket money notebook” was a huge hit at the time. Some people might find her quite nostalgic.

Revival Characters Making a Comeback

ーAre there any “comeback” characters to watch for this year?

"Yes, we have three comeback entries: CHERINACHERINE, Pandapple, and Sweet Coron. CHERINACHERINE are fairy girls living in the Cherry Forest who debuted in 2008. Their last appearance in the ranking was in 2023. Pandapple is a cheerful panda boy who loves apples, debuted in 2002, and last entered in 2013 and 2015. Sweet Coron is a tiny male honeybee who appeared in the rankings in 2001, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. We hope fans are happy to see these beloved characters back."

Who Likes What? Age-Based Preferences

ーIt seems different generations have different favorites. Could you explain how preferences vary by age?

"Among teens and people in their 20s, Kuromi and Pochacco are particularly popular. Cinnamoroll, who debuted in 2002, is widely supported by those born in the late '90s and early 2000s. Little Twin Stars are especially beloved by those in their 40s and older, likely because they grew up with them. Among male fans, Bad Badtz-Maru, Gudetama, and Keroppi are fan favorites."

Experience the Full Depth of Sanrio’s World

ーThis all really highlights the depth of the Sanrio character universe.

"Thank you! We hope fans enjoy browsing the entry list or playing the silhouette guessing game on the official site. Voting is free and easy via the official website, so we encourage everyone to find and support their favorite character!"

Source : ORICON NEWS