Sanrio, the company that brought you Hello Kitty, has revealed their top characters of 2017! This spring, fans voted for their Sanrio favorites. The top 100 from over 450 characters were selected. The voting event has become a yearly tradition since it first began in 1986. This year’s theme is “Everyone is different. Everyone is cute.”
The Top Winner: Cinnamoroll
Cinnamoroll, the floppy-eared puppy born in 2001, has been selected as this year’s most popular character in the Sanrio universe! This white pup is known for his tail which curls like a cinnamon roll, and his shy but cheerful demeanor. And of course, his long, floppy ears which he uses to fly!
2nd Place: Pompompurin
Pompompurin may have lost the top spot on the list, but he is still one of Sanrio’s most popular characters! Born in 1996, Pompompurin has become massively popular in recent years. According to his official profile, the chubby doggy collects shoes, has a talent for napping, and loves eating pudding, which, coincidentally, he also resembles!
3rd Place: My Melody
One of the classic Sanrio characters is still a fan favorite. My Melody, an adorable white rabbit known for her signature hood, is as popular now as when she made her debut in the 1970s. She loves baking cookies and eating cakes, and has a sweet temperament to match! She is often playing with her best friend, a mouse by the name of Flat.
4th Place: Hello Kitty
It comes as no surprise that the signature character of Sanrio, Hello Kitty, is among the top five most popular characters, even to this day! Kitty has remained a favorite of fans young and old, from all over the world since her debut in 1974, and has become a symbol of Japan’s kawaii culture.
5th Place: Gudetama
Gudetama is one of the most recent characters on the ranking, having made his debut in 2013. This egg known for his lackadaisical and lazy (‘gude-gude’ in Japanese) mannerisms has endeared him to Sanrio fans, making him an instant hit!
6th Place: Little Twin Stars
Kiki and Lala, known as the Little Twin Stars, are another example that proves that classic Sanrio characters are still as popular as they’ve ever been! The whimsical brother and sister pair were born on Omoiyari Star, and love drawing, writing poems, star-fishing, and inventing!
Even More Sanrio!
If you are interested in seeing the full ranking, visit the Sanrio official website for all 100 characters on the list. Which Sanrio character holds a special place in your heart? The classic kawaii Hello Kitty? The modern and lazy charm of Gudetama? Just remember, if your favorite didn’t make the list, there is always next year’s ranking!
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