2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Officially Announced: 90 Characters Compete as Pompompurin Aims for Back to Back Victory in 30th Anniversary Year

The Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 has been officially announced, bringing together 90 beloved Sanrio characters in one of the largest popularity polls in Japan. The annual fan voting event will run from April 9 to May 24.

Sanrio also revealed that the Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 Partner Division will be held simultaneously. In this category, about 40 pairs of Sanrio characters and partner characters from companies and local governments are expected to participate.

Sanrio Character Ranking Returns With 90 Competing Characters

The Sanrio Character Ranking began in 1986 in the company’s official magazine Monthly Ichigo Shimbun. Since then, it has grown into a major fan driven event where characters selected from more than 450 Sanrio creations compete for votes to determine their ranking.

This year, 90 characters will take part in the competition. The participating characters will be announced daily beginning March 11 on the official Sanrio Character Ranking X account. A full list of entries will be released on April 1 through the official website.

In addition, Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai will be held on June 27 and 28. On June 28, the results announcement event for the Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 will take place at the main venue, Pacifico Yokohama.

Theme of the 2026 Event: “Smiling Ovation”

The theme for this year is “Cheering for Everyone Who Is Doing Their Best! Smiling Ovation!”

The phrase “Smiling Ovation” is a coined expression inspired by “standing ovation.” It reflects Sanrio’s wish to create an event where characters and fans support and celebrate each other while sharing smiles.

The key visual features Sanrio characters wearing cheerleading outfits and energetically encouraging fans while holding pom poms and megaphones.

Pompompurin Seeks Consecutive Wins

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Sanrio Character Ranking and recorded a total of 63,160,696 votes, the highest in the event’s history and a 111 percent increase compared with the previous year.

The top spot went to Pompompurin, who returned to first place for the fourth time overall and the first time in nine years. The character received strong support both in Japan and overseas.

Second place went to Cinnamoroll, followed by Pochacco in third place. These results meant that Sanrio’s three iconic dog characters dominated the top three positions.

At the results announcement event, the audience erupted in cheers each time rankings were revealed, and many fans were seen wiping away tears. Attention is now focused on how the rankings will unfold this year and whether Pompompurin, celebrating its 30th debut anniversary, can achieve first place for the second consecutive year.

New Category Planned for 2026

In addition to the Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 and the Partner Division, a new category is scheduled to be introduced this year. Further details about the new division will be announced in late March.

Sanrio Fes 2026 and Related Events

Sanrio also confirmed the return of Sanrio Fes, which attracted approximately 1.46 million fans last year through both in person attendance and online viewing.
Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai will be held with Exhibition Halls B, C, and D of Pacifico Yokohama serving as the main venue, while the Conference Center will function as a kids venue.

The results announcement stage for the Sanrio Character Ranking will also be live streamed to the kids venue via live viewing.

Additionally, collaboration with facilities around Minato Mirai Station has been confirmed, turning the entire area into a festive space decorated with Sanrio characters during the event period. Further details, including ticket information and collaboration content, will be announced at a later date.

Greeting Events at Sanrio Shops and Harmonyland

Sanrio shops across Japan will host a “Thank You for Your Support Greeting Event.” This event will feature characters that place within the top ten of the Sanrio Character Ranking 2026. Specific locations and dates will be announced later.

At Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland, a Sanrio Character Ranking Support Greeting event will also take place, allowing fans to express their support directly to the characters. More details will be announced on the official Harmonyland website.

Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 Schedule

Voting Period
April 9 at 11:00 AM to May 24 (all day)
First Results Update (Top 10)
April 14 at 1:00 PM
Sanrio+ Exclusive Ranking (Top 20)
April 24 at 12:00 PM
Midterm Results (Top 20)
May 12 at 1:00 PM

If logged in through Sanrio+ on the voting site, fans can view the full ranking from first to 90th place.

Final Results Announcement (1 to 90)
June 28 at 1:00 PM
Announced during Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai
Announcement times may be subject to change.

Participating Characters: 90

Sanrio Character Ranking 2026 Partner Division Schedule

Voting Period
April 9 at 11:00 AM to May 24
(Web voting only)
Midterm Announcement (Top 3)
May 12 at 1:00 PM
Final Results Announcement (Top 15)
June 28 at 1:00 PM
Announced during Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai

（C）2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. 著作 株式会社サンリオ

Source : ORICON NEWS