2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Midterm Results: Pompompurin Takes Back the No.1 Spot

Pompompurin has surged to first place in the midterm results of the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking, Sanrio’s annual popularity poll featuring beloved Sanrio characters.

Pompompurin Climbs to First Place in 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Midterm Results

Sanrio announced the midterm rankings for the “2026 Sanrio Character Ranking,” revealing the current Top 20 characters as well as the Top 5 rankings by overseas countries and regions. This marks the final ranking update during the voting period, which runs through May 24. The final results will be announced on June 28.

The rankings are based on web votes collected between April 9 at 11:00 a.m. and May 6 at 11:59 p.m., including votes cast at Sanrio shops and through voting cards distributed at participating retailers.

Originally launched in 1986 through Sanrio’s official monthly publication Ichigo Shimbun, the Sanrio Character Ranking is a large scale popularity event where fans vote among more than 450 Sanrio characters. This year, 90 characters entered the competition. Sanrio also introduced a new voting system in 2026, making participation easier than ever.

Pompompurin, who reclaimed the top spot last year for the first time in nine years, rose from second place in the initial report to first place in the midterm rankings. The character also ranked first in 11 countries and regions, showing strong international popularity.

Cinnamoroll ranked second, following its second place finish in the 2025 final results, while Pochacco placed third once again, matching its 2025 performance.

Popular Sanrio Characters Continue Strong Performances

Other fan favorite characters including Kuromi, Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars also maintained high rankings.

Ahiru no Pekkle, who entered the Top 10 last year for the first time in 31 years, held steady at seventh place without dropping from the initial report rankings. Members of the Hapidanbui unit, including Hangyodon, Bad Badtz-Maru, Tuxedosam, and Kerokerokeroppi, also continued to attract strong support.

Meanwhile, My Sweet Piano, a close friend of My Melody, made a significant jump to 13th place after previously finishing 18th in 2025.

Special Awards and Partner Division Highlights

To celebrate the 41st edition of the Sanrio Character Ranking, Sanrio introduced a “41st Special Award” that will be presented to the character ranking 41st overall. In the midterm announcement, Osaru no Monkichi currently holds that position.

In the Partner Division, which features 40 collaborations between Sanrio characters and corporate or regional mascots, “Shirotan × Sanrio Characters” ranked first at the midpoint. Shirotan is a character modeled after the Sanrio character Tategoto Azarashi.

Sanrio also launched the new “Happilina Friends Division” this year. In the midterm rankings, the chinchilla girl character Chokochilla placed first in all three categories: “Want to Stay Together Award,” “Want to Collect More Award,” and “Want to Watch Their Stories Award.”

（C）2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. CHOCOLATE 著作株式会社サンリオ

Source : ORICON NEWS