Sanrio has finally announced news about the 36th annual Sanrio Character Ranking. This year’s award event, the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking, will open initial votes on April 9 to May 24 when fans can vote for their favourite character from Sanrio’s roster. As with previous years, the 2021 run will also welcome the “Collaboration Category” of the awards which will feature 27 character entries from those who have collaborated with other companies and businesses over the past year.
Ichigo Shimbun is a monthly magazine published by Sanrio. It not only includes information about the latest character merchandise, but is also the place where the Sanrio Character Ranking first began in 1986. From Sanrio’s long list of over 450 characters, just 80 are entered into the awards each year. Cinnamoroll took first place for the 3rd year in a row at the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking which we covered in detail, including the initial first round up of winners and second round up.
Normally, the results are announced in-person at a big event. This year’s announcement gathering was originally scheduled for June 8, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now be hosted online instead, and fans will also be able to vote using the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+.
This year’s 80 entrants are now being rolled out over on the official Sanrio Character Awards Twitter page.
This Year’s Award Theme: “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future”
Every Sanrio Character Awards has a theme, and this year’s is, “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future.” The “new world” refers to the future of Sanrio—which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year—that fans will bear witness to. The key visuals for the 2021 Sanrio Character Awards have the characters holding a magnifying glass with which they are peeking into that new world.
New Entrants Announce Everyday On the Official Twitter Page
The Sanrio Character Rankings’ official Twitter page will post the key visuals and personal messages from all 80 entrants on its official Twitter page between February 26 to March 31. Leading this year’s awards ceremony are the popular characters Kuromi, Badtz-Maru, and Hangyodon. Voting opened on February 25.
How to Cast Your Vote
Votes for the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking can be cast online, at Sanrio shops, and for the first time, on the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+. Votes for the Collaboration Category however can only be placed online. Last year’s vote was open to all fans worldwide. It is unconfirmed whether this year will be the same, but stay tuned as we follow the event.
- Online Votes (Smartphone Only) *Cannot be cast on computers or tablets
- Sanrio Shops
- Sanrio Online Shop
- Ichigo Shimbun (May 2021 Issue, on sale April 10 / June 2021 Issue, on sale May 10).
*Ichigo Shimbun voting open from April 10
- Sanrio+ Members Smile Vote (Sanrio Shops/Online Votes)
- Sanrio+ Members Ticket Vote (Online Votes) *More info TBA
- Other Voting Methods (TBA)
Vote With Sanrio+
Sanrio+ allows members to exchange 100 Smiles (the currency on the Sanrio Shop) for two voting chips. Members can exchange a maximum of 1,000 smiles for 20 chips in one go. The chips are spent at the voting box on the Sanrio Shop. One chip counts for a total of three votes.
Additionally, when members first log in to Sanrio+ on the voting website, they can used 50 Smiles to cast one vote. Members can vote with a maximum of 500 smiles in one day. One Smile vote counts for a total of two votes.
Stay tuned for the latest news and updates on the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking.
Information
2021 Sanrio Character Ranking
Running: April 9, 2021 – May 24, 2021 (From April 10 in Ichigo Shimbun)
First Round-Up Announcements: April 14, 2021 at Noon (JST)
Second Round-Up Announcements: May 13, 2021 at Noon (JST)
Winner Announcement: June 8, 2021 (Online event, details TBA)
News Page: https://www.sanrio.co.jp/news/mx-ranking2021-20210225/
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Sanrio Puroland Opens New Sensory Show Fusing Real and Virtual Worlds
Starting July 15, Sanrio Puroland will premiere a new show, Nakayoku Connect. The unique hands-on experience will blend both the real and virtual worlds.
The interactive show Nakayoku Connect is set to introduce a new type of entertainment that combines a real live show filled with twinkling lights and lasers set to pop dance music with a virtual world. This is the first new show to be performed at Puro Village in three years, since Wish me mell’s Chance for You began in September 2019. This will also be the first time in about two years–since the temporary closure in 2020–that regular shows will be held in Puro Village during business hours.
For the first time ever, this show will be presented not only in Puroland, but virtually as well. Visitors are welcome to enjoy this unprecedented experimental show incorporating the world around us and the world inside the computer.
In Japanese, Nakayoku means ‘to care about friends’ and ‘to get along happily.’ The creators of the show believe that this is an important value to think about today, and visitors will enjoy seeing their favorite characters, from Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel to Bad Badtz-Maru and Kogimyun. The live and virtual shows will be performed simultaneously, and the characters will wear new costumes inspired by the concept of retro-futurism.
For a more immersive experience, the show will utilize a ‘fiber beam’ for the first time ever. Harmless to the body, the entirety of Puro Village will be illuminated, with the lights and animations linked to the show’s music. Come enjoy this brand-new experience!
Information
Hands-on Show ‘Nakayoku Connect’
Running: July 15, 2022 – End Date TBD
Venue: Puro Village
Runtime: Around 15 minutes
Details: https://www.puroland.jp/nakayoku_connect/Official Site: https://www.puroland.jp/
-
Sanrio to Create Original Character Inspired by Boy Band JO1
19.June.2022 | FASHION
Sanrio and LAPONE Entertainment have teamed up to launch the JO1 x Sanrio Character Development Project to create a new character inspired by the globally popular boy band JO1.
The new project combines JO1’s creativity with Sanrio’s beloved branding to create a character embodying the member’s strengths. JO1 announced the project during the 2022 SANRIO FES at Pacifico Yokohama North on June 12. A teaser has also been posted on the official JO1 YouTube channel. A special program will closely follow the project and new episodes will be posted on YouTube in the future, so be sure to watch!
Teaser Video
JO1’s marketing department has been tasked with making the group’s fans feel even closer, and the new character will be a kind of ‘alter ego’ of JO1. It’s unclear what kind of character we’ll see at the end of this, but fans are excited to find out!
©’22 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ ©️LAPONE ENTERTAINMENT
Information
JO1 x Sanrio Character Development Project Official Site: https://www.sanrio.co.jp/special/jo1
-
Final Results of 2022 Sanrio Character Ranking Announced
16.June.2022 | FASHION
The results are in! The annual Sanrio Character Award tallies millions of votes to discover which of the company’s 450 characters is the fan favorite for the year. In 2022, nearly 26.5 million people cast their vote, totaling up to 124% of last year’s turnout.
Taking the top spot for the third year in a row is Cinnamoroll, almost reaching 3 million votes. The character is celebrating his 20th anniversary this year, so it’s fitting that he should take home the trophy!
Pompompurin came in second. The adorable dog has been in the top three for the past eight years and managed to rack up nearly 2.4 million votes. Surprisingly, Kuromi came in third, surpassing her rival My Melody for the first time ever. This was also the first time in the history of the competition that Kuromi has ranked in the top three.
Hangyodon ranked eighth, becoming the first new character in the top ten in 34 years. The fish character has been seeing increased popularity over the past year.All rankings are available to view on the official website, so be sure to take a look to find out where your favorite sits!
©’22 SANRIO S/D·G S/F·G SP-M 著作 (株)サンリオ
Information
Official Site: https://ranking.sanrio.co.jp
-
Godiva Cafe Releases Drinks and Goods Inspired by Sanrio’s Hapidanbui
Godiva Cafe first collaborated with Sanrio’s Hapidanbui collective in February of this year. The second collaboration will begin on June 15, 2022!
Hapidanbui Chocolixer – White Chocolate Cacao 27% / Cacao 50%
Hapidanbui Godiva Cafe Original Pouch (with Godiva Soft Cookie)
The second collaboration will highlight the characters Pochacco and Pekkle. Godiva Cafe’s iconic drink, the Chocolixer, will be available in a special sleeve, and an original sticker will be handed out with each purchase.
Pochakko and Peckle pouches designed exclusively for the collaboration will also be available in-store while supplies last!
© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L630772
Information
Godiva Cafe x Hapidanbui – 2nd Collaboration
Hapidanbui Chocolixer
Price: ¥680 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Godiva Cafe locations nationwide
Available: June 15 – end of August
Hapidanbui Godiva Cafe Original Pouch
Price: ¥1,850 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Godiva Cafe locations nationwideAvailable: June 15 while supplies last
Official Site: https://www.godiva.co.jp/
-
Kura Sushi Begins Exclusive Sanrio Characters Collaboration Campaign
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the popular Sanrio character Cinnamoroll, a new campaign has begun at Kura Sushi locations around Japan! Popular Sanrio characters have gathered for a ‘Sushi Party,’ and guests can look forward to a new collection of original merchandise.
During the event period, customers are invited to partake in a game when they visit Kura Sushi. For every five plates, they will be entered to win a piece of original merchandise including clear folders, pins, and more!
Starting June 24, guests spending ¥2,500 or more will receive a clear folder featuring Sanrio characters (4 varieties).
Visitors to the Kura Sushi location in Harajuku will be able to grab an Apple Cinnamon W Cream crepe featuring a special Cinnamoroll illustration. Combining apple compote, cinnamon, and custard, this sweet treat not only offers the sweetness and softness of apples but is also perfect for posting on social media! The pale blue whipped cream is inspired by Cinnamoroll’s coloring.Come celebrate Cinnamoroll’s 20th anniversary at Kura Sushi!
©2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L631475
Information
Sanrio Characters Collaboration Campaign
Running: June 10 – June 30, 2022Official Site: https://www.kurasushi.co.jp/
-
Natural Donut Shop Floresta Collaborating with Sanrio Character Hangyodon for a Limited Time
04.June.2022 | FOOD
From June 4 until June 25, the handmade donut shop Floresta will be offering donuts inspired by the Sanrio character Hangyodon! These treats, made from all-natural ingredients, will be available at Floresta shops and at the online store.
Hangyodon Collaboration Donuts
Part One: June 4 – June 14 / Ring Donuts, 2 varieties (Black Sesame / Strawberry)
Part 2: June 15 – June 25 / Donut Hole Cup, 1 variety (Hangyodon & Sayuri)
Hangyodon has become popular with men and women of all ages for his big round eyes and pouty lips.
During the first part of the collaboration, the donuts were made with an image in mind of Hangyodon playing around on a pool float. Floresta’s special white chocolate was kneaded with black sesame and strawberry powder to create two mildly-sweet donuts.
The second part of the collaboration also includes Hangyodon’s friend, Sayuri the Octopus. Customers can enjoy a cup of donut holes perfect for kids and adults alike.
Although these sweet treats may be colorful, they were made with all-natural ingredients and are free of synthetic colors, fragrances, and preservatives.
Enjoy these donuts yourself, buy them for a friend, or bring them to a family get-together. You’ll make everyone very happy!
© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L631150
Information
Handmade Donut Shop Floresta – Hangyodon Collaboration Donuts
Available: June 4 – June 25, 2022
Where to Buy: Floresta Shops, Online Store
Online Store: https://floresta-ec.jp/
Official Site: https://www.nature-doughnuts.jp
-
Sanrio Characters Inspire Limited Edition Sweets at Ministop Convenience Stores
23.May.2022 | FOOD
Japanese convenience store chain Ministop has just released some original sweets inspired by Sanrio’s most popular characters! The sweets are served up in adorable glasses and are only available while supplies last.
Sanrio Characters Black Tea Brownie
Design: Kerokerokeroppi, Hello Kitty, Tuxedo Sam, Marroncream
Sanrio Characters Chocolate Brownie
The pastel-colored glasses have a retro feel and can be reused as drinking glasses or containers for homemade sweets. Sustainable and adorable, come grab these brownies while you can!
Ⓒ 2022 SANRIO CO.,LTD
Information
Ministop x Sanrio Characters
Black Tea Brownie / Sanrio Characters Chocolate Brownie
Price: ¥465 (Tax Included)
Available: May 19 – June 2, 2022
-
Create Your Own Sanrio Character Goods at Sanrio Puroland’s Fan Workshop
22.May.2022 | FASHION
Ever wanted to make your own Sanrio merch featuring your favorite character? Starting May 23, the official Puroland online store will launch the Sanrio Puroland Fan Workshop, allowing users to print their favorite characters onto any merch they like!
In Japanese, the word oshi is used to refer to a person’s favorite character or member of an idol group.Fans of Sanrio characters have always come to Puroland to meet their favorites in person and to purchase goods. The Sanrio Puroland Fan Workshop can be used to create original merchandise featuring characters not often seen at Puroland. Visitors need only select an image of their favorite character and a base item to be shipped to their home at a later date.
A total of 18 different characters (some included in group images) and 96 images are available to choose from. By combining these images with the available items, over 384 combinations can be created! Customers can choose from T-shirts, tote bags, hand towels, and more.
© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ
Information
Sanrio Puroland Fan Workshop
Where to Buy: Sanrio Puroland Online
-
Tokyo’s TeNQ Space Museum to Host Cinnamoroll 20th Anniversary Exhibition
20.May.2022 | SPOT
Tokyo’s TeNQ Space Museum, located in Tokyo Dome City, will hold a special Cinnamoroll exhibition to celebrate the Sanrio character’s 20th anniversary! The adorable white puppy won first place at the Sanrio Character Awards for two consecutive years and has been a beloved part of Sanrio’s lineup for two decades. From July 7 until October 17, guests can visit this unique walk through Cinnamoroll’s history. The exhibition’s key visual has been unveiled ahead of the event.
Clear Folder
Face Towel
Postcard (2 varieties)
Visitors will learn tons of Cinnamoroll trivia at the exhibition and can also participate in Cinnamoroll Roulette, a fun fortune-telling event!
In addition, the first-ever Cinnamoroll Strawberry News Poster Gallery will be available to peruse. An academic exhibit unique to TeNQ where visitors can learn about the many kinds of clouds will also be opened in honor of Cinnamoroll, who was born on a fluffy cloud in the sky. Original merchandise will also make an appearance. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family!
©2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP630141
Information
Cinnamoroll Meets TeNQ
Running: July 7 – October 17, 2022
Venue: TeNQ Space Museum
Details: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/
-
Hilton Osaka to Hold Cinnamoroll and Sanrio Character Sweets Buffet
Folk Kitchen, a restaurant on the second floor of Hilton Osaka, will hold the Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~ from May 20 until September 11, 2022. The event is being held to celebrate Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochakko coming in first, second, and third in the Sanrio Character Awards. A lineup of 25 different sweets will be available, including those filled with summer fruits like mango, peach, and watermelon! In addition, a “Zero Leftovers Campaign” will be implemented–so be sure to clear your plate!
Happy Festival Heart Mousse
Joyful Pink Cake / Lime & Raspberry
Fluffy and Crunchy Mango Pavlova
Decorated with chocolate and adorable character designs, the Happy Festival Heart Mousse is a scrumptious dish blending the flavor of banana, caramel, and rum. The Joyful Pink Cake will be a smash-hit with Sanrio lovers, featuring the soft taste of white mousse and raspberry compote with a fresh lime flavor. Tons of other original sweets will be available, including everything from gingerbread to orange tarts.
Visitors can also find plenty of vegan sweets. Summer Blue Sky Jello features contrasting colors of pineapple pulp and soymilk cream that look like clouds floating against a summer sky. Be sure to try the Almond & Watermelon Jello and Grapefruit and Lychee Jello too!
Information
Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~
Venue: Hilton Osaka 2F / Folk Kitchen
Running: Every Day from May 20 – September 11
Hours: 15:00-16:30
Details: https://osaka.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/sweetsbuffet/folkkitchen-2205Official Site: http://www.hiltonosaka.com
-
Soft and Adorable yoshikitty Pastel Moon Plushies Available for Preorder
13.May.2022 | FASHION
Yoshikitty, a character formed in collaboration between Hello Kitty and rock legend YOSHIKI, is being featured in an adorable new collection! Items in the Moon Pastel collection are now available to preorder at the Asunaro Online Store and the yoshikitty Online Shop.
Yoshikitty first debuted in 2009 as a collaboration between YOSHIKI of X JAPAN and Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty. These new plushies were inspired by YOSHIKI’s hairstyle when he first debuted and his classic purple eyeshadow.
Since the character’s creation, over 10 different designs have been released. The Pastel Moon Series is a first, showing a different side to the usual grungy rock ‘n roll vibe. No one expected a fluffy unicorn yoshikitty with such soft colors!
Medium Plush : ¥5,800 (Tax Included) / Large Plushie: ¥8,800 (Tax Included)
Colorful Charm (Chain not included) : ¥1,100 (Tax Included)
The collection includes two plush toys, a mascot keychain, a colorful charm, and two reusable bags. Will you be snagging anything?
ⓒ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L630897
ⓒ 2022 Japan Music Agency Co., Ltd.
Information
yoshikitty Pastel Moon Series
Preorders Open Now
Where to Buy:
Asunaro Online Shop https://asunaro.shop-pro.jp/
yoshikitty Online Shop: https://www.yoshikitty.shop/
-
Sanrio Inspired Touken Ranbu Collaboration Cafes to Open in Shibuya and Nagoya PARCO
08.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
Touken Ranbu has become a worldwide phenomenon over the past decade. The handsome characters are a hit with female fans, and now, PARCO is teaming up with Sanrio to reimagine everyone’s favorite swords-turned-dudes into chibi, pastel versions of themselves. Fans can enjoy seeing the kawaii form of their favorite characters at a special collaboration cafe coming to Shibuya and Nagoya soon.
Lineup at a Glance
Menu
Kogitsunemaru’s Lunch Plate for Kids
Oodenta Mitsuyo and Sohayanotsurugi’s Mini Burger Plate
Izuminokami Kanesada and Horikawa Kunihiro’s Berry Pancakes
Konnosuke’s Fruit Parfait
Goods
Acrylic Pick A (20 varieties): ¥440 each
Acrylic Pick B (20 varieties): ¥440 each
Acrylic Magnet Round 2, Set A (Random, 20 varieties): ¥550 each
Acrylic Magnet Round 2, Set B (Random, 20 varieties): ¥550 each
The cafe will offer an original menu inspired by the characters from the free-to-play video game and anime series. A shop attached to the collaboration cafe will also be selling original merchandise, so fans won’t want to miss stocking up.
Information
Wanpaku! Touken Ranbu Cafe #2
Tokyo
Venue: Shibuya TOKYO PARADE Goods & Cafe (Shibuya PARCO 6F)
Running: May 21 – July 11, 2022
Official Site: https://cafe.parco.jp/parade/Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOKYO_PARADE_
Aichi
Venue: Nagoya THE GUEST Cafe & Diner (Nagoya PARCO West Building 8F)
Running: June 10 – July 19, 2022Official Site: http://www.parco.co.jp