The Results of the 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix Are Here!

The anticipation has finally come to an end as Sanrio Co., Ltd. announced the results of the 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix, a beloved voting event where fans help choose their favorite characters from a vast lineup. This year has seen unprecedented engagement, with a staggering total of 70,647,379 votes—marking an impressive 112% increase from the previous year!

Celebrating PomPomPurin's Reign

Leading the charge is none other than PomPomPurin, who has not only secured the first place but has done so for the second consecutive year and the fifth time in total. Celebrating his 30th anniversary, PomPomPurin accumulated over 7 million votes, demonstrating his unwavering charm and popularity among fans. In the initial rankings, it appeared that Cinnamonroll was going to steal the spotlight, but PomPomPurin triumphed in the final stretch.

Top Three Characters

Completing the podium are:

- Cinnamonroll at 2nd place
- Pochacco rounding off the top 3.

These three canine characters, adored for their unique personalities and charm, have consistently captured the hearts of fans globally. Furthermore, there were notable improvements from other characters this year. Pekkle, the duck character, celebrated a remarkable rise from 10th to 6th place.

Rising Stars

The My Sweet Piano character also saw a notable jump, moving up from 18th to 13th place. The competition showcased a diverse range of characters, each reflecting their own distinctive appeal and individuality, which once again captivated fans.

The top five of the overall rankings sees:
1. PomPomPurin
2. Cinnamonroll
3. Pochacco
4. Kuromi
5. Hello Kitty

The characters continue to earn fondness and appreciation from fans worldwide year after year.

Special Awards and Recognition

The event also recognized special achievements such as the 41st Special Award, which went to Monkichi the monkey, who took 41st place. Meanwhile, Buddy Eddie received the Jump Up Award after leaping an impressive 35 ranks from last year's position. The Friendship Cheer Award was awarded to the trio of Pochacco, Pekkle, and Tuxedo Sam, fostering the spirit of camaraderie.

International Appeal

On the global stage, PomPomPurin dominated rankings in nine countries and regions, while Cinnamonroll claimed first place in four. The competition extended its reach far beyond Japan, showcasing the universal appeal of these characters.

Partner Division Highlights

In the newly established 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix Partner Division, there were 40 teams featuring partnerships between Sanrio characters and various organizations. Shirotan x Sanrio Characters, featuring the adorable seal character, took home the top honors.

Unique New Categories

Introducing the HappyLeena Friends Division this year, which highlighted characters that resonated strongly with the audience. The charming Chocochira, a chinchilla character, won all three awards within this category—demonstrating popular affection.

Upcoming Celebrations and Events

Looking ahead, from September 2026, a special stage show will tour across 12 venues nationwide, featuring the top 10 characters alongside performances and interactive opportunities for fans. This event aims to express gratitude for the extensive support received through fan engagement.

For more information on this event and the rankings, visit the official results page.

The Heartfelt Reactions

The top three characters expressed their gratitude towards fans:

- PomPomPurin: "Yay! I’m so happy! Thank you so much for all your support! I love you all! Let’s keep this going!"
- Cinnamonroll: "Hehe, I’m really happy! I felt all your cheers! Thank you!"
- Pochacco: "Everyone, thank you so much for all your support! Let’s continue to be friends forever!"

The Legacy Continues

The Sanrio Character Grand Prix, which began in 1986 in the pages of the company's official magazine, Ichigo Shimbun, continues to be a platform for celebrating character popularity. This year's theme,