Pom Pom Purin Celebrates Mid-Term Victory at Sanrio Character Awards 2026

Excitement at the 2026 Sanrio Character Awards Mid-Term Event

On May 12, 2026, the Sanrio Company held a vibrant mid-term announcement event for the 2026 Sanrio Character Awards at the Ebisu Garden Place in Tokyo. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to celebrate their favorite characters, with Pom Pom Purin emerging as the winner of the mid-term rankings.

This year’s event was unique compared to previous announcements handled exclusively through social media. After the first ranking was disclosed on April 14, fans were treated to this live event, which combined in-person celebration with online streaming. The event theme, “Smiling Ovation: Cheers for Everyone Who is Trying Their Best!”, resonated deeply with attendees, who embarked on an enthusiastic journey of support.

The event featured a festive atmosphere, where fans armed with cheering fans and pom-poms welcomed the announcement of the top five characters. As each character took the stage, they passionately expressed gratitude to their supporters. The high point of the event was undoubtedly Pom Pom Purin's ecstatic response to securing the top spot, as he dashed around the venue, prompting fans to shake their pom-poms in jubilation.

In a spectacular tribute to its 30th anniversary, Pom Pom Purin showcased its popular hit “Pom Pom Beat with Pudding and Muffin”, alongside ten other beloved characters, including Cinnamonroll and Pochacco. The jubilant dance performance united the audience and characters in a whirlwind of energy and joy, celebrating the spirit of community and cheer that Sanrio embodies.

The event also served as a platform for the announcement of the mid-term rankings up to sixth place on Sanrio's official X account (@sanrio_ranking). Fans cheered as the characters walked the stage, and Pom Pom Purin, who ascended from second place to first, thanked everyone: "Thank you all for your tremendous support! It makes me so happy. Here’s a Pom Pom cheer for you all! Pom Pom!"

In addition to Pom Pom Purin, other rankings included characters such as Cinnamonroll at second place, Pochacco in third, Kuromi in fourth, and Hello Kitty in fifth. Each character took a moment to encourage their fans to keep pushing forward together.

The event ended with a charming parade, where characters paraded around the venue, engaging with fans and creating an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm. It was a heartwarming conclusion to a day that celebrated connection and joy between fans and their favorite characters. The anticipation builds for the final announcement of the winners, scheduled for June 28, 2026, at the Pacifico Yokohama during the Sanrio Fest 2026.

This year marks the continuous tradition of the Sanrio Character Awards, which began in 1986 through Sanrio’s monthly magazine, the Ichigo Newspaper. From over 450 characters, 90 participated in this year’s voting event, culminating in an exciting celebration of connection and creativity for all. Each character’s journey enriches the lives of fans, encouraging mutual support and positivity in the spirit of today's theme.

For fans eager to participate, voting for the Sanrio Character Awards is open until May 24, 2026, and can be done through Sanrio’s official ranking website. The results will officially unveil the champions after the festivities at the Sanrio Fest.

Let the cheers continue for your favorite characters, as Pom Pom Purin leads the way into a bright future of happiness and collaborative celebration with its cherished supporters!