#Japan #Yokohama #Sanrio #Cinnamoroll #PomPomPurin

2026 Sanrio Character Awards: Initial Rankings Unveiled

Sanrio, the beloved character company known for its charming creations, has revealed the preliminary rankings for the 2026 Sanrio Character Awards. This exciting announcement showcases the top 10 characters as a result of votes cast during the voting period from April 9 to April 12, 2026, with online and physical votes taken into account.
The final results will be officially presented at the Sanrio Fest 2026 event on June 28, held at Pacifico Yokohama. The early rankings generate buzz in the character fandom, hinting at the fervor and excitement surrounding the annual event.

The top spot in the preliminary rankings has been claimed by the ever-popular Cinnamoroll, who formerly dominated the awards with five consecutive first-place finishes from 2020 to 2024. Last year, however, he slipped to the second position, prompting speculation if this year could see his return to the top. Following Cinnamoroll, closely in second place is Pompompurin, who celebrates his 30th anniversary this year. The beloved golden retriever made a significant comeback by winning first place last year after a nine-year hiatus, enticing fans to rally behind him for a potential victory. The third position is occupied by Pochacco, rounding out the trio of top dog characters in the rankings.

The excitement doesn’t end there! Kawaii characters such as Kuromi, Hello Kitty, and My Melody continue to maintain strong placements in the rankings, proving their timeless appeal among fans. A notable mention is Peckle, who surprised everyone by scoring 7th place after making his first appearance in the top 10 in 31 years last year. Additional entries include Little Twin Stars in 8th, the enchanting Hanamaru Obake in 9th who rewards your efforts with a smile, and Bad Badtz-Maru in 10th. Enthusiasts are keenly watching how these ranks will evolve in future updates, with the mid-term announcements scheduled for May 12.

Sanrio has also introduced a unique special award this year, dubbed the 41st Special Award celebrating the event's 41st edition. Little Forest Fellow, who finished in 41st place in the preliminary results, becomes the first recipient of this honor, emphasizing the creativity behind Sanrio's initiatives.

On the global front, Cinnamoroll has showcased his universal charm, reigning as the top character in preliminary rankings across 7 out of 14 countries and regions participating. Fans outside Japan have shown robust support for their favorite characters, indicating Cinnamoroll's status as a global icon in the Sanrio realm.

In conjunction with the awards, the Sanrio Fest 2026 will take place in Minato Mirai on June 27 and 28, featuring a range of activities, character appearances, and the thrilling awards ceremony. The festival promises to be an immersive experience for fans, with a dedicated website available for ticket purchases and event details.

Event Information

• - Event Name: Sanrio Fest 2026 in Minato Mirai
• - Date: June 27-28, 2026 (10 AM - 6 PM)
• - Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Halls B, C, D and surrounding Minato Mirai areas
• - Website for Tickets: Sanrio Fest 2026

Tickets will be available for advance purchases with deadlines cutting off in early June. Special merchandise tied to the 2026 Sanrio Character Awards will also debut in four waves, with a selection available at Sanrio stores and online.

Conclusion

As the countdown to the final results continues, fans are filled with anticipation about who will take home the top honors in the upcoming 2026 Sanrio Character Awards. Stay tuned for updates and join in on the celebration of these beloved characters and their unique stories!