#Japan #Yokohama #Sanrio #Pom Pom Purin #Bad Badtz-Maru

Pom Pom Purin Reclaims the Crown

In a dazzling spectacle held at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall on June 28-29, 2025, Sanrio celebrated its 40th anniversary of the annual character awards, featuring the beloved Pom Pom Purin winning first place for the first time in nine years. This year’s event, titled "SANRIO FES 2025," was historic, as it marked the first two-day celebration in its history, attracting approximately 1.46 million attendees, both in person and online.

A Thrilling Announcement

On Day 2, the exhilarating announcement of the Grand Prix results took center stage, where Pom Pom Purin triumphed with overwhelming joy, marking its fourth time at the top. The event was packed with energy as fans cheered on their favorite characters. The atmosphere was electric, and each reveal was met with screams and applause, particularly for the top three finalists: Pom Pom Purin, Chococat, and the ever-popular Cinnamon Roll. The beloved Cinnamon Roll expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for all your support; together we can soar into the future!" Meanwhile, Pom Pom Purin joyfully declared, "I can't believe I'm first place! Thank you so much for your support. I want to treat everyone to some delicious food as a thank you!"

Special Guest Appearance

An exciting moment occurred when Anon, a popular figure and collaborator of Bad Badtz-Maru, took to the stage, adding an exciting twist to the event. Anon beamed with enthusiasm, exclaiming, "The applause was absolutely incredible!" Speaking of her favorite character, Bad Badtz-Maru, she shared, "I voted for Badtz-Maru! I'm so happy to meet him, and it was fun to enter together in the partner category." Not only did Anon’s energy hype the crowd, but it also brought joy to many who resonated in the camaraderie of the characters.

Celebrating Anniversaries

The festivities didn’t stop there! The event featured the “Anniversary Stage,” honoring beloved characters celebrating significant milestones, including My Melody (50 years), Kuromi (20 years), and many more. Each character participated in quizzes and interactive games, enriching the experience for attendees.

Moreover, the "Sanrio Character Special Live" offered new song performances by the Little Twin Stars and exciting routines by My Melody and Kuromi, culminating in a memorable moment that delighted everyone. It was a colorful goodbye to longstanding parades like the "Miracle Gift Parade" at Sanrio Puroland, expected to conclude later this year.

A Wonderland of Activities

The event also featured an array of activities and attractions that allowed fans to immerse themselves in the Sanrio universe. New playgrounds for kids, thrilling rides like the Gudetama air slide, and character mini shows meant there was something for everyone. Visitors were thrilled to take photos at designated spots, purchase exclusive merchandise, and send messages to their favorite characters.

This year’s event truly encapsulated the spirit of Sanrio, creating a sense of community and joy among fans. An archive of the event is available on YouTube for those who wish to relive the excitement or who missed out on the fun.

In conclusion, SANRIO FES 2025 was not only an event to remember but also a celebration that brought together characters, fans, and the magic of Sanrio’s legacy, ensuring that the love for these endearing characters continues to thrive.