If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling down a rabbit hole of pastel plushies, tiny notebooks, and Instagram-worthy merch, chances are you’ve encountered the wonderfully whimsical world of Sanrio characters. From global icons like Hello Kitty to lesser-known gems like Hangyodon, Sanrio’s cast is a goldmine of personality, nostalgia, and unbeatable cuteness. And if you’re already obsessed with cutie culture—think Chiikawa or Labubu—you’re in the right place.

But with over 400 characters in its catalog, how do you even begin to keep up? Don’t worry — we’ve got you. Whether you’re here to meet new characters, find your Sanrio soulmate, or just soak up the adorable energy, this guide is your one-stop shop.

But First – What is Sanrio?

Sanrio is a Japanese powerhouse known for designing and creating a delightful range of characters, stationery, gifts, and other adorable merchandise. With their signature kawaii aesthetic, Sanrio’s mission is simple: spread joy, friendship, and a whole lot of cuteness.

When was Sanrio founded?

Sanrio was born on August 10, 1960 — though back then, it went by the name Yamanashi Silk Company. Talk about an evolution!

What does “Sanrio” mean?

“Sanrio” comes from the Spanish words “San” (Saint) and “Rio” (River), which together translate to “Saint River.” The founder, Shintaro Tsuji, envisioned a name that captured a sense of purity and tranquility — a serene backdrop for the kawaii culture he wanted to build.

How many Sanrio characters are there?

Hold on tight — over 450 characters have been brought to life since Sanrio’s inception. Talk about a cuteness overload

Who is the most popular Sanrio character?

It’s no secret — Hello Kitty has reigned supreme as the crown jewel of Sanrio for decades. But in recent years, Cinnamoroll has been stealing the spotlight, topping the Sanrio Character Ranking for the past few years, including 2024!

Who are the main characters in Sanrio?

Sanrio’s fab stars include Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Pochacco, and Little Twin Stars (Kiki and Lala), each with their own irresistible charm.

Who is the depressed Sanrio character?

Gudetama! The perpetually tired, unmotivated egg yolk who could really use a nap. His laid-back (okay, mostly just lazy) vibes make him a fan favorite for those who get the struggle of modern life. His unfiltered apathy has made him the unofficial mascot of our tired souls.

Get To Know The Original Sanrio Characters

These classic cuties are the blueprint — the ones who walked (or floated, or hopped) so the newer characters could fly. Born before the 2000s, they’ve stood the test of time with their charm, chaos, and irresistible kawaii energy.

Hello Kitty (キティ・ホワイト)

Crowned queen of Sanrio since 1974, Hello Kitty is the red-bowed sweetheart who basically runs the brand. Despite the whiskers, she’s not a cat — just a little girl who lives in London, loves baking cookies, and plays the piano. She’s as tall as five apples, weighs as much as three, and is inseparable from her twin sister, Mimmy. When she’s not baking or practicing the piano, she’s busy collecting cute things. And, yes — Hello Kitty has a boyfriend! His name is Dear Daniel. The two have been together since childhood.

My Melody (マイメロディ)

This hood-wearing bunny popped up in 1975 and has been stealing hearts ever since. A kawaii twist on Little Red Riding Hood, My Melody (or My Melo, if you’re close) is kind, honest, and sweet to her core. She lives in the magical forest of Mariland with her animal friends — including her bestie, a mouse named Flat — and yes, she’s also tight with Hello Kitty. When she’s not spreading good vibes, she’s probably baking or daydreaming about her favorite treat: pound cake. Cottagecore before it was cool.

Little Twin Stars (リトルツインスターズ)

Kiki (blue hair) and Lala (pink hair) floated down from a dreamy star in 1975, bringing with them sparkles, stardust, and all things pastel. Before they had names, these celestial siblings were known as the Charmers — fitting, right? Kiki’s the younger brother, a cheeky little explorer who loves inventing things and fishing for stars. Lala’s the older sister, a soft-spoken sweetheart who writes poems, draws, and worries about her adventurous twin more than she lets on. Together, they’re all about spreading magic, wonder, and a little bit of sibling mischief.

Pompompurin (ポムポムプリン)

Introduced in 1996, this squishy golden retriever in a brown beret lives for naps, milk, and borrowing his owner’s dad’s shoes (specific, but we love that). Born on a sunny day, he chills in his little basket by the front door, waiting for his next snack or stroll. He’s all about pudding (especially his mama’s), collecting shoes to stash away, and cozy hangouts with his crew. Say “Let’s go out!” and watch him perk right up. Forever friendly, forever comfy.

Kero kero keroppi (けろけろけろっぴ)

Bursting onto the scene in 1988, this bright-eyed frog lives at Donut Pond and brings the energy — baseball, swimming, adventures, you name it. One of the tiniest Sanrio characters, Keroppi comes from a big, happy frog family and is basically the extrovert of the bunch. He’s endlessly optimistic, a champ at swimming, and always down for a good time. Oh, and that little V-shaped smile? Iconic.

Badtz-Maru (バッドばつ丸)

The punk penguin with a ‘tude, Badtz-Maru waddled in from Oahu, Hawaii in 1993 with big dreams and even bigger personality. Mischievous, attention-grabbing, and a little bit bratty, he’s the self-proclaimed bad boy of the Sanrio universe — complete with a signature tongue-out pose and an alligator sidekick named Pochi. His goal? To be the boss of everything. Naturally.

Tuxedo Sam (タキシードサム)

This dapper penguin (1979) owns 365 bow ties and a heart of gold. Hailing from Tuxedo Island and part of a distinguished penguin family, Tuxedosam is the older brother of Tam and Pam — and the unofficial king of kawaii style. He speaks English fluently, lives for a good meal, and yes, occasionally overeats (relatable). A little clumsy, very fancy, and always fabulous.

Chococat (チョコキャット)

Making his debut in 1995, Chococat is sleek, spunky, and always in the know. This black cat with big eyes, four whiskers, and a chocolatey nose (hence the name) may not have a mouth, but trust — he’s got personality. His whiskers work like little antennae, picking up info from all over, so he’s basically the gossip king of Sanrio. Playful, quick, and totally plugged in.

Pochacco (ポチャッコ)

Born in 1989, this sporty white pup with black floppy ears is sweet, bouncy, and always on the move. Inspired by Snoopy and once nicknamed “The Yorimichi Dog,” Pochacco lives for basketball, soccer, skating — basically anything that gets his paws moving. He may be athletic, but he’s also famously clumsy (expect at least one tumble per adventure). Still, nothing slows him down for long.

Hangyodon (ハンギョドン)

The lovable fish boy from 1985 who dreams of heroism — but usually ends up in comic disaster. Half-fish, half-human, and all heart, he’s the class clown with a soft spot for romance and a serious fear of being alone. Shy around the ladies but big on big feelings, Hangyodon just wants to save the day… even if things never go quite as planned. Quirky, loyal, and deeply underrated. Justice for Hangyodon.

New Kids on the Block: Sanrio’s Fresh Faces

While the classics will always have our hearts, a new wave of Sanrio characters has captured the spotlight in recent years — often reflecting modern trends, moods, and a whole lot of personality. From sleepy eggs to flying pups, meet the newer icons of cuteness:

Cinnamoroll (シナモロール)

Making his debut in 2002, this white puppy with cinnamon roll curls and sky-surfing ears quickly soared into Sanrio stardom. Also known as Cinnamon, he lives on a cloud high in the sky but spends his days at Café Cinnamon as its resident mascot and occasional lap napper. Soft, shy, and sweet as sugar, Cinnamoroll is always ready to lend a paw to his friends — especially his adorable crew: Cappuccino, Mocha, Chiffon, Espresso, and Milk.

Gudetama (ぐでたま)

The laziest egg you’ll ever meet hatched in 2013 and instantly became a millennial mood. Gudetama is all yolk, no energy — a soft, squishy icon of existential dread who just wants to be left alone (preferably with some soy sauce). Its name blends gude gude (sluggish) and tamago (egg), which pretty much sums it up. Apathetic, adorable, and deeply done with everything — Gudetama is burnout, personified (or… eggified).

Aggretsuko (アグレッシブ烈子)

Meet Retsuko, the mild-mannered red panda by day, death metal karaoke queen by night. Since her 2016 debut, she’s become the ultimate icon for the overworked, overwhelmed, and underappreciated. When office life pushes her to the edge, Retsuko vents her frustrations with rage-fueled metal sessions — basically therapy, but louder and more epic.

Wish Me Mell (ウィッシュミーメル)

Created by Cinnamoroll’s designer, Miyuki Okumura, Mell is a sweet but clumsy rabbit with a heart as soft as her fur. Living in the peaceful Merci Hills, she sends out “Lyrical Letters” to help others express their feelings — an emotional support bunny with extra kawaii vibes. Mell loves collecting stamps and writing letters, embodying kind phrases like “I like you” and “Thank you,” making her the perfect companion for anyone needing a little emotional boost.

Kirimi-chan (KIRIMIちゃん)

Kirimi-chan, a slice of salmon turned cuteness overload, made her debut in 2013 and quickly won over fans with her quirky charm. With her seafood crew, she proves that Sanrio can turn the most unexpected things into lovable characters. Born on August 31st — ironically Vegetable Day in Japan — Kirimi-chan dreams of being part of a delicious meal. Her ultimate wish? To be served alongside her friends, especially her bestie, Kamaboko-chan.

Cogimyun (こぎみゅん)

Cogimyun, the fragile wheat flour fairy, floated onto the scene in 2015. Soft, sensitive, and prone to crumbling (relatable), she dreams of becoming the perfect onigiri — a nod to her grandpa’s favorite food. Her pet, Ebi Furai, keeps her company on her journey.

Jochum (ジェオチャム)

Born from the collaboration between Sanrio and the popular Japanese boy group JO1, Jochum introduces eleven adorable characters, each with its own unique personality and dreams. Living together in one big house, these kawaii cuties work toward their goals, sharing hilarious and chaotic adventures along the way. Their charm lies in their quirky designs and lighthearted, unpredictable nature, capturing the energy of both their creators and the vibrant fanbase. Whether through animations or merchandise, Jochum’s playful spirit shines through in everything they do.

Ahiru no Pekkle (あひるのペックル) 

A vibrant and optimistic white duck, Pekkle is hard to miss with his sailor hat and bright orange beak. Known for his boundless energy and can-do spirit, he’s always first to dive into sports or fun activities. A skilled swimmer and tap dancer, Pekkle’s kind heart and gentle nature make him a true standout. With his friends, including the little fish Pitch, he brings joy wherever he goes. As a member of the Hapidanbui, Pekkle also plays the keyboard, adding a sweet musical touch to his already delightful personality.

Marumofubiyori (まるもふびより)

Translating to “Marshmallow Weather Diary,” this series introduces three charming characters: Moppu, the cozy polar bear, Gyonoo, a soft blue fish plushie, and Cocoa, a cute red crab plushie. Though the trio prefers quiet days spent napping, reading, and enjoying the simple comforts of home, they do have a few friends they occasionally hang out with. Their gentle, homebody nature embodies the warmth and serenity of a peaceful, laid-back life, making them the perfect representation of comfort and coziness.

Jewelpets (ジュエルペット) 

A magical world where adorable creatures meet sparkling gemstones, Jewelpet introduces a vibrant cast of characters, each connected to a specific gem. These mystical animals, born in Jewel Land by Princess Jewelina, possess jewel eyes and magical powers linked to their stones. The series follows their enchanting adventures in Jewel Land, blending the charm of animals with the mystery of magic.

Sugarbunnies (シュガーバニーズ)

Meet Shirousa and Kurousa, the talented twin bunnies from Bunniesfield, who have mastered the art of baking. These sweethearts are renowned for their delicious pastries, creating mouthwatering treats with a sprinkle of love and care. Their dedication to their craft, paired with their irresistible charm, has made them beloved figures for all those who appreciate a good dessert. What started as a simple duo has blossomed into a full-fledged universe of sugary goodness, with an ever-growing collection of adorable characters.

Maimaimaigoen (まいまいまいごえん)

This whimsical series introduces a delightful ensemble of snail-like characters, each with its own unique shell and calm, gentle nature. Set in a lush garden, the characters take life at a slow and steady pace, savoring the little joys of the world around them. Maimaimaigoen also expands into an ensemble drama, following the lives of 16 nursery children from Hydrangea Nursery School and their two caring teachers.

Nya Ni Nyu Ne Nyon (ニャニィニュニェニョン)

A mischievous family of five kittens, Nya Ni Nyu Ne Nyon brings a wave of playful charm to the Sanrio universe. Born on January 17, these cheeky little felines are known for their vibrant personalities and fun antics. Their names, inspired by the sounds cats make in Japanese, capture their purrfectly cat-like nature. Whether they’re chasing butterflies or basking in the sun, these kittens exude a delightful energy that fans can’t get enough of — they even snagged 35th place in the 2023 Sanrio rankings!

Cheery Chums (チアリーチャム)

Channeling the nostalgic vibes of early Sanrio designs, Cheery Chums brings timeless charm with a retro flair. Headed by Chum, a sweet but lonely bunny, this group of adorable animals celebrates the beauty of friendship. Surrounded by her new pals, Chum reminds us all to appreciate life’s simple joys and the warmth of togetherness. Whether in heartwarming moments or cheerful adventures, Cheery Chums are the epitome of wholesome fun and camaraderie.

Hagurumanstyle (歯ぐるまんすたいる)

Get ready for something a little offbeat with Hagurumanstyle, where industrial meets cute. This quirky crew of tooth-inspired characters brings together the unexpected charm of gears, cogs, and springs. With a name that translates to “tooth-picking teeth,” these characters embrace the strange, celebrating the beauty of innovation and teamwork in a delightfully whimsical way.

Mewkledreamy ( ミュークルドリーミー)

Step into a pastel paradise with Mewkledreamy, where magic and imagination collide in the most enchanting ways. The series follows Yume and her plush cat companion, Mew, who has the magical ability to enter dreams. Together, they embark on whimsical adventures, solving problems and spreading joy in a world where anything is possible. Created in collaboration between Sanrio and Mayumi Yanagita, this cat-filled universe brings dreams to life, with each character adding their own brand of fun and magic.

Beatcats (ビートキャッツ)

Get ready to rock with Beatcats, the ultimate band of cool, music-loving felines. These trendsetting cats each bring their own sound to the group, playing different instruments and creating a lively, energetic vibe. With their chic looks and love for fresh beats, Beatcats are the perfect blend of fashion and music, making them a must-see for anyone who’s into both. Born from a collab between Sanrio and Sega Toys, this kawaii crew knows how to get hearts racing.

Rilu Rilu Fairilu (リルリルフェアリル)

Step into the whimsical world of Rilu Rilu Fairilu, where adorable fairies are born from magical flower seeds in the enchanting realm of Little Fairilu. Each fairy has their own special talent and role, bringing their magic to both the fairy world and the human realm. This vibrant and colorful series celebrates the bonds of friendship, nature, and the magic that exists between worlds. Born from a collaboration between Sanrio and Sega, Rilu Rilu Fairilu introduces magical fairies with unique abilities, including magical keys that unlock doors and cast spells.

Ichigoman (イチゴマン) 

Did you know that Ichigoman is actually just Hello Kitty in disguise? Born when Kitty White discovered an ancient picture book at the library, Ichigoman emerged after she found a mysterious strawberry-shaped smartphone. Surrounded by evil forces, Kitty raised the phone high, transforming into a superhero ready to protect the town. In the Ichigoman universe, Hello Kitty’s alter ego leads her own manga series and teams up with a set of super friends to fight monsters created by unhappy hearts.

Bosanimal (ぼさにまる) 

Bosanimal characters are the embodiment of warmth and tranquility. With their simple yet heartwarming designs, these creatures radiate softness, comfort, and cuddliness, offering a soothing presence. Known for their philosophical musings, Bosanimals stay true to themselves, even when they feel out of place.

Fancy Friends (ファンシーフレンズ) 

Born in the ’70s as a more “sophisticated” Sanrio brand, Fancy Friends was crafted for both children and adults with a flair for vintage elegance. Although it only graced the scene until the ’90s, these retro-inspired characters still hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate timeless style.

Ready to bring the kawaii magic home? Shop Sanrio merch at ZALORA and snag your favorite characters in style — from Hello Kitty to Cinnamoroll, cuteness is just a click away!