Sanrio
If you think Sanrio begins and ends with Hello Kitty, think again. The Sanrio universe is a kaleidoscope of cuteness — from pastel sweethearts to chaotic little gremlins (looking at you, Aggretsuko). Whether you're hunting for merch, planning your next themed outfit, or just figuring out which character matches your chaotic good energy, here's your ultimate Sanrio character guide — fun, fabulous, and full of heart.
What Is Sanrio?
Sanrio is the Japanese creative force behind the world’s cutest characters and merch — think iconic faces, pastel stationery, charming gifts, and everything delightfully kawaii. Their mission? To spread joy, friendship, and maximum adorableness across the globe. Mission very much accomplished.
When Did Sanrio Start?
It all began on August 10, 1960 — though the company originally went by the very un-kawaii name Yamanashi Silk Company. Major glow-up, right?
What Does “Sanrio” Mean?
The name “Sanrio” blends the Spanish words “San” (Saint) and “Rio” (River), which together translate to “Saint River.” Founder Shintaro Tsuji wanted a name that evoked peace, purity, and the kind of gentle beauty that would become the brand’s signature vibe.
How Many Sanrio Characters Are There?
Brace yourself — Sanrio has created over 450 characters since the beginning. That’s right. Four hundred fifty. It’s a full-blown kawaii multiverse.
Meet The Original Sanrio Characters
Hello Kitty (キティ・ホワイト)
The reigning royalty of Sanrio since 1974, Hello Kitty is the red-bow icon who practically defines the brand. Contrary to appearances, she isn’t a cat — she’s a little girl from London who adores baking cookies, playing the piano, and collecting adorable trinkets. She’s the size of five apples, weighs as much as three, and is never far from her twin sister, Mimmy. Oh, and she has a longtime sweetheart named Dear Daniel.
My Melody (マイメロディ)
Debuting in 1975, this hooded bunny charmed her way into hearts as a sweet and sincere Little Red Riding Hood lookalike. Living in Mariland with her animal friends — including her best friend Flat the mouse — My Melody is known for her gentle nature and love for pound cake. A classic cottagecore queen.
Little Twin Stars (リトルツインスターズ)
Kiki (blue hair) and Lala (pink hair) floated in from the stars in 1975, sprinkling stardust wherever they go. Originally known as the Charmers, Kiki loves exploring and inventing, while Lala writes poetry and watches over her curious brother. These dreamy twins are all about magic and wonder — with a hint of mischief.
Pompompurin (ポムポムプリン)
This beret-wearing golden retriever made his debut in 1996 and lives for the cozy life. He enjoys milk, pudding (especially his mom’s), and hiding shoes in his secret stash. Always chill and always friendly, he’s the king of comfy cuteness.
Kero Kero Keroppi (けろけろけろっぴ)
Jumping onto the scene in 1988, Keroppi is a peppy frog who lives at Donut Pond. He’s athletic, outgoing, and always game for an adventure — whether it’s swimming, baseball, or just spreading good vibes with his big frog family.
Badtz-Maru (バッドばつ丸)
This spiky-haired penguin showed up in 1993 from Oahu, Hawaii, with a rebellious streak and big dreams. With his classic tongue-out smirk and alligator buddy Pochi, Badtz-Maru is Sanrio’s original bad boy with a love for the spotlight.
Tuxedosam (タキシードサム)
Appearing in 1979, this bowtie-obsessed penguin owns one for every day of the year. Hailing from Tuxedo Island, Tuxedosam is polite, a little clumsy, and totally adorable — with a big appetite and a flair for fashion.
Chococat (チョコキャット)
Debuting in 1995, Chococat is sleek, smart, and always in the loop. His chocolate-colored nose gave him his name, and his super-sensitive whiskers let him pick up news in real time. Quiet but quick-witted, he’s a total techie in feline form.
Pochacco (ポチャッコ)
This floppy-eared pup came into the world in 1989. He’s sporty, sweet, and has a knack for clumsiness — but that never stops him from going on new adventures. Whether it’s basketball or skateboarding, Pochacco’s always on the move.
Hangyodon (ハンギョドン)
Half-fish, half-human, and all heart, Hangyodon was introduced in 1985. A wannabe hero with a goofy side, he tends to fail hilariously but never stops trying. Sensitive, romantic, and a little awkward — Hangyodon is the loveable underdog we all root for.
Introducing Sanrio’s Newer Characters
While the classic Sanrio characters will always have a special place in our hearts, recent additions have quickly stolen the spotlight. These newer icons bring a fresh, contemporary twist, reflecting current trends and big personalities. From laid-back eggs to adventurous pups, here are some of the newest cuties to join the Sanrio family:
Cinnamoroll (シナモロール)
Debuting in 2002, this adorable puppy with cinnamon roll-shaped ears and sky-gliding wings quickly became a Sanrio favorite. Also known as Cinnamon, he lives on a cloud but spends most of his time at Café Cinnamon, where he serves as the mascot and a professional napper. With a sweet, shy personality, Cinnamoroll is always ready to lend a paw to his friends, especially his adorable squad: Cappuccino, Mocha, Chiffon, Espresso, and Milk.
Gudetama (ぐでたま)
The quintessential lazy egg, Gudetama hatched in 2013 and quickly became a relatable icon for the millennial generation. This egg is all about apathy, embodying existential exhaustion with its soft, squishy form. Its name combines "gude gude" (sluggish) and "tamago" (egg), perfectly summing up its spirit of complete indifference. Cute yet utterly tired, Gudetama is the very definition of burnout — eggified.
Aggretsuko (アグレッシブ烈子)
Retsuko, the mild-mannered red panda by day and death metal karaoke star by night, made her debut in 2016. She’s the ultimate symbol of the overworked, overwhelmed, and underappreciated. When the pressures of office life become too much, Retsuko unleashes her stress through furious metal karaoke sessions — it's like therapy, but with more screaming.
Wish Me Mell (ウィッシュミーメル)
Created by the designer of Cinnamoroll, Mell is a sweet, clumsy bunny with a heart as soft as her fur. Living in the serene Merci Hills, she sends “Lyrical Letters” to help others express their emotions. As a caring emotional support bunny, Mell spreads positivity with heartfelt messages like “I like you” and “Thank you,” making her the perfect friend for anyone needing an emotional lift.
Kirimi-chan (KIRIMIちゃん)
Kirimi-chan, a cute slice of salmon, made her debut in 2013 and immediately won fans over with her quirky charm. Along with her seafood friends, Kirimi-chan shows how Sanrio can turn anything — even fish — into lovable characters. Born on Vegetable Day in Japan, she dreams of becoming part of a delicious meal, hoping to be served with her best friend, Kamaboko-chan.
Cogimyun (こぎみゅん)
Introduced in 2015, Cogimyun is a delicate wheat-flour fairy who is prone to crumbling — something we can all relate to. With her pet shrimp, Ebi Furai, she embarks on a quest to become the perfect onigiri in honor of her grandfather’s favorite dish.
Jochum (ジェオチャム)
Jochum, the result of a collaboration between Sanrio and Japanese boy group JO1, features 11 unique and adorable characters. Living together in a large house, these cuties work toward their dreams, embarking on hilarious and chaotic adventures. Their charm lies in their quirky designs and lighthearted spirit, capturing the energy of their creators and the vibrant fanbase.
Ahiru no Pekkle (あひるのペックル)
Pekkle, a vibrant white duck with a sailor hat, is full of energy and always ready for fun. Whether swimming or tap dancing, he’s an upbeat and kind-hearted character. As a member of the Hapidanbui, Pekkle plays the keyboard, adding a musical touch to his joyful personality.
Marumofubiyori (まるもふびより)
This series, meaning "Marshmallow Weather Diary," features three cozy characters: Moppu the polar bear, Gyonoo the plush fish, and Cocoa the plush crab. Preferring to relax and enjoy simple pleasures, they represent the comfort and serenity of a laid-back lifestyle, making them the ultimate in cozy vibes.
Jewelpets (ジュエルペット)
Jewelpet introduces magical creatures tied to sparkling gemstones, each with its own unique power. Born in Jewel Land by Princess Jewelina, these mystical animals embark on enchanting adventures that blend the charm of animals with the allure of magic.
Sugarbunnies (シュガーバニーズ)
Meet Shirousa and Kurousa, twin bunnies from Bunniesfield, who have mastered the art of baking. Their delicious pastries and loving nature have made them beloved characters. This duo has since expanded into a world of sugary delights, with an ever-growing cast of charming characters.
Maimaimaigoen (まいまいまいごえん)
This whimsical series features snail-like characters with unique shells, each exuding a calm, gentle demeanor. Set in a lush garden, they live life slowly and enjoy the simple joys around them. The series also includes 16 nursery children from Hydrangea Nursery School, adding depth to this peaceful, heartwarming universe.
Nya Ni Nyu Ne Nyon (ニャニィニュニェニョン)
This mischievous family of five kittens brings a playful, spirited energy to the Sanrio universe. Known for their vibrant personalities and cheeky antics, they capture the essence of feline fun, earning a spot in the 2023 Sanrio rankings at number 35.
Cheery Chums (チアリーチャム)
With a nostalgic, retro vibe, Cheery Chums celebrates the timeless beauty of friendship. Headed by Chum, a sweet but lonely bunny, this group of adorable animals teaches us to appreciate the simple joys of life and the warmth of togetherness.
Hagurumanstyle (歯ぐるまんすたいる)
Hagurumanstyle introduces a quirky cast of tooth-inspired characters, blending industrial elements like gears and springs with cute, whimsical designs. These characters embrace the beauty of innovation and teamwork in their own offbeat way.
Mewkledreamy ( ミュークルドリーミー)
Step into a world of pastel magic with Mewkledreamy, where dreams come to life. The series follows Yume and her plush cat companion, Mew, who has the ability to enter dreams. Together, they embark on whimsical adventures, solving problems and spreading joy in a dreamlike world where anything is possible.
Beatcats (ビートキャッツ)
Get ready to rock with Beatcats, a band of trendy, music-loving felines. Each member plays an instrument, contributing to the group’s lively energy and fashionable vibe. Born from a collaboration between Sanrio and Sega Toys, these chic cats bring both style and music to the stage.
Rilu Rilu Fairilu (リルリルフェアリル)
Enter the magical world of Rilu Rilu Fairilu, where fairies are born from flower seeds in the enchanting realm of Little Fairilu. Each fairy has a unique talent, bringing their magic to both their world and ours, celebrating nature, friendship, and the magic of connection.
Ichigoman (イチゴマン)
Ichigoman is actually Hello Kitty in disguise! This superhero alter ego of Kitty White was born when she discovered a mysterious strawberry-shaped smartphone. Using her newfound powers, Ichigoman fights to protect her town from evil forces, leading her own manga series and teaming up with other super friends.
Bosanimal (ぼさにまる)
Bosanimal characters embody comfort and tranquility with their simple, heartwarming designs. Known for their philosophical musings, these creatures remind us to stay true to ourselves and find peace, even in moments when we feel out of place.
Fancy Friends (ファンシーフレンズ)
A sophisticated line from the ’70s, Fancy Friends was designed for both kids and adults who appreciate vintage elegance. Though their run was brief, these retro-inspired characters still hold a special place in the hearts of fans who love timeless style.
Shop Sanrio At ZALORA Philippines
Whether you’re after cozy Kuromi hoodies, Hello Kitty plush dolls, Cinnamoroll phone cases, or a fresh stash of kawaii stationery, ZALORA is your one-stop Sanrio shop. We’ve got authentic Sanrio clothing, accessories, toys, and lifestyle goods just waiting to be loved.