Sanrio Reveals 2026 Character Ranking Initial Results

Sanrio has announced the preliminary standings for the”2026 Sanrio Character Ranking” popularity poll.
This initial data accounts for web votes cast between April 9 and April 12, alongside early ballots collected at official retail stores across Japan.

The annual event allows fans around the world to cast daily votes for their favorite mascots.
Currently, the white puppy Cinnamoroll has secured the number one overall position, looking to reclaim the crown after dropping to second place last year.

Following closely behind is Pompompurin in second place, who is concurrently celebrating a major 30th-anniversary milestone.

Pochacco rounds out the top three, creating a strong early lead for Sanrio’s trio of popular dog characters.

Other notable early successes include Ahiru no Pekkle taking seventh place, Little Twin Stars in eighth, Hanamaruobake in ninth, and Bad Badtz-Maru securing the tenth spot.

To celebrate the 41st iteration of the poll, a special award will be given to the mascot who finishes in exactly 41st place, a position currently held by Littleforestfellow.

While Cinnamoroll holds the overall lead, regional preferences vary significantly across the globe.
Here is a breakdown of the current top five characters leading the charge in 14 different international territories:
Mainland China

- 1st Place: Pompompurin
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Hello Kitty
- 4th Place: My Melody
- 5th Place: Kuromi
Hong Kong

- 1st Place: Ahiru no Pekkle
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 4th Place: Pochacco
- 5th Place: Minna no Tabo
Taiwan

- 1st Place: Pompompurin
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Pochacco
- 4th Place: Kuromi
- 5th Place: Hangyodon
Singapore

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Bad Badtz-Maru
- 4th Place: Hangyodon
- 5th Place: Kuromi
South Korea

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Hello Kitty
- 4th Place: Hangyodon
- 5th Place: Pochacco
USA

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Chococat
- 4th Place: Usahana
- 5th Place: Kuromi
Brazil

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Kuromi
- 3rd Place: Pompompurin
- 4th Place: Chococat
- 5th Place: My Melody
UK

- 1st Place: Pompompurin
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Usahana
- 4th Place: Kuromi
- 5th Place: Chococat
Italy

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Kuromi
- 4th Place: My Melody
- 5th Place: Usahana
Germany

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Kuromi
- 4th Place: Usahana
- 5th Place: My Melody
France

- 1st Place: Cinnamoroll
- 2nd Place: Pompompurin
- 3rd Place: Kuromi
- 4th Place: Adorozatorumary
- 5th Place: Usahana
Australia

- 1st Place: Pompompurin
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Kuromi
- 4th Place: Usahana
- 5th Place: My Melody
Thailand

- 1st Place: Yoshikitty
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Pompompurin
- 4th Place: Kuromi
- 5th Place: Hangyodon
Spain

- 1st Place: Pompompurin
- 2nd Place: Cinnamoroll
- 3rd Place: Umeya Zakkaten
- 4th Place: Kuromi
- 5th Place: Gudetama
The next intermediate results update is scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The final standings will be officially revealed during the “Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minatomirai” event on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

This two-day convention will be held at the Pacifico Yokohama, featuring stage appearances from the highest-ranking characters.
Applications for stage viewing reserved seat tickets will run from May 1 to May 10, while general admission lotteries will be open between May 22 and June 1, 2026, requiring a free Sanrio+ membership to enter.
More details regarding Sanrio Fes 2026, including how to get tickets, is available on the official special website, which launched on April 14.
Votes for the 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Poll can be placed via the official website until May 24.
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