Voting for the 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking is well underway. As of April 13th, Pompompurin is leading the pack and is set to end Cinnamoroll’s dominant five-year win streak (he has won seven times, specifically in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). But outside the usual suspects, from Hello Kitty and My Melody to Kuromi and Pochacco, many more Sanrio characters deserve attention.

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Hanamaru ghost

This adorable ghost is said to give those who work hard a Hanamaru (a Japanese term referring to a mark that indicates a positive evaluation or good job). Hanamaru ghost appears without you knowing and gently praises your daily efforts. The character debuted in 2023, dreams of being able to write perfect numbers, and celebrates their birthday every Aug. 7.

Kogimyun

This Sanrio character is a Kogimoona (flour fairy) girl. She dreams of becoming a rice ball, but doesn’t know what a rice ball is. Debuting in 2015 and celebrating their birthday every May 7, Kogimyun is a very fragile character that can be easily scattered.

Paupipo

Debuting in 1987, Paupipo (which means “little happiness”) is a lonely and spoiled giraffe prince. His horn has a mysterious power, and he carries a ball-like thing that allows him to fly anywhere he wants to go—even the land of dreams.

Kashiwankomochi

This 2013 Sanrio character was a Kashiwamochi (mochi filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a preserved kashiwa leaf) that remained unsold in a shop. It was transformed into a dog so people would buy it and take it home. Kashiwankomochi is said to be happy if people enjoy eating it. Its birthday is on May 6.

Pokkyoten

Po is a male polar bear traveling to “pokkyo” to become a proper polar bear. On the road, he ran out of money and began working at a public bathhouse. He debuted in 2022 and loves soft serve ice cream. His birthday is on Jan. 8, and his hobbies include shopping and going on adventures.

Taraiguma Landry

Taraiguma Landry is a male raccoon who lives in his favorite basin and washes everything. Debuting in 1999 and celebrating their birthday every Dec. 8, this Sanrio classic loves listening to Mozart and is good friends with his plastic duck, Pee.

Krillin

Krillin is a timid but curious golden hamster boy. He wears a flower hat and has seven siblings: Chibikuri, Komachi, Kurumi, Cherry, Shingo, Milk, and Chacha. Born on Feb. 4, he loves sneaking through gaps and chewing through everything. He also likes eatings cookies, sunflower seeds. Krillin debuted in 1997.

Pwawa

Pwawa is a friendly baby sea lion who is best friends with the cumulonimbus cloud Powawa. This Sanrio character loves collecting seashells and debuted in 1995.

Pannapitta

Pantan is a 3-month-old male panda who hates sitting still and is always running around. Born on Oct. 7 and debuted in 2003, this Sanrio character also loves caramel ice cream.

Kabukinyantaro

Kabukinyantaro is a male calico cat who wears a collar that resembles a sash worn in kabuki costumes. He celebrates his birthday every July 12, and he debuted in 2017.