Event Report: "2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Results Announcement"

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Sanrio Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Tomokuni Tsuji; hereinafter referred to as Sanrio) held "Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minatomirai" for two days on June 27 (Sat.) and 28 (Sun.), with the main venue at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall B-D. This year, for the first time in the event's history, decorations and collaboration initiatives were also implemented in facilities around Minatomirai Station, making it an event where visitors could enjoy the world of Sanrio Fes in various locations. The event, held over DAY1 and DAY2, attracted over 20,000 visitors, with more than 1 million viewers online.

On DAY2, the main content, the "2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Results Announcement" stage, was held. All rankings from 90th place were announced, and "Pompompurin" was crowned number one for the fifth time, following last year. With each announcement of a ranking, the venue erupted in applause and cheers. Fans watching online sent numerous heartfelt comments and cheers to the characters, such as "I'll always love you!" and "I'll send you even more support!" In addition, the day featured various stage programs, including the special stage "Pompompurin's Comedy: Pompom Panic!" celebrating Pompompurin's 30th anniversary, "Let's All Gawgaw! Gawgaw Power Wow Wow Stage," and "SANRIO KAWAII LIVE," where Sanrio characters livened up the event with song and dance. The venue was bustling with many visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.

Archived replays of the main venue stage can be viewed on the official Sanrio YouTube account (@sanriojapan).

The "2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Results Announcement" stage. Pompompurin, the first-place winner, spins around to express its joy!

This year, the results remained uncertain until the very end, with "Cinnamoroll" taking first place in the initial preliminary announcement, and "Pompompurin," celebrating its 30th anniversary, overtaking it in the interim rankings. Many fans gathered at the venue to witness the moment of the announcement, and the air was filled with excitement even before the event began. From the announcement of the TOP 15, characters appeared on stage. They walked the runway, striking poses and expressing their joy in various ways in response to the fans' cheers, captivating the audience.

During the announcement of the TOP 3, as the entire venue focused its attention, the names called were "Pochacco" for 3rd place, "Cinnamoroll" for 2nd place, and "Pompompurin" for 1st place.

Cinnamoroll performed a celebratory jump and commented, "Wow~! Hehe, thank you so much for all your support! Your cheers make me so happy ♪ I'll send lots of my cheers to you too! Go, go, do your best!" In return for the support received from fans, Cinnamoroll sent bright cheers towards the audience.

Pompompurin, having received abundant support from fans, secured first place for the second consecutive year. Spinning around on stage as if to express its joy all over, Pompompurin exclaimed, "Yay! Am I really number one? I did it!! Everyone sent me so much support! Thank you so much. I love you all so much ☆ I'll send lots of cheers to everyone too, so please continue to support me." The venue was filled with applause and cheers, creating a heartwarming space unique to the "Sanrio Character Ranking," where characters and fans mutually supported and celebrated each other, making for a moving stage.

From left: Pochacco, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll. Badtz-Maru strikes a pose on the runway.

The "Nakayoshi Cheer Award," which honors the three characters with the most combined votes during the voting period, was awarded to "Pochacco," "Ahiru no Pekkle," and "Tuxedo Sam," with members of Hapidanbui receiving the award. Their fellow member "Hangyodon" also congratulated them on this great achievement, creating a heartwarming scene that showcased the bond of Hapidanbui.

In the newly established "2026 Sanrio Character Ranking Happy Lyrical Friends Division" this year, "Chokochira" won all three awards: "I Want to Be With You Award," "I Want to Collect Many Awards," and "I Want to See the Story Award." The venue responded with exclamations of surprise, loud applause, and cheers, celebrating the success of this new Sanrio character friend.

Hapidanbui celebrating their "Nakayoshi Cheer Award" win. "Chokochira," winner of the three awards in the Happy Lyrical Friends Division.

Comedy and live performances! The venue was also thrilled by the characters' stages!

In the special stage "Pompompurin's Comedy: Pompom Panic!" celebrating Pompompurin's 30th anniversary, a comedy play featuring Pompompurin, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and others was performed. Within the sketch-style story, there was also a DJ segment that livened up the audience with Pompompurin's songs. The venue was filled with laughter and applause during the lively stage filled with humor and music, as well as the first appearance of Gawgaw Power.

In "SANRIO KAWAII LIVE," which marked the finale of the two days, Sanrio characters appeared. They delivered energetic performances with songs and dances, including the first theme song by the new unit "Cheerly Tales" and Kuromi's drum performance, greatly exciting the venue. Visitors responded with handclaps and cheers, creating a heartwarming space where the stage and audience became one. It was a fitting finale stage filled with the "kawaii" that is unique to Sanrio Fes.

Pompompurin's Comedy livens up with a DJ segment. Gawgaw Power makes its first appearance.

New unit "Cheerly Tales" appears. Kuromi performs drums with "Greedy Greedy."

Silver tape flies through the venue during the finale.

A variety of content to fully enjoy the world of Sanrio characters!

In addition to the stage programs, the main venue featured "Sanrio Fes 2026 City," decorated with character art, and hands-on trials of "Sanrio Party Land," the first title from Sanrio's first in-house game brand "Sanrio Games," and the second title announced during the DAY2 stage, "Sanrio Kawaii Me Live!" There were also many other attractions where visitors could enjoy the world of Sanrio characters, such as character booths, sales of limited-edition and pre-release merchandise and food menus, and "Sanrio Fes School Festival" (featuring 14 companies from the toy and amusement industries).

Furthermore, a "Sanrio Kids Festival" was held concurrently in the kids' area for children in elementary school and younger. This area offered content for children to enjoy, including stages, greetings, games, and play schools.

The main venue, themed "Sanrio Fes 2026 City." Hands-on trials at the main venue's "Sanrio Games."

Main venue: "Cheerly Tales." Kids' venue: "Sanrio Kids Festival."

Limited edition merchandise sold at "Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minatomirai."

Minatomirai Station area becomes the stage for Sanrio Fes

Various initiatives were also implemented in facilities around Minatomirai Station. "Minatomirai Station," "Landmark Plaza," "MARK IS Minatomirai," and "Queen's Square Yokohama" were decorated with Sanrio characters, allowing visitors to enjoy the Sanrio Fes world spread throughout the city while on their way to Pacifico Yokohama or exploring the surrounding facilities. For more details, please refer to a separate press release.

Minatomirai Station central ticket gate decoration. Queen's Square Yokohama escalator decoration. Queen's Square Yokohama Sanrio Games Area.

MARK IS Minatomirai: Sanrio Puroland 35th Anniversary Shop. Landmark Plaza: Pompompurin giant balloon. Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, cooperation: Yokohama Cosmo World / Senyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. *Image.