Here are the important dates and ways that you can vote for your favorite characters during the official voting period next month.
The upcoming 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking is the 41st iteration of the beloved global event that tracks the relative popularity of Sanrio characters from year to year around the world. This year, 90 characters will be featured in the polling, the final lineup for which will be announced on Sanrio’s official website on April 1.
In addition, the theme is “You All Try! We All Cheer! Smiling Ovation,” which is derived from the term “standing ovation.” Fittingly, official visuals for the ranking feature top Sanrio characters dressed as oh-so-cute cheerleaders ready to cheer their way to victory.
▼ 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking official visual
Voting begins on April 9 at 11 a.m. and lasts through May 24 at 11:59 p.m. All times are in JST.
● Initial results will be announced on April 14 at 1 p.m.
● Midterm results will be announced on May 12 at 1 p.m.
● Final results will be announced on June 28 at 1 p.m. at Sanrio Fes 2026 in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district. This festival is an annual celebration of all things Sanrio with tons of family-friendly events and activities.
During the voting period, there will also be a 2026 Sanrio Character Awards Partner Division for 40 local business and governmental characters that have partnered with Sanrio characters. Sanrio has announced that a completely new awards division is in the works, too.
Voting is free for everyone worldwide and can be done in a variety of ways:
● Online voting here (link will go live at the start of the voting period)
● Sanrio Shop voting (purchase something and vote online)
● Sanrio Online Shop voting (purchase something and vote online)
● Ichigo Shimbun (“Strawberry Newspaper”) voting (Sanrio’s longtime monthly magazine)
Finally, Sanrio+ reward app members will be able to cast some additional votes for their favorites.
Even though voting hasn’t started yet, we’re already dying to know if anyone will be able to topple last year’s winner, the adorable Pompompurin. Cinnamoroll and Pochacco will undoubtedly make for some fierce competition this year to claim the top spot.
Sources: 2026 Sanrio Character Ranking, Sanrio, PR Times
Images: PR Times
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]
It’s the annual Sanrio Character Ranking! But could something be amiss in the kingdom of Sanrio?
Sanrio’s 2022 popularity ranking brings fans to tears after character’s shock return to top ten
Sanrio Character Ranking results: Cinnamaroll’s five-year streak broken, poll still goes to dogs
The 2023 Sanrio character popularity ranking results revealed
There’s still time to vote for your favorite Sanrio mascot character of 2021!
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Best burger in Tokyo? JB’s serves up a cheap craft burger that not a lot of people know about
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
New Wet Rice Cracker Burger from Dom Dom breathes new life into a “miracle” snack
Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Visiting Japan’s muscular mascot character dog at his free museum near Kansai International Airport
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Time to vote for your favourite in Japan’s Sanrio Character Curry Election
My Hero Academia now accepting votes for “World Best Hero” from its vast roster of quirky characters
Ultimate Gundam ranking being held nationwide including all series and movies, voting on now!
Sanrio’s lazy egg character appears on menu items at new Gudetama Cafe in Osaka
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition opens this month to celebrate the Japanese culture of cute
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Sanrio announces eight kinds of 2022 fukubukuro lucky bags featuring Hello Kitty and pals
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Who is Final Fantasy VII Remake’s best female character? Japanese fans vote【Survey】
Sanrio’s Kero Kero Keroppi hops into restaurant biz with character cafe in Japan! 【Photos】
Hello Kitty and her Sanrio pals are collaborating with a notoriously bloody horror anime series
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan