The most popular Sanrio characters
Welcome to our complete guide to the most popular Sanrio characters. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the delightful world of Sanrio, introducing you to the most popular and beloved characters, and sharing fun facts and trivia along the way. Whether you're a lifelong Sanrio fan or a newcomer to the world of cute and colorful characters, we're confident you'll find something to love in this guide. So sit back, relax, and let's dive in!
If you want to skip the History of Sanrio and jump straight to the characters, click on the links below:
- 1. Hello Kitty
- 2. My Melody
- 3. Cinnamoroll
- 4. Gudetama
- 5. Pompompurin
- 6. Badtz-Maru
- 7. Kuromi
- 8. Pekkle
- 9. Kiki & Lala (Little Twin Stars)
- 10. Tuxedo Sam
History of Sanrio
If you're curious about the 'cuteness' culture in Japan, then let me introduce you to Sanrio, the ultimate visual representation of everything cute in the country. Sanrio is a Japanese entertainment company that has captured the hearts of millions with its charming and adorable characters.
Back in 1962, a clever businessman named Shintaro Tsuji founded Sanrio. Initially, Tsuji sold rubber sandals as his main product, but he soon realized the power of cuteness in attracting customers. He began adding painted cartoon characters to his sandals, and they sold like hotcakes. Tsuji was quick to notice that the Japanese population loved sweet, small, and cute details - or as they call it, kawaii.
Tsuji decided to create his own set of characters for Sanrio, and with the help of his talented in-house designers, the brand quickly became a massive hit. Today, Sanrio is beloved worldwide for its charismatic cast of characters that includes mostly anthropomorphized animals and a few objects. From school supplies to stationery and even food, Sanrio has a wide range of merchandise featuring its popular characters. Sanriocore, an aesthetic centered around Sanrio, has also become increasingly popular.
With over 400 different characters in the Sanrio universe, it would take us ages to compile a complete list. However, we can share some of our favorite Sanrio characters like My Melody, Tuxedo Sam, Kuromi, and many more. Let's meet the key members of the Sanrio gang and get to know Hello Kitty and her friends!
The most Popular Sanrio Characters
Hello Kitty
Let's start with the one and only Hello Kitty. This iconic character needs no introduction, but we'll give you a brief overview anyway. Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by Sanrio designer Yuko Shimizu, and has since become a global phenomenon. With her cute pink bow and button nose, Hello Kitty has captured the hearts of fans all over the world. But did you know that Hello Kitty is not actually a cat? That's right, despite her feline appearance, Sanrio has stated that Hello Kitty is a human girl.
My Melody
Next up, we have My Melody, another beloved Sanrio character. My Melody is a sweet little rabbit who loves to bake and make new friends. She was created in 1975, and has been a staple of Sanrio merchandise ever since. One fun fact about My Melody is that she has a pet hamster named Flat.
Cinnamoroll
Cinnamoroll is another popular Sanrio character, known for his fluffy white fur and long ears. He was created in 2001, making him one of the newer Sanrio characters, but he has quickly become a fan favorite. Cinnamoroll is a sweet and shy puppy who loves to fly through the sky with his friends. He also has a love for cinnamon rolls, hence his name.
Gudetama
Gudetama is a bit of an oddball in the Sanrio universe, but that's part of what makes him so endearing. This lazy egg character was created in 2013, and quickly gained a following. Gudetama is often seen lounging around or sleeping, and can be a bit of a downer at times. But despite his apathetic attitude, fans can't get enough of this quirky character.
Pompompurin
Pompompurin is a golden retriever dog who loves to nap and eat. He was created in 1996, and has since become one of Sanrio's most popular characters. Pompompurin can usually be found in his yellow beret, and loves to make new friends. One fun fact about Pompompurin is that he has a little mouse friend named Muffin.
Badtz-Maru
Badtz-Maru is a mischievous penguin with a love for playing pranks on his friends. He was created in 1993 and has been a fan favorite ever since. Badtz-Maru can usually be found wearing a permanent frown, but don't let that fool you - he's actually quite playful and loves to have fun. One fun fact about Badtz-Maru is that he has a pet alligator named Pochi.
Kuromi
Kuromi is a cute and sassy rabbit with a bit of a rebellious streak. She was created in 2005, making her one of the newer Sanrio characters, but she has quickly gained a following. Kuromi can usually be found wearing a black and pink skull bow, and loves to make sarcastic remarks. One fun fact about Kuromi is that she has a pet sheep named Wooly.
Pekkle
Pekkle is a sweet and friendly duck who loves to play with his friends. He was created in 1990 and has since become a beloved Sanrio character. Pekkle can usually be found wearing a blue shirt and shorts, and loves to go on adventures. One fun fact about Pekkle is that he has a little sister named Patty.
Kiki & Lala (Little Twin Stars)
Kiki and Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are a pair of adorable star fairies who love to spread happiness and joy wherever they go. They were created in 1975 and have since become a beloved Sanrio duo. Kiki can usually be found wearing blue, while Lala wears pink. They love to fly through the sky and meet new friends.
Tuxedo Sam
Tuxedo Sam is a charming little penguin who loves to dress up in his finest tuxedo. He was created in 1979 and has since become a popular Sanrio character. Tuxedo Sam can usually be found wearing his black and white tuxedo, and loves to go on adventures with his friends. One fun fact about Tuxedo Sam is that he has a pet hamster named Tuxedo Gin.
Conclusion
And there you have it, our guide to some of the most popular Sanrio characters. From the iconic Hello Kitty to the quirky Gudetama, each of these characters has a unique personality and charm that has captured the hearts of fans around the world. We also got you covered with the most underrated Sanrio characters.
We hope you enjoyed learning about these lovable characters, and that you'll continue to explore the wonderful world of Sanrio for years to come!
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