What and how many are the Sanrio characters? Who are all the friends that inhabit the universe of Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi? The Japanese company has built a commercial empire with its “kawaii” aesthetic and its message of friendship and kindness that has captured the hearts of millions of consumers.

Every year, Sanrio conducts a ranking in which its followers vote for the popularity of their characters. In the 2024 list, there are 90 characters, although over its history, the company has created more than 450. If you were to list as many as possible, how many could you name?

Below, we share more about this famous brand and its adorable creations, which are the protagonists of many successful collaborations.

What kind of company is Sanrio?

Sanrio is a Japanese company that designs, produces, and sells products and licenses with a focus on the “kawaii” aesthetic. This includes a wide range of items such as stationery, toys, clothing, accessories, and much more, all featuring its endearing characters.

In addition to producing consumer goods, Sanrio also operates theme parks such as Sanrio Puroland in Japan, produces movies and animated series, and licenses its characters for use in various products and media.

READ ALSO: What is Cinnamoroll and why was he named Sanrio’s Character of the Year?

Why is the Hello Kitty brand called Sanrio?

The name \”Sanrio\” reflects the company\u2019s philosophy of connecting people like a river flowing from the mountains to the sea. Shintaro Tsuji, the founder of Sanrio, believed in the power of communication and friendship and wanted his company to be a bridge that united people through products that conveyed positive emotions.

\”Sanrio was established with the desire to build a peaceful culture on the banks of rivers, where humans are said to have first built their homes. The hope was to create a community where people could live in harmony and consideration for one another.

By offering a variety of social, communication, and gift products, including greeting cards, music, videos, books, and live entertainment to foster friendship, we hope to expand the circle of friendship and goodwill to every corner of the world like water flowing through the rivers of the world,\” explains Shintaro Tsuji about the origin of Sanrio.

Who owns Sanrio, the creator of Hello Kitty?

Sanrio was founded by Shintaro Tsuji in 1960. Originally called Yamanashi Silk, the company began by selling silk products. Over time, Tsuji transformed the business into what we now know as Sanrio.

Currently, the company remains family-owned, and in 2020, Shintaro\u2019s grandson, Tomokuni Tsuji, assumed the position of CEO.

READ ALSO: Hello Kitty or Kuromi? Which Sanrio character matches your zodiac sign?

What was Sanrio\u2019s first character?

The first character created by the brand was Coro Chan, a sweet and laid-back bear, introduced in 1973. Although Coro Chan did not achieve the global fame of Hello Kitty, this character paved the way for the brand’s success in creating lovable characters.

How many characters does Sanrio have?

The company has created more than 450 characters since its founding.

Although Hello Kitty is the most famous, the brand has also introduced other iconic characters such as My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Gudetama. Each character has a unique personality reflected in products ranging from school supplies to fashion items.

List of Sanrio characters according to their 2024 ranking

Every year, this Japanese brand conducts a ranking where fans vote for their favorite characters. In 2024, the winning character was Cinnamoroll, an adorable white puppy with long ears that has captured the hearts of Sanrio fans.

Here is the list of Sanrio’s most famous characters in 2024:

1. Cinnamoroll
2. Pochacco
3. Kuromi
4. Pompompurin
5. Hello Kitty
6. My Melody
7. Keroppi
8. Hangyodon
9. Tuxedosam
10. Little Twin Stars
11. Ahirunopekkle
12. Cogimyun
13. Bad Badtz-Maru
14. Hanamaruobake
15. Wish Me Mell
16. Gudetama
17. My Sweet Piano
18. Kirimi-chan
19. Corocorokuririn
20. U-Sa-Ha-Na
21. Gaopowerroo
22. Show By Rock!!
23. Marumofubiyori
24. Marroncream
25. Kabukinyantaro
26. Yoshikitty
27. Minnano Tābō
28. Dear Daniel
29. Charmmykitty
30. Pokkyokuten
31. Bonbonribbon
32. Lloromannic
33. Hello Mimmy
34. Sugarbunnies
35. Maimaimaigoen
36. Jewelpet
37. Peta-Petaminilian
38. Nya-Ni-Nyu-Nye-Nyon
39. Littleforestfellow
40. Tiny Chum
41. Cheery Chums
42. Patty & Jimmy
43. Osarunomonkichi
44. Hagurumanstyle
45. Aggretsuko
46. Chococat
47. Goropikadon
48. Adorozatorumary
49. PataPataPeppy
50. Mewkledreamy
51. Buddy Eddy
52. Marshmallowmitaina Fuwafuwanyanko
53. Ichigoman
54. Beatcats
55. Kashiwankomochi
56. Paupipo
57. Fresh Punch
58. Rilu Rilu Fairilu
59. Strawberry King
60. Zashikibuta
61. Hummingmint
62. Caribadix
63. Pankunchi
64. Umeya Zakkaten
65. Pokopon’s Diary
66. Noranekoland
67. Kumamilen
68. Kusuri no Fukutaro
69. Sugarminuet
70. Bosanimal
71. The Vaudeville Duo
72. Rururugakuen
73. We Are Dinosaurs!
74. Mellotune
75. Shinkaizoku
76. Winkipinki
77. Taraiguma No Landry
78. The Runabouts
79. Tenorikuma
80. Bunny & Matty
81. Nyokki & Penne
82. Puwawa
83. Seven Silly Dwarfs
84. Tiny Poem
85. Mr. Bear’s Dream
86. Pannapitta
87. Button Nose
88. Risuru
89. Sportingbears
90. Littlelovin

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