Sanrio Interesting fact : How many Sanrio Characters are there?

Sanrio characters are cute and friendly figures created by a company called Sanrio. They are famous all around the world for their adorable looks and colourful personalities. You might have heard of some, like Hello Kitty, who is a white cat with a bow, and My Melody, a cute bunny with a hood. But there are many more Sanrio characters to discover, each with its own special charm. In this post, we'll take you on a journey to explore the world of Sanrio characters and learn how many Sanrio characters are there.

1. The Origins of Sanrio

Sanrio, a Japanese company known for its adorable and iconic characters, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1960. This conglomerate of cute began with a single character named Hello Kitty, created by Shintaro Tsuji, who wanted to spread happiness and kindness through his creations. Since then, Sanrio has expanded its character roster to include a vast array of lovable figures, each with its own distinct personality and charm.

2. How many Sanrio characters are there in total?

Sanrio has introduced over 400 characters throughout its history. These characters span various themes, designs, and personalities, making Sanrio's universe a rich and diverse collection of cute and lovable figures. Whether you're a fan of the classics or eager to discover newer additions, there's a Sanrio character for everyone to adore. Let's explore the list of Sanrio characters:

2.1. 1970s

Coro Chan

Coro Chan (コロちゃん, Koro-chan; also romanized as "Colo Chan") is an easygoing bear character from the Japanese company Sanrio. He was released in 1973. He has brown fur and circular yellow croquettes on his cheeks. He lives in the town of Windermere in the north of England.

Coro Chan was the first Sanrio character

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty is one of the most iconic and beloved characters created by the Japanese company Sanrio. She made her debut in 1974 and has since become a global pop culture phenomenon. Hello Kitty is a white anthropomorphic cat with a round face, a red bow in her left ear, and no mouth. Her lack of a mouth allows people to project their own emotions onto her, making her relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Hello Kitty has become a symbol of cuteness and kawaii culture.

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Some fans wonder how many Hello Kitty characters are there. The exact number of Hello Kitty characters can vary, but there are approximately 90 characters associated with the Hello Kitty franchise, according to the Sanrio Character Ranking for 2023.

Little Twin Stars

Little Twin Stars, also known as "Lil' Star and Lala," is a popular Sanrio character duo that was created in 1974. Little Twin Stars consists of two characters: Kiki (Lala) and Lala (Kiki), who are fraternal twin siblings.

Little Twin Stars have appeared on a wide range of Sanrio merchandise over the years

Kiki (Lala) is the older brother, and he has blue hair. Lala (Kiki) is the younger sister, and she has pink hair. They both have angelic wings on their backs and are often depicted in a celestial or dreamy setting. The characters are known for their cute and innocent appearance, and they are beloved by fans of Sanrio.

My Melody

My Melody is a popular Sanrio character introduced in 1975. She is a white rabbit girl known for her adorable appearance and her distinctive red hood that covers her ears. My Melody is depicted as a friendly and kind-hearted character who enjoys baking and cooking. She also has a pet sheep named Alphabets.

My Melody continues to be a favourite among fans of kawaii culture

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My Melody has become a beloved character in the Sanrio lineup, and her merchandise includes various items such as stationery, plush toys, accessories, and more. She has also appeared in animated series and other media.

Tuxedo Sam

Tuxedo Sam is a classic Sanrio character created in 1979. He is known for his dapper appearance, as he is often seen wearing a tuxedo and a bowtie, which gives him a sophisticated and stylish look. Tuxedo Sam is depicted as a penguin with a friendly and easygoing personality.

Tuxedo Sam has been featured in animated series and promotional materials

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2.2. 1980s

My Sweet Piano

My Sweet Piano is a Sanrio character created in 1980. This character is a cute and charming anthropomorphic piano with a sweet and gentle personality. My Sweet Piano has a white body with a smiling face and musical notes for its keys. It is often depicted with musical instruments and enjoys playing cheerful tunes.

It has a soft and soothing appearance that makes it appealing to fans of all ages

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Minna no Tabo

Minna no Tabo, also known simply as "Tabo," is a Sanrio character created in 1984. Sanrio is a Japanese company known for creating cute and lovable characters like Hello Kitty. Tabo is a blue, round-headed character with a friendly and innocent appearance.

The name "Minna no Tabo" roughly translates to "Everyone's Tabo"

Zashikibuta

Zashikibuta (1984), also known as "Coro Coro Kuririn," is a small and cute pig character. The name "Zashikibuta" translates to "cushion pig" in English, which is fitting as this character is often depicted sitting on cushions or pillows.

Zashikibuta (1984)

Pochacco

Pochacco (1989) is a white dog character known for its floppy ears and sporty attire. This character is often seen playing sports or engaging in various outdoor activities.

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2.3. 1990s

Pekkle

Pekkle (1990) is a charming duck known for his distinct green hat. With a calm and gentle personality, he often finds himself in various heartwarming situations. Pekkle's adventures often revolve around the beauty of nature and the simple joys of life.

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Monkichi

Monkichi, the mischievous monkey, is recognized for his love of bananas. Always depicted with a happy grin and a banana in hand, Monkichi's playful antics never fail to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Monkichi(1991)

Patapatapeppy

Patapatapeppy's name alone exudes energy and liveliness. This character is known for its playful and active personality. Whether dancing, playing, or simply enjoying life, Patapatapeppy embodies the spirit of fun.

Patapatapeppy(1992)

Pompompurin

Pompompurin, the golden retriever dog, is easily recognizable by his adorable brown beret. He embodies a laid-back and friendly demeanor, often depicted enjoying a relaxing day with friends.

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Dear Daniel

Dear Daniel, a male cat character and childhood friend of Hello Kitty, is known for his fashionable and cultured personality. His adventures often take him to exciting places around the world.

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2.4. 2000s

Cinnamoroll

Cinnamoroll (2001), also known as "Cinnamon," is a white puppy character created by Sanrio. He has long ears that allow him to fly like a fluffy cloud. Cinnamoroll quickly became one of Sanrio's most beloved characters, known for his sweet and gentle personality.

Cinnamoroll Accessories

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Charmmy Kitty

Charmmy Kitty(2004) is a charming white kitten character and is often recognized as Hello Kitty's pet cat. She is known for her cute pink bow and gentle demeanour.

Charmmy Kitty(2004)

Kuromi

Kuromi is a spunky and mischievous girl character with a punk-rock style. She is known for her rebellious personality and her darker colour scheme, which contrasts with the typically bright and colourful Sanrio characters.

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2.5. 2010s

Bonbonribbon

Bonbonribbon(2012) is a character that incorporates the theme of ribbons, typically associated with gifts and celebrations. It's known for its colourful and playful design.

She is a pink rabbit character known for her love of cute ribbons and fashion

Gudetama

Gudetama is one of Sanrio's most famous characters. It's a lazy egg yolk character known for its humorous and often relatable expressions of laziness and indifference.

This character is depicted as a perpetually tired and apathetic anthropomorphic egg yolk.

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Marumofubiyori

Marumofubiyori features a round bear-like character often seen in its pyjamas. It's known for its relaxed and carefree personality.

Marumofubiyori is often seen wrapped in his favourite blanket.

2.6. 2020s

Beatcats

Beatcats is a Japanese character franchise created as a collaboration between Sanrio and Sega Toys. It is the third collaborative effort following Jewelpet and Rilu Rilu Fairilu and is unique as it is the first Sanrio franchise released as a musical group. The characters in Beatcats include Mia, Chelsea, Rico, Layla, and Emma. This virtual electro-pop group is comprised of cat characters.

Beatcats was active as of 2020 and gained popularity through their music and merchandise.

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Hapidanbui

Hapidanbui (はぴだんぶい) is a unit comprised of 6 Sanrio characters: Tuxedosam, Badtz-Maru, Hangyodon, Pochacco, Keroppi, and Pekkle. This group is known for their goal of wanting to be happy and aiming for a "V-shaped recovery".

SANRIO Mascot Keychain Hangyodon Hapidanbui

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Bosanimal

Bosanimal (ぼさにまる) is a group of Sanrio characters that made their debut in 2021. This collection features a diverse array of animals, each with its own unique lifestyle. Bosanimal has been adapted into various media forms, including a short anime series, which is based on the Sanrio character line.

The TV anime adaptation of Bosanimal was released in 2023

In conclusion, the question of "how many Sanrio characters are there" reveals a fascinating journey into a world filled with endless charm and diversity. From the globally renowned Hello Kitty to the lesser-known yet equally captivating characters, Sanrio has curated a vast and enchanting roster of figures. Dating back to the 1960s, this company has consistently introduced new characters, each contributing to the legacy of cuteness and positivity that defines Sanrio. And, if you find Sanrio items, explore the Japan Figure website to choose a new one.