Sanrio Characters: The Ultimate Guide! (Part 2)

Sanrio characters have captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their adorable designs and unique personalities. Their wide appeal spans different ages and cultures, making them iconic symbols of Japanese kawaii culture.

Is every Sanrio character famous?

Not every Sanrio character achieves the same fame as Hello Kitty or Cinnamoroll. While some, like Pochacco and Badtz-Maru, have enjoyed massive popularity, others remain more niche. For example, Jewelpets gained traction mainly in Japan and a few other countries without reaching the global fame of other Sanrio characters. Lesser-known characters, like Hangyodon, have dedicated fanbases but need widespread recognition.

Despite differences in fame, each Sanrio character has its loyal following. Some characters might be more popular due to extensive merchandise or TV appearances, while others resonate with smaller groups. Characters like the Sanrio Boys represent a newer direction for the brand, aimed at niche audiences but still loved by many. Even if not every Sanrio character is a global star, they all add to the charm of the Sanrio family!

Pochacco

Pochacco is an adorable white dog known for his adventurous spirit and lovable personality. Since his debut in 1989, Pochacco has undergone a few changes, such as getting a more human-like look with clothes. He became a fan favorite, especially from 1991 to 1995, when he topped the Sanrio Character Rankings. Pochacco loves sports like basketball, soccer, skateboarding, and riding his motorscooter.

Pochacco’s friendly personality and loyal heart make him a popular companion for fans. He enjoys spending time with friends and exploring new places. His appearances in Sanrio shows, like Hello Kitty’s Paradise, have only added to his appeal. People are drawn to his fun, lighthearted spirit, which reminds them to embrace life’s simple joys. Pochacco’s popularity shows that his charm continues to win the hearts of Sanrio fans worldwide.

Jewelpets

Jewelpet is a lesser-known Sanrio franchise created in collaboration with Sega. The Jewelpets are magical creatures with unique designs who live in Jewel Land with human friends. The series follows these adorable characters on adventures as they search for magical gems or attend magical schools. With seven seasons, two films, and various spin-offs, the franchise gained popularity in Japan and a few other countries.

The most popular Jewelpets include Ruby, a mischievous hare, Sapphie, a kind spaniel, and Garnet, a hardworking Persian cat. Other notable Jewelpets are Labra, a polar bear, Angela, an alpaca, and Rosa, a brown bear. Each Jewelpet is named after a gem and has a unique power. The colorful animation and lovable human and animal characters keep viewers engaged.

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Badtz-Maru

Badtz-Maru is a black penguin with a rebellious attitude, known for his dream of becoming the “boss of everything.” He lives in Gorgeoustown with his parents and spends time with his friends. Badtz-Maru became Sanrio’s first “not nice” character when he debuted in 1993, and by 1996, he was the most popular Sanrio character, surpassing Hello Kitty. His punky personality and unique charm appeal to boys and girls alike.

He has appeared on TV, including shows like Kitty’s Paradise and Fun Fun Kitty! His popularity extends worldwide, and fans love how his playful side contrasts with other sweet and gentle Sanrio characters. People often compare him to Bart Simpson because of their shared love for mischief and their April 1st birthdays. With his naughtiness and charm, Badtz-Maru adds a fun and different energy to the Sanrio universe.

Hangyodon

Hangyodon, a half-fish, half-human character created by Sanrio in 1985, celebrates his birthday on March 14th, also White Day in Japan. Known for his light blue and yellow color scheme, big expressive eyes, and toothy grin, Hangyodon has a cheeky, playful personality. He enjoys pranking his friends but is never mean-spirited and is incredibly loyal to his loved ones.

Although not as popular as Hello Kitty or Cinnamoroll, Hangyodon has a variety of merchandise, including plush toys, bags, accessories, and stationery. He has also appeared in Sanrio anime series, video games, and events like Sanrio Puroland celebrations. Hangyodon remains an integral part of Sanrio’s lineup, with his loyal fans celebrating his birthday and enjoying his unique style.

Sanrio Boys

The Sanrio Boys are a group of high school characters created to promote Sanrio mascots like Pompompurin and Hello Kitty. They gained popularity in 2015 and had a 12-episode anime in 2018. The five boys represent a different Sanrio character tied to their favorite mascot. The anime was praised for showing that it’s okay for boys to love cute things but was criticized later for its focus on advertising.

Each of them struggles, from Kouta’s guilt over his grandmother to Yuu’s strained relationship with his sister. Shunsuke treasures Hello Kitty due to a childhood crush, while Seiichirou finds comfort in Cinnamoroll. Ryou, the shy bookworm, connects with Little Twin Stars and slowly opens up to the other boys. Even though there hasn’t been much news recently, fans continue to hope for their return!

Why are these Sanrio characters unique?

Sanrio characters stand out because of their distinct personalities and relatable stories. Badtz-Maru, with his mischievous nature, offers a refreshing contrast to Hello Kitty’s sweetness. Others, like Pochacco, bring a sense of adventure and fun that appeals to fans who enjoy sports and active lifestyles. Each character’s unique traits allow fans to connect with them on different levels!

Their designs are also a big part of what makes them special. Pochacco’s sporty, friendly look, and Hangyodon’s quirky, half-fish appearance are just a few examples. Sanrio artists put great effort into making each character distinct, not only in looks but also in personality.

The ability to create characters that reflect a wide range of emotions and experiences makes Sanrio’s lineup one-of-a-kind! Did you know about some of these niche Sanrio characters? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!