Discover the Magic of Sanrio: Your Ultimate Guide to Sanrio Characters and Merchandise
Dive into the enchanting world of Sanrio, where every character brings a smile. With a philosophy like "nakayoku" (meaning getting along together or friends), it's easy to see how the Sanrio company crafted an empire that continues to make consumers smile with adorable characters, fun merch, and entertaining animated shows/movies.
From children of all ages to adults, this beloved company has entranced people of all ages through its kawaii (cute) characters and products. It's not only those in Japan who enjoy Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and Keroppi (an adorable frog character). The appeal of all Sanrio characters has spread globally, with demand continuously increasing from new fans.
For all things Sanrio, check out Sugoi Mart's Sanrio Collection, which includes treats, plushies, blind boxes, and more featuring popular Sanrio characters. Below, we dive into Sanrio, from the company's lengthy history to its characters, merch, and more.
What is Sanrio?
So, what is Sanrio? Sanrio is a Japanese company that curates adorable characters, merchandise, and shows/movies. Once a company that produced only merchandise/products, Sanrio Japan shifted into an entertainment company with the intent of producing kawaii products. Among the available products, fans will find an array of stationery, accessories, plushies, presents, and more. Through the years, the company has slowly added to its repertoire of offerings and now has sectors like Sanrio Digital (in partnership with Typhoon Games) to produce online games.
The History of Sanrio
This company (initially known as Yamanashi Silk Center) was launched in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji. Initially, Yamanashi Silk Center was purely a company that sold silks. In 1962, the company began expanding by introducing rubber sandals to its offerings. To differentiate its sandals from other companies' options, the Yamanashi Silk Center began including cute designs (like strawberries) on its products. This brought additional success, leading to the hiring of cartoonists to continue producing unique, adorable designs for their products.
A new sector of the company was launched in 1969 - Sanrio Greetings, a company sector that focused on providing gifting products that were easy on the wallet. A few years later, in 1973, the company shortened its name to Sanrio. However, it wasn't until 1975 that the company released its first product that launched the Hello Kitty craze, a clear coin purse with a cute cat on the front and the word "Hello." This was the same year Sanrio Japan also began production on its first film, Little Jumbo. The next year, the company expanded to the United States by opening its first shop in California.
Image credit: sanriotimes.sanrio.co.jp
The continued popularity of Hello Kitty encouraged there to be more animal characters created, such as Little Twin Stars, Pompompurin, and My Melody. By rotating their various characters through the years, Sanrio has managed to maintain the popularity of each character. While the company was already quite popular in Japan with children, it saw a massive increase in popularity when it shifted its intended audience from kids to adults in the 1990s. This shift catapulted the company into popularity in America and Japan with an even wider audience than before, with top celebs donning accessories and clothes featuring Sanrio characters.
Image credit: @anime_jewelpet on x.com
Through the years, Sanrio has partnered with multiple major companies to create exciting limited-edition merch. One example of a collaboration is between Sanrio and Sega toys, which occurred in 2008 for the creation of Jewelpet. This collab included 38 animal-inspired characters, each featuring a unique jewel for their eyes that allows for casting special magic called "Jewel Flash." Additionally, Sanrio has released many shows and movies through the years, including Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, Usahana, and Jewelpet Twinkle.
Popularity of Sanrio in Japan and Worldwide
Image credit: moshimoshi-nippon.jp
Multiple factors have kept Sanrio characters popular throughout the years, one being the adorableness of the characters. Sanrio Japan has also intentionally curated characters which appeal to people of all ages. Intentionally creating characters which are not overly childish, but remain childlike has aided in maintaining an audenience of all ages. Kids adore the characters for their cute characteristics, while adults also typically enjoy the nostalgia offered by Sanrio's characters.
As mentioned, this popularity has expanded to other countries and has even influenced global pop culture. This pop culture appeal was first seen in the 1990s when celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears wore Hello Kitty apparel. Since then, Sanrio characters, in particular Hello Kitty, have expanded into other areas of pop culture, including kawaii fashion, movies, animated series, collectibles, and social media, and have been the inspiration for various songs. Regardless of which country you're in, you'll likely see a multitude of social media fan pages dedicated to Hello Kitty, from merch to the character herself.
Introduction to Popular Sanrio Characters
As of 2022, there have been 450+ Sanrio characters created, each featuring unique characteristics, personalities, and appearances. Every year, fans can vote for their favorite character in the coveted Sanrio character ranking. Before deep diving into all Sanrio characters, we'll explore a few of the most popular characters.
Hello Kitty
One of the most iconic and beloved characters created by Sanrio has remained Hello Kitty since her initial appearance on the clear bag in 1975. Also known as Kitty White, Hello Kitty is a British girl distinguished by her red bow and blue overalls.
My Melody
In the series, My Melody is Hello Kitty's best friend. She's seen as a kind-hearted, honest girl who typically wears a pink or red hood over her ears with a white flower perched on the side. She was originally born in Mariland, in a magical forest.
Cinnamoroll
Perhaps one of the most popular characters besides Hello Kitty is Sanrio character Cinnamoroll, a small white dog who is quite timid. You'll typically find Cinnamoroll at Cafe Cinnamon, as he's the cafe's mascot. He originally fell from the clouds directly into the cafe, where Anna, the cafe owner, adopted him and named him Cinnamon because of his appearance. Cinnamoroll also appeared as the primary character in a character series released in 2001 named Fluffy, Fluffy Cinnamoroll.
Pochacco
First released as a character in 1989, Pochacco has remained a fan favorite for many years. This adorable white puppy is described as having a sporty and playful personality. It is said Pochacco was born in Fuwafuwa Town on a leap year.
A Closer Look at All Sanrio Characters
With over 450 characters released by Sanrio over the past 50 years, it can be tough to keep up with all the Sanrio characters. Below is an additional list of characters, from well-known to not as well-known.
Charmmy Kitty
Also known as Hello Kitty's pet cat, Charmmy Kitty is a white Persian kitty. Like Hello Kitty, the white cat wears a pink bow. She also wears a necklace with the key to Hello Kitty's jewelry box, a gift from Hello Kitty herself.
Kuromi
Of all the Sanrio characters, adorable Kuromi is the rebel of the group. You'll always see her wearing black and white. Instead of a normal rabbit's tail, she has an imp tail. You'll always see Kuromi wearing her jester's hat as she causes mischief.
Chococat
With chocolate brown fur and a chocolate-colored nose, it's easy to see how Chococat got his name! This scatterbrained kitty is a fun character who loves to play outside, chase butterflies, and enjoy a sweet chocolate treat.
Badtz Maru
Born on April Fool's Day, Badtz Maru is a penguin with distinctive spiky hair. This sassy character, known for sticking out his tongue often, is marketed toward all genders and ages. You may recognize Badtz Maru from Bring It On or Like Mike, where the character was seen as a plushie.
Patapatapeppy
Known as the panicky owl character, Patapatapeppy has many interests, including exploring. It was because of his exploring one day that he ended up in a human's house, where he continues to live. He was created by Atsushi Matsubayashi, a character designer who eventually left Sanrio to open his own studio.
The Sanrio Universe: Beyond Characters
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Sanrio's appeal expands far beyond kawaii characters in animated shows and movies. Over the years, the company has created an extensive line of products which ranges vastly in the types of products available. From stationery items like the Sanrio Mermaid Desk Organizer to home decor, Sanrio has created products in nearly every category available.
Exploring Sanrio Theme Parks
Beyond products, Sanrio Japan has also launched two theme parks inspired by their characters and imaginary lands: Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo (aka the cutest theme park in Japan) and Harmonyland in Kyushu. Both attractions allow visitors to be more fully immersed in the world of Sanrio and its many characters. With shows, food, shops, photo opportunities, meet-and-greets with popular characters, parades, and many other Sanrio-related attractions, these amusement parks are the ideal location for Sanrio fans.
Uncovering Sanrio Cafes and Food Truck
The company has also branched out into culinary offerings with the creation of Hello Kitty Cafe locations and food trucks. The cafes have various locations around the United States and Canada. As far as the food truck, it travels and stops in various states around the US, including New York, Oregon, and Washington. Each cafe (and the food truck) provides a tasty menu of hot drinks, cold drinks, baked goods, and even a few merchandise options.
In Japan, you can find the Sanrio Cafe in Ikebukuro featuring kawaii food and exclusive merch of popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, and Gudetama among others. If you're a devoted Pompompurin fan, check out the Pompompurin Cafe located in the trendy district of Harajuku instead.
Another way to immerse yourself in the world of Sanrio is through participating in events and collaborations. Each year, Sanrio offers exciting activities for fans from Sanrio Japan shop Hello Kitty visits to partnerships with brands like Uniqlo.
Collecting Sanrio Merchandise
The first step in collecting Sanrio merch is deciding which characters you want to support. From there, you can continue building your collection around those characters through various items. Below are a few tips to help you begin your Sanrio Japan collection.
Tips For Starting/Expanding a Sanrio Collection
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Be sure to select items you use regularly. This tip will ensure any item you purchase goes to good use. For example, if you use a purse or hair clips regularly, consider purchasing those first.
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Just start collecting. It may seem overwhelming to start a collection when there are so many items to collect! However, the best step forward is simply selecting one or two items from Sanrio that you truly enjoy (and are within budget) and then purchasing. As you continue to purchase, you'll naturally build up your collection.
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Visit Sanrio stores. If you're near a Sanrio store, visiting in person can help you decide which items to add to your collection. Then, you can try, feel, and see the products before purchasing them.
Top Sanrio Merch Categories
When looking for Sanrio merch to expand your collection, know it's available in many categories. You'll find options that fall under plushies (soft, squishy toys), stationery for the office/school, accessories for daily wear, home decor (like planters and lamps), and much more. Among these items, you'll also find special edition products. This year (2024) is Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary, meaning many exclusive, limited-edition items are available for purchase. Products like special edition backpacks, hoodies, and even sandals are available for this occasion. You'll also see seasonal, limited edition products pop up, like during cherry blossom season or Halloween.
Sanrio Merch on Sugoi Mart
If you don't live near a Sanrio store, you can find a wide range of adorable Sanrio products at Sugoi Mart. Whether you prefer Sanrio-inspired snacks, adorable accessories, kitchen appliances, technology, or stationery, you'll find it all in Sugoi Mart's Sanrio Collection.
Below, we explore a few exclusive and popular Sugoi Mart products highlighting various Sanrio characters.
Sugoi Mart Sanrio Lucky Bag
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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One of the most popular offerings at Sugoi Mart is the Sanrio Lucky Bag, which includes Japan-exclusive merchandise with characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi. Each lucky bag comes with an array of items, including stationery, plushies, beauty products, kitchen tools, collectibles, and sweet/savory treats. Grab one today to see what you receive!
Kit Kat X Sanrio: Strawberry Milk
Tangy strawberry, creamy milk, and rich chocolate combine together to create this limited edition treat from the Kit Kat X Sanrio collab. This tasty treat includes ten mini bars that all taste like a comforting glass of strawberry milk. Grab the Kit Kat X Sanrio: Strawberry Milk while it's still available.
Sanrio Hello Kitty Yo-Yo Ice Cream Maker
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Among the kitchen tools available is the Sanrio Hello Kitty Yo-Yo Ice Cream Maker. This tool lets you play with your food and express your creativity simultaneously. Use the included yo-yo with your favorite ice cream recipe to spin a homemade frozen treat in just a few minutes.
The Future of Sanrio
Image credit: sanrio.co.jp
Since its inception, Sanrio has continued to update the public on its future goals for the company. Beyond expanding its roster of Sanrio characters, the company plans to continue expanding its reach by entering new markets, partnering with additional companies, and collaborating with new companies. Additionally, Sanrio Japan plans to expand outreach through additional social media posts and by including new methods of content, including YouTube videos.
Other initiatives for the company moving forward include focusing on sustainability and promoting sustainability, website redesigns, innovation, and even more products geared toward all ages. These lofty goals all come with a central theme: creating products that bring people together and make them happy simultaneously.
Conclusion
Image credit: sanrio.com
With the many available characters and kawaii characteristics of the Sanrio universe and its characters, it's easy to see why the company's creations have remained cherished for many years. As the company continues to expand and offer more innovative products, its fan base will surely continue to grow.
Share your favorite characters and merchandise on social media and tag @sugoimart! We love seeing Sanrio products bring people together, even virtually. Then, update your Sanrio collection by exploring Sugoi Mart's extensive merchandise options so you can bring more of the whimsical Sanrio universe into your daily life.
Learn about the latest updates on Sanrio products (like limited edition releases) and events by subscribing to Sugoi Mart's newsletter. Enter your email, hit submit, and watch the exciting Sanrio news roll into your inbox!
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