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What Is the Story Behind Pompompurin?

by Vince Novoa

Meet Pompompurin, the adorable golden retriever from Sanrio that has captured hearts worldwide. Born in 1996 on April 16, this kawaii character stands out with a brown beret on his head. He loves helping people appreciate the friendships in their lives. With a cute and cuddly personality, Pompompurin is a beloved Sanrio character featured on various merchandise, including bags and purses. Sanrio Pompompurin is so popular he even has a cafe inspired by his adventures!

Visit Sugoi Mart's website to stock up on kawaii Pompompurin merchandise. It is the ultimate destination for Pompompurin and Sanrio products.

Although the Japanese culture of cuteness is well known worldwide, Sanrio makes kawaii culture even more well-loved than ever! Sanrio is the best place to seek a visual illustration of what makes Japan endearing. Sanrio quickly gained enormous popularity with the variety of kawaii Sanrio characters. Sanrio holds the most well-known and cheery "kawaii" characters in Japan that you will surely adore. In fact, there are more than 400 kawaii characters in the Sanrio world, and Pompompurin is no exception. Read on, and let's get to know all about Pompompurin.

Who is Pompompurin?

Who is Pompompurin

 

Pompompurin, also known as Pudding Dog, a golden retriever resembling pudding, is one of Sanrio's most well-known characters. On a sunny day in April of 1996, Purin was born. Pompompurin resides in his own basket situated in the front hall of the home of his sister/owner. He always wears his trademark brown beret atop his head. He enjoys it in secret when the wind blows off his beret so that he may get it back. He can get along with anyone and has a laid-back disposition. He enjoys saying the phrase, "let's go out!" but hates saying, "stay." He also loves to drink milk and eat anything soft, especially his mother's cream caramel pudding (aka his favorite food).

In addition, Pompompurin enjoys hiding and collecting shoes, including a pair of his owner-sandals mother's and owner-leather father's shoes. He also spends a lot of time doing many things, from napping a lot and purin aerobics to showing out his talent with his closest friends. He is a friendly, easygoing dog who aspires to be increasingly bigger as he is always in the puppy stage in his Sanrio universe.

History of Pompompurin

Pompompurin was first developed as the result of a Sanrio internal design competition for a new dog character in 1996. He ultimately won the competition because his design was the most well-liked. He eventually made his debut in the July 1996 issue of Strawberry News under the name My Pudding, which was later changed to his current identity, Pompompurin. This name change has also allowed for multiple nicknames for this character, including PomPom, Pudding Dog, and Purin.

Pompompurin's Personality

Pompompurin is a relaxed dog character who enjoys napping, spending time with friends, and, of course, enjoying his mother's pudding. As might be expected from a dog who enjoys wearing berets, Pompompurin likes to try new outfits and accessories. You may see him in dresses, kimonos, fun hats, and costumes. Because he wears a variety of clothing, many wonder, "Is Pompompurin a boy?". Indeed, the Pompompurin (cute golden retriever character) is male.

Below are a few fun facts about Pompompurin, from his past times to his friends.

  1. Pompompurin is a multi-talented puppy dog. He enjoys a wide variety of activities, from napping to fashion, hiding shoes, "Purin aerobics," and going out of the house with his owners.

  2. His current name was created in reference to the brown beret he often wears ("pom pom"). The "purin" of his name translates to pudding, which describes his favorite food in life!

  3. He has three best friends: Muffin, Scone, and Bagel. Collectively, they are known as Team Purin.

  4. Because of his friendly personality, Pompompurin finds it easy to make friends anywhere he goes. Some of his other friends include Biscuit, Cookie, Custard, and Mint.

The Popularity and Cultural Impact of Pompompurin

Pompompurin has been a favorite Sanrio character in Japan since his launch in the late 90s. However, a few factors affected his popularity, including storyline and design inconsistencies. For example, some drawings depicted PomPom without his asterisk booty and others with it. Additionally, his constantly changing outfits and lack of a storyline were confusing for fans. Because of these inconsistencies, Sanrio Pompompurin decreased in likeability for a few years.

In 2003, Sanrio revamped the character, creating a more solid storyline and finally deciding to incorporate the asterisk booty in all drawings and depictions. These changes helped catapult the character back into popularity. In fact, Pompompurin won multiple Sanrio Character Awards (a fun, annual contest that tests the popularity of a character) in 1998, 2015, and 2016. Even when he doesn't win, he has remained in the top 10 since his launch.

Since his rebranding, PomPom has been in multiple types of media and appears often in Sanrio merchandise. Though he doesn't have his own show, you'll see him appear in Hello Kitty & Friends Super Cute Adventures and Hello Kitty's Animation Theater. Additionally, Pompompurin has multiple games dedicated to him, such as the Nintendo DS game Pompompurin: Korokoro Daibouken. This popular puppy has also appeared in multiple collaborations, including the games LINE Poko Poko and Puzzle & Dragons. Last year, Pompompurin even collaborated with the Japan Racing Association (JRA), which created a Pompompurin mini-online game that helps you learn horse racing terms.

There is also quite a selection of Pompompurin merchandise, from a Pompompurin Mini Camera to cute plushies, Christmas snow globes, costumes, and more. Though this character has been around for nearly 30 years, Sanrio has found ways to keep him relevant and popular. One method includes having social media pages on Facebook and Instagram dedicated to Pompompurin. These pages let fans learn more about the character and also host occasional competitions to help excite fans about PomPom's cuteness. His social media channels, collaborations, and appearances in various media also ensure Pompompurin is forever remembered.

Where to Find Pompompurin

As Japan loves to celebrate the kawaii culture, you'll find Sanrio Pompompurin merch and locations spread throughout the country. There are multiple ways to enjoy Pompompurin, from the Pompompurin Cafe to stores and other attractions. Below are a few options for meeting Pompompurin while visiting Japan.

Pompompurin Cafe

One of the best spots for indulging in cute Pompompurin-themed items is the Pompompurin Cafe, situated in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan. Here, the cafe features all things Pompompurin, from its wall decor to PomPom-shaped couches, merchandise, and, of course, food. The cafe's theme is a party thrown by none other than Pompompurin himself!

Enjoy delicious treats shaped like the adorable puppy PomPompurin, such as curry, a hamburger steak meal, and even an omelet rice dish that looks like a sleeping PomPom! You can also order a super cute picnic basket with enough burgers, soup, fries, and salad for two. Don't forget to try one of the delicious Purin-themed drinks!

While you won't see a physical version of Pompompurin here that you can meet, you'll have plenty of images, merch, food, and more shaped like Pompompurin to tide you over.

Sanrio Puroland

Another must-visit for more Pompompurin and Sanrio merchandise is Sanrio Puroland. This indoor theme park features three levels of attractions, restaurants, shops, photo booths, exhibits, shows, and more, all focusing on various Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Pompompurin.

You'll also find mini factories and plants spread throughout Sanrio Puroland, which depict cute characters in different scenarios. For example, you'll see characters making bread from scratch at the Bread Factory. These attractions also offer fantastic photo opportunities. Throughout this theme park, you'll be able to meet characters like Pompompurin in person. Get to know the adorable Sanrio characters by dining in themed restaurants, watching the shows, and exploring Puroland!

In particular, you'll find quite a few characters in the Charaguri Residence, also known as the Character Greeting Residence. Different characters appear at different times throughout the day, so be sure to check out Puroland's website for the most up-to-date information on which characters will be available to meet and at what time.

Pompompurin Merchandise on Sugoi Mart

This adorable character is the perfect addition to collections and displays. At Sugoi Mart, you can have your pick of Sanrio Pompompurin items at nearly any price point. With Japan-exclusive offerings such as Pompompurin plush toys, accessories, and stationery, there are plenty of items to select from. Here are a few exciting Pompompurin merch options (including limited-edition products):

Pompompurin Kigurumi Costume

Now, you can dress like the adorable PomPom character! This Pompompurin Kigurumi Costume includes floppy ears and his signature brown beret. Though this fun onesie is one size fits all, it can be worn by adults up to 175 cm tall.

Sanrio Dreaming Angel Pompompurin Plush

This plush demonstrates Pompompurin's unique style, which, in this case, is a kawaii angel! This Sanrio Dreaming Angel Pompompurin Plush includes a super cute angel covered in hearts, including a heart halo and wand. Soft and cuddly, this plush is a must-have.

Sanrio Clear Window Tote Bag: Pompompurin

Take Pompompurin everywhere you go with this fun Sanrio Clear Window Tote Bag. The front features an image of Pompompurin himself, while the back has a convenient clear window that lets you see what you've purchased or packed inside.

Sanrio Sakura 2024 Mini Towel Pompompurin

This limited-edition Sanrio Sakura 2024 Mini Towel Pompurin shows the adorable character surrounded by pretty cherry blossom flowers. Made with a plush jacquard weave and a pretty PomPom applique, this lush towel will be your new favorite for drying your hands, skincare, etc. It's also perfect for a guest bathroom.

Sanrio Puku Puku Plushie: Pompompurin

Join Pompompurin in his love of soft items by getting your own soft, squishy Sanrio Puku Puku Pompompurin plushie! Featuring the adorable golden retriever character with his signature beret, you'll love cuddling this plush. Add your plushie to a Sanrio collection, use it as cozy decor for your bed, or show off your Pompompurin plush.

Size: 25cm

Note: By purchasing this item you will get only 1 of the variations. Chosen randomly.

$25.99

Conclusion

With his cute appeal and friendly nature, Pompompurin remains one of the most beloved Sanrio characters ever. If you have a favorite experience featuring this cute puppy character or a favorite Pompompurin item, share it on social media and tag @sugoimart. We love to see Pompompurin (and other Sanrio characters) in action!

Check out Sugoi Mart's Sanrio Collection for an extra touch of cuteness in your life. This extensive collection includes merchandise featuring top Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and Pompompurin.

Get up-to-date news on upcoming Sanrio product releases, exclusive offers, and coupons by subscribing to Sugoi Mart's newsletter! After inputting your email, you'll receive exciting product news right to your inbox.


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What Is the Story Behind Pompompurin?

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