For the first time in years, a shakeup is underway in the world of Sanrio and Hello Kitty. The company’s annual Character Ranking contest, which lets fans vote daily for their favorite mascots, is stirring up major excitement with its 2025 interim results. Pompompurin, the lovable golden retriever in a beret, has unexpectedly pulled into the lead, marking a huge challenge to long-time champion Cinnamoroll, who has held the number-one spot every year since 2019.

What is even more surprising is that Cinnamoroll is not just facing one serious rival, according to Anime News Network. Classic characters like Pochacco and Hello Kitty are making strong showings, while even edgy favorites like Kuromi are holding their own. But with voting closed as of May 25 and final results set to be revealed on June 29, all eyes are on Pompompurin to see if he can maintain this golden streak and officially end Cinnamoroll’s reign.

Pompompurin’s Golden Moment in Sanrio

Pompompurin Takes the Lead, and Fans Hearts

This year marks a major comeback for Pompompurin, who ranked fourth in 2024 but has now surged into first place. His rise speaks to the enduring appeal of his laid-back personality and nostalgic charm, which resonate across generations. With his signature brown beret and friendly vibe, Pompompurin has a cozy, comforting aesthetic that matches perfectly with current internet trends favoring “soft” and “wholesome” characters.

Pompompurin’s fanbase is also incredibly active online, where cute fan art and themed merchandise continue to trend. His ers have rallied hard during the voting period, and it has paid off. Unless another character makes a last-minute leap, Pompompurin could dethrone Cinnamoroll and claim the title of Sanrio’s most beloved character for the first time in over five years.

Kuromi’s Popularity Plateaus for Sanrio Fans

Kuromi’s Cool Factor Can’t Crack the Top Three

Meanwhile, Kuromi, often seen as My Melody's rebellious foil, seems to have hit a ceiling. After landing in third place in 2024 Sanrio Character Ranking contest, she has slipped to fourth this year. Her punky aesthetic and cheeky attitude have made her a cult favorite, especially among Gen Z fans who gravitate toward characters with edge and personality. But even with a strong social media presence, Kuromi hasn’t managed to break into the top two.

Her current ranking suggests that while she is beloved, her appeal may be more niche compared to the universally huggable images of Pompompurin or Cinnamoroll in the Hello Kitty universe. It is a testament to how competitive and dynamic Sanrio’s character ecosystem is, where even viral stars have to work hard to stay in the top five. Kuromi’s fans will not stop rooting for her, but for now, she may have to accept that someone else is stealing the spotlight.