Think you know Sanrio? Think again! While Hello Kitty and My Melody have taken the world by storm, a hidden world of quirky, lovable Sanrio characters remains undiscovered by most. These lesser-known creations each bring something surprising, unique, and heartwarming to the Sanrio universe. Here’s a list of the top 10 Sanrio characters you (probably) never knew existed—and trust us, you’ll want to meet them all!
Here’s a deeper dive into each character, including launch dates, trivia, and what makes each one unique.
1. Winkipinki
Launch Date: Mid-1990s
Winkipinki, a glamorous pink kitten with a love for all things fashion, was designed with a refined yet playful aesthetic. She often sports a flower clip and other stylish accessories, setting her apart as one of Sanrio’s chicest characters. Her look and personality seem tailored to appeal to fans of luxury and elegance, making her somewhat of a feline fashionista in the Sanrio world. Trivia: Winkipinki’s signature flower clip is said to be inspired by classic floral hair accessories from the 1920s.
2. Corocorokuririn
Launch Date: 1998
This cute hamster loves collecting small trinkets and embarking on tiny adventures. Known for his sweet, curious nature, Corocorokuririn is often depicted in charming scenes that involve him exploring his surroundings. Trivia: Corocorokuririn is actually one of Sanrio’s few characters to have a “pet”—a tiny goldfish named Sakura. This duo shares a gentle friendship, adding to Corocorokuririn’s appeal as a humble, everyday character.
3. Chi Chai Monchan
Launch Date: 1990
Chi Chai Monchan is a cheeky pink monkey who loves bananas and tends to get into playful mischief. He embodies the spirit of a curious monkey with a love for simple pleasures, particularly food. Trivia: Sanrio often uses Chi Chai Monchan in stationery and accessory lines aimed at younger audiences, thanks to his approachable and cute design.
4. Tuxedo Sam’s Friends (Chip & Dip)
Launch Date: 1980s
Tuxedo Sam’s best friends, Chip and Dip, are two mini-penguins who add extra fun to his life. These sidekicks often accompany Sam on various adventures, particularly culinary ones. Trivia: Chip and Dip were introduced as part of Tuxedo Sam’s storyline to show the importance of friendship, with each character representing a different personality to complement Sam’s cheerful demeanor.
5. Cinnamoangels
Launch Date: 2005
The Cinnamoangels—Azuki, Mocha, and Chiffon—are three angelic pups from the Cinnamoroll universe. Each has a distinct personality, with Azuki being a sweets lover, Mocha a fashion enthusiast, and Chiffon the sporty type. Trivia: The Cinnamoangels originally appeared as backup singers for Cinnamoroll in special merchandise, but their popularity grew, leading them to star in their own products.
6. Paupipo
Launch Date: 2000s
Paupipo, an alien-like character with a love for exploring new foods, represents Sanrio’s unique sci-fi twist. With his quirky looks and alien origins, Papipo introduces fans to an otherworldly perspective on Sanrio’s otherwise earthbound characters. Trivia: Paupipo’s favorite activity is exploring Earth’s culinary landscape, particularly foods that are unusual by alien standards, making him an adventurous foodie.
7. Kojipurin
Launch Date: 1998
Kojipurin, a shy retriever puppy, is a quieter friend of the popular Pompompurin. His love for soft foods, especially pudding, mirrors his gentle and introverted nature. Trivia: Unlike Pompompurin’s bright beret, Kojipurin’s simple style reflects his love for calm, cozy spaces, and he is often depicted napping or reading.
8. Goropikadon
Launch Date: 1982
Goropikadon consists of three thunder-loving brothers—Goro, Pika, and Don. Each brother has a distinct personality: Goro is the leader, Pika is logical, and Don is the mischievous one. Trivia: This trio’s fascination with thunderstorms is a nod to Japan’s summer storm season, making them relatable to Japanese fans who associate thunderstorms with summertime fun.
9. Tabo
Launch Date: 1984
Tabo is a boy-next-door character representing simple childhood joys. His design is minimalistic, but his adventures capture the innocence of growing up and the humor found in everyday situations. Trivia: Sanrio created Tabo with the intent to represent daily life’s small and humorous moments, making him one of the brand’s most relatable characters for children.
10. Shiri Rappers
Launch Date: Early 2000s
This duo, made up of a peach and a plum with a passion for hip-hop, is unlike anything else in the Sanrio lineup. With their headphones and sunglasses, they’re all about rhythm, rhyme, and having a good time. Trivia: The Shiri Rappers were designed to appeal to a slightly older, trend-conscious audience, incorporating hip-hop culture into Sanrio’s lineup of cute characters.
These obscure Sanrio characters add rich, diverse elements to the Sanrio universe, offering everything from sci-fi flair to retro rock vibes. Each character embodies a unique personality and represents different aspects of life and culture, making Sanrio a brand that appeals to fans of all kinds.