The interim results for the "2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix," a popularity poll for Sanrio characters, were announced on May 12th, revealing that Pompompurin has taken first place. Pompompurin, who won first place last year for the first time in about nine years, was in second place in the initial preliminary results, but overtook Cinnamoroll, who was in first place in the preliminary results, to take the top spot. Cinnamoroll came in second place, and Pochacco ranked third. The interim results were compiled from web votes cast from 11:00 AM on Getsuku to 11:59 PM on May 6th.
Pompompurin is also popular in overseas rankings, and has provisionally ranked first in 11 countries and regions. Pompompurin commented, "Thank you everyone for all the support! I'm so happy. I'm sending you all my Pompom support! Pompom~♪ Let's all do our best together and enjoy my anniversary year☆"
Pekkle the Duck ranked 7th in the top 10, following its initial strong performance, while My Sweet Piano jumped significantly from 18th last year to 13th. Popular characters such as Kuromi, Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars also performed well in the top ranks.
The "Sanrio Character Awards" is a public voting event for Sanrio characters that started in 1986. Last year, the total number of votes exceeded 63.16 million, the highest number ever. This year, the 41st edition of the awards, the theme is "Sending Cheers to Everyone Who's Doing Their Best! Smiling Ovation!", and 90 characters will be entered. Voting will begin on April Getsuku and will continue until May 24th. The final results will be announced on June 28th.
◇2026 Sanrio Character Awards Interim Rankings
1st: Pompompurin ▽2nd: Cinnamoroll ▽3rd: Pochacco ▽4th: Kuromi▽5th: Hello Kitty▽6th: My Melody▽7th: Ahiru no Pekkle▽8th: Hangyodon▽9th: Little Twin Stars▽10th: Badtz-Maru▽11th: Tuxedo Sam▽12th: Cogimyun▽13th: My Sweet Piano▽14th: Hanamaru Obake▽15th: Kerokero Keroppi▽16th: Wish Me Mell▽17th: Usahana▽18th: Gaopawaruu▽19th: Korokoro Kuririn▽20th: Gudetama
