Sanrio’s adorable characters, from the globally famous Hello Kitty to fan-favorites like Cinnamoroll and Kuromi, have charmed people across generations. But did you know that Kuromi, often seen as a rebellious troublemaker, is secretly a hopeless romantic? Or that Cinnamoroll, the fluffy pup, is actually a quiet little boy?
Let’s uncover eight fascinating facts about Sanrio characters that reveal their quirky, unexpected sides. These insights will make you fall even more in love with the world of Sanrio!
1. Hello Kitty Was Not Sanrio’s First Character
Most people associate Sanrio with Hello Kitty, the brand’s biggest global icon. Known for her signature red or pink bow, Hello Kitty has a fanbase spanning every continent. However, she wasn’t Sanrio’s first character! That honor goes to a little bear named Coro-Chan, introduced before Hello Kitty in the early 1970s.
Who is Coro-Chan?
Coro-Chan, whose name resembles the Japanese word for croquettes (due to his round, fluffy cheeks), was a sweet and cheerful bear boy. Although Coro-Chan is not as widely recognized today, he laid the foundation for Sanrio’s future successes.
2. Pompompurin’s “Girlfriend” Is Just a One-Sided Crush
Pompompurin, the golden retriever with a cute beret, is loved for his bubbly and friendly personality. Many fans think his frequent companion, a white dog named Macaroon, is his girlfriend. But according to Pompompurin’s creator, Macaroon is just a close friend who secretly admires him.
A Love That Isn’t Meant to Be:
Macaroon has feelings for Pompompurin but chooses to stay silent, respecting their friendship. While fans might see their interactions as romantic, they’re actually a classic “more than friends, less than lovers” pair.
3. Hangyodon and His Tragic Love Story
Sanrio’s Hangyodon is an emotional and romantic soul. His birthday, fittingly, is on White Day (March 14), a holiday dedicated to love. Despite his cheerful demeanor, Hangyodon has one of the most bittersweet love stories in the Sanrio universe.
The Tale of Hangyodon and the Goldfish:
During a summer, Hangyodon took in a goldfish after unsuccessfully trying to catch one at a fair. He tenderly nurtured it, oblivious to the fact that the goldfish had developed feelings for him.
Desiring to be with Hangyodon, the goldfish morphed into a human for a span of three days. They experienced a fleeting romance before the magic faded. Han-Ton, ignorant of the metamorphosis, continues to anticipate the return of his cherished goldfish.
4. Kuromi Is a Hopeless Romantic
Known for her mischievous personality and self-proclaimed rivalry with My Melody, Kuromi often comes across as tough and brash. However, beneath her rebellious exterior lies a heart filled with romantic dreams.
Kuromi’s Romantic Side:
Kuromi loves reading romance novels and daydreaming about her crush, Keiichi Hiiragi, a handsome character from a cartoon. She fantasizes about romantic moments with him and even gets shy when talking about her feelings. Kuromi’s mix of toughness and vulnerability makes her a relatable and lovable character.
5. Cinnamoroll Is Actually a Quiet Boy
Cinnamoroll’s fluffy white fur and long ears often lead fans to assume he’s a dainty little girl. However, this beloved Sanrio character is actually a gentle and introverted boy.
Why Is He Called Cinnamoroll?
His name comes from his cinnamon roll-like tail. In fact, his favorite treat is cinnamon rolls from Café Cinnamon, where he often hangs out. Cinnamoroll’s kind and quiet nature make him a comforting presence for fans worldwide.
6. Pochacco Only Celebrates His Birthday Every Four Years
The curious and sporty Pochacco is a leap year baby, born on February 29. This means he only gets to celebrate his actual birthday once every four years! Despite this unique fact, Pochacco lives an exciting life filled with activities like sports and long walks.
An Athlete on a Vegetarian Diet:
Pochacco stands out as one of the rare vegetarian personalities in the Sanrio cosmos, relishing carrots and banana-flavored ice cream.. His wholesome lifestyle perfectly complements his adventurous spirit.
7. Badtz-Maru’s Dad Is a Scary Gang Leader… Afraid of His Wife!
The grumpy yet lovable penguin Badtz-Maru has a tough and rebellious streak. Born in Hawaii, this bold character dreams of becoming a CEO. It turns out his leadership aspirations come from his father, who happens to be a mafia boss!
The Surprising Twist:
Despite his powerful position, Badtz-Maru’s father is comically afraid of his wife. He’s a classic example of a “tough on the outside, soft on the inside” personality. This adds a hilarious dynamic to Badtz-Maru’s family life.
8. The Little Twin Stars Are as Tall as the Moon’s Radius
Kiki and Lala, better known as the Little Twin Stars, are often depicted as tiny celestial beings. However, their combined height is an astonishing 1,737 kilometers—the same as the radius of the Moon!
Why Are They So Tall?
The twins come from the Land of Stars, where they’re training to become brighter and more radiant. Their ethereal height reflects their connection to the cosmos and their mission to spread light and happiness.
