Written by Sky
Every year since 1986, Sanrio, the beloved company behind Hello Kitty has been hosting a global poll to determine the popularity of each of their signature characters. Alongside this poll, Sanrio has added a new project into the mix. Happilinafriends (ハッピリーナフレンズ) is a campaign that features ten new original characters that are all vying for an official spot on their roster.
The voting took place starting on March 25, 2026 and ended on May 24th. There were three categories to vote for: Always Together Award, Collector’s Choice Award, and Favorite Story Award. The voting results will be announced June 28th.
All of the new characters were designed specifically with the newest generation of elementary schoolers in mind so let’s take a look at which characters these kids may get to grow up with.
Onegaimashu
This fluffy white fairy is made from clouds and is here to grant your wishes. Mashu is described as laid-back and inexperienced with the world like a baby staring at a colorful mobile. In Mashu’s debut photo there are elements such as clouds, stars, clovers, music notes, and a tiny envelope and key. We can expect a soft blue, green, and white fluffy aesthetic if Mashu joins the lineup!
Chokochilla
Chokochilla is a chinchilla girl who ate so many strawberries that her white fur began turning pink on her ears and tail, almost like a kid so excited to eat their favorite food it gets all over their face! She’s a proud talkative chinchilla who can fit in the palm of your hand. Her tiny strawberry hat and cream-colored background gives off a sweet and puffy vibe that will surely lead to dessert-themed art and merchandise if she sticks around.
Kawaii Sprinkles
It’s undeniable that unicorns have won over the hearts of many children over the years and the Kawaii Sprinkles are hoping to do the same. These three tiny unicorns represent the happiness that you feel when adding colorful sprinkles to your ice cream. Their names are Fujimuu, Ruly, and Haru and they are best friends forever. Ice cream is the common design element tying these friends together, as their manes are made of purple, pink, and mint ice cream respectively and their horns resemble ice cream cones! Surely all sorts of pastel ice cream-themed treats will be coming our way if these Kawaii Sprinkles take the cake.
Chouchoumagirouge
Chouchoumagirouge mirrors the experience many children have of playing with their parents’ makeup for the first time: the dream of being older and more confident and exploring new versions of yourself! She is a girl resembling a fuzzy bunny with her pink and teal ears tied up in a purple scrunchie. Wanting to try magical makeup, she looks on curiously as she is surrounded by elegant flowers and jewel-like cosmetics. If she stays with Sanrio her sparkling aesthetic would fit in perfectly with makeup and other related accessories.
Nemrytale
A sleepy duo of fairies born from comfy bedding, NemuNemu is a drowsy sleep cap-adorned puff ball and Shippo, an even tinier fluff, is always cuddled up next to NemuNemu.The two of them have come from Nemry Land and want to bring everyone to a soft and happy dreamland. These two would look cozy on all sorts of bedding and pajamas, as well as a comforting presence for kids learning to sleep on their own. Good dreams and fluffy textures are sure to come if this pair find a spot in the lineup.
Grumpynivee
Grumpynivee may be a grumpy bunny, but surely she is so cute that no one could be grumpy looking at her. Her grumpiness is a byproduct of her shyness, mirroring the experience some kids may have trying to make their first friends at school. Hopefully she can teach everyone not to judge a book by its cover if she becomes an official character.
PowaPowaPowari
Look up at the stars: is he a dog? Is he a cat? No! He’s actually a cute mysterious being. Powari is visiting from space to make lots of friends. He loves hugs and his fur is extra soft. His starry eyes offer a unique space-like aesthetic that is more pastel and friendly looking than most other creatures from space. Powari might be similar to a child’s first furry friend, a soft and cuddly being that could be a dog, a cat, or even just a comforting plushie. Either way, he hopes that maybe he can be friends with everyone if he wins everyone’s votes.
Nyamnyamnew
Have you ever dreamed about being able to shapeshift or imagined magical spells that turn you into something else? Nyamnyamnew can do just that by saying “Nyamu Nyamu Nyu”. She is a small white cat that can also use her powers to be everyone’s cheerleader! She hopes that she can encourage everyone to be themselves and follow their dreams. In her debut image she has transformed into four different looks. If she sticks around it will be exciting to see what other looks she comes up with and what kind of magical creations she will be a part of.
Luna & Oliver
Luna and Oliver are ogre twins and grandchildren born from an old folktale about a kind ogre. These twins are like imaginary friends created by a kid hearing a traditional story. They also love Harajuku fashion and are inspiring for everyone to be cute and bold with their clothing. These pink and yellow twins will surely bring a bright and poppy aesthetic to Sanrio’s world if they become friends with us forever!
Rukarundecor
Last but not least, Rukarun is an elegant white dolphin with a passion for decorating. Rukarun lives under the sea in a town called Decorun and spends her days decorating anything -and anyone- she can find with her cream from her piping bag. Once you’ve been decorated you will feel energized and magical; reminding us of a time when some of the most exciting moments were coloring outside the lines and sticking crafts on every surface. In a couple of weeks we will find out if Rukarun will continue to win over hearts by decorating everything with pretty pink, white, and blue magic.
Sources:
https://ranking.sanrio.co.jp/en/about/
https://ranking.sanrio.co.jp/en/happilinafriends/
https://www.sanrio.co.jp/specialsite/happilinafriends/season1/
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