Yoshikitty Selected for 2025 Sanrio Character Ranking, for the 11th Consecutive Year

TOKYO, JAPAN (April 10, 2025) – Yoshikitty, the beloved Sanrio character inspired by international music icon YOSHIKI, has once again been selected to participate in the Sanrio Character Ranking, marking her 11th consecutive year as one of only 90 characters chosen from Sanrio's roster of over 450, joining other fan favorites such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin. The 2025 contest, which also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the global fan-favorite ranking, opens for voting on April 10 at 11:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time and runs through May 25. The official voting portal is now live at https://ranking.Sanrio.co.jp/en/characters/yoshikitty/ and fans can vote for yoshikitty once daily from all their devices.

Created in 2009, yoshikitty is the first and only Sanrio character modeled after a real person - YOSHIKI himself: composer, drummer, pianist, fashion icon, and founder of the legendary rock band X Japan. Yoshikitty blends Sanrio's beloved charm with YOSHIKI's unmistakable presence and message of individuality and creative freedom.

“I feel very honored yoshikitty was selected once again amongst all those amazing world-famous characters,” says YOSHIKI. “Your continued love and support mean everything to me. Let's make this her biggest year yet.”

Since her entry into the Sanrio Character Ranking in 2015, yoshikitty has built a passionate international following. In 2018, she was voted more popular worldwide than Hello Kitty, standing out among more than 450 Sanrio characters. She has consistently ranked first in regional voting in countries such as Brazil, China, France, Germany, and Thailand.

Voting will run from April 10 through May 25, with milestone announcements throughout the campaign. First-day initial results will be shared on April 15, interim results on May 13, and final results will be revealed on June 29 (JST).

Sanrio is the world's largest entertainment company focusing exclusively on “kawaii” (cute) merchandise from Japanese popular culture. With over 450 popular characters, Sanrio's global media and retail network includes theme parks, stores, television, film, and mobile games.

Fans are encouraged to vote daily and share their support for yoshikitty across social platforms using #Voteyoshikitty. Digital assets and campaign materials are available upon request.