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Top 10+ most underrated Sanrio characters: Hidden gems every collector will love
When it comes to Sanrio, most fans immediately think of Hello Kitty, My Melody, or Cinnamoroll. But beyond these global icons lies a rich world of quirky, nostalgic, and heartwarming, underrated Sanrio characters. In this article, Japan Figure’ll explore the top 10 hidden gems that deserve more love and shelf space. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, these Sanrio characters will inspire you to expand your horizons and maybe even fall in love all over again.
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1. Top 10 most underrated Sanrio characters
Before we dive into our list of the top 10 most underrated Sanrio characters, it’s worth noting that these hidden gems each offer something unique, whether it’s quirky charm, emotional depth, or nostalgic appeal.
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Hangyodon
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Coro Coro Kuririn
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Tuxedosam
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The Vaudeville Duo
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Kappa Rumba
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My Sweet Piano
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Chunenheroine Ojisans
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Winkipinki
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Gatorgags
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Catsbykids
1.1. Hangyodon
A fish-boy dreamer from 1985, Hangyodon battles loneliness with quirky humor and earnest ambition. His slapstick manga and expressive design make him a cult favorite in Japan, but he’s still under-recognized worldwide.
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Debut: 1985
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Known for “kuuki-kei” (airheaded cute) vibe and comedic charm
1.2. Corocorokuririn
This golden-tailed hamster won hearts in 1998. With a love for flowers and a shy personality, Corocorokuririn is a tiny treasure in the underrated pink Sanrio characters lineup.
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Debut: 1998
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Adorable mischief with pastel charm
1.3. Tuxedosam
Tuxedosam, the dapper penguin with 365 bowties, is a vintage delight. With a refined accent and retro fashion, he’s a nostalgic icon from the 80s begging for modern rediscovery.
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Debut: 1986
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Classic Sanrio charm with gentlemanly flair
1.4. The Vaudeville Duo
This comedic pair brings vintage slapstick humor to the Sanrio universe. Styled after early 20th-century performers, The Vaudeville Duo are perfect for fans who love classic gags and theatrical flair.
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Debut: 1990s
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Personality: Loud, goofy, and full of movement
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Why underrated: Sanrio rarely promotes vintage-comedy characters internationally
1.5. Kappa Rumba
A dancing kappa (a mythical Japanese water creature) who loves rhythm and nature. Kappa Rumba mixes traditional folklore with joyful movement, making him a fascinating character for cultural collectors.
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Debut: Early 2000s
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Personality: Cheerful, quirky, and eco-friendly
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Why underrated: Kappa are obscure in Western fandoms, but beloved in Japanese mythology
1.6. My Sweet Piano
Often mistaken as part of My Melody's accessories, My Sweet Piano is actually a character of her own. She’s a soft, pink sheep who represents kindness and sensitivity.
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Debut: 1976 (as a side character), gained name recognition later
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Personality: Gentle, shy, and supportive
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Why underrated: Usually overshadowed by My Melody, despite strong fan support
1.7. Chunenheroine Ojisans
Possibly Sanrio’s weirdest concept ever—a trio of middle-aged uncles (ojisans) who cosplay as magical girls. This parody character group is both hilarious and oddly heartwarming.
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Debut: Mid-2010s
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Personality: Passionate, awkward, and dream-driven
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Why underrated: Their niche humor and gender-bending theme appeal more to Japanese fans
1.8. Winkipinki
This classy, feminine character was popular in the late 80s and early 90s but slowly faded out. With pearls, bows, and soft color palettes, she embodies vintage elegance and poise.
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Debut: 1989
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Personality: Polite, sweet, and fashion-forward
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Why underrated: Lacks a defined backstory and was overshadowed by characters like Hello Kitty
1.9. Gatorgags
A rare Sanrio character with a Western cartoon feel, Gatorgags is a slapstick alligator with a love for puns and visual jokes. He’s a goofball but has major mascot potential.
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Debut: Unknown, believed early 90s
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Personality: Silly, fast-talking, unpredictable
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Why underrated: Cartoonish design doesn’t match kawaii expectations
1.10. Catsbykids
A lesser-known group of anthropomorphic kittens who live stylish, urban lives. They often appear in comic-like setups and are reminiscent of classic manga gang dynamics.
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Debut: Early 2000s
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Personality: Stylish, a little mischievous, and expressive
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Why underrated: Limited merch release and minimal global promotion
2. Why underrated Sanrio characters are underrated?
Even though Sanrio is home to over 400 characters, only a handful regularly appear in major campaigns, merchandise drops, and pop culture. So why do some lovable icons slip under the radar? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the underrated Sanrio phenomenon:
Marketing focus favors big names
Sanrio's global marketing strategy naturally concentrates on its most profitable characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll. These icons generate significant revenue through licensing deals, brand collaborations, and theme park features. As a result, underrated Sanrio characters often get sidelined in global exposure, even though they may be just as appealing in design and personality.
Niche appeal and “quirky” design
Some underrated Sanrio characters cater to more niche tastes. For example:
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Hangyodon’s awkwardness appeals to those who see themselves as outsiders or introverts.
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Tuxedosam’s vintage formality connects best with retro lovers.
Characters like these don’t offer the immediate cuteness of a pink bunny or a smiling puppy, but that uniqueness is exactly what makes them stand out for deeper fans.
Hidden gems are for true fans
The beauty of the top 10 most underrated Sanrio characters lies in their discovery. Fans who dive deep into the Sanrio universe often form stronger emotional bonds with these overlooked figures. Collecting them becomes a personal journey of identity and taste.
3. Underrated Sanrio: How to collect
Collecting underrated Sanrio characters is a rewarding way to build a more personalized and meaningful Sanrio collection. Here’s how to get started:
Start with a theme
Choose a collecting theme that aligns with your taste:
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By color: e.g., underrated pink Sanrio characters like Marron Cream or Corocorokuririn
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By vibe: retro (Tuxedosam), funny (Hangyodon)
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By rarity: characters not commonly sold in global retail
Look for Japan-exclusive or limited edition terms
Underrated characters often get special releases only in Japan or through limited campaigns. Shopping from specialty sites like Japan Figure gives you access to authentic, hard-to-find collectibles that are not mass-produced globally.
Mix underrated with popular
Combine lesser-known characters with icons like Kuromi or Cinnamoroll for a well-balanced display. This not only showcases your deeper fandom but also makes your shelf stand out.
Follow fan communities
Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, and Sanrio Ranking websites are great places to discover character lore, fan art, and the latest merch drops related to underrated Sanrio.
4. FAQs – People also ask about the most underrated Sanrio characters
Let’s wrap up with answers to some of the most common questions about Sanrio’s hidden gems.
4.1. Who is the most underrated Sanrio character?
Cogimyun is widely considered the most underrated Sanrio character. Despite her emotional depth, poetic design, and growing popularity in Japan, she’s still underrepresented in Western markets.
4.2. What’s the least popular Sanrio character?
While Sanrio doesn’t publish exact rankings for the “least popular,” characters like Ichigoman or Patapata Peppy are rarely seen in merch or rankings, making them likely contenders for this spot.
4.3. What are the most rare Sanrio characters?
Rare characters include Corocorokuririn, Lloromannic, and sidekicks like Baku. Their merchandise is often Japan-exclusive and only released in specific years or events.
4.4. Who is the depressed Sanrio character?
Cogimyun is known for her sensitive and tearful personality. She often cries from stress or when people touch her too much, which makes her a symbol of gentle vulnerability.
4.5. Who is the villain in Sanrio?
Sanrio doesn’t have traditional villains, but Kuromi is often seen as the mischievous “rival” to My Melody. She’s not evil, just cheeky and full of punk attitude.
The underrated Sanrio characters we’ve highlighted offer more than just cute faces, they bring personality, story, and soul into any collection. From Hangyodon’s heroic dreams to Cogimyun’s soft sadness, these characters let you connect in a way that’s uniquely personal. Start your journey today with authentic, rare Sanrio figures at Japan Figure, where every character deserves a place on your shelf.
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