YOSHIKITTY SELECTED FOR 2025 SANRIO CHARACTER RANKING, FOR THE 11TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Rock icon YOSHIKI’s alter ego – the only Sanrio character based on a real person – returns for the eleventh year in the fan-favorite Sanrio Character Ranking, with global voting opening April 10 at 11:00 a.m. Japan time.
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.
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CONNECT WITH YOSHIKITTY:
Online Shop: https://yoshikitty.shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoshikittyOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikitty_official/
ABOUT YOSHIKI:
Website: https://www.yoshiki.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoshikiofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yoshiki
YOSHIKI is a groundbreaking Japanese superstar known for his contributions to music, fashion, film, and beyond. A composer, classically trained pianist, rock drummer, and leader of the legendary rock band X Japan, he has been recognized as “one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history” by Consequence and described as “a musical innovator” by Billboard.
In March 2024, Variety honored YOSHIKI with the International Achievement in Music Award. In late 2023, he became the first and only Japanese artist in the 100-year history of the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to receive a hand and footprint ceremony, cementing his legacy on the global stage.
In 2023, YOSHIKI made his directorial debut with the feature film YOSHIKI: Under the Sky, which premiered in New York, Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles before expanding to over 130 theaters across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. The film is now available for streaming in the U.S. on Amazon Prime.
His global musical achievements include composing a song for the 10th anniversary of the Emperor of Japan’s reign, writing the official theme song for the World Expo, scoring Hollywood film soundtracks, and composing the official theme song for the Golden Globe Awards. As the leader of X Japan, YOSHIKI has sold over 30 million albums and singles and holds the record for 18 sold-out concerts at the 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome. He has also performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, and Carnegie Hall, as a solo artist.
A recognized fashion icon, YOSHIKI became the first Japanese male to appear on the cover of Vogue Japan. In 2024, he launched his high-fashion brand, MAISON YOSHIKI PARIS, which debuted on the official calendar of Milan Fashion Week, followed by its presentation at Paris Fashion Week. He also founded Yoshikimono in 2009, blending traditional kimono craftsmanship with modern innovation. The brand has been featured in exhibitions at the prestigious V&A Museum in London and the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, alongside designs from other globally renowned fashion houses. Since 2015, Yoshikimono has headlined Tokyo Fashion Week multiple times.
Beyond fashion, YOSHIKI has collaborated with French luxury crystal maker Baccarat, launching a new collection of crystal stemware. His partnership with Baccarat began in 2021 when he was selected as a designer for the brand’s 180th-anniversary collection. He is also the visionary behind Y by YOSHIKI wine, created in collaboration with the Mondavi family in Napa, California, and has launched his own premium Champagne brand in partnership with the renowned French house POMMERY.
