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Underrated Sanrio characters are some of the cutest hidden gems in the kawaii universe, often missed by mainstream fans. At Japan Flow, we help collectors around the world discover and shop rare Sanrio characters from Japan with ease through our trusted proxy shopping service.
1. Top 10+ most underrated Sanrio characters to add to your collection
These lesser known Sanrio gems offer unique stories, charming visuals, and nostalgic vibes that appeal to niche fans and collectors. From cozy otters to fashionable bunnies, here are 10+ characters you might’ve missed but definitely deserve a spot in your collection.
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Coro-chan
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Usahana
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Landry
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Choco Cat
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Little Forest Fellow
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Mashimaru Mitaina Fufu
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Pippo
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Pekkle
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Picke Bicke
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Zashikibuta
1.1. Coro-chan
Coro-chan is one of Sanrio's most quietly iconic characters, a gentle brown bear who represents the softer, more reflective side of kawaii culture. He lives a peaceful life tending to his flower garden and writing heartfelt letters to his friends. Coro-chan's understated charm and classic pastel design made him a staple in Sanrio’s vintage stationery during the late 70s and 80s.
Though he's rarely featured in modern releases, Coro-chan holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of longtime Sanrio fans. His old-school aesthetic appeals to collectors who love retro Japanese characters or seek calm, heartwarming vibes in their collection.
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Released year: 1978
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Personality: Calm, thoughtful, gentle
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Notable traits: Writes letters, loves gardening and quiet time
1.2. Usahana
Usahana is a vibrant, fashion-loving bunny known for her multicolored ears and sunny personality. She debuted in the early 2000s and quickly became associated with summer, style, and girly energy. Her name combines "usa" (rabbit) and "hana" (flower), reflecting her floral and cheerful vibe. She was often featured in colorful back-to-school collections, beach-themed merch, and lightweight apparel.
Despite her charm, Usahana was largely overshadowed by My Melody and Kuromi in international markets. Today, her merchandise is rare and usually found only in Japan. For collectors who love bright palettes and nostalgic 2000s aesthetics, Usahana is an underrated pink Sanrio character worth discovering.
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Released year: 2001
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Personality: Cheerful, fashionable, energetic
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Notable traits: Rainbow-colored ears, associated with summer and fashion
1.3. Landry
Landry is a gentle golden raccoon who works in a laundromat, finding joy in the simple act of cleaning clothes. With his fluffy tail, soft eyes, and calm demeanor, Landry creates a peaceful world centered around soap bubbles, warm towels, and care for others. His laundromat is a cozy setting, often depicted with baskets of folded clothes and pastel backgrounds that emphasize warmth and routine.
While not among the flashiest Sanrio characters, Landry’s humble charm has endeared him to fans who enjoy slice-of-life characters. He represents the joy of cleanliness and quiet work, making him an underrated yet comforting presence in Sanrio’s lineup. His appeal lies in the calm he brings, a subtle reminder of the happiness found in everyday moments.
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Released year: 2001
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Personality: Hardworking, gentle, tidy
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Notable traits: Works at a laundromat, loves folding clothes, surrounded by soap bubbles
1.4. Chococat
Chococat is a sleek black cat with oversized eyes and antenna-like whiskers that pick up information like radar. Despite his quiet demeanor, he's incredibly smart and curious, always up to date on the latest trends and inventions. He’s known for being a little scatterbrained at times, which adds a touch of humor to his otherwise tech-savvy personality.
Introduced in the late '90s, Chococat gained popularity as a cool, modern alternative to the more traditionally cute Sanrio characters. His neutral color palette and clever vibe make him especially appealing to older fans and collectors looking for a bit of edge. Though often in the background, he continues to be a stylish icon in the Sanrio universe.
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Released year: 1996
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Personality: Intelligent, curious, a bit absent-minded
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Notable traits: Whiskers function like radar, tech-savvy, stylish black cat
1.5. Little Forest Fellow
Little Forest Fellow, or “Mell,” is a sweet rabbit born in the forest near My Melody’s hometown of Mariland. Mell is instantly recognizable by his oversized red hood with fuzzy white trim, giving him a cozy and slightly mysterious look. He works as a forest doctor, using herbs and natural remedies to help animal friends in need.
Though introduced more recently, Mell has a strong connection to the classic Sanrio aesthetic with his caring heart and woodland charm. His world is filled with nature, healing, and gentle friendships, making him a soothing presence for fans of My Melody and beyond. Mell’s quiet dedication and natural lifestyle give him a wholesome appeal that’s easy to love.
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Released year: 2017
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Personality: Gentle, nurturing, soft-spoken
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Notable traits: Forest doctor, wears red hood, helps animals with natural remedies
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1.6. Mashimaro Mitaina Fufu
Mashimaro Mitaina Fufu is a dreamy and whimsical Sanrio duo featuring soft, marshmallow-like bunny characters. With their light pastel colors and sleepy expressions, the Fufu twins exude a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for bedtime stories or slow, reflective moments. Their world is quiet and gentle, filled with floating clouds, soft textures, and a sense of peaceful companionship.
While not widely known internationally, these characters have gained attention for their minimal design and emotionally soothing energy. They appeal to fans who enjoy low-key, emotionally resonant kawaii aesthetics. Whether displayed on stationery or plushies, the Fufu twins represent a quiet corner of the Sanrio world where everything is soft and kind.
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Released year: 2022
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Personality: Dreamy, gentle, introverted
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Notable traits: Soft bunny twins, pastel colors, associated with sleep and calm vibes
1.7. Pippo
Pippo is a wide-eyed, long-eared white dog who dreams of flying through the sky. Wearing his signature aviator goggles and scarf, Pippo often gazes upward, filled with hope and imagination. His design is full of movement and lightness, emphasizing his dreamer personality and love for freedom.
Though not as commercially popular as other Sanrio dogs, Pippo has a loyal following among fans who appreciate aspirational, whimsical characters. His storyline of reaching for the clouds resonates with those who cherish personal growth and ambition. Pippo reminds us that it’s okay to dream, even if you’re just a little pup.
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Released year: 1993
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Personality: Imaginative, hopeful, adventurous
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Notable traits: Wears aviator goggles, dreams of flying, long ears like wings
1.8. Pekkle
Ahiru no Pekkle is a friendly white duck who dreams of becoming a great dancer. Often seen in a blue t-shirt with a yellow "P", Pekkle is gentle, polite, and sometimes a bit shy. His soft demeanor and optimism make him especially beloved among fans who appreciate kind-hearted characters.
Although Pekkle was more prominent in the '90s, he's never truly faded from memory. His gentle personality and sweet design keep him relevant for collectors looking for nostalgic Sanrio faces. Pekkle is a hidden gem who stands for innocence, dreams, and kindness in motion.
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Released year: 1990
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Personality: Polite, optimistic, gentle
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Notable traits: Aspiring dancer, wears “P” shirt, loves helping others
1.9. Picke Bicke
Picke Bicke is a suave green cucumber with a taste for high-end interiors and stylish living. His straight-faced look and refined aesthetic contrast humorously with the fact that he’s literally a pickle. Picke Bicke’s world is all about fashion, minimalist apartments, and top-tier design choices.
This oddball character is perfect for those who love the unexpected quirks of Sanrio’s universe. Though not mainstream, his uniqueness makes him highly collectible. Picke Bicke stands out as a symbol of taste, weirdness, and humor all rolled into one crunchy character.
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Released year: 2010
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Personality: Sophisticated, eccentric, calm
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Notable traits: Cucumber character, loves interior design, lives in a stylish apartment
1.10. Zashikibuta
Zashikibuta is a soft, chubby pig who lives in a European-style house with his best friend, a mouse named Tabby. He enjoys simple pleasures like cooking, napping, and eating snacks in cozy surroundings. Zashikibuta is a gentle soul whose design emphasizes comfort and domesticity.
Despite his older origins, Zashikibuta continues to charm fans who appreciate slow living and nostalgic design. His understated personality and relaxing lifestyle have helped him maintain a quiet but enduring presence. He’s ideal for those who value contentment over chaos.
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Released year: 1984
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Personality: Easygoing, cozy, kind
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Notable traits: Lives with a mouse friend, loves relaxing at home, gentle and quiet nature
2. Why are the rare Sanrio characters considered hidden gems by collectors?
Rare Sanrio characters are beloved by collectors for several unique reasons:
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Distinctive designs and niche themes not found in mainstream characters
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Rich, creative backstories that offer more personality depth
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Limited releases or Japan-only availability make them harder to find
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Nostalgic appeal from past decades and discontinued product lines
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Appeal to collectors who prefer offbeat, quirky, or lesser-known characters
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Showcase Sanrio's artistic diversity beyond its most famous mascots
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Owning one feels like discovering a personal, secret favorite in the Sanrio universe
3. FAQs – People also ask about the most underrated Sanrio characters
Sanrio characters have always captured the public’s imagination with their charm and variety. Curious about the lesser-known ones? Check out these frequently asked questions to uncover fun facts and hidden gems from the Sanrio universe.
3.1. What is the most underrated Sanrio character?
While opinions vary, Landry often comes up as one of the most underrated Sanrio characters. His humble laundromat lifestyle and calming personality don’t get as much attention as flashier characters, but fans who know him love his peaceful, domestic charm.
3.2. What is the least popular Sanrio character?
There isn’t an official “least popular” Sanrio character, but many obscure or short-lived releases like Picke Bicke or Mashimaro Mitaina Fufu don’t receive as much merchandise or promotion. Their limited exposure makes them rare, and potentially valuable, for collectors.
3.3. Who is the most loved Sanrio?
Hello Kitty remains the most beloved and globally recognized Sanrio character. However, in recent years, Cinnamoroll and Kuromi have surged in popularity due to their strong online fanbases and trendy aesthetics.
3.4. Who is the oldest character in Sanrio?
The oldest Sanrio character is Hello Kitty, who debuted in 1974. However, Patty & Jimmy (1974) and Little Twin Stars (1975) are also among the earliest additions to the Sanrio lineup.
3.5. Who is the laziest Sanrio character?
Gudetama, the unmotivated egg, easily wins the title of laziest Sanrio character. His entire personality revolves around staying in bed, avoiding effort, and complaining about life, making him strangely relatable and widely adored.
Underrated Sanrio characters offer a refreshing glimpse into the creativity and charm that lie beyond the brand’s most famous faces. Looking to bring these rare characters into your life? With the help of Japan Flow’s trusted proxy shopping service, you can access exclusive Japan-only merchandise and limited-edition items that aren't available elsewhere. Start exploring today and uncover your next favorite Sanrio friend.