The area around Minatomirai Station is being transformed into a vibrant Sanrio-themed zone with the launch of Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai, a lead-up event to the announcement of the 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix results. The festivities kicked off on May 23 with a wrapped train running on the Minatomirai Line, and more attractions are rolling out through June 28.
About the Sanrio Character Grand Prix
The Sanrio Character Grand Prix began in 1986 in the company’s official newspaper Monthly Ichigo Shimbun. This year, 90 characters are competing under the theme “Smiling Ovation!” — a term inspired by standing ovations, meant to encourage mutual support and celebration between Sanrio characters and their fans.
Festival Highlights Around Minatomirai
From June 12, special automatic ticket gates that greet passengers with Sanrio character voices will appear, along with various interior decorations at nearby commercial facilities. A giant 5-meter-tall Pompompurin balloon will be displayed for the first time, marking the character’s 30th anniversary.
In addition, pop-up stores, collaborative merchandise, and a stamp rally will launch sequentially. A digital badge area called Omoide Badge is also part of the festivities.
Main Event at Pacifico Yokohama
The grand finale takes place on June 27 and 28 at Pacifico Yokohama. The main venue will host a stage show featuring the largest-ever lineup of about 30 characters, followed by the announcement of the 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix winner. The entire venue will be styled as “Sanrio Fes 2026 City”, immersing visitors in a world of character decorations.
Attendees can also enjoy the world’s fastest trial of Sanrio Party Land, the first title from Sanrio’s new in-house game brand Sanrio Games, available for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The event will offer venue-exclusive and early-release merchandise and food items, making it the largest Sanrio Fes to date.
A separate kids’ area, the Sanrio Kids Festival, will run concurrently for elementary school children and younger.
Within the “Sanrio Fes School Festival Area,” FURYU will provide free crane game and photo sticker machine experiences, as well as a ball-toss game called “Get Your Oshi! Colorful Ball Toss by FURYU.”
Sanrio Fes 2026 in Minato Mirai is now underway, with the big results announcement for the 2026 Sanrio Character Grand Prix scheduled for June 28.
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