Hello Kitty is gaining a host of new friends! Sanrio is expanding its character lineup in the U.S. for 2026, offering fans a first look at several beloved Japanese characters making their debut in North America.
The new characters include Cogimyun, a wheat flour fairy; My Sweet Piano, a gentle, kind-hearted girl sheep; Lloromannic, a mischievous devil duo featuring Berry, a ram-horned boy, and Cherry, his clever counterpart; Lovelymocha, the best friend of Cinnamoroll; and USAHA*NA, a lively and colorful rabbit. Additional characters include Spottie Dottie, a fashion-forward Dalmatian girl; Wish Me Mell, a sweet rabbit girl; Hanamaruobake, a playful white ghost; Marumofubiyori, a polar bear cub; the Magical Twin Comets, twin witch girls Lili and Lulu; Kirimichan, a piece of sliced salmon; and Corocorokuririn, a small hamster boy.
“Bringing these characters to the North American market brings us great joy,” said Jill Koch, SVP of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio Inc. “Our fans — like our characters — are wonderfully diverse. Each character has distinct traits and personalities, allowing everyone to find someone they truly connect with.”
While some of the characters have already appeared in Japan, this marks the first time U.S. audiences will meet the extended Hello Kitty gang. Koch emphasized the variety of personalities in the new lineup, ranging from soft and comforting figures like My Sweet Piano and Hanamaruobake to bold and playful ones like Lovelymocha and USAHA*NA.
Each character has unique backstories and fun details, allowing fans to form deeper connections. For example, My Sweet Piano enjoys picking flowers and playing the piano, while Lovelymocha is outgoing, talkative, and dreams of becoming a bride.
Sanrio also highlights the distinct “kawaii” styles of the new characters: the soft pastels of Cogimyun and My Sweet Piano, the vibrant energy of USAHA*NA, the fashionable flair of Spottie Dottie, and the playful mischief of Lloromannic. Koch explained that “kawaii goes beyond language and culture — it’s an immediate emotional response.”
Fans can already interact with some characters through digital games and streaming content. USAHA*NA appears in the Hello Kitty Island Adventure game, Cogimyun features in the Wheatflour Wonderland DLC, and My Sweet Piano appears in the My Melody and Kuromi series on Netflix. Social media also offers ways to engage with the new characters, and 2026 will bring additional content, products, and experiences.
Koch noted that the expansion builds on the momentum from Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. “Each new character has a distinct personality and backstory, allowing fans to form meaningful connections. By introducing new friends, we create space for new stories and best friends for the next generation, while continuing to honor the character who started it all.”
Fans in the U.S. will soon be able to meet these charming new additions and explore their stories, continuing Sanrio’s tradition of bringing joy and connection to audiences worldwide.
