June 20, 2025 Admin Figure

Top 10+ weird Sanrio characters: The most bizarrely cute friends you'll love

Weird Sanrio characters redefine kawaii by blending adorable designs with quirky personalities and unexpected backstories. At Japan Figure, we curate these delightfully unusual mascots, from tofu dancers to angst-ridden red pandas, bringing a fresh spark to your collection. Whether you're discovering them for the first time or deepening your fandom, these figures offer a perfect mix of charm and oddity that stand out on display.

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1. Top 10+ weird Sanrio characters every collector should know

Sanrio characters aren't just cute or adorable. Below, we've compiled a list of the strangest yet most lovable figures:

Big Challenges
Shirirapper
Beetroid
Hagurumanstyle
Chunen Heroine Ojisan’s
Aggretsuko
Coro Chan
Heysuke
Gudetamago
Geetown Special

1.1. Big Challenges

Big Challenges is a pastel-blue bear with bright yellow paraglider wings, ironic, considering he’s terrified of heights. His name might sound bold, but his character is rooted in vulnerability. He symbolizes the inner battle many face when pursuing their dreams. Despite his fear, he continues to dream of soaring high, making him a fan-favorite for anyone who's ever struggled with anxiety or self-doubt.

Introduced in 2018, this quirky Sanrio creation isn’t just another cute mascot, he represents courage wrapped in fluff. His thoughtful backstory turns him from an obscure design into a mascot with real emotional impact. Whether displayed alone or as part of a motivational shelf, Big Challenges is the embodiment of trying your best, even when it’s scary.

Color: Pastel blue with yellow paraglider wings
Gender: Male
Year released: 2018
Personality: Courageous yet anxious, symbolizing triumph over self-doubt

1.2. Shirirapper

With his gold chain, backward cap, and unapologetic energy, Shirirapper is Sanrio's hilarious take on hip-hop swagger. This peanut-shaped character is bursting with confidence and rhythm, despite his quirky design. Originally developed from a fan-led parody, Shirirapper gained enough attention to become an official part of Sanrio’s character lineup in 2016.

His accessories, a mini microphone and hip-hop bling, make him stand out among Sanrio’s softer mascots. Shirirapper’s existence is a nod to urban culture through a kawaii lens, and his bold personality contrasts perfectly with more traditional characters. He’s a favorite for collectors looking to add something bold, eccentric, and music-loving to their shelf.

Color: Light brown
Gender: Male
Year released: 2016
Backstory: Started as fan-led parody before becoming official
Accessories: Mini mic and bling

1.3. Beetroid

Beetroid is a striking blend of robotic armor and beetle design, a fusion of the natural and the mechanical. Released in 2020, this neon-green insectoid character brings futuristic energy to Sanrio’s universe. With segmented limbs, sci-fi plating, and glowing green highlights, Beetroid looks like he flew straight out of an anime tech lab.

Though not widely known, Beetroid stands out for fans of mecha, cyberpunk, and technology-inspired designs. His gender-neutral, bug-inspired form opens a new direction for Sanrio, appealing to those who enjoy edge and innovation in their collectibles. If you’re curating a high-energy, neon-themed display, Beetroid’s your bug.

Color: Neon green & black
Gender: Bug (no specific gender)
Year released: 2020
Design Twist: Combines insect motifs with tech-themed armor

1.4. Hagurumanstyle

Hagurumanstyle is a literal cube of tofu who breakdances, yes, really. Wearing a red headband and headphones, he spins, flips, and grooves across imaginary dance floors. His name is derived from “haguru,” which loosely means “flip” or “gear,” reflecting his nimble dance moves. First introduced in 2019, he was part of a youth campaign that blended food culture with Japanese street style.

While his shape is simple, Hagurumanstyle’s charm lies in his contrast: he’s soft and plain in appearance, yet full of motion and attitude. He’s great for fans who appreciate quirky, active characters and works well as a display next to music- or movement-themed collectibles.

Color: White tofu with red headband
Gender: Male
Year released: 2019
Fun Fact: “Haguru” means flip, reflecting his athletic dance moves

1.5. Chunen Heroine Ojisan’s

Imagine a group of middle-aged men transforming into frilly magical girls, that’s Chunen Heroine Ojisan’s. This Sanrio parody pokes fun at the shōjo (magical girl) genre while offering unexpectedly endearing designs. Each Ojisan (uncle) has a distinct personality and costume color, creating a hilarious contrast between appearance and genre.

Introduced in 2017, this ensemble was born from Sanrio’s desire to innovate through humor and irony. These characters are ideal for collectors who love meta-humor and enjoy conversation-starting figures. They also reflect Sanrio’s boldness in exploring the unexpected while still staying rooted in whimsical storytelling.

Color: Multicolored, each Ojisan has a signature hue
Gender: Male
Year released: 2017
Concept: Comedy meets parody, hilarious take on magical girls

1.6. Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko is perhaps the most relatable Sanrio character ever created. By day, she’s a mild-mannered red panda office worker; by night, she vents her frustrations through death metal karaoke. Released in 2018 and made globally famous via Netflix, Aggretsuko gives voice to burnout culture and work-life imbalance in the most metal way possible.

Her dual personality, sweet on the surface, raging beneath, has struck a chord with adults worldwide. She’s a favorite for fans who are juggling the pressures of modern life and seeking catharsis in her story.

Color: Red & black
Gender: Female
Year released: 2018 (debuted on Netflix)
Personality: Sweet by day, fierce by night, relatable duality

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1.7. Coro Chan

With her sleepy eyes and round, soft body, Coro Chan is the definition of mellow energy. This taupe-and-cream hamster is known for her love of naps and slow-paced living. Her name is inspired by “koro koro,” the Japanese onomatopoeia for rolling slowly, perfectly matching her laid-back lifestyle.

Debuted in 2015, Coro Chan appeals to fans who value rest and comfort over high energy. She’s an ideal match for pastel or relaxing-themed figure displays. Whether you’re collecting by personality type or just love cozy vibes, Coro Chan brings calm to your shelf.

Color: Taupe & cream
Gender: Female
Year released: 2015
Personality: Loves naps and snail-paced adventures
Fun Fact: Her name comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia “koro koro,” meaning rolling lazily

1.8. Heysuke

Heysuke is Sanrio’s nod to classic fairytales, styled as a dignified frog prince complete with gold-trimmed royal accessories. He combines traditional European folklore with Sanrio’s soft aesthetic, resulting in a character that’s both whimsical and regal.

First appearing in 2017, Heysuke’s detailed costume and formal pose set him apart from other animal mascots. His gentle expression and chivalrous gestures give him timeless appeal. He’s perfect for fantasy-themed collectors or anyone who appreciates a touch of royalty in their kawaii collection.

Color: Forest green with gold trim
Gender: Male
Year released: 2017
Background: Inspired by European frog prince folklore

1.9. Gudetamago

Often mistaken for Gudetama, Gudetamago is a lesser-known counterpart with his own egg-inspired identity. Wearing a cracked eggshell as a helmet and expressing the same lethargic mood, Gudetamago serves as both tribute and twist. His name is a cheeky nod to "Tamagotchi," combining nostalgia and humor in one yolky package.

Released in 2016, this version offers a quirky alternative for those who love Gudetama’s brand of existential laziness. While he’s not as famous, he’s definitely worthy of a spot in your figure rotation.

Color: Pale yellow & eggshell white
Gender: Ambiguous
Year released: 2016
Connection: Wears a “tama-gotchi” style shell, playful pun on Tamagotchi

>>> Shop Sanrio Gudetama Mug here

1.10. Geetown Special

A noir detective in raccoon form, Geetown Special is a trench-coated mystery solver who looks like he walked out of a comic strip. He carries a magnifying glass and detective badge and wears a perpetual look of suspicion, bringing dark, whimsical storytelling to the Sanrio lineup.

Introduced in 2019, Geetown Special appeals to fans of retro mystery stories and classic gumshoe aesthetics. His monochrome palette and bold accessories give him a strong display presence, especially when paired with other crime or vintage-themed figures. He’s a quirky addition with serious style.

Color: Charcoal gray with yellow accents
Gender: Male
Year released: 2019
Unique Trait: Accessories include a miniature trench coat and a detective badge

2. Weird but wonderful: What makes unpopular Sanrio characters special

While they may not have the fame of Hello Kitty or My Melody, unpopular Sanrio characters hold a special place in collectors’ hearts for a few unique reasons. These weird mascots often reflect deep creativity, clever commentary, and niche appeal, making them stand out in ways that mainstream characters can’t.

They break the kawaii mold: Sanrio’s weirder creations like Shirirapper or Chunen Heroine Ojisan’s challenge the traditional expectations of cuteness. They introduce edgy humor, satire, and social commentary into a space often seen as “just cute.”
Each character has a distinct backstory: Unlike generic mascots, weird Sanrio characters come with rich lore. Big Challenges faces internal fear, Beetroid represents futuristic innovation, and Aggretsuko deals with real-life work stress, making them emotionally resonant.
They’re designed for niche audiences: Many of these characters are created as limited-edition campaigns or collaborations that target specific fandoms, hip-hop lovers, office workers, sci-fi fans, etc., making them more personal and relatable.
High collectability and rarity: Because they're not mass-marketed, rare Sanrio characters like Geetown Special or Heysuke often come in short runs or exclusive figure drops. This boosts their value in both emotional and collector terms.
They often gain cult followings: Characters like Gudetama started weird and became iconic. Many "unpopular" mascots quietly build strong, loyal communities online, especially on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Pinterest.

unknown sanrio characters

3. FAQs – People also ask about the most unknown Sanrio characters

Below are quick answers to some of the most common questions about weird Sanrio characters, especially those considered rare, unpopular, or unknown.

3.1. What are the most rare Sanrio characters?

Rare Sanrio characters include Geetown Special, Kappa Rumba, and Nyago, all of which had limited releases or appeared only in Japan-exclusive events and collaborations.

3.2. Who is the least famous Sanrio character?

Characters like Shirirapper or Coro Chan are among the least recognized, especially outside Japan, making them hidden gems for collectors seeking originality.

3.3. What is the OG Sanrio character?

The first official Sanrio character is Hello Kitty, launched in 1974. However, Strawberry King (Ichigo no Ojisama), introduced shortly after, is also considered one of the oldest characters.

3.4. Who is the coolest Sanrio character?

Fans often vote Aggretsuko as the coolest, thanks to her rebellious dual personality and metal karaoke rants, a refreshing contrast in the kawaii world.

3.5. Who is the depressed Sanrio character?

That would be Gudetama, the lazy egg who perfectly captures existential fatigue and reluctance to do... anything. His popularity stems from how relatable he is.

3.6. Is Gudetama a boy or a girl?

Gudetama is officially genderless. Sanrio states the character represents a yolk, so there’s no defined gender, adding to its universal appeal.

Sanrio’s world is far weirder, and more wonderful, than most people realize. These weird Sanrio characters don’t just look quirky; they tell stories, break molds, and offer a unique kind of collectible joy. Whether it’s a breakdancing tofu or a magical uncle in frills, each figure brings a new twist to kawaii culture. Ready to expand your collection? At Japan Figure, we carry a wide range of rare and unpopular Sanrio characters, including many you won’t find outside Japan. Every figure is authentic and packed with personality. Shop now and uncover the weirdest, most lovable Sanrio friends out there.

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