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Meet Hanamaruobake Sanrio: The friendly ghost taking over Japan this summer 2025
Hanamaruobake Sanrio is the newest Sanrio character that's haunting hearts in the cutest way possible. Debuting as a cheerful, ghostly figure spreading encouragement through gold-star stamps, Hanamaruobake quickly became a fan-favorite across Japan. As the kawaii culture continues to take over 2025, global fans are eagerly seeking official merchandise and collectibles of this lovable spirit. In this guide, brought to you by Japan Figure, your trusted source for authentic Japanese figures, we'll explore everything you need to know about Hanamaruobake Sanrio and where to find exclusive items to grow your collection.
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1. Who is Hanamaruobake Sanrio? Origin, personality, and why fans love this friendly ghost
Hanamaruobake is part of Sanrio's newer generation of characters introduced to reflect more modern values of kindness, emotional support, and playful learning. The name "Hanamaru" refers to the red flower-shaped stamp teachers use to praise good work in Japanese schools, while "obake" means ghost. This clever combination represents a character that floats around giving out praise and positivity.
Hanamaruobake made its official debut in 2021 through Sanrio's "Next Kawaii Star" initiative and rapidly gained popularity among students and young adults alike. The character is often seen with a cute red stamp in hand and soft, pastel-toned ghostly features. It appears in merchandise ranging from plush toys to capsule figures and stationery.
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Debut: 2021 (via Sanrio's Next Kawaii Star project)
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Meaning of name: Hanamaru = praise stamp / Obake = ghost
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Appearance: Round ghost with blush cheeks, sometimes holding a stamp
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Role: Motivator and cheerful encourager
Hanamaruobake's personality is rooted in joy and support. Its whole purpose is to cheer you on with a smile and a gold star, making it a comforting presence in the Sanrio universe. Its popularity is partially driven by the increasing social interest in mental health and kindness in pop culture.
Personality & Quirks:
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Always optimistic and uplifting
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Loves giving compliments and praise
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Uses its hanamaru stamp to cheer people on
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Enjoys floating gently to spread positive vibes
>>> Browse Sanrio Collect Book Hanamaru Obake 80 Pocket and add ultimate cuteness to your collections!
2. Hanamaruobake Sanrio’s universe: Friends, family & kawaii companions
Like many beloved Sanrio characters, Hanamaruobake isn’t alone. It comes with a circle of charming companions that add depth and fun to its story. Each friend represents different aspects of daily life and complements Hanamaruobake's personality.
2.1. Kokemaru Kokemaru
Kokemaru Kokemaru is a moss-covered spirit who is said to be a bit shy and calm. It contrasts Hanamaruobake's cheerful energy with a grounding, earthy demeanor. Often found in green and brown hues, Kokemaru is known for its love of nature and quiet spots.
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Color: Mossy green
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Personality: Calm, grounded, a bit shy
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Role: Hanamaruobake's closest friend and nature buddy
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First appearance: In early Hanamaruobake-themed stationery
2.2. Hieta Hieta
Hieta Hieta is a ghostly companion with a mischievous twist. Unlike Hanamaruobake, who focuses on praise, Hieta plays small pranks and surprises to make others laugh. Think of Hieta as the class clown in Hanamaruobake's gentle world.
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Color: Light blue with little sparkles
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Personality: Playful, silly, lighthearted
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Role: Adds balance and comic relief
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Special trait: Loves playing hide and seek with its friends
2.3. Pao-Pao Sensei
Pao-Pao Sensei is the wise teacher ghost who originally gave Hanamaruobake its hanamaru stamp. As a mentor figure, this character brings a sense of purpose and origin to Hanamaruobake’s backstory. Pao-Pao often appears with a notebook and glasses.
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Appearance: Slightly older ghost with glasses
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Role: Teacher and motivator
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Personality: Supportive and always ready with good advice
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Symbol: Carries a notebook of encouragement messages
>>> Shop super cute DIY Hanamaru Obake I Love Me Series Keychain
3. Ghost Sanrio character ranking in the Sanrio world
Among all the ghost Sanrio characters, Hanamaruobake has risen quickly through popularity ranks. In the 2022 and 2023 Sanrio Character Ranking, Hanamaruobake secured high positions in the New Character and Rising Star categories.
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2022: Top 3 in the "New Characters" segment
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2023: Featured in "Most Promising Characters" list
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2024: Ranked in Top 30 overall Sanrio characters
Fans love Hanamaruobake not just for its cuteness, but also for its fresh and emotionally supportive message. It stands alongside other spirit-based characters like Obakenu and Little Ghost, yet it stands out for its educational and positive vibe.
>>> Check out Sanrio Summer Stickers Hanamaru Obake, a must-have for Sanrio fans this 2025 summer!
4. FAQs - People also ask about Hanamaruobake Sanrio trivia
Before wrapping up, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Hanamaruobake Sanrio:
4.1. What animal is Hanamaruobake?
Hanamaruobake is not based on any animal; it’s a ghost character, specifically a spirit designed to encourage others with kindness.
4.2. How do you say Hanamaruobake?
It’s pronounced: Ha-na-ma-ru-o-ba-ke. Each syllable is clear and soft, like most Japanese character names.
4.3. What is Hanamaruobake's favorite color?
Hanamaruobake is most associated with soft white and pink hues, but its favorite is said to be bright red, the color of the hanamaru stamp.
4.4. What is Hanamaruobake Sanrio nickname?
While there’s no official nickname, fans often call it "Hana-chan" or "Obake-chan" in social media posts.
4.5. Who is the scary Sanrio character?
Unlike Hanamaruobake, some Sanrio characters like Kuromi or Obakenu have spookier aesthetics, but none are truly scary. Sanrio keeps things cute!
4.6. What does Hanamaruobake mean?
It means "Gold-Star Ghost", combining praise (hanamaru) and ghost (obake) in one adorable name.
4.7. Who created Hanamaruobake?
Hanamaruobake was created by the Sanrio design team in 2021 as part of a campaign to introduce new kawaii characters with positive messages.
Whether you're a collector, fan of kawaii culture, or just discovering ghost Sanrio characters, Hanamaruobake Sanrio is a must-have in 2025. Its kind spirit, lovable design, and expanding merchandise line make it a standout in the Sanrio universe. Start collecting Hanamaruobake Sanrio figures today on Japan Figure and bring home the ghostly charm that everyone’s talking about!
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