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Meet Kirimichan Sanrio (2025 update): The cutest salmon fillet in the Sanrio universe
In the whimsical world of Sanrio, few characters are as delightfully strange and memorable as Kirimichan Sanrio, a cheerful slice of salmon fillet with big dreams and a soft, flaky heart. While Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll may dominate the spotlight, this salmon Sanrio character stands out with her offbeat charm. At Japan Figure, we’re celebrating Kirimichan’s continued appeal with a guide that’s equal parts cute, curious, and collectible.
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1. Who is Kirimichan Sanrio character? Origin, character traits & first appearance
Kirimichan Sanrio (also known as KIRIMI-chan) debuted in 2013 after winning a fan-voted food-themed character contest. Designed as the “star in the sliced food world,” she is a personified slice of cooked salmon fillet, complete with eyes, arms, and a soft, endearing smile.
Far from being a joke character, Kirimichan represents determination, humility, and a quirky kind of self-worth. Her personality is a refreshing mix of optimism and introspection. She lives in a salmon fillet-shaped house, works at Sanrio HQ, sings in a band, and constantly tries to improve herself. Her charm lies not only in her appearance, but in her deeply relatable motto: “Deliciousness isn’t achieved in a day!”
Quick facts about Kirimichan Sanrio:
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Debut Year: 2013
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Birthday: August 31
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Motto: “Deliciousness isn’t achieved in a day!”
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Dream: To be the most delicious fillet
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Hobby: Drawing and playing games like Shakenarushaketazzi 14 Shake Line
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Blood Type: Salmon
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Personality: Optimistic, androgynous, hardworking
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Designer: Ai Saya
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Fun Fact: Kirimichan can reincarnate after being eaten
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Home: A fillet-shaped house by the beach
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Band Name: Oishiku Tabete ne ("Please Eat Me Deliciously")
Collectors love her unique expression, and her story has inspired a growing catalog of plush toys, mini-figures, Re-Ment accessories, and limited-edition merch.
2. What makes Sanrio salmon head Kirimichan gain public interest? Charm explained
Kirimichan Sanrio’s rising popularity, especially among Gen Z and kawaii collectors, is no accident. She offers a fresh take on what it means to be “cute” in a universe of talking animals and sparkly bunnies.
Here’s why Kirimichan continues to gain attention worldwide:
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Unexpected kawaii: A cooked salmon fillet turned mascot? It’s strange, bold, and unforgettable.
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Positive message: Her motto reminds fans that growth takes time, adding emotional depth to her charm.
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Symbol of self-worth: Even as a piece of food, Kirimichan wants to be the best version of herself.
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Food-themed appeal: With food characters gaining popularity, Kirimichan stands at the heart of this niche.
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Relatable persona: Her mix of awkwardness and optimism reflects modern life’s emotional tug-of-war.
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Fan-powered origin: She won her spot in Sanrio’s world through public votes, not executive planning.
>>> Shop Sanrio Kirimi-Chan Mascot Holder
3. Meet Kirimichan Sanrio character family and friends
Kirimichan doesn’t have a conventional family like other Sanrio characters. Instead, her “family” is symbolic, rooted in the idea that she’s a slice of salmon fillet that has been separated from the larger whole. This creative concept reflects deeper themes of identity, independence, and the tension between honoring one's roots and forging a new path.
Just like a real salmon returning upstream, Kirimichan is always drawn back to where she came from, even if it means being grilled, served in a bento box, or laid gently next to okonomiyaki. This bittersweet bond with her origin represents a quiet inner conflict that many fans resonate with: the desire to grow freely while still staying connected to their beginnings.
Despite her introspective nature, Kirimichan isn’t alone in her world. She shares her universe with a cast of adorable, food-based companions who support and complement her personality:
Kirimichan's Friends:
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Tamagoyaki-senpai: A rolled egg character who is wise and dependable. Often acts like an older sibling or mentor figure to Kirimichan.
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Kinmedai-kun: A golden eye snapper fillet who’s energetic and always ready for a challenge. He brings humor and spark to Kirimichan’s circle.
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Burokkori-chan: A broccoli side dish with a soft heart. She’s supportive, caring, and loves to keep things balanced on the plate and in life.
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Ebi Fry no Shippo: The tail of a fried shrimp with an unexpectedly strong personality. Adds crunch, literally and metaphorically, to the group.
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Hamu Katsu-chan: A breaded ham cutlet who dreams of being a pop idol. She's ambitious and cheerful, and shares a musical bond with Kirimichan.
These characters form the broader Kirimichan Universe, where side dishes and mains coexist in harmony, each with their own dreams, challenges, and adorable quirks.
>>> Browse SANRIO Acrylic Stand With Clip Kirimichan
4. Salmon Sanrio character ranking in the Sanrio world
While Kirimichan Sanrio may not hold the same level of global fame as Hello Kitty or Cinnamoroll, she has consistently left her mark in Sanrio’s official character popularity contests over the years. Her ranking has fluctuated, but her loyal fanbase, especially those who adore food-themed or niche characters, has kept her in the conversation.
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In 2014, the year following her debut, Kirimichan made a strong impression, ranking #12 in the Japan Sanrio Character Ranking. Her originality and fan-voted entry gave her an immediate boost.
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By 2015, she dropped slightly to #16, still riding high on the release of popular plushies and Re-Ment collectibles that appealed to kawaii culture enthusiasts.
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In 2016, Kirimichan held the #21 spot. Her charm remained strong, though newer characters began to take center stage.
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By 2017, her ranking dropped to #26, reflecting a dip in visibility due to fewer official product releases and campaigns.
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After a few quieter years, 2021 saw Kirimichan resurface in online conversations and memes, helping her reach #37 in the rankings, proof that this Sanrio salmon fillet still has staying power in the hearts of fans.
Even if Kirimichan isn’t at the top of every popularity chart, she remains one of the most beloved food-themed Sanrio characters thanks to her message, charm, and quirky appeal.
>>> Check out Sanrio Kirimi-Chan Mascot Holder Festival Design
5. FAQs – People also ask about Kirimichan Sanrio
Before you dive into the world of this salmon Sanrio character, let’s answer some of the most common questions fans ask online. These quick answers will help you better understand Kirimichan’s charm, lore, and collectibles.
5.1. Why is Kirimichan being discontinued?
Sanrio has not officially discontinued Kirimichan, but product releases have slowed down. While she’s no longer in the spotlight like she was in 2014–2016, niche fans and collectors continue to keep her popularity alive through limited-run merch and online fandoms.
5.2. Is Kirimichan a salmon?
Yes! Kirimichan is a slice of cooked salmon fillet, making her one of Sanrio’s few food-based characters. Her name, “Kirimi,” means “fillet” in Japanese, and her story revolves around striving to be a delicious part of any meal.
5.3. What is Kirimichan’s gender?
Kirimichan is officially genderless, following the Sanrio tradition of creating characters that appeal universally. Despite having a gentle, feminine appearance, Kirimichan is meant to be relatable to all fans.
5.4. What is Kirimichan’s profile?
Kirimichan debuted in 2013 as the winner of a Sanrio food character contest. Her motto is “Deliciousness isn’t achieved in a day,” and she dreams of being the most flavorful fillet. She lives by the ocean, sings in a band, and has food-based friends like Tamagoyaki-senpai and Kinmedai-kun.
5.5. What does “Kirimi” mean in Japanese?
“Kirimi” (切り身) translates to “fillet” in Japanese. It usually refers to a sliced portion of fish, especially salmon, and Kirimichan represents this culinary concept turned kawaii.
5.6. When was Kirimichan born?
Kirimichan’s birthday is August 31, the day she was “cut” from the whole fish. This playful concept ties into her character identity as a fillet and her symbolic detachment from her origin.
5.7. Who is the illustrator of Kirimichan?
Kirimichan was created by Ai Saya, a Sanrio designer who specializes in quirky, food-themed characters. Her creativity brought Kirimichan’s heartfelt story and visual charm to life.
Kirimichan Sanrio isn’t just another cute face, she’s a symbol of quiet determination, everyday optimism, and the joy of being different. From her origin as a fan-voted food character to her surprising emotional depth, Kirimichan continues to resonate with collectors who appreciate Sanrio’s more unique and meaningful creations. Are you ready to bring Kirimichan home? Shop official Kirimichan figures, plushies, and Sanrio collectibles now at Japan Figure. We ship worldwide, including to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, so your next kawaii treasure is just a click away.
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