Pom Pom Purin, the golden retriever with a signature brown beret, has been a beloved fixture of Sanrio’s character lineup since his debut in 1996. Known for his laid-back personality and love of pudding, he appears on countless products and has a dedicated fan base worldwide. This guide covers everything from his official biography and birthday to merchandise, relationships, and fan activities.
The character was created through an in-house Sanrio design contest and first appeared in the July 1996 issue of the company’s magazine, Strawberry News, under the name “My Pudding.” The name changed to Pompompurin in 1998, inspired by his beret (the “pom pom” part) and his favorite food, pudding. Today, Pompompurin remains one of Sanrio’s flagship characters, celebrated for his cuddly image and relaxed charm.
Whether you are looking for facts, merchandise guides, or simply want to know his catchphrase, this article compiles information from official Sanrio sources, fan wikis, and retail partners. For a broader look at other pop culture franchises, see our Power Rangers – Complete Guide to Every Series and Cast.
What is Pom Pom Purin?
At a Glance: Pom Pom Purin
- Full Name: Pompompurin
- Species: Golden Retriever
- Debut: 1996 (Japan)
- Birthday: July 20
Key Insights
- Pom Pom Purin is one of Sanrio’s most laid-back characters, beloved for his easygoing personality and signature beret.
- Despite being a dog, he is often depicted as a friend to humans and other animals, embodying kawaii culture.
- The character has a dedicated merchandise line including plush, apparel, and accessories, with high demand in the UK and US.
- His birthday (July 20) is celebrated by fans globally, often with themed cakes and parties.
- Contrary to fan speculation, Pompompurin does not have an official girlfriend; his closest companions are his pet friends.
Pom Pom Purin Fast Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Pompompurin (often spelled Pom Pom Purin) |
| Birthday | July 20 (year not officially stated) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 11 cm (roughly) according to some sources |
| Weight | Unknown (portrayed as soft and fluffy) |
| Favorite food | Pudding (his name is a portmanteau of ‘pom pom’ and ‘pudding’) |
| Hobbies | Napping, eating pudding, going for walks |
| Official Sanrio website | sanrio.com |
When is Pom Pom Purin’s Birthday and How to Celebrate?
Pom Pom Purin’s official birthday is July 20, according to Sanrio sources. The year of his birth is not specified in official materials, but he was introduced in 1996. Fans often throw parties or bake pudding-themed cakes to mark the occasion.
Pom pom purin cake ideas
His mother works at a cake shop in the character’s lore, and her cream caramel pudding is a key element of his story. Fans frequently recreate this dessert as a cake topper or centerpiece. Simple yellow sponge cakes topped with caramel sauce and a strawberry mimic his beret.
Pom Pom Purin birthday party theme
Decorations typically feature his golden-yellow color, brown beret, and his friends Muffin and Scone. Party games might include “Purin aerobics” – a dance Pompompurin does in official media. Balloons and pudding cups complete the theme.
Sanrio has not released an official birthday celebration kit, but many fans source decorations from Etsy and independent creators. Always check for licensed merchandise when buying party supplies.
Does Pompompurin Have a Girlfriend? (Character Relationships)
Who are Pom Pom Purin’s friends?
Pom Pom Purin’s closest companions are known as Team Purin: Muffin (a hamster), Scone (a mouse), and Custard (a bird who often steals his hat). He also associates with Biscuit, Cookie, and Mint. According to the Hello Kitty Wiki (Fandom), these are his best friends and constant sidekicks in stories and merchandise.
Does Pom Pom Purin have a love interest?
A female golden retriever named Macaroon (sometimes spelled Macarone) appears alongside him in certain media. She is a classmate who tries to look like a poodle. Many fans interpret their bond as romantic, but the character’s creator has stated they are just friends. No official girlfriend exists in Sanrio canon. This remains a point of uncertainty in the fandom.
For more on popular character relationships in other franchises, see our Star Wars – Complete Guide to Movies Characters and Watch Order.
Sanrio has never released a product or story explicitly pairing Pompompurin with a romantic partner. All references to a “girlfriend” are fan speculation. The character Macaroon is officially described as a friend and classmate.
Pom Pom Purin Plush, Build-a-Bear, and Merchandise Guide
Where to buy authentic Pom Pom Purin plush?
Official plush toys are available at Sanrio’s online store and at physical Sanrio boutiques. Retailers like MINISO also carry licensed Pompompurin merchandise including stationery and accessories. The Build-a-Bear collaboration – a plush that can be customised – is sold through Build-a-Bear UK and other regions.
Pom pom purin Build a Bear availability
The Build-a-Bear Pompompurin plush launched in 2019 and remains periodically available. It features the character’s signature yellow fur and brown beret, and can be accessorised with outfits. Stock levels vary; fans should check the official site for restocks.
Pom Pom Purin accessories
Common merchandise includes bags, keychains, stationery, and apparel. The character is often depicted with his beret, a pudding cup, or his friends. Seasonal collections appear throughout the year, especially around his birthday and during Sanrio’s global promotions.
Counterfeit Pompompurin products are common online. Always purchase from official Sanrio retailers or authorised partners like Build-a-Bear and MINISO to ensure authenticity and support the character’s creators.
How to Draw Pom Pom Purin
Pom Pom Purin’s design is simple: a round golden retriever body, a smiling face, and his trademark brown beret perched on top. To draw him, start with a large oval for the body, add smaller ears, and then sketch a circle for the beret. His expression is typically a gentle smile with closed eyes. Focus on the soft, pudding-like shape – the beret and his chubby cheeks are the most recognisable features.
For a step-by-step visual guide, many fans refer to YouTube tutorials. While no official Sanrio drawing instructions are publicly available, the character’s simplicity makes him a favourite subject for beginner artists. Practice by sketching his beret and round face; adding Muffin or Scone beside him completes the scene.
Pom Pom Purin: A Timeline of Key Events
- 1996 – Pompompurin introduced by Sanrio in Japan.
- 2000s – Feature in Hello Kitty and Friends media.
- 2019 – Build-a-Bear collaboration plush released.
- 2022 – Pompompurin becomes Sanrio’s Friend of the Month on YouTube.
- 2024 – Continued merchandise launches globally.
Sources: Sugoi Mart blog and YouTube character overview.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Pom Pom Purin
| Topic | Certainty | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Girlfriend | Uncertain / Fanon | No official girlfriend exists; fan art may pair him with other characters but Sanrio has not confirmed any romantic relationship. |
| Birthday year | Uncertain | Official sources only state July 20, not the year of creation. |
| Exact height/weight | Uncertain | Varies across different media; not standardized. One source says he weighs as much as a watermelon. |
| Catchphrase spelling | Certain | “Let’s go out!” is the official English catchphrase. |
Pom Pom Purin in Pop Culture
Pom Pom Purin is a staple of Sanrio’s lineup, often appearing alongside Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and others. His popularity has surged in the 2020s due to nostalgia and the kawaii revival on social media. The character appeals to all ages, with merchandise ranging from affordable plush to limited-edition collaborations (e.g., Build-a-Bear). Fans often create personal content like drawings and cakes, reflecting a strong participatory culture.
Official Sanrio resources include the Japanese character page and the global Sanrio online shop. He also appears regularly in Sanrio’s YouTube series.
Official Sources and Fan Perspectives
“This boy golden retriever is unmistakable in his trademark brown beret. He has a laidback demeanor and loves the phrase ‘let’s go out!’”
– Sanrio.com
“Pompompurin is a laidback individual who loves to make friends, likes soft stuff, and is capable of doing ‘purin aerobics’.”
– Hello Kitty Wiki (Fandom)
“Pompompurin is a Sanrio golden retriever known for his yellow fur and signature brown beret. He loves to nap and has a friendly, laidback demeanor.”
– Build-a-Bear UK product page
What’s Next for Pom Pom Purin Fans?
As of 2025, Sanrio continues to release new Pompompurin merchandise. Fans should watch for seasonal collections and potential collaborations. No new TV series has been announced, but YouTube episodes are ongoing. For additional reading on other character universes, check out the Power Rangers – Complete Guide to Every Series and Cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pom Pom Purin say?
His catchphrase is “Let’s go out!” in English. In Japanese, he often says “Purin Purin!”
Is Pom Pom Purin a boy or girl?
Pom Pom Purin is a male character.
What are Pom Pom Purin’s favorite things?
He loves pudding, napping, and going for walks. His favorite accessory is his brown beret.
How old is Pom Pom Purin?
His age is not officially specified; he is depicted as a young dog.
Where can I buy Pom Pom Purin merchandise?
Official merchandise is available at Sanrio stores and online at sanrio.com, as well as retailers like Build-a-Bear, MINISO, and Amazon.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.