Sanrio

This is the company that started all it all. Founded in 1960 by the genius Shintaro Tsuji, Sanrio is now  one of the most popular companies that creates cute animal characters which they feature in various products. The company's  most popular creations include Badtz Maru and his girlfriend Hana Maru, Pochacco, My Melody, the incredibly cute Little Twin Stars, Keroppi, Chococat and Charmmy Kitty among others.

Not only does Sanrio make their characters cute, it also makes sure the characters give positive messages as well. In 2003, the company received the “Top Brand with a Conscience” aware given by Sweden's Medinge Group.