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Who are the Sanrio danshi characters? Full list and anime facts (2025 update)
The Sanrio Danshi characters, also known as the Sanrio Boys, are more than just an anime phenomenon. They represent a heartwarming and bold celebration of individuality through the love of Sanrio’s iconic mascots like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody. In this updated 2025 guide, Japan Figure invites you to explore the world of Sanrio Danshi: their anime debut, character profiles, and where to collect official merchandise that captures their kawaii-meets-cool aesthetic.
1. What is the concept behind Sanrio Danshi characters?
The Sanrio Danshi (サンリオ男子) project began in 2015 as a cross-media initiative by Sanrio to challenge stereotypes and expand their character fanbase beyond young girls. The concept centers on five high school boys who each love a different Sanrio character and aren't afraid to show it. This surprising twist, pairing traditionally "feminine" mascots with confident male leads, struck a chord with fans who saw their own love for cuteness finally reflected in mainstream media.
Initially launched via social media illustrations, the project expanded into manga, drama CDs, and in 2018, a 12-episode anime titled Sanrio Danshi. The show follows the emotional journeys of these boys as they form friendships, overcome social stigma, and embrace their true selves, all while proudly supporting their favorite Sanrio mascots. In addition to storytelling, the franchise actively promotes a positive message about identity, emotional openness, and fan culture.
Key facts about the Sanrio danshi project:
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Started: 2015 as a Sanrio marketing campaign on Twitter and Instagram
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Anime Title: Sanrio Danshi (Sanrio Boys) aired in 2018
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Manga: Sanrio Danshi by Mai Andō (Shogakukan, 2016–2019)
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Game: Sanrio Danshi: Miracle Coordinate (2016–2019)
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Core Themes: Friendship, self-expression, and breaking gender norms
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Main Sanrio Mascots Featured: Pompompurin, My Melody, Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Little Twin Stars
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Shop Sanrio Danshi collectibles: Japan Figure’s Sanrio collection
2. Meet 7 Sanrio Danshi characters' names and pictures
Let’s take a closer look at each of the Sanrio Danshi characters, their personalities, favorite Sanrio mascots, and what makes them fan favorites across the world. Whether you're here for their stories or shopping for Sanrio anime merch, each boy brings a unique charm that reflects their chosen mascot.
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Kouta Hasegawa
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Yuu Mizuno
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Seiichirou Minamoto
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Ryo Nishimiya
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Shunsuke Yoshino
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Subaru Amagaya
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Naoki Sugami
2.1. Kouta Hasegawa
Kouta Hasegawa is the central protagonist of the Sanrio Danshi anime and the first boy introduced in the franchise. Initially, he hides his love for Pompompurin due to the fear of being teased by classmates. However, his journey begins when he meets others who openly express their love for Sanrio characters. Through these connections, Kouta learns that there's no shame in liking something considered "childish" or "feminine." His gentle and thoughtful personality mirrors the laid-back and sweet-natured Pompompurin, making him instantly relatable for viewers who have ever felt the need to hide their passions.
Kouta's character development stands out in the anime as he gradually transforms from a shy, self-conscious student into someone who leads by example. His story encourages fans to embrace their interests confidently, no matter how unconventional they may seem. If you're just discovering the Sanrio Boys, Kouta is the ideal starting point, both as a character and a collectible. His merch often includes subtle pairings with Pompompurin, like acrylic stands, clear files, and plushies, perfect for first-time collectors.
Key info:
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Name: Kouta Hasegawa
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Birthday: March 27
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Pompompurin
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Traits: Kind, introverted, empathetic
2.2. Yuu Mizuno
Yuu Mizuno is the fashion-forward, socially confident member of the Sanrio Boys. Unlike Kouta, Yuu has never been ashamed of his love for cute things, especially My Melody. With his striking fashion sense, charismatic energy, and self-assured nature, Yuu is a strong advocate for individuality. He often serves as the emotional support of the group, encouraging others to embrace their likes and stop worrying about societal expectations. Yuu’s love for kawaii Sanrio My Melody is not only surface-level but deeply rooted in his belief that cuteness is powerful and should be genderless.
Throughout the Sanrio Danshi anime, Yuu plays an essential role in helping his friends understand that being true to yourself is more important than conforming to gender norms. His outgoing personality and bold aesthetic make him one of the most visually appealing and widely merchandised characters in the series. From keychains to acrylic photo frames, Yuu's pairing with My Melody is a collector favorite, especially for fans who identify with confident, free-spirited characters.
Key info:
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Name: Yuu Mizuno
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Birthday: February 22
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Favorite Sanrio Character: My Melody
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Traits: Energetic, expressive, confident
2.3. Seiichirou Minamoto
Seiichirou Minamoto is the responsible, mature older brother figure among the Sanrio Danshi characters. As a third-year student and the student council president, Seiichirou is known for his composed demeanor, logical thinking, and quiet leadership. His favorite character is Cinnamoroll, a sweet white puppy known for being helpful and gentle, traits that also define Seiichirou. His love for Cinnamoroll kawaii Sanrio character, is a reflection of his softer, nurturing side, often hidden beneath his perfectionist exterior.
In the anime, Seiichirou's arc revolves around balancing high expectations with emotional vulnerability. He learns that being dependable doesn’t mean suppressing one's own interests or emotions. For fans, Seiichirou offers a nuanced portrayal of what it means to lead with compassion. His merchandise is especially appealing for collectors who enjoy clean, minimalist aesthetics with a mature twist, often featuring navy, white, and pastel blue motifs alongside Cinnamoroll-themed items.
Key info:
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Name: Seiichirou Minamoto
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Birthday: July 5
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Cinnamoroll
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Traits: Intelligent, dependable, gentle
2.4. Ryo Nishimiya
Ryo Nishimiya is the quiet, artistic soul of the Sanrio Boys. A lover of literature and the stars, Ryo is deeply connected to the Little Twin Stars, Kiki and Lala, who represent his dream-like perspective and creative spirit. At first glance, Ryo may seem distant or aloof, but his introverted nature hides a rich emotional world. He expresses himself more through writing and drawing than conversation, and his love for Kiki & Lala stems from their celestial charm and whimsical storytelling.
Ryo’s story in the Sanrio Danshi anime focuses on learning to connect more openly with others while still honoring his need for solitude. He is a favorite among fans who value sensitivity, introspection, and aesthetics. Ryo’s merchandise often includes pastel, dreamy visuals with Little Twin Stars floating among clouds or stars, making them a top pick for figure and stationery collectors looking for a soft, artistic vibe.
Key info:
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Name: Ryo Nishimiya
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Birthday: September 9
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala)
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Traits: Reserved, artistic, observant
2.5. Shunsuke Yoshino
Shunsuke Yoshino is the sporty, down-to-earth member of the Sanrio Danshi cast. A passionate soccer player with a competitive streak, Shunsuke surprises many with his favorite Sanrio character: Hello Kitty. While he initially felt conflicted about liking something so "girly," Shunsuke grows to understand that loving Hello Kitty doesn’t make him any less strong or masculine. His story offers one of the most powerful reflections on breaking toxic masculinity, especially within athletic circles.
In the anime, Shunsuke provides comic relief and emotional grounding. His open-hearted nature and ability to balance intensity on the field with emotional sensitivity off the field make him a standout character. Fans who connect with characters who are both tough and tender often gravitate toward Shunsuke. His Hello Kitty-themed merch often includes sports motifs like soccer balls and training outfits, available in figure form or printed goods from Japan Figure.
Key info:
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Name: Shunsuke Yoshino
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Birthday: May 18
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Hello Kitty
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Traits: Competitive, passionate, honest
2.6. Subaru Amagaya
Subaru Amagaya is one of the newer additions to the Sanrio Danshi universe, introduced through manga and game content rather than the core anime. With a cool, mysterious aura, Subaru quickly became a fan-favorite for his visual contrast to the rest of the boys. His favorite Sanrio character's Kuromi, a punk-styled rival of My Melody, known for her mischievous grin and goth-inspired aesthetic. Subaru’s connection with Kuromi underscores his love for rebellion, creativity, and inner strength.
Although he may appear distant, Subaru is deeply loyal and cares intensely for his friends. He’s the type of character who says little but means a lot, adding dramatic weight to the group dynamic. Subaru and Kuromi both embody independence and self-empowerment, making his merchandise especially appealing for fans of dark-accented or alternative aesthetics. His figure items and accessories often sell out fast, particularly among collectors who like edgier Sanrio themes.
Key info:
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Name: Subaru Amagaya
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Birthday: December 3
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Kuromi
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Traits: Stoic, creative, intense
2.7. Naoki Sugami
Naoki Sugami is full of energy, charm, and an unshakable love for food, especially sweets. His favorite Sanrio character is Tuxedosam, the bowtie-wearing, dapper penguin known for his love of fashion and snacks. Naoki mirrors his mascot’s bubbly and joyful personality, always brightening up the room with his humor and friendliness. He brings levity to the Sanrio Boys group and plays the role of the cheerful little brother everyone wants around.
In the Sanrio Danshi extended universe, Naoki serves as a beacon of warmth and openness. His enthusiastic approach to fandom, whether it’s geeking out about Tuxedosam or recommending character cafes, is endearing and incredibly relatable. Naoki's merchandise is among the most colorful and vibrant in the collection, often featuring penguin-themed sweets and lively expressions. He’s a favorite for younger fans or anyone who appreciates joy-driven storytelling and playful collectibles.
Key info:
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Name: Naoki Sugami
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Birthday: June 10
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Favorite Sanrio Character: Tuxedosam
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Traits: Cheerful, loud, food-loving
2.8. Other Sanrio Danshi Anime Characters
Beyond the main seven Sanrio Danshi characters, the franchise also introduces additional characters in mobile games, drama CDs, and manga side stories. These supporting characters, while not featured prominently in the anime, contribute to the Sanrio Danshi world with their own unique Sanrio character connections. From classmates to siblings and teachers, each side character reflects the broader message of the series: that everyone deserves to love what makes them happy.
Notably, some of these characters are paired with lesser-known Sanrio mascots, expanding the fandom and opening new collectible possibilities. For die-hard fans and completionist collectors, keeping an eye on these secondary characters is worthwhile. Their limited-edition merch is often released for special events or anniversaries and can be found occasionally in curated sections of Japan Figure.
Key info:
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Role: Supporting and extended cast
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Appearances: Manga, mobile game, drama CDs
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Purpose: Broaden character diversity and fan engagement
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Featured Product: Sanrio Boys Collaboration Items
3. FAQs – People Also Ask About Facts Related to Sanrio Danshi Characters
Before wrapping up, let’s answer some of the most commonly searched questions about the Sanrio Danshi anime and its characters. These quick facts help clarify lingering curiosities fans often have when diving into the Sanrio Boys universe.
3.1. Is Sanrio Danshi a BL anime?
No, Sanrio Danshi is not a BL (Boys' Love) anime. While the series features strong emotional bonds between male characters, it focuses on friendship, self-acceptance, and breaking gender stereotypes rather than romantic relationships. The story is wholesome and inclusive, appealing to a wide audience regardless of gender or fandom background.
3.2. Who likes Kuromi in Sanrio Boys?
Subaru Amagaya is the Sanrio Danshi character who loves Kuromi. With his mysterious, quiet demeanor and artistic soul, Subaru’s choice of Kuromi, a mischievous, goth-inspired character, perfectly reflects his edgy personality. Their pairing became a hit among fans who appreciate darker aesthetics in kawaii culture.
3.3. How many Sanrio Boys are there?
There are seven main Sanrio Danshi characters introduced across the anime, manga, and mobile game. These include Kouta Hasegawa, Yuu Mizuno, Seiichirou Minamoto, Ryo Nishimiya, Shunsuke Yoshino, Subaru Amagaya, and Naoki Sugami. Additional side characters also appear in supporting media, expanding the Sanrio Boys universe.
3.4. Is Sanrio Boys anime finished?
Yes, the Sanrio Danshi anime aired its full 12-episode run in 2018 and has since concluded. However, the franchise continues through manga volumes, merchandise, and occasional cross-media collaborations, keeping the fandom alive and active across platforms like Twitter and LINE.
3.5. What is the plot of Sanrio Boys?
The plot of Sanrio Danshi follows high school student Kouta Hasegawa as he hides his love for Pompompurin, until he meets other boys who also love Sanrio characters. Together, they learn to embrace their interests, overcome social stigma, and support each other’s emotional growth. The story promotes friendship, authenticity, and self-love.
3.6. Is Sanrio Boys a good anime?
If you enjoy slice-of-life anime with emotional depth and social commentary, Sanrio Danshi is a great pick. It’s praised for its warm storytelling, character development, and exploration of identity. Fans of Sanrio, especially those collecting merchandise, find the show charming and relatable.
3.7. Is Sanrio Boys on Crunchyroll?
As of the latest update, Sanrio Boys is available for streaming on Crunchyroll in select regions. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it’s best to check your local catalog or official Sanrio channels for licensed streaming options.
The Sanrio Danshi characters have proven that cute culture has no boundaries. Their stories resonate with anyone who’s ever felt unsure about liking something that doesn't fit societal norms. Through heartfelt storytelling and iconic character pairings, the Sanrio Boys inspire fans to embrace what brings them joy, without apology. Whether you're starting your collection or looking to add limited-edition items to your shelf, Japan Figure is your go-to store for authentic Sanrio Danshi anime merchandise. From acrylic stands to plushies and collaboration accessories, our store ships worldwide so you can bring your favorite toy home today.
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