is a Japanese media franchise created by Sanrio in November 2015. The Sanrio Boys were conceptualized as a social media project to promote merchandise for Sanrio's best-selling characters. Due to its popularity, it grew to have its own merchandise line, a manga series, a series of character drama CDs, a 2016 smartphone game for iOS and Android, and an anime television series by Pierrot aired from January to March 2018. Background The Sanrio Boys were created by Sanrio in November 2015 to promote merchandise for their best-selling characters on social media, a strategy of which has been compared to Twitter accounts run by characters from Uta no Prince-sama. The Sanrio Boys originally consisted of five characters, but has since then expanded to seven. The characters were so well-received that they received their own line of character merchandise starting in June 2016. Characters Sanrio Boys Kota is a fan of Pompompurin and was given a plush toy from his grandmother as a child. He is embarrassed to openly admit he likes Pompompurin until he meets Yu and Shunsuke. Yu is Kota's outgoing classmate who is open about his love for My Melody. He is popular with his classmates for his friendly and sociable personality. Shunsuke is the ace striker of the soccer team and a fan of Hello Kitty, who he refers to with respect. He has a serious and stoic personality. Ryo is a shy and beautiful first year student who likes Kiki and Lala from Little Twin Stars. Seiichiro is the president of the student council and a member of the archery team. He loves Cinnamoroll. Subaru is a wannabe delinquent who loves Badtz-Maru. He was introduced in April 2017. Naoki is a biology teacher who loves Keroppi. He was introduced in April 2017. Kansai Sanrio Boys Yumenosuke is a fan of Hello Kitty. He was first introduced as a character for Miracle Stage: Sanrio Boys at Sanrio Expo 2018. Torao is a friend of Yumenosuke who loves Kuromi. thanks to him. He was first introduced as a character for Miracle Stage: Sanrio Boys at Sanrio Expo 2018. Tomohiro is the president of the mandolin guitar club. He is a fan of Pochacco. He was first introduced as a character for Miracle Stage: Sanrio Boys at Sanrio Expo 2018. Yuzu is Tomohiro's roommate/childhood friend and a fan of Kirimi. He was first introduced as a character for Miracle Stage: