The AnimeJapan 2025 panel for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus (Seishun Buta Yarō wa Santa Claus no Yume wo Minai) unveiled exciting new details about the upcoming anime adaptation. Fans can anticipate the premiere of the “University Student Arc” in July 2025, along with fresh cast members and a preview of the opening theme song, “Snowdrop” by Conton Candy.
New Cast Members Join the Ensemble
The anime will feature new voices adding depth to the storyline:
- Konomi Kohara as Sara Himeji: One of Sakuta’s cram school students.
- Manaka Iwami as Miori Mito: A trendy university student.
- Reina Ueda as Miniskirt Santa: A mysterious character central to the arc’s plot.
“Snowdrop” by Conton Candy to Open the Anime
The promotional video offered a sneak peek of the opening theme song, “Snowdrop,” performed by Conton Candy, setting the tone for the University Student Arc.
Returning Staff and Production Details
The dedicated team behind the Rascal Does Not Dream series returns to ensure a high-quality adaptation:
- Director: Sōichi Masui
- Animation Studio: CloverWorks
- Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Designer: Satomi Tamura
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
- Music: fox capture plan
Story Synopsis
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus adapts the “University Student Arc” from Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series. The story follows Sakuta Azusagawa as he begins his university life in Yokohama alongside his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima. However, their lives are disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious “Miniskirt Santa” who is gifting Puberty Syndrome to others. The series explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the challenges of growing up, with a supernatural twist.
What is the “University Arc” About?
The “University Arc” begins with the 10th volume of the light novel series and sees Sakuta navigating university life while still grappling with the supernatural phenomenon of Adolescence Syndrome.
Starting a New Life?
Sakuta begins his college life, but some things remain the same. His reputation precedes him because everyone knows he’s dating Mai Sakurajima. Sakuta lives with Kaede, who now attends school remotely and splits her time between their apartment and their parents’ home. Sweet Bullet is working hard to achieve stardom. However, Uzuki acts strangely, suggesting that Adolescence Syndrome is at play again.
Background on Rascal Does Not Dream Series
Hajime Kamoshida’s Rascal Does Not Dream light novel series began in April 2014 and concluded in October 2024 with 15 volumes. The series has sold over 3 million copies. Yen Press is releasing the novels in English.
Previous Anime Adaptations
The Rascal Does Not Dream series has inspired several anime adaptations, including:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018): A 13-episode TV anime series adapting the first five novel volumes.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019): An anime film adapting the sixth and seventh light novel volumes.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023): An anime film adapting the eighth light novel volume.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023): An anime film adapting the ninth light novel volume.
Premise of the Series
The series explores “Puberty Syndrome,” abnormal experiences rumored to be caused by sensitivity and instability during adolescence. Sakuta Azusagawa encounters several girls experiencing this syndrome, leading him on a journey of discovery and connection.
Streaming Availability
Crunchyroll streams Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.
Main Characters
- Sakuta Azusagawa: Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa, a selfless and caring individual who often helps others, stemming from his past experiences with Adolescence Syndrome. He is now a university student.
- Mai Sakurajima: Voiced by Asami Seto, a famous actress on hiatus who experiences Adolescence Syndrome, making her invisible to others. She is in a relationship with Sakuta.
- Miniskirt Santa: Voiced by Reina Ueda, a mysterious girl who appears before Sakuta, claiming to be gifting Puberty Syndrome to people. She is also known as Toko Kirishima.
- Kaede Azusagawa: Voiced by Yurika Kubo, Sakuta’s younger sister, who also experienced Adolescence Syndrome.
- Tomoe Koga: Voiced by Nao Tōyama, a first-year student who asks Sakuta to be her pretend boyfriend.
- Rio Futaba: Voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki.
- Nodoka Toyohama: Voiced by Maaya Uchida, Mai’s half-sister.
- Sara Himeji: Voiced by Konomi Kohara, one of Sakuta’s cram school students.
- Miori Mito: Voiced by Manaka Iwami, a trendy university student.
Production
- Original Work: Hajime Kamoshida (“Seishun Buta Yaro” series published by Dengeki Bunko)
- Original Illustration: Keji Mizoguchi
- Animation Production: CloverWorks
- Produced by: AOBUTA Project
