The official main promotional video for the highly anticipated “SANDA” TV anime, based on Paru Itagaki’s manga, has revealed new cast members, confirmed its theme song artists, and announced exclusive worldwide streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The series is set to premiere in early October.
Premiere Date and Global Streaming Details
The “SANDA” anime will begin its Japanese broadcast on October 3 at 25:53 JST (effectively October 4 at 1:53 a.m. JST) as part of the Animeism programming block on MBS, TBS, and CBC Television, as well as BS-TBS. For international audiences, Amazon Prime Video will offer exclusive worldwide streaming, with the series commencing on October 4 at 2:53 a.m. JST (October 3 at 1:53 p.m. EDT).
New Voices Join the Cast of “SANDA”
The latest promotional video introduced two prominent additions to the voice cast, further expanding the ensemble for this unique action-mystery series. Toshihiko Seki will lend his voice to Hifumi Oshibuchi, the 92-year-old principal of Daikoku Aid Academy, who is obsessed with maintaining a youthful appearance through extensive plastic surgery. Joining him is Hiroaki Hirata as Saburo Yagyuuda, the ace of the Red Coat Special Investigation Team, a unit specializing in the capture of Santa Claus figures.
These new cast members join the previously announced main cast:
- Ayumu Murase as Kazushige Sanda
- Hiroki Tochi as Santa Claus
- Umeka Shoji as Shiori Fuyumura
- Anna Nagase as Ichie Ono
- Yuki Shin as Hitoshi Amaya
- Misato Matsuoka as Niko Kazao
Theme Song Artists Revealed
The “SANDA” anime will feature distinct musical talents for its opening and ending sequences. The opening theme song, titled “Adult Chic Children,” will be performed by yama. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Soushi Sakiyama will provide the ending theme song, “Diary.” These artists are set to complement the anime’s intriguing narrative with their unique musical styles.
The World of “SANDA”: A Future Where Children Reign
Set in a future Japan plagued by a declining birth rate, the society of “SANDA” grants children a significantly higher social status than adults. In this peculiar world, the legendary figure of Santa Claus has been sealed away by a curse, with Christmas having faded into mere folklore.
The story centers on Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student who unexpectedly discovers a profound connection to the mythical Santa Claus. His life takes a drastic turn when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, reveals her intention to kill him, believing he carries a “curse” linked to her missing friend. Together, they embark on a journey that intertwines their destinies with the lost spirit of Christmas, navigating a world filled with bizarre and supernatural events.
Animation Studio and Key Staff
The anime adaptation is produced by the acclaimed studio Science SARU, known for its distinctive animation style. The core creative team includes:
- Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama
- Series Composition and Script: Kimiko Ueno
- Character Design and Chief Animation Direction: Masamichi Ishiyama
- Music: Tomoyuki Tanaka
The “SANDA” manga, created by Paru Itagaki, the mind behind the popular “BEASTARS” series, concluded its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Champion in July 2024 after a three-year run, with 16 collected volumes. Fans can anticipate an adaptation that brings Itagaki’s unique storytelling and art style to life in animated form.
