Tokyo, Japan – Renowned voice actress Masako Nozawa, celebrated for her iconic role as Son Goku in the Dragon Ball franchise, has been officially cast in the upcoming television anime adaptation of Paru Itagaki’s manga, SANDA. Nozawa will lend her voice to the character of Toyo Tetsudome, the 95-year-old school chairperson. The announcement was made on Friday, September 26, 2025, via the anime’s official website.
The SANDA anime is slated to premiere on October 3, 2025, airing in the “Animeism” programming block on MBS, TBS, and BS-TBS, with worldwide streaming available on Amazon Prime Video starting October 4.
A Legendary Voice for a Unique Role
Masako Nozawa’s casting as Toyo Tetsudome adds significant gravitas to the SANDA anime. Nozawa is a veteran in the voice acting industry, with a career spanning decades and a multitude of memorable characters. Her portrayal of Goku, Gohan, Goten, and Bardock in the Dragon Ball series has cemented her as one of Japan’s most recognizable and beloved voice talents. Beyond Dragon Ball, her extensive resume includes roles such as Kitarō in GeGeGe no Kitarō (1968, 1971, and 2008), Doraemon in the 1973 anime, and Tetsurō Hoshino in Galaxy Express 999 (1978).
The character of Toyo Tetsudome, a 95-year-old school chairperson, suggests a role that will benefit from Nozawa’s ability to convey both wisdom and a strong personality, qualities often found in her celebrated performances.
About the SANDA Anime Series
The SANDA TV anime is an adaptation of the manga by Paru Itagaki, the creator of the popular series BEASTARS. The animation production is handled by Science SARU, known for its distinctive animation style and critically acclaimed works.
The Premise: A Future of Declining Birth Rates and a Banned Santa
SANDA is set in a near-future Japan grappling with an ultra-low birth rate, where children are considered precious commodities but are also heavily monitored. In this society, traditional holidays like Christmas have faded into myth, and Santa Claus himself is banned, deemed a dangerous figure.
The story centers on Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student and descendant of Santa. His life takes a drastic turn on a snowy December 25th when he is confronted by his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura. Fuyumura believes Sanda carries a “curse” and demands his help in finding her missing friend, Ono. To protect children from the adults of this dystopian world, Sanda resolves to embrace his lineage and become Santa, fighting against the established order.
Key Staff and Cast
The SANDA anime is directed by Tomohisa Shimoyama (YUREI DECO), with series composition and scripts by Kimiko Ueno (Delicious in Dungeon). Masamichi Ishiyama (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) is responsible for character designs and serves as chief animation director, while Tomoyuki Tanaka provides the music.
The previously announced main cast includes:
- Ayumu Murase as Kazushige Sanda
- Hiroki Tochi as Santa Claus
- Umeka Shōji as Shiori Fuyumura
- Anna Nagase as Ichie Ono
- Hiroaki Hirata as Saburō Yagyūda
- Misato Matsuoka as Nico Kazao
- Toshihiko Seki as Hifumi Ōshibu
- Yūki Shin as Hitoshi Amaya
The addition of Masako Nozawa to this talented ensemble further elevates anticipation for the SANDA anime, promising a compelling and uniquely voiced experience for viewers this fall.
