The popular “Rascal Does Not Dream” anime franchise is set to conclude its narrative with the newly announced film, “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend,” slated for release in 2026. This cinematic installment is teased as bringing the beloved supernatural romantic drama series to its finale, adapting the 15th and final volume of Hajime Kamoshida’s original light novel series.
The announcement comes after the conclusion of the “Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus” anime, which premiered in Japan in July 2025 and covered the “University Student Arc” of the light novels. A promotional video has been released, building anticipation for the impending conclusion of Sakuta Azusagawa’s journey and his encounters with “Adolescence Syndrome.”
The Road to the Finale: A Brief History of the “Rascal Does Not Dream” Anime
The “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, also known as “Seishun Buta Yarō” or “AoButa,” began its anime adaptation with the television series “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai” in October 2018. This initial season covered volumes 1-5 of the light novels.
Following the TV series, the narrative continued with a series of acclaimed films:
- “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl” (2019): Adapted volumes 6 and 7 of the light novels.
- “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out” (June 2023): Covered volume 8.
- “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid” (December 2023): Adapted volume 9 and marked the end of the “High School Student Arc.”
The recent “Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus” TV anime, which aired from July 2025, continued the story into Sakuta’s university life.
What “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend” Entails
“Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend” is based on the 15th and final volume of Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series, which concluded its publication in October 2024. Yen Press publishes the English translation of the light novels.
The story for “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend” is described by Yen Press as focusing on Sakuta facing the truth about Miori and Touko Kirishima, leading him to make a crucial choice in what will be his final case of Adolescence Syndrome. This suggests a pivotal and emotionally charged conclusion to the long-running storyline.
Production and Expectations
The “Rascal Does Not Dream” anime projects have consistently been animated by CloverWorks, with a returning staff including director Sōichi Masui, scriptwriter Masahiro Yokotani, and character designer Satomi Tamura. The music has been handled by fox capture plan. While specific staff details for “Dear Friend” haven’t been fully confirmed in all reports, the consistency of the production team bodes well for maintaining the series’ distinctive style and quality.
Fans have expressed excitement over a full adaptation of the light novel series, anticipating a satisfying and potentially emotional resolution for Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima. The film is expected to delve deep into the psychological and supernatural themes that have defined the franchise, offering a definitive conclusion to the “Adolescence Syndrome” phenomena that Sakuta has encountered.
With the final light novel volume titled “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend,” there has been speculation among fans regarding the nature of the ending, hoping for a happy resolution for the main characters, Mai and Sakuta. The 2026 release will finally reveal how Kamoshida’s intricate narrative comes to its ultimate close.
