The highly anticipated anime series, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. To whet appetites, Aniplex has released a three-minute preview of the first episode, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the next chapter of Sakuta Azusagawa’s journey. Here’s everything you need to know about this sneak peek and what to expect from the upcoming series.
A Taste of What’s to Come
Aniplex, the distributor of the anime, has gifted fans with the first three minutes of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus. This early look provides a glimpse into the initial moments of the premiere episode, setting the stage for the new storyline.
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is set to premiere on July 5, 2025, as part of the Summer 2025 anime season. Fans in Japan can catch the broadcast debut on July 5th at 23:30 JST. For international viewers, Crunchyroll will be streaming the series as part of its Summer 2025 lineup.
The Story So Far
For those new to the series, Rascal Does Not Dream follows Sakuta Azusagawa, who encounters several girls experiencing “Puberty Syndrome,” a mysterious phenomenon linked to emotional instability during adolescence. The series began with Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai in 2018, which introduced Mai Sakurajima, a famous actress who becomes Sakuta’s girlfriend.
Since then, the franchise has expanded with several films, including:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023)
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus picks up after these events, adapting the University Student Arc from the light novels.
Plot of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus
In this new arc, Sakuta is now a university student in Kanazawa-hakkei, attending alongside Mai Sakurajima. As they navigate university life, a new mystery emerges with the appearance of a “Miniskirt Santa.” This mysterious figure introduces herself as Touko Kirishima and claims to be spreading Puberty Syndrome to others.
The official English website describes the prologue:
A bizarre phenomenon rumored to be triggered by an unstable mental state. After encountering various girls going through Puberty Syndrome, Sakuta Azusagawa’s high school days have come to a close, and he is now a university student. He enrolls at a university in Kanazawa-hakkei alongside his girlfriend Mai Sakurajima, a nationally famed actress. Off campus, he stumbles upon an out-of-season miniskirt Santa. “I’m surprised. So, you can see me.” This is a phrase he’s heard somewhere before. This miniskirt Santa, who claims to be gifting Puberty Syndrome to people, tells Sakuta… “My name… is Touko Kirishima.”
As strange occurrences begin to unfold, including precognitive dreams, an anonymous online singer, and poltergeist-like activity on social media, Sakuta is drawn into another series of supernatural challenges.
Key Staff and Cast
The series features a talented team, with many returning from previous Rascal Does Not Dream projects:
- Director: Soichi Masui
- Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Design: Satomi Tamura
- Music: fox capture plan
- Animation Production: CloverWorks
The main voice cast includes:
- Sakuta Azusagawa: Kaito Ishikawa
- Mai Sakurajima: Asami Seto
- Touko Kirishima (Miniskirt Santa): Reina Ueda
- Kaede Azusagawa: Yurika Kubo
- Tomoe Koga: Nao Toyama
- Rio Futaba: Atsumi Tanezaki
- Nodoka Toyohama: Maaya Uchida
- Shoko Makinohara: Inori Minase
- Uzuki Hirokawa: Sora Amamiya
- Ikumi Akagi: Aya Yamane
- Sara Himeji: Konomi Kohara
- Miori Mito: Manaka Iwami
Music
The opening theme for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is “Snowdrop” by Conton Candy. The ending theme, “Suiheisen wa Boku no Furukizu,” is performed by Uzuki Hirokawa, Ikumi Akagi, Sara Himeji, and Toko Kirishima.
What to Expect
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus promises to continue the series’ blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements. The introduction of a Miniskirt Santa and the exploration of new Puberty Syndrome cases in a university setting offer fresh challenges for Sakuta and Mai. Fans can anticipate heartfelt character interactions, complex emotional themes, and the signature comedic moments that have made the series a hit.
Streaming the Past
To prepare for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, you can catch up on the previous installments. Crunchyroll streams the Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai TV anime. Additionally, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl anime film is available on Crunchyroll, with both English sub and dub options.
Final Thoughts
With the premiere just around the corner, the release of the first three minutes from episode one has amplified the anticipation for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus. Get ready to dive back into the world of Sakuta and Mai as they navigate new mysteries and emotional challenges in their university life. Don’t miss the premiere on July 5th.
