The highly anticipated anime series SANDA, based on the manga by BEASTARS creator Paru Itagaki, officially premiered in Japan on October 3, 2025, airing on MBS, TBS, and BS-TBS as part of the “Animeism” block. The series also saw an early world premiere at Anime Expo 2025 on July 4, impressing audiences and creator Itagaki herself. Produced by the acclaimed Studio Science SARU, SANDA brings a dark, action-packed, and socially satirical take on the legend of Santa Claus to a global audience, with worldwide streaming available on Amazon Prime Video.
A Dystopian Future with a Christmas Twist
Set in a near-future Japan plagued by a rapidly declining birthrate, SANDA presents a society where children are considered the nation’s most precious commodity and are heavily protected and monitored in boarding schools. In this unusual world, the figure of Santa Claus is deemed a dangerous threat and has been outlawed.
The story centers on Kazushige Sanda, a seemingly ordinary middle school student who discovers he is a descendant of Santa Claus. His life takes a dramatic turn on a snowy December 25th when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, attacks him, believing he carries a “curse” that can help her find her missing friend, Ichie Ono. To protect children from the adults who control society, Sanda embraces his destiny, deciding to become the new Santa and fight for the kids.
Visionary Creative Team Behind SANDA
The anime adaptation is a collaboration between original manga author Paru Itagaki and the renowned animation studio Science SARU, known for its distinctive visual style and critically acclaimed works such as DEVILMAN crybaby, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
Key Staff and Cast:
- Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama
- Series Composition/Script: Kimiko Ueno
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Masamichi Ishiyama
- Music: Tomoyuki Tanaka
The voice cast features:
- Kazushige Sanda: Ayumu Murase
- Santa Claus: Hiroki Tochi
- Shiori Fuyumura: Umeka Shoji
- Ichie Ono: Anna Nagase
- Hitoshi Amaya: Yuki Shin
- Niko Kazao: Misato Matsuoka
The series’ opening theme, “Adult Chick Children” (アダルトチックチルドレン), is performed by Yama, while the ending theme, “Diary” (ダイアリー), is performed by Soushi Sakiyama.
World Premiere at Anime Expo 2025 and Critical Buzz
Months before its official Japanese broadcast, the first episode of SANDA had its world premiere at Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles on July 4. The event was attended by Paru Itagaki, director Tomohisa Shimoyama, and producer Kohei Sakita. The premiere garnered positive reactions, with Itagaki expressing her excitement and surprise at seeing her black-and-white manga brought to life with color and dynamic effects by Science SARU. Reviewers noted the show’s blend of tense drama with “over-the-top comedy,” a hallmark of Science SARU’s animation style.
The anime is slated for a 12-episode season, with new episodes releasing weekly. For international viewers, the series is available to stream worldwide on Amazon Prime Video. Fans can expect a unique blend of action, social commentary, and humor as Sanda navigates his newfound identity and battles to protect children in a world that has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
