Tokyo, Japan – October 25, 2025 – The highly anticipated fourth episode of the SANDA anime series, based on Paru Itagaki’s acclaimed manga, premiered today, thrusting protagonist Kazushige Sanda into a brutal confrontation that left viewers on the edge of their seats and revealed more about the dystopian world he inhabits. The episode, which resolves the dramatic cliffhanger from Episode 3, aired in Japan and is now available on various international streaming platforms.
The World of SANDA: A Dystopian Future
Set in a near-future Japan grappling with an extreme decline in birth rates, the world of SANDA depicts a society where children are considered national treasures and their lives are strictly controlled. This includes arranged marriages from infancy and policies designed to slow development. In this tightly regulated environment, the legendary figure of Santa Claus has been demonized and deemed a dangerous threat, marked for elimination.
The story centers on Kazushige Sanda, an ordinary middle school student who is revealed to be a descendant of Santa Claus. Alongside his classmate Shiori Fuyumura, who believes Sanda can help find her missing friend Ichie Ono, Sanda embarks on a quest to protect children and revive the lost spirit of Christmas.
Recap of Episode 3: A Shocking Confession and an Ambush
Episode 3, titled “Charred Fruit Tastes All the Sweeter,” saw Sanda discover a new power: the ability to detect lies. Fuyumura attempted to utilize this power to gain information about Ichie Ono. Meanwhile, Headmaster Oooshibu organized a faux funeral for Ono, setting a trap to lure out Santa Claus, which brought the St. Nick Pursuit squad to the school. The episode concluded dramatically with Sanda confessing his feelings to Fuyumura near the gymnasium, simultaneously admitting his identity as Santa, only to be shot by Saburo Yagiuda, the squad leader.
Episode 4: Santa’s Fierce Battle and Unexpected Exposé
Picking up directly from the intense conclusion of Episode 3, SANDA Episode 4 plunges into the immediate aftermath of Yagiuda’s attack on Sanda. The episode focuses on Santa’s fierce battle against Saburo Yagiuda, a seasoned member of the Red-Clad Special Task Force with extensive experience in hunting Santa figures.
Initially, Sanda struggles to fight effectively, haunted by a fear of his own formidable powers. However, Yagiuda’s poignant words—reminding him that “Santa is supposed to bring dreams and hope to children”—serve as a powerful catalyst, reigniting Sanda’s confidence and resolve to confront his opponent once more.
The confrontation culminates in a chaotic and unexpected turn. During their intense clash, Sanda’s powerful fist smashes through the gymnasium roof, leading to a moment where he is left completely naked in front of stunned students attending Ono’s funeral. This bizarre incident is further compounded by Fuyumura’s own surprising confession of liking “old man Sanda” during the episode.
Thematic Deep Dive: Autonomy, Control, and Adolescent Development
Beyond the action, Episode 4 further deepens the series’ exploration of complex themes. It highlights the stark contrast between a society that preordains children’s lives and the disruptive, liberating potential of Santa Claus. The episode also delves into the messiness of adolescent sexuality and the awkwardness of maturation, particularly in a world where adults heavily police young people’s lives and development. The scene where Sanda inadvertently appears naked before his peers, coupled with the society’s strict rules around physical contact and gender-separated facilities based on age rather than gender, underscores the show’s dark satire and absurd humor.
SANDA continues to tackle sensitive social issues, examining the autonomy of young people and the extent to which adults should control their lives, solidifying its place as a unique and thought-provoking series this fall season.
Where to Watch SANDA Episode 4
Produced by Science Saru and directed by Tomohisa Shimoyama, SANDA Episode 4 is available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on regional availability. Fans in North America and Europe can typically find subbed releases quickly on Crunchyroll.
