SANDA Episode 5, titled “A Typhoon in a Snow Globe”, plunges deeper into the dystopian world crafted by BEASTARS creator Paru Itagaki, revealing significant plot developments, new characters, and complex thematic explorations. Airing on November 1, 2025 (JST), this installment sees protagonist Kazushige Sanda grappling with his burgeoning Santa Claus powers amidst a society obsessed with controlling childhood.
The Introduction of Niko Kazao: Sanda’s Arranged Fiancée
A pivotal moment in Episode 5 is the introduction of Niko Kazao, Sanda’s government-assigned fiancée. In the near-future Japan of SANDA, facing extreme population decline, childhoods are tightly managed, and marriages are preordained as a measure to boost birthrates. Niko stands in stark contrast to Sanda’s more reserved nature with her bold, vibrant, and unconventional personality. Her arrival highlights the societal pressures placed upon the youth, as Sanda struggles to reconcile his duty as Santa Claus—a role that demands he protect children and avoid romantic entanglements—with the government’s dictates and his growing feelings.
Sanda’s Wavering Powers and the Cost of Affection
As the narrative unfolds, Sanda finds himself facing a new challenge: his ability to transform into Santa Claus begins to wane. The episode suggests that romantic attraction might be a significant factor in this power loss, posing a direct conflict with his identity and mission. For Santa, children are meant to be protected, and falling in love with one is presented as a potential death sentence for his powers or even for himself. This dilemma forces Sanda to confront the emotional complexities of his dual life and the sacrifices required of him.
Ono’s Troubling Return and Fuyumura’s Unraveling Feelings
The search for Ichie Ono, Shiori Fuyumura’s missing best friend, culminates in her dramatic return in Episode 5. Ono reappears noticeably transformed, now resembling a young woman due to undergoing rapid puberty overnight. This is a shocking development in a society where children are given drugs to prevent sleep and, consequently, stave off puberty, thereby extending their childhoods. Terrified of becoming an adult, Ono confronts Fuyumura with a knife, expressing a desperate wish for them to remain unchanged and together forever.
This reunion further unravels Fuyumura’s complex emotional landscape. The episode delves into flashbacks and current events that clearly hint at deep romantic feelings between Fuyumura and Ono, revealing Fuyumura’s uncertainty about her own sexuality and sexual identity. Her insecurities, particularly regarding her body image, seemingly melt away in Ono’s presence, underscoring the profound bond they share.
Societal Dystopia and Adult Control
Episode 5 continues to flesh out the oppressive nature of SANDA‘s dystopian setting. Beyond arranged marriages and puberty blockers, the series explores how adults strictly manage and protect children in residential academies, largely stripping them of their agency. Santa Claus, once a symbol of hope, is now branded a dangerous threat marked for elimination because he represents a challenge to the preordained lives children are expected to live. The narrative also touches upon the government’s efforts to ban the worship or belief in higher powers, further solidifying the state’s control over every aspect of life.
Adding to the escalating tension, Saburo Yagiuda, a member of the Red-Clad Special Task Force and a known Santa hunter, infiltrates Sanda’s academy as a new instructor. His presence poses a direct threat to Sanda, especially as Sanda’s transformation abilities become unstable, leaving Yagiuda without a clear way to prove Sanda’s true identity.
The episode culminates in a cliffhanger, with the antagonist (referred to as Oshibu in some summaries) discovering Ono and Fuyumura, setting the stage for further conflict and intensifying the fight for childhood autonomy.
