Paru Itagaki’s Sanda anime is set to premiere on October 3, 2025, promising a unique blend of action, mystery, and a fresh take on the Santa Claus legend. The series is adapted from Itagaki’s manga, which ran from July 2021 to July 2024. A world premiere event is scheduled for Anime Expo on July 4, 2025, featuring Itagaki, director Tomohisa Shimoyama, and producer Kōhei Sakita.
Premiere Details and Anime Expo Debut
The Sanda anime will make its official debut on October 3, 2025, airing in the “Animeism” programming block on TBS, MBS, and BS-TBS. However, fans attending Anime Expo 2025 in Los Angeles will get an early look at the series. The world premiere event on July 4 will include a live drawing session by Paru Itagaki and a screening of the first episode.
- Premiere Date: October 3, 2025
- Anime Expo Premiere: July 4, 2025
- Location: JW Platinum Ballroom, Los Angeles Convention Center
- Attendees: Paru Itagaki, Tomohisa Shimoyama, Kōhei Sakita
Story and Setting
Sanda is set in a near-future Japan, specifically the year 2080, where the birth rate has drastically declined. This demographic shift has led to extreme measures to protect children, who now hold a higher social status than adults. Christmas has become a mere legend of the past, and Santa Claus is largely forgotten.
The story revolves around Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student who discovers he has a connection to the mythical Santa Claus. Sanda’s life takes a dramatic turn when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, accuses him of carrying a curse linked to her missing friend, Ichie Ono. Together, Sanda and Fuyumura embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Ichie’s disappearance and the hidden magic of Christmas.
Key Elements of the Setting:
- Declining Birth Rate: Japan’s population crisis leads to protective policies for children.
- Future Japan: The story is set in 2080, showcasing a society with advanced technology and social changes.
- Forgotten Christmas: Traditional holidays like Christmas are now just legends.
- Santa’s Legacy: Santa Claus has been sealed due to a curse, fading from public memory.
Characters and Cast
The Sanda anime features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The main cast includes:
- Kazushige Sanda: Voiced by Ayumu Murase, Sanda is a middle school student who discovers his connection to Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus: Voiced by Hiroki Tōchi, this version of Santa is not the jolly figure of legend, but a more enigmatic and action-oriented character.
- Shiori Fuyumura: Voiced by Umeka Shōji, Fuyumura is Sanda’s classmate who seeks his help in finding her missing friend.
- Ichie Ono: Voiced by Anna Nagase, Ichie is Fuyumura’s missing friend, whose disappearance sets the main plot in motion.
- Hitoshi Amaya: Voiced by Yūki Shin.
- Nico Kazao: Voiced by Misato Matsuoka, Nico is Sanda’s fiancée, chosen by the country from birth.
Production Staff
The anime adaptation is being produced by Science SARU, known for its unique animation style and work on series like Yurei Deco, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, Devilman Crybaby, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
- Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama (Yurei Deco, Super Shiro)
- Series Composition & Scriptwriter: Kimiko Ueno (Delicious in Dungeon, Ranma 1/2)
- Character Designer & Chief Animation Director: Masamichi Ishiyama (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)
- Music Composer: Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)
Themes and Controversies
Sanda explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle against societal norms. The series also delves into the importance of belief and the power of tradition in a world that has largely forgotten its past.
One potential controversy surrounding Sanda is its portrayal of Santa Claus. Unlike the traditional jolly figure, this Santa is described as a “jacked-up, not-so-jolly” character, involved in action and mystery. This darker take on a beloved figure may divide audiences, with some appreciating the fresh perspective and others finding it unsettling.
Key Themes:
- Identity: Sanda’s journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his connection to Santa Claus.
- Friendship: The bond between Sanda and Fuyumura as they work together to solve the mystery.
- Societal Norms: The series critiques the extreme measures taken to protect children in the declining birth rate society.
- Tradition vs. Modernity: The conflict between the forgotten magic of Christmas and the modern, regulated world.
Manga Background
The Sanda manga was written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, also known for her hit series BEASTARS. It was serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion from July 21, 2021, to July 11, 2024, spanning 16 volumes. Titan Comics has licensed the manga for English publication, with the first volume set to release on September 2, 2025.
Science SARU’s Unique Animation Style
Science SARU’s involvement in Sanda brings a distinctive visual flair to the series. The studio is known for its fluid animation, dynamic compositions, and experimental techniques. Their previous works, such as Devilman Crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, have been praised for their unique and expressive animation styles.
Expectations for the Anime
With its intriguing premise, strong production team, and unique visual style, Sanda is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025. The series promises to offer a fresh and imaginative take on the Santa Claus legend, blending action, mystery, and emotional depth.
Fans of Paru Itagaki’s previous work, BEASTARS, can expect a similar level of creativity and storytelling in Sanda. The anime’s premiere at Anime Expo will provide an early glimpse into the series, and all eyes will be on how Sanda unfolds and whether it can live up to its ambitious premise.
