The latest installment in the beloved “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, continues to delve into the enigmatic phenomena of Puberty Syndrome, with Episode 11, titled “The World Dreams,” escalating the stakes and revealing crucial insights into its central mysteries. Airing on September 13, 2025, this episode plunges protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa deeper into a complex web of precognitive dreams, social media chaos, and the true identity of the elusive Miniskirt Santa, Touko Kirishima.
A World Riddled with Dreams and Danger
Episode 11 immediately throws viewers into a state of heightened tension, opening with a dream experienced by Sakuta. In this dream, a significant revelation unfolds: Mai Sakurajima, Sakuta’s girlfriend, publicly declares herself to be Touko Kirishima at an upcoming music festival. This dream sequence sets a cryptic tone for the episode, hinting at a deeper connection between Mai and the mysterious Santa Claus figure who has been at the heart of the current arc.
Adding to the pervasive strangeness, social media platforms are in an uproar. A peculiar phenomenon sees users across Japan inundating various major platforms with posts containing the hashtag “#DREAMING,” leading to widespread crashes and access errors. This social media surge is directly linked to thousands of young people experiencing identical prophetic dreams, primarily revolving around Mai’s potential announcement at the music festival.
Warnings from the Future and Past
The unsettling occurrences are compounded by a chilling warning from Koga Tomoe. Possessing the ability to perceive the future, Tomoe informs Sakuta of a dire vision: Mai is involved in a critical accident, rendering her unconscious during a public safety awareness event she’s collaborating on with the police. This premonition resonates deeply with Sakuta, who recalls a prior message from an alternate version of himself in another possible world, explicitly cautioning him about Mai being in danger.
These converging warnings underscore the gravity of Mai’s predicament and Sakuta’s growing anxiety. As he grapples with these concerns, the enigmatic Miniskirt Santa, identified as Touko Kirishima, makes another appearance before him, further entangling him in the unfolding Puberty Syndrome mysteries.
The True Identity of Touko Kirishima and Parallel Worlds
“The World Dreams” begins to peel back the layers surrounding Touko Kirishima. Before Mai Sakurajima’s arrival, Touko was the “queen of the school,” a position Mai inadvertently usurped, leading to Touko developing a form of Puberty Syndrome similar to Mai’s. The episode also reveals Touko’s past relationship with Sakuta’s college friend, Takumi, who now cannot perceive her, adding a layer of personal tragedy to her condition.
A significant twist emerges regarding the rumors linking Mai and Touko. It is revealed that Touko herself is not the source of these rumors; in fact, she resents the idea and Mai’s inaction in dispelling them. Instead, the widespread belief that Mai and Touko are the same person stems directly from the collective prophetic dreams associated with the “#DREAMING” phenomenon.
The episode takes a speculative turn by suggesting that these widespread dreams may not be purely prophetic, but rather glimpses into a similar, parallel world. This concept is subtly reinforced by Sakuta’s initial dream, where he uses a cellphone—an object he has avoided for years due to the events surrounding his sister, Kaede. This detail implies a “Perfect World’s timeline” where Kaede’s Puberty Syndrome was resolved more swiftly, allowing Sakuta a different trajectory.
Kaede’s Progress and Lingering Questions
While the primary focus of Episode 11 shifts towards Mai, Touko, and the #DREAMING phenomenon, the groundwork laid in previous episodes regarding Kaede’s recovery from her own Puberty Syndrome continues to develop. Earlier episodes showed Kaede making significant strides in overcoming her fear of the outside world, gradually building her confidence to leave the house and interact with others. These steps, supported by Sakuta and Mai, were pivotal in her journey toward recovery.
However, previous installments also hinted at deeper, unresolved issues surrounding Kaede’s condition, including the revelation that she had lost memories, particularly those related to her severe bullying and the onset of her Puberty Syndrome. This amnesia presented a complex challenge, raising questions about the extent of her memory loss and its impact on her sense of self. While Episode 11 of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus prioritizes the new arc, these underlying themes of memory and recovery continue to be significant to the broader narrative of the “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, reminding viewers of the deep emotional complexities that underpin each character’s struggle with Puberty Syndrome.
Looking Ahead: The Looming Crisis
As “The World Dreams” concludes, it leaves viewers with a multitude of questions and an palpable sense of impending crisis. The revelations about Touko Kirishima, the widespread #DREAMING phenomenon, and the explicit warnings about Mai’s impending accident converge to create a tense atmosphere. With Mai’s life potentially hanging in the balance and the true nature of the parallel worlds beginning to surface, Sakuta faces perhaps his most daunting challenge yet. The episode masterfully sets the stage for a dramatic climax, promising further exploration of the series’ core themes of adolescence, mystery, and the profound connections between individuals.
