The highly anticipated anime adaptation of the “University Student Arc” from the Rascal Does Not Dream light novel series, titled Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, is gearing up for its premiere. Recent updates have unveiled the ending theme song and confirmed the broadcast start date, adding to the excitement surrounding the series. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know:
Release Date
Mark your calendars! Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is scheduled to premiere on July 5, 2025.
New Promotional Video and Ending Theme Song
Aniplex recently released the second promotional video and key visual for the anime. The video not only offers a sneak peek into the storyline but also reveals and previews the ending theme song. The title of the ending theme song has not yet been released.
Storyline: University Arc
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus adapts the “University Student Arc” of the light novel series. Following the events of previous installments, Sakuta Azusagawa is now a university student, navigating new challenges and bizarre phenomena as he encounters new people in Yokohama.
The official website offers this prologue: After encountering various girls going through Puberty Syndrome, Sakuta Azusagawa’s high school days have come to a close, and he is now a university student. He enrolls at a university in Kanazawa-hakkei alongside his girlfriend Mai Sakurajima, a nationally famed actress. Off campus, he stumbles upon an out-of-season miniskirt Santa. “I’m surprised. So, you can see me.” This is a phrase he’s heard somewhere before. This miniskirt Santa, who claims to be gifting Puberty Syndrome to people, tells Sakuta… “My name… is Toko Kirishima.” Precognitive dreams, an anonymous online singer, poltergeists buzzing on social media… A mysterious tale with enigmatic phenomenons surrounding girls with wavering hearts starts again.
Specifically, the story takes place in the 14th volume of the novel, in which Sakuta thought he’d already accomplished step one: Find Toko Kirishima. The next step was convincing her to help protect Mai, but that proved easier said than done. In the process, however, he makes a confusing discovery: There are multiple Toko Kirishimas! The Toko he knows may not actually be the person he’s looking for! With clues from his friends’ prophetic dreams, he gets closer to figuring out exactly what danger awaits Mai, but he’ll have to sort through the fake Kirishimas and determine who’s the real deal before it’s too late…
Characters and Cast
The anime features a mix of returning and new characters, with the voice cast including:
Main Characters:
- Sakuta Azusagawa: Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa. A first-year statistical science student at a university in Yokohama. He’s described as an oddball who doesn’t own a smartphone.
- Mai Sakurajima: Voiced by Asami Seto. A nationally famed actress and Sakuta’s girlfriend.
New Characters:
- Miniskirt Santa/Toko Kirishima: Voiced by Reina Ueda. A mysterious girl who appears before Sakuta dressed as a miniskirt Santa.
- Sara Himeji: Voiced by Konomi Kohara. One of Sakuta’s cram school students.
- Miori Mito: Voiced by Manaka Iwami. A trendy university student.
- Uzuki Hirokawa: Voiced by Sora Amamiya
- Ikumi Akagi: Voiced by Aya Yamane
Returning Characters:
- Rio Futaba: Voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki
- Nodoka Toyohama: Voiced by Maaya Uchida
- Kaede Azusagawa: Voiced by Yurika Kubo
- Shoko Makinohara: Voiced by Inori Minase
- Tomoe Koga: Voiced by Nao Toyama
Production Staff
The anime is being produced by an experienced team:
- Original Work: Hajime Kamoshida (“Seishun Buta Yaro” series)
- Original Illustration: Keji Mizoguchi
- Director: Soichi Masui
- Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Design: Satomi Tamura
- Music: fox capture plan
- Animation Production: CloverWorks
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
Music
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus will feature music by fox capture plan. The opening theme song, “Snowdrop,” is performed by Conton Candy.
About Rascal Does Not Dream Series
Rascal Does Not Dream is a Japanese light novel series written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Kēji Mizoguchi. The series began in April 2014 and concluded in October 2024 with a total of 15 volumes.
The series follows Sakuta Azusagawa as he encounters girls experiencing “Adolescence Syndrome,” a mysterious phenomenon triggered by unstable mental states. The anime adaptations have been praised for their blend of supernatural elements, emotional depth, and character-driven stories.
Anime Adaptations
The Rascal Does Not Dream series has inspired several anime adaptations:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018): A 13-episode TV anime series adapting the first five volumes of the light novel.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019): An anime film adapting volumes six and seven.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023): An anime film adapting volume eight.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023): An anime film adapting volume nine.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus marks the second TV anime series in the franchise, following Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. This new series adapts the “University Student Arc” from the light novels.
Where to Watch
Details on where to stream Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus will likely be announced closer to the premiere date. Past Rascal Does Not Dream anime have been available on Crunchyroll and Aniplex of America.
Anticipation Builds
With its engaging storyline, beloved characters, and talented production team, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025. Fans eagerly await the premiere to see how Sakuta’s university life unfolds and what mysteries await him in this new chapter.
