The anime series Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus officially wrapped up its run on September 27, 2025, concluding the second television season of the popular “Rascal Does Not Dream” franchise. The finale was met with a significant announcement, revealing that the series will continue its narrative with a new theatrical anime film, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend, slated for a 2026 premiere, which is set to serve as the grand conclusion to the entire anime saga.
The Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus season, which began airing in July 2025, adapted the “University Student Arc” of Hajime Kamoshida’s original light novel series.
The Conclusion of the “Santa Claus” Arc
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus consisted of 13 episodes, delving into new mysteries surrounding Sakuta Azusagawa’s university life. The season continued the series’ signature blend of supernatural phenomena, known as “Adolescence Syndrome,” and introspective character drama. Viewers followed Sakuta as he navigated new acquaintances and complex psychological challenges, including an encounter with a mysterious “miniskirt Santa” character, Touko Kirishima, and a storyline involving Uzuki Hirokawa. The final episode, titled “No Dreams of Santa Claus,” focused on resolving the critical Puberty Syndrome case involving Nene, who believes she is Touko Kirishima, necessitating a trip to Hokkaido to find Takumi Fukuyama, the only one who can help her remember her true identity.
Looking Ahead: Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend
The most impactful revelation from the season finale was the confirmation of Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend, an upcoming anime film scheduled for release in 2026. This film is poised to adapt the 15th and final main volume of Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series, bringing Sakuta’s journey and the overarching narrative of Adolescence Syndrome to a definitive close. Yen Press, the English publisher of the light novels, describes the Dear Friend arc as Sakuta facing a crucial choice after learning the truth about Miori and Touko Kirishima, marking his final case of Adolescence Syndrome.
A Legacy of Anime Adaptations
The “Rascal Does Not Dream” franchise has a rich history of anime adaptations by CloverWorks. It began with the 2018 television series Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, which adapted the first five volumes of the light novels. This was followed by a series of acclaimed films:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019), covering volumes six and seven.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023), adapting volume eight.
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023), concluding the “High School Student Arc” by adapting volume nine.
The recent Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus anime (July-September 2025) continued this trend by adapting the “University Student Arc”. The consistent production staff, including director Sōichi Masui, series composer Masahiro Yokotani, character designer Satomi Tamura, and music by fox capture plan, have contributed to the franchise’s cohesive storytelling and beloved aesthetic throughout its various installments.
With Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend on the horizon for 2026, fans eagerly await the climactic conclusion to Sakuta Azusagawa’s profound experiences with the mysterious Puberty Syndrome and his relationships with Mai Sakurajima and the many others he has helped.
