The latest installment in the beloved “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, continues to delve into the enigmatic world of Puberty Syndrome, presenting fans with its twelfth episode, titled “Reindeer’s Work.” This episode, which premiered on September 20, 2025, advances the “University Student Arc” with a blend of supernatural occurrences and poignant character development, particularly focusing on the mysterious Miniskirt Santa and the ever-perceptive Sakuta Azusagawa.
Decoding “Reindeer’s Work”: Episode 12 Plot Summary
“Reindeer’s Work” picks up on the complex narrative threads surrounding Touko Kirishima, the elusive Miniskirt Santa, and her connection to the ongoing Puberty Syndrome cases. In this pivotal episode, Mai Sakurajima finds herself responding to media inquiries, adamantly asserting that she is not the true identity of Touko Kirishima on Coming of Age Day. However, the widespread influence of the “#DREAMING” tag in public discourse has made it challenging for her to entirely dispel the rumors.
With Mai publicly disavowing the identity, Sakuta Azusagawa fulfills his promise to the Miniskirt Santa, leading to a date between the two. As they enjoy their outing, shopping in Motomachi, a perplexing aspect of the Miniskirt Santa’s condition becomes apparent: no one else seems capable of perceiving her. This invisibility to others underscores the unique nature of her Puberty Syndrome. During their date, Sakuta attempts to uncover more about her past, leading him to hear an unexpected name that hints at a significant history. The episode reveals that the person she dated in high school was…
Key Developments and the Miniskirt Santa’s Enigma
Episode 12 deepens the mystery surrounding Touko Kirishima, the “Miniskirt Santa.” Her ability to appear only to Sakuta, and possibly a select few others like Miori Mito, is a classic manifestation of Puberty Syndrome within the series. Sakuta’s continued involvement with these phenomena, even while attending university with Mai, highlights his unavoidable role in understanding and resolving these supernatural occurrences.
The episode also emphasizes the psychological and social impact of Puberty Syndrome, as seen in Mai’s struggle to control public perception and the rumors linking her to Touko Kirishima. The idea of an “unseeable girl” gifting Puberty Syndrome to people, as Touko claims, adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative, suggesting a more active and possibly intentional source for these strange phenomena.
The Broader “Rascal Does Not Dream” Universe
It is important to note that Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is the latest entry in the popular “Rascal Does Not Dream” series, known in Japan as Seishun Buta Yarō. This new anime adapts the “University Student Arc” of Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series. The series is renowned for its exploration of complex psychological and supernatural themes through the lens of “Adolescence Syndrome,” a mysterious phenomenon that affects teenagers and young adults.
While fans of the franchise might recall a previous “Episode 12” from Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, which centered on Sakuta’s sister Kaede and her struggles with dissociative identity disorder, “Reindeer’s Work” belongs to the newer “Santa Claus” storyline. The original Bunny Girl Senpai Episode 12, titled “Life in a Never-Ending Dream,” explored Kaede’s efforts to overcome her trauma and return to school, culminating in a bittersweet revelation about her memories. This distinction is crucial for understanding the current narrative direction, which focuses on Sakuta’s university life and new encounters with Puberty Syndrome.
Release Information
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 12, “Reindeer’s Work,” was released on Saturday, September 20, 2025. New episodes typically premiere in Japan at approximately 11:30 PM JST, making them available to most of the world around 3:30 PM GMT or 8:30 AM PT with English subtitles on platforms like Crunchyroll. The season is slated to have a total of 12 or 13 episodes.
Looking Ahead
“Reindeer’s Work” effectively pushes forward the narrative of Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, revealing critical information about the Miniskirt Santa and setting the stage for deeper revelations. As Sakuta continues his university life, his interactions with Touko Kirishima and the secrets of her past are expected to form the core of the continuing Puberty Syndrome phenomena in this latest arc of the celebrated series. The episode leaves viewers eager to discover the full truth behind Touko’s identity and the implications of her unique form of Adolescence Syndrome.
