“Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus – Episode 8,” titled “Secrets and Promises,” premiered on August 23, 2025, marking the official beginning of the intriguing “His Student” arc within the latest installment of the Rascal Does Not Dream series. This episode plunges protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa into a new set of mysteries and emotional challenges as he navigates his university life alongside his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima, and encounters new manifestations of Puberty Syndrome.
The Search for Touko Kirishima
The episode opens with Sakuta’s determined efforts to locate Touko Kirishima, the enigmatic “miniskirt Santa” who claims to be the source of various Puberty Syndromes. Following a warning from Ikumi Akagi, Sakuta attempts to contact Touko to understand her connection to Mai and assess any potential threats. However, his initial attempts to reach her prove unsuccessful. His friend Rio Futaba suggests that someone who received Puberty Syndrome from Touko could pose a danger to Mai. Sakuta realizes that a direct confrontation with the mysterious Santa Claus is his only path to answers.
Later in the episode, Sakuta finally encounters Touko Kirishima, though he initially struggles to recognize her out of her usual “Santa” attire. They meet at a café, where Sakuta orders food for the seemingly invisible Touko. During their conversation, Touko expresses her desire for her songs to reach a wider audience, revealing that she has been using her music to spread Puberty Syndromes through lyrics that deeply resonate with listeners. She announces plans to release a new song on Christmas Eve, further escalating the impending mysteries.
A Wholesome Date with Mai and Foreshadowing Troubles
Amidst the growing complexities, Episode 8 provides heartwarming moments between Sakuta and Mai. Despite the unfolding drama, Mai demonstrates her understanding and support for Sakuta. She playfully “steals” him for the first half of the day, taking him on a date to a mall where he buys a ring for her.
However, the blissful moments are intertwined with underlying tension. Sakuta’s meeting with Touko later that evening reveals Touko’s inexplicable hatred for Mai, though the reason remains unknown. Upon returning home, Sakuta discusses Touko’s case with Mai, who reveals her plan for a Christmas Eve vacation to a hot springs resort, adding a touch of anticipation and normalcy to their lives, even as unusual events continue to unfold.
The Intrusion of Sara Himeji and the “His Student” Arc
A significant development in “Secrets and Promises” is the introduction and rising prominence of Sara Himeji, a first-year student at Minegahara. Sakuta begins experiencing the “Dreaming trend” firsthand, as his vision of being assigned as Sara’s tutor comes true.
The plot thickens when Sakuta and Sara discover they are sharing dreams, with one particularly vivid dream depicting them on a Christmas date. When they finally meet, Sara confirms she has experienced the same dream and reveals that she, too, is afflicted with Puberty Syndrome. Intriguingly, Sara warns Sakuta not to cure her condition, stating she is enjoying its effects, which helped her cope with a recent breakup. The episode concludes with Sara challenging Sakuta to unravel the mystery of her Puberty Syndrome, promising a reward if he succeeds. This marks a compelling start to the “His Student” arc, placing Sara Himeji at the forefront of Sakuta’s latest supernatural entanglement.
“Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus – Episode 8” effectively sets the stage for a new arc, blending the series’ signature blend of supernatural phenomena, introspective character drama, and heartwarming romance. The episode was written by Honoka Kato, storyboarded by Yoshiki Kitai, and directed by Koichiro Takatsu, with Shin Takasaki serving as assistant director.
