The latest installment in the enigmatic world of Puberty Syndrome, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 9, titled “I Need You,” dives deeper into the complex nature of human connection and affection. Released on August 30, 2025, the episode explores protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa’s perplexing encounter with Sara Himeji and her unique manifestation of the mysterious condition. Available for streaming on Crunchyroll, the episode promises to challenge both Sakuta’s understanding and the audience’s perceptions of love and desire.
The Curious Case of Sara Himeji’s Puberty Syndrome
Episode 9 picks up on a surprising development: Sakuta’s dream of a Christmas date with Sara Himeji, a student from his cram school, which remarkably, Himeji herself also experienced. This shared dream reveals a critical detail: Himeji is also afflicted with Puberty Syndrome. However, unlike many who seek a cure, Himeji explicitly states she does not want her syndrome fixed.
Himeji’s Puberty Syndrome emerged following a heartbreak. Its symptoms alleviate her anxiety by making her popular with guys, a consequence she has, until now, thoroughly enjoyed. This unique condition leads to a fascinating dynamic, where Himeji views love primarily as something others direct towards her, rather than an emotion she actively cultivates or reciprocates. She finds satisfaction in being desired and tends to move on once she feels she has received her “fix” of affection, treating potential suitors as interchangeable.
Sakuta’s Conundrum: A Master of Conversational Jousting
Sakuta, ever the sardonic yet empathetic guide through the labyrinth of Puberty Syndrome, finds himself in a peculiar position. While he cares for Himeji as his student and is concerned about the potential dangers her syndrome poses to Mai, his interest in her remains strictly professional. Himeji’s attempts at flirting and innuendo prove ineffective against Sakuta, who demonstrates his mastery of conversational jousting, remaining unflustered and even counter-attacking with his characteristic wit.
The episode highlights Himeji’s growing frustration as Sakuta proves impervious to her usual methods of drawing affection. This inability to “seduce” Sakuta introduces a new, unwelcome possibility for Himeji: the existence of a man she cannot charm.
Redefining Love: Beyond Being Loved
A central theme of “I Need You” revolves around the age-old question: “What is love?” Himeji, having always known a love that was a “forgone conclusion” from her childhood friend Kasai, is forced to confront a different reality when Kasai develops feelings for Futaba. This revelation shatters her previous understanding, triggering her Puberty Syndrome and making her question the very nature of love itself.
Through her interactions with Sakuta, Himeji is confronted with the idea that being loved the most by the person you love the most might be a superior and more fulfilling feeling than merely being popular with many people. This concept piques her interest, hinting at a potential shift in her understanding of true connection and emotional depth. Sakuta’s unwavering devotion to Mai serves as a stark contrast to Himeji’s superficial enjoyment of popularity, subtly challenging her perspective on genuine affection.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 9, “I Need You,” premiered in Japan on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:30 pm JST. It was broadcast on channels such as Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, and BS11, and is available for global streaming on Crunchyroll.
As Sakuta attempts to decipher Himeji’s unique Puberty Syndrome and guide her toward a more profound understanding of love, the series continues to explore the intricate psychological and supernatural phenomena that define its narrative. The episode sets the stage for further introspection into the characters’ emotional landscapes, leaving viewers eager to see how Himeji’s journey of self-discovery will unfold and what new challenges Sakuta will face in the ongoing saga of adolescence.
