The upcoming Sanda anime has unveiled a new promotional video, stirring excitement among fans. Set to debut on October 3, 2025, the anime will first premiere at Anime Expo on July 4, 2025. This unique series, based on the manga by Beastars creator Paru Itagaki, promises a fresh and action-packed take on the Santa Claus mythos within a dystopian, near-future Japan.
Premiere Details and Anime Expo Event
Sanda will premiere at Anime Expo, which takes place in Los Angeles from July 3-6, 2025. A special world premiere event is scheduled for July 4 at the JW Platinum Ballroom. Manga creator Paru Itagaki, director Tomohisa Shimoyama, and Science SARU producer Kōhei Sakita will attend. The event includes a live drawing session by Itagaki and a screening of the anime’s first episode.
Following the Anime Expo premiere, Sanda will begin airing in Japan on October 3, 2025, on the “Animeism” programming block on TBS, MBS, and BS-TBS.
New Promotional Video
The newly released promotional video offers a glimpse into the anime’s distinctive art style and action-oriented plot. It highlights the main characters and the contrasting world where Christmas is a forgotten legend.
Plot Overview
Sanda is set in a near-future Japan where the birth rate has drastically declined. Children are highly valued and protected, while Christmas has faded into a mere legend. The story revolves around Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student who discovers he is a descendant of Santa Claus. He becomes entangled in a mystery when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, accuses him of carrying a curse linked to her missing friend.
The Premise
In this future, society artificially extends adolescence to preserve youth, making traditional holidays like Christmas relics of the past. Kazushige Sanda’s life takes a turn when he learns of his connection to the mythical Santa Claus, who has been sealed away by a curse.
Key Conflicts
Sanda’s journey involves external threats and internal challenges as he grapples with loyalty, courage, and belief. He confronts the true meaning of friendship and trust in a world that has largely forgotten magic.
Characters and Cast
The anime features a diverse cast of characters, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding mystery:
- Kazushige Sanda: Voiced by Ayumu Murase, Sanda is the protagonist who discovers his connection to Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus: Voiced by Hiroki Tōchi, this enigmatic figure is central to the anime’s plot.
- Shiori Fuyumura: Voiced by Umeka Shōji, she is Sanda’s classmate who seeks his help in finding her missing friend.
- Ichie Ono: Voiced by Anna Nagase, Ichie is Fuyumura’s best friend who suddenly disappears.
- Hitoshi Amaya: Voiced by Yūki Shin, a classmate of Sanda.
- Nico Kazao: Voiced by Misato Matsuoka, another classmate involved in the unfolding events.
Production Team
The anime adaptation is being produced by Science SARU, known for its unique and visually stunning animation work. The key staff members include:
- Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama (Yurei Deco, Super Shiro)
- Series Composition/Script: Kimiko Ueno (Delicious in Dungeon, Ranma 1/2)
- Character Designer/Chief Animation Director: Masamichi Ishiyama (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)
- Music: Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)
Manga Background
Sanda is a manga series written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki. It was serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine from July 2021 to July 2024, spanning 16 tankōbon volumes. Titan Manga has licensed the series for English publication, with the first volume set to release in September 2025.
Themes and Controversies
The anime delves into themes of declining birth rates, the value of children in a dystopian society, and the rediscovery of forgotten traditions. The reimagining of Santa Claus as an action hero in a dark and mysterious setting has sparked some debate among fans. Some are excited about the fresh take, while others are wary of the darker portrayal of a beloved holiday figure.
Science SARU’s Animation Style
Science SARU is celebrated for its surreal and visually distinctive anime. Their unique approach is expected to enhance the bizarre and action-filled elements of Sanda, making it a visually stunning series. The studio is also animating Dan Da Dan, with Season 2 premiering in July 2025.
What to Expect
Sanda promises to be a thought-provoking and visually captivating anime that blends action, mystery, and supernatural elements. The world premiere at Anime Expo is highly anticipated, and the series is poised to make a significant impact on the anime community in Fall 2025. The combination of Paru Itagaki’s storytelling and Science SARU’s animation style makes Sanda a must-watch for anime enthusiasts.
