Titan Manga has officially released an exclusive trailer for SANDA, the latest manga series from acclaimed creator Paru Itagaki, known for her hit series Beastars. The trailer’s unveiling on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, builds anticipation for the English release of the series, with the first volume set to hit shelves on September 9, 2025.
A Glimpse into a Future Without Christmas
The newly released trailer offers a visual introduction to the unique world of SANDA. The series is set in a near-future Japan, specifically 2080, where a drastically declining birth rate has made children a precious commodity, and traditional holidays like Christmas have faded into myth. This dystopian backdrop sets the stage for a compelling mystery.
The story centers on Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student who discovers he is a descendant of Santa Claus. His life takes an unexpected turn when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, believes he carries a “curse” that could help locate her missing friend, Ono Ichie. Together, they embark on an adventure to unravel the truth behind Ichie’s disappearance and rediscover the forgotten magic of Christmas.
Paru Itagaki’s Latest Work
SANDA is the newest serialized work from Paru Itagaki, who gained international recognition for her anthropomorphic drama, Beastars. Her distinctive storytelling and character designs are expected to draw in new and existing fans. The SANDA manga was originally serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine from July 2021 to July 2024, concluding with 16 tankōbon volumes in Japan.
English Release and Anime Adaptation
Titan Manga secured the licensing rights for the English publication of SANDA. While the first volume was initially slated for a September 2 release, it is now scheduled to launch on September 9, 2025. Fans can pre-order the inaugural volume through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet. The second English volume is planned for release on November 18, 2025.
In addition to the manga’s Western debut, SANDA is also receiving an anime television series adaptation produced by Science SARU. The anime adaptation was announced in July 2024 and is slated to premiere in October 2025, specifically on October 4, 2025, as part of the Animeism programming block. The first episode of the SANDA anime already held its world premiere at Anime Expo 2025 on July 4.
