The upcoming anime adaptation of SANDA, a manga by Paru Itagaki (BEASTARS), is confirmed for Fall 2025. The series is being animated by Science SARU, known for titles like Dandadan, Devilman Crybaby and YUREI DECO.
SANDA ran in Weekly Shōnen Champion from July 2021 to July 2024, concluding with 16 volumes. The manga is set in a dystopian Japan in 2060, where extreme measures are taken to counter a plummeting birthrate. Children are assigned future marriage partners at birth and are restricted from sleeping long hours to slow their aging process.
The story begins when Kazushige Sanda, an ordinary middle school student, transforms into Santa Claus after his classmate Shiori Fuyumura breaks a seal on his body.
This curse-bound transformation brings Santa Claus back into a world that has largely forgotten the holiday, relegating it to a relic of the past. The series explores themes of societal control, identity, and the cultural significance of Christmas.
The teaser PV features animation by Science SARU and is set to the classic Christmas song “Stille Nacht.” The visuals include dynamic action scenes involving explosions and a battle-ready Santa Claus, described as “Santa Claus hero action.”
The anime is being produced by Science SARU, with the following key staff:
- Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama (SUPER SHIRO, YUREI DECO)
- Series Composition/Script: Kimiko Ueno (Delicious in Dungeon, Ranma 1/2)
- Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Masanobu Ishiyama (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off)
- Music: Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM), marking his debut as the composer for an anime series
The teaser visual, drawn by Ishiyama, contrasts a young and innocent-looking Sanda with his powerful Santa Claus form. The imagery includes a haunting line from the story: “Santa, please find a friend.”
Voice Cast
- Kazushige Sanda: Ayumu Murase (Haikyuu!!’s Shoyo Hinata)
- Santa Claus: Hiroki Touchi (Trigun’s Nicholas D. Wolfwood)
Both voice actors have spoken about the challenges and unique aspects of their roles. Murase described the story as one that powerfully addresses questions about adulthood and childhood. Touchi highlighted the difficulty of playing a dual-natured character like Santa Claus, who embodies both wisdom and a youthful spirit.
The original manga concluded in July 2024, and its complete run consists of 16 volumes. Written by Paru Itagaki, known for her unique storytelling style in BEASTARS, the manga was well-regarded for its social commentary and unorthodox approach to Christmas lore.
Source: Comic Natalie
