The highly anticipated anime adaptation of SANDA has revealed a brand-new trailer and key visual, along with voice cast details, theme songs, and worldwide streaming information. Produced by Science SARU, the series brings to life Paru Itagaki’s unique “Santa Claus action story,” blending dystopian themes with her signature emotional storytelling.

The anime will premiere in Japan on October 3, with international audiences able to stream exclusively on Prime Video starting October 4. The main visual depicts Daikoku Welfare Academy, where protagonist Sanda Kazushige studies, while the mysterious principal Hifumi Oshibu looms in the background and Santa Claus himself bursts through the glass.

New Cast and Theme Songs

The cast for the series introduces several notable additions, including Toshihiko Seki as Hifumi Oshibu, the eccentric 92-year-old principal who clings to youth through extreme plastic surgeries, and Hiroaki Hirata as Saburo Yagiuda, the ace of the St. Nick Pursuit Unit tasked with capturing Santa Claus.

The opening theme song, Childlike Adults by yama, and the ending theme song, Diary by Soushi Sakiyama, were both previewed in the latest trailer, setting the tone for the show’s mix of action and melancholy.

The Story of SANDA

SANDA takes place in a future Japan where the declining birth rate has shifted social structures, giving children a higher status than adults. Christmas has faded into myth, with Santa Claus sealed away by a curse. The protagonist, Sanda Kazushige, discovers a mysterious connection to Santa Claus, setting him on a journey that blends dark societal themes with fantastical elements.

Serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion from July 2021 to July 2024, SANDA ran for three years and released 14 volumes. Titan Manga is set to publish the English edition of the manga starting this September.

Production Details

Directed by Tomohisa Shimoyama, with Kimiko Ueno handling series composition and script, and Masamichi Ishiyama overseeing character designs, SANDA brings together an experienced creative team under Science SARU. Music is composed by Tomoyuki Tanaka, adding further depth to the show’s dramatic flair.

The anime marks another major project for Science SARU, which is currently producing DAN DA DAN Season 2, A Witch’s Life in Mongol, and a new Ghost in the Shell project set for 2026.

Final Thoughts

With its bold premise, compelling visuals, and the pedigree of Paru Itagaki, SANDA is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing anime releases of the year. Its exploration of a world where Santa Claus has become legend and children rule society offers a fresh twist on familiar themes.

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