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| Unconventional Santa Anime SANDA Drops Visual, Trailer, and Theme Songs Ahead of October Release (Press Release) |
From BEASTARS creator Paru Itagaki and the acclaimed animation studio Science SARU comes SANDA, an unconventional Santa Claus action series that flips festive tradition on its head.
Set in near-future Japan, the story takes place in a world struggling with a super-declining birthrate, where extreme child protection laws have created suffocating control.
The anime will premiere in Japan on October 3, 2025, before landing exclusively on Prime Video worldwide on October 4 at 2:53 a.m. JST.
Main Visual & Promo Video Set the Tone
The newly revealed main visual shows Daikoku Welfare Academy, where young protagonist Sanda and his classmates live under strict watch.
Behind them looms the figure of school principal Hifumi Oshibu, symbolising the iron grip of authority.
In contrast, Santa Claus smashes through glass in dramatic fashion—an explosive promise of rebellion and hope.
A full promotional video also dropped today, packed with Science SARU’s signature dynamic animation.
The trailer highlights the suffocating environment children endure, the ominous Santa Pursuit Unit, and the mysterious power of wishes that frees Santa from his curse.
Meet the New Faces – Veteran Voice Actors Join the Cast
Two heavyweight voice actors are stepping into key roles:
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Toshihiko Seki voices Principal Oshibu, a 92-year-old administrator who clings to youth through relentless full-body plastic surgery.
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Hiroaki Hirata plays Saburo Yagiuda, the sharp ace of the St. Nick Pursuit Unit, whose mission is to hunt down Santa.
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Both actors shared comments reflecting their excitement at diving into this surreal and socially charged story.
Soundtrack Announced – Youthful Energy Meets Reflection
Fans can also look forward to a powerful music line-up.
The opening theme, “Childlike Adults”, comes from yama, bringing a mix of urgency and emotion, while the ending theme, “Diary”, is performed by Soushi Sakiyama, offering a reflective close to each episode.
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Both artists have praised the originality of SANDA’s setting and the chance to contribute music that ties into the show’s themes of childhood, control, and resistance.
Streaming Details
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Japan Broadcast: October 3, 2025
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Prime Video Worldwide: October 4, 2025 at 2:53 a.m. JST (exclusive)
With its sharp commentary, wild premise, and unmistakable Paru Itagaki flair, SANDA is shaping up to be one of this autumn’s most talked-about anime.