SANDA – An Unconventional Santa Claus Action Series by Paru Itagaki set to premier on Oct 2025 w/ World Premiere Event With Paru Itagaki Set for Anime Expo! [PRESS RELEASE]

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

Tokyo – June 6, 2025 – SANDA is a manga by Paru Itagaki, creator of BEASTARS, which won the Grand Prize at the 2018 Manga Taisho along with three other major manga awards. Set in a near-future Japan where extreme measures are taken to protect children amid a drastic population decline, the story depicts an unconventional Santa Claus hero in an action-packed tale. The anime adaptation is produced by Science SARU, the studio behind DAN DA DAN and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. It is set to premiere in Japan on October 3, 2025, with a world premiere also confirmed for Anime Expo.

SANDA Joins Anime Expo!

SANDA will be featured at Anime Expo 2025, North America’s largest anime and Japanese pop culture event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 3 to 6.

On July 4, a world premiere event will take place, with author Paru Itagaki, director Tomohisa Shimoyama, and Science SARU producer Kohei Sakita in attendance. The event will include a live drawing session by Itagaki and a screening of Episode 1 of the SANDA anime.

For more information, please check Anime Expo’s official social media channels.

Anime Expo 2025 Overview

Dates: July 3 (Thu) – July 6 (Sun), 2025

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center

Official Website: https://www.anime-expo.org/

Official X: https://x.com/animeexpo

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animeexpo/

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animeexpo

SANDA event at Anime Expo 2025

Date: July 4 (Fri)

Time: 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM

Location: JW Platinum Ballroom

Panelists: Paru Itagaki (author), Tomohisa Shimoyama (director), Kohei Sakita (producer)

The event will include:

・Live drawing by Paru Itagaki

・World premiere of the first episode of the TV anime SANDA

・Commentary on highlighted scenes from episode #1 and discussion

・Q&A with the panelists

・Comment video by Ayumu Murase (who plays Sanda)

・Free give away for visitors: SANDA Towel (Tenugui style)

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/sanda_anime

Official Website: https://sanda.red

Teaser PV #2: How Do Children Live In an Era of Overprotection…?

Alongside the broadcast date announcement, the second teaser trailer has been released. It showcases a world shaped by extreme overprotection amid a super-declining birthrate, focusing on the classmates of protagonist Kazushige Sanda (voiced by Ayumu Murase) at Daikoku Welfare Academy. How is Santa Claus treated in a Japan where children have almost disappeared? And how will Sanda’s interactions with classmates like Fuyumura develop? Stay tuned for more updates!

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

New Characters and Voice Cast Revealed, with Comments!

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

Alongside the release of Teaser PV #2, several new characters have been revealed!

Umeka Shoji voices Shiori Fuyumura, who discovers Sanda’s identity and sets out to save her missing best friend. Her friend Ichie Ono is played by Anna Nagase. Yuuki Shin voices Hitoshi Amaya, Sanda’s roommate, and Misato Matsuoka plays Nico Kazao, Sanda’s fiancée.

Comments from the cast have also been released!

■Shiori Fuyumura (Voiced by Umeka Shoji)

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

A 14-year-old classmate of Sanda who stands over 182 cm tall. She seeks help from Santa Claus to find her friend Ono, who suddenly went missing. To break the curse and revive the sealed Santa, she threatens Sanda with a deadly blade.

Comment:

1. How did you feel when you were cast as Fuyumura in SANDA? And what message do you have for fans looking forward to the series?

Meeting Shiori Fuyumura during the audition was such a powerful experience that it feels like she’s become a constant presence in my life. I poured everything I have into this role. I’d be thrilled if SANDA reaches a wide audience.

2. Since this is an action series featuring Santa Claus, is there anything you’d want to ask him for?

A liver so strong that it can handle any alcohol.

■Ichie Ono (Voiced by Anna Nagase)

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

A classmate of Sanda and best friend of Fuyumura. She suddenly disappeared from their class, and her whereabouts remain unknown. The school considers her dead, but Fuyumura is determined to search for her with Santa Claus’ help.

Comment:

1. How did you feel when you were cast as Ono in SANDA? And what message do you have for fans looking forward to the series?

Ono was a role that really challenged me. I struggled a lot while developing the character, and I constantly felt a sense of anxiety and tightness in my chest. I hope that feeling comes through in Ono’s portrayal. Please look forward to the broadcast!

2. Since this is an action series featuring Santa Claus, is there anything you’d want to ask him for?

When I was a kid, I was always the one receiving presents, so this time, I’d like to give something back. Maybe I could help out? Like riding in the sleigh with Santa and delivering presents around town! That sounds like fun.

■Hitoshi Amaya (Voiced by Yuuki Shin)

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

Sanda’s roommate, also known as “Prince Amaya.” He is one of the few who know Santa Claus’ secret and wants him to return to fulfill an important wish.

Comment:

1. How did you feel when you were cast as Amaya in SANDA? And what message do you have for fans looking forward to the series?

I’m really excited to be voicing Amaya in SANDA. I enjoyed bringing out his mysterious charm through my performance. This story really makes you reflect on what it means to be an adult. It’s a wonderful series, so please be sure to watch it!

2. Since this is an action series featuring Santa Claus, is there anything you’d want to ask him for?

I’d love to ask Santa Claus for a Nintendo Switch 2. Even if I don’t get one, just a chance to win the pre-order lottery would be great. I’ve been good, so please! I’d like to play racing games on it!

■Nico Kazao (Voiced by Misato Matsuoka)

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

Sanda’s fiancée, chosen by the country from birth. She’s a realist who wants to rebel a little before becoming a “responsible adult.” She always acts freely and often swears.

Comment:

1. How did you feel when you were cast as Nico in SANDA? And what message do you have for fans looking forward to the series?

When I first learned about Nico, I was deeply captivated by her complete freedom from any constraints. She might be someone who truly understands the preciousness of the present moment. I’m genuinely happy to be able to bring her to life! Please watch as these lovable characters struggle and grow together. I poured my heart into this role and had a great time. Thank you for your support!

2. Since this is an action series featuring Santa Claus, is there anything you’d want to ask him for?

I love eggplant, so I’d want lots of dishes like deep-fried eggplant soaked in light dashi and mapo eggplant!

TV Anime SANDA Overview

Broadcast begins October 3, 2025 in Japan

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/sanda_anime

Official website: https://sanda.red

Cast

Kazushige Sanda: Ayumu Murase

Santa Claus: Hiroki Touchi

Shiori Fuyumura: Umeka Shoji

Ichie Ono: Anna Nagase

Hitoshi Amaya: Yuuki Shin

Nico Kazao: Misato Matsuoka

Staff

Original: “SANDA” by Paru Itagaki (Akita Shoten / Shonen Champion Comics)

Director: Tomohisa Shimoyama

Script: Kimiko Ueno

Music: Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)

Character Design: Masamichi Ishiyama

Animation Production: Science SARU

Credit Notice

When publishing the above images, please include the following copyright notice:

© Paru Itagaki (AKITASHOTEN) /SANDA Project

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