SANDA anime reveals fall 2025 premiere with second official trailer

Animation studio Science Saru has unveiled a new trailer for their SANDA anime, which is based on the popular manga series of the same name by Beastars creator Paru Itagaki.

The second official trailer for the upcoming SANDA anime was released during the holiday season, confirming a fall 2025 debut for the adaptation.

The main characters have also been announced, with Ayumu Murase cast as protagonist Kazushige Sanda, a descendant of Santa Claus, portrayed by Hiroki Tochi.

The key staff for the new SANDA anime include director Tomohisa Shimoyama (Yurei Deco, Super Shiro), series composer and screenwriter Kimiko Ueno (Dungeon Meshi, Ranma 1/2), character designer and chief animation director Masamichi Ishiyama (Little Witch Academia, SSSS.Gridman), and composer Tomoyuki Tanaka (Fantastic Plastic Machine).

A second teaser visual was also revealed by Ishiyama:

The second visual showcases the contrast between the young and innocent Sanda and the strong and experienced Santa Claus. The tagline for the visual conveys a heartfelt message, “Santa, please find me a friend.”

The second official visual provides a sneak peek at animated scenes from Science Saru, set to the tune of the classic Christmas song Silent Night. Fans can expect a blend of Christmas themes and action sequences featuring explosions and flames.

The original SANDA anime was created by Paru Itagaki, the author of Beastars, and began serialization in Weekly Shonen Champion in 2021, concluding in July 2024. The story is set in a near-future Japan where birthrates have further declined.

In this world, new policies for minors include arranged marriages from infancy and restrictions on sleep for infants. Santa Claus has also been sealed away for a significant period of time.

Below is the second official trailer for the SANDA anime: