Animation studio Science Saru has shared a new trailer for their SANDA anime, based on the popular manga of the same name by Beasters creator Paru Itagaki.
The second official trailer for the new one SANDA anime was showcased over the holidays, confirming a fall 2025 premiere for the new adaptation.
In addition to the new trailer and premiere, the news is that both main characters are being cast: Ayumu Murase will play the role of protagonist Kazushige Sanda, the descendant of Santa Claus, the latter of which will be played by Hiroki Tochi.
The main staff on the new SANDA anime was also confirmed with director Tomohisa Shimoyama (Yurei Deco, Super Shiro), series composition and screenwriter Kimiko Ueno (Dungeon Meshi, Ranma 1/2), character designer and general animation director Masamichi Ishiyama (Little Witch Academia, SSSS.Gridman), and composer Tomoyuki Tanaka (Fantastic Plastic Machine).
A second teaser visual of Ishiyama was also revealed:
The second visual for the anime shows the duality between the innocent and young Sanda and the grizzled but powerful Santa Claus. The tagline for the visual also includes a heartwarming message: “Santa, please find me a friend.”
The second official visual features a first look at animated footage from Science Saru and is set to the classic Christmas carol Silent Night. Fans can expect plenty of Christmas themes, all set against the backdrop of explosions and flames.
As said, the original SANDA anime was created by Beasters author Paru Itagaki and began serialization in Weekly Shonen Champion in 2021, and the series ended in July 2024. It is set in the near future, where Japan’s birth rate has fallen even further.
In the series, due to Japan’s declining birth rates, new policies for minors were introduced, including arranged marriages starting in infancy, preventing babies from sleeping properly, and more. Santa Claus was also locked up for a long time.
Here’s the second official trailer for the SANDA animation: