The upcoming anime adaptation of SANDA, created by Paru Itagaki and animated by Science SARU, has officially confirmed its premiere date as October 3. The news came with the release of a brand new trailer, which also introduced four new cast members who will bring fresh life to the unique characters of this Santa Claus inspired action series.

SANDA is the latest manga from Itagaki, best known for creating BEASTARS, and the anime announcement was timed perfectly with the conclusion of the manga in July 2024. Since then, fans have been eager to see how the futuristic world of SANDA will translate to the screen.

The voice cast continues to grow, now featuring Hiroki Tochi as Santa Claus, Ayumu Murase as Sanda, Umeka Shoji as Shiori Fuyumura, Anna Nagase as Ichie Ono, Yuki Shin as Hitoshi Amaya, and Misato Matsuoka as Niko Kazao. Each character was briefly highlighted in the trailer, giving fans a first look at the vibrant and intense tone the anime will take.

Directing the series is Shimoyama Tomohisa, with Kimiko Ueno handling the script and series composition. Character design is led by Masamichi Ishiyama, and the music is composed by Tomoyuki Tanaka. The combination of Science SARU’s distinct animation style and this creative team suggests SANDA will be one of the most visually compelling anime of the fall season.

Set in a future version of Japan where birth rates have plummeted and children hold more societal power than adults, SANDA blends action, mythology, and sharp social commentary. In this world, the legend of Santa Claus is nothing more than a forgotten myth, sealed away by a curse. The story follows Sanda Kazushige, a boy who slowly uncovers a mysterious link to the long lost Santa. As he begins to explore this connection, he finds himself pulled into a conflict that spans tradition, power, and forgotten magic.

The original manga ran from July 2021 to July 2024 in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion and compiled 14 volumes during its run. Known for its wild imagination and deep themes beneath its unusual premise, SANDA has already earned a strong following among readers. With the anime adaptation on the way, the story is about to reach a global audience.

Science SARU is also working on the highly anticipated DAN DA DAN, which is scheduled to return with a new season in July 2025. The studio’s momentum and artistic consistency are expected to help SANDA make a strong impact during the fall anime season.

Fans can mark their calendars for October 3, when SANDA makes its official anime debut. Until then, the new trailer offers a thrilling preview of what is to come.

 

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