Anime Expo 2025 hosted a special SANDA panel and world premiere event featuring Paru Itagaki’s newest series, SANDA, the unconventional Santa Claus action story from the creator of BEASTARS. The panel took place on July 4, 2025, in Los Angeles, treating fans to exclusive first looks and insights into the upcoming anime adaptation.
With a packed room buzzing with anticipation, BEASTARS creator Paru Itagaki unveiled the world’s first look at her latest creation—SANDA, a wild holiday-infused action mystery that blends Santa Claus lore, social satire, and school mayhem into one unforgettably absurd adventure. The Anime Expo panel delivered more than just a screening: it gave fans a deep-dive into the making of the anime, never-before-seen visuals, heartfelt commentary from the creators, and even an exclusive themed souvenir. And yes, Paru Itagaki wore the chicken mask.
About SANDA
Set in a dystopian near-future Japan where children are protected to the point of imprisonment and birthrates have plummeted, SANDA follows a mild-mannered boy named Kazushige Sanda—until he discovers he may be the heir to an ancient Santa Claus lineage. What unfolds from there is part superhero origin story, part social commentary, and all kinds of chaotic.
The manga originally ran for 16 volumes, finishing in 2024. The anime adaptation, produced by the ever-stylish Science SARU, is set to premiere October 3, 2025.
Panel Highlights: Premiere, Guests, and Santa-Fueled Chaos
The Anime Expo panel kicked off with a full screening of Episode 1, making it the official world premiere of the SANDA anime. Roaring laughter, scattered gasps, and some of the most engaged audience reactions we’ve seen all AX weekend.
Following the screening, attendees were treated to a live talk session featuring:
- Paru Itagaki (creator of SANDA, in her signature chicken mask)
- Tomohisa Shimoyama (director, YUREI DECO)
- Kōhei Sakita (producer, Science SARU)
Together, the trio offered insight into the creative process behind the show—everything from designing explosive Santa transformations to capturing Itagaki’s signature mix of humor and emotional depth.
“It’s completely ridiculous,” Itagaki joked, “but that’s kind of the point.”
Director Shimoyama revealed that nailing the tone was the biggest challenge, SANDA had to be funny without undercutting its mystery, and heartfelt without losing its absurdity.
“We approached Santa not just as a myth,” Shimoyama explained, “but as a symbol of lost wonder—and also as a total unit in a red suit.”
From the Panel: The Cast
During the panel, fans were also introduced to the anime’s main voice cast, Ayumu Murase as Kazushige Sanda, Hiroki Tōchi as Santa Claus featuring Umeka Shōji, Anna Nagase, Yūki Shin and Misato Matsuoka in undisclosed roles.
The series is scripted by Kimiko Ueno (known for Space Dandy), with character designs by Masamichi Ishiyama, and music by Tomoyuki Tanaka. Science SARU’s animation style—equal parts kinetic and offbeat—suits SANDA’s unpredictable tone.
If you thought a Santa-themed anime would be tame, think again. The world of SANDA is packed with dark satire, sci-fi overtones, and commentary on Japan’s social systems, particularly the pressure on youth and declining birthrate. But at its heart, it’s still a coming-of-age story gifted wrapped with a tinsel bow.
In one of the most talked-about sequences from the premiere, Sanda’s slim, meak body undergoes a Hulk-like transformation into a buff, Alpha bearded Santa—complete with dramatic sakuga overtones, blaring jingle bells, and enough flexing to break the sleigh.
And yet, amid all the madness, there’s sincerity. The panel made it clear that this isn’t just parody: SANDA is about identity, responsibility, and the idea of growing up in a world that treats children like porcelain.
Manga English Release
During the panel, it was announced that SANDA will be published in English by Titan Manga, starting with Volume 1 on September 2, 2025, followed by Volume 2 on November 18, 2025. Pre-orders are open, and AX attendees were encouraged to dive into the manga for deeper context and character arcs.
Itagaki noted that while she’s not involved in every episode of the anime, she’s thrilled to see the anime team “taking her weird little story and running wild with it.”
Panel Swag
Attendees of the panel didn’t leave empty-handed—they received an exclusive SANDA-themed tenugui towel featuring art from the series and the show’s logo.
During the fan Q&A, one bold attendee asked if there were any BEASTARS Easter eggs hidden in the anime. Itagaki, under the mask, simply said:
“Let’s just say… they share DNA. Literally? You’ll have to watch to find out.”
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
The SANDA panel proves Paru Itagaki is still one of the most original minds in manga today. With its absurd and fun premise, slick animation, and genuine emotional undercurrents, SANDA is shaping up to be the surprise hit of Fall 2025. Whether you’re a BEASTARS devotee, a holiday chaos connoisseur, or just someone who thinks Santa should have six-pack abs, SANDA is the anime gift you didn’t know you needed.
Catch it when it premieres October 3, 2025. And don’t forget to read the manga!
For more interviews and coverage from Anime Expo 2025, follow The Kitsune Network.