TV Asahi has officially announced the upcoming TV anime adaptation of Magic Repo Man: Dumped by My Party, I’ll Cash In With a Cute Support Fairy to Become the Strongest! Based on the manga written by Masakichi and illustrated by Shingou Iijima, the fantasy adventure series is set to begin broadcasting on the TV Asahi Network in 2026, accompanied by the release of a new teaser visual featuring the main cast and protagonist, Lent, alongside his party, The Skypiercers.
Visual Teaser
In the newly released visual, Lent wields his unique ability, “Magic Warehouse,” as he and his allies — Guy, Misa, and Elle — explore a dangerous dungeon. The series blends traditional fantasy with an economic twist, introducing viewers to a protagonist whose powers are as much about resource management as they are about magic.
Adapted from the manga serialized on COMIC Meteor, the anime will follow Lent’s journey of revenge, redemption, and financial literacy — themes that the author says resonated strongly with readers from the beginning.
Author & Artist Comments
“Since the beginning of the web serialization, many readers have shared thoughts like, ‘I want younger audiences to read this,’ and ‘This should be used as high school finance education material.’ It made me really happy,” said Masakichi, the series’ original author. “Thanks to everyone’s support, the story was adapted into a manga and now it’s getting an anime adaptation! I hope viewers also find an interest in money and finance while enjoying the series.”
via press release
Manga artist Shingou Iijima also expressed excitement for the project’s expansion, releasing the illustration below. Seven Seas Entertainment confirmed the English release of the manga’s first volume for September 2026.
Lent, A gentle boy who grew up in a rural village. As a member of “The Sky Piercers”, he journeyed while lending magical abilities to his allies using his unique gift “Magic Warehouse”.
Synopsis (According to Seven Seas Entertainment’s official description)
Lent is part of the up-and-coming party known as the Skypiercers, and thanks to his unique Gift, he can loan massive amounts of magic to others. No MP? No problem with Lent around!
But when his companions grow too powerful and question his usefulness, Lent is kicked out of the group. Furious and betrayed, he discovers a hidden power within his Gift — and with the help of an adorably mischievous fairy partner, he’s ready to reclaim his magic from his former party… with interest!
Production Staff
Original Author: Masakichi
Manga Artist: Shingou Iijima
Director: Takahiro Tamano
Series Composition: Ryusuke Mori
Character Design: Kazue Mori
Animation Production: SynergySP
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The Jujutsu Kaisen franchise returns to the big screen with a colossal new theatrical feature, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution. Fans across North America will get the first chance to witness the chaos when the film debuts exclusively in IMAX theatres for one night only on December 3, followed by a nationwide rollout beginning December 5, presented by GKIDS in both Japanese and English-dubbed versions.
For the first time ever, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution unites the franchise’s two most intense arcs—“Shibuya Incident” and “Culling Game Part 1”—into a single cinematic experience designed for the big screen. The feature serves as a special compilation of the Shibuya Incident saga, reimagined for theatrical presentation, and includes the world premiere of the first two episodes of Season 3, ahead of their January 2026 streaming debut.
The IMAX screening event will feature one exclusive showing across 100 screens nationwide on December 3, giving fans an early-access experience before the film opens widely. A new IMAX-exclusive poster was also unveiled in celebration of the announcement.
About JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution
Released in Japan under the title JUJUTSU KAISEN: The Movie – Shibuya Incident Special Edition x Culling Game Advance Screening on November 7, 2025, the feature brings the franchise’s most ambitious story arc to life. Produced by TOHO animation and animated by MAPPA, the film continues the legacy of Gege Akutami’s best-selling manga published by Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump.
Since its 2020 debut, JUJUTSU KAISEN has evolved into a global phenomenon—earning “Anime of the Year” at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards and amassing millions of fans worldwide. Earlier this year, GKIDS released JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, grossing over $3.25 million in North America. The previous film, JUJUTSU KAISEN 0, went on to exceed $188 million globally.
A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are curse users and spirits scheming to seal him away.
Yuji Itadori, accompanied by his classmates and other top-tier jujutsu sorcerers, enters the fray in an unprecedented clash of curses — the Shibuya Incident.
In the aftermath, ten colonies across Japan are transformed into dens of curses in a plan orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, the most wicked sorcerer in history. As the deadly Culling Game starts, Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji’s execution for his perceived crimes.
The desperate confrontation between Satoru Gojo’s two beloved students comes to the big screen with an early preview. Be the first to experience Yuji and Yuta’s fateful battle with the hotly anticipated kickoff to Season 3 in theatres nationwide.
Fans can experience the ultimate Jujutsu Kaisen spectacle early with IMAX Fan Event screenings on December 3. The film then expands to standard theatres nationwide starting December 5.
Be among the first to witness JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution — where the Shibuya Incident reaches its devastating climax and The Culling Game begins.
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DMM.com LLC has officially announced that acclaimed voice actor Shunsuke Takeuchi will portray the adult version of the infamous hitman Jūzō Ōgami in the upcoming anime adaptation of KILL BLUE. Set for release in 2026, the series adapts Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s (Kuroko’s Basketball, ROBOT × LASERBEAM) hit manga and promises a thrilling blend of high-stakes action and coming-of-age drama.
Shunsuke Takeuchi
Speaking about his role, Takeuchi expressed both excitement and humor about bringing the character to life:
“Jūzō has the mind of an adult but the body of a child, so at first I thought I might need to do some detective work—but it seems that’s not the case! What a relief! I’ve often been told I seem a bit older than my age, so I feel a certain kinship with this character. All of the characters in KILL BLUE are incredibly expressive, and I’m excited to pop in from time to time and watch over their energetic interactions. Please look forward to KILL BLUE! ”
– via press release
Takeuchi’s impressive portfolio includes standout roles such as Producer in The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, Alexander Yamato in King of Prism, Jūza Hyōdo in A3!, and Revolver in Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Known for his commanding voice and nuanced performances, he’s expected to bring both gravitas and emotional depth to Ōgami’s complex duality as a hardened assassin turned teenager.
A legendary assassin at 39. Starting over… as a middle schooler.
Jūzō Ōgami, a notorious hitman with a flawless record, collapses after being stung by a mysterious wasp. When he awakens, the once-feared 39-year-old finds himself in the body of a 13-year-old boy. Ordered by his boss to infiltrate a middle school, Jūzō must now balance an unexpected student life with the deadly world he thought he left behind. As new enemies emerge, the question remains — can Jūzō reclaim his original body, or will his second chance at life be cut short?
Hololive’s rap queen Mori Calliope has officially released the music video for “LET’S JUST CRASH” — the high-energy opening theme for the second cour of the hit anime Gachiakuta. The track showcases Calliope’s signature bilingual lyricism, fusing sharp English-Japanese wordplay with thunderous beats and attitude.
Directed by Yohei Kameyama, best known for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express, the music video is a fast-paced visual spectacle, blending razor-sharp editing with stylized animation to match Calliope’s explosive performance.
“From the first time I heard ‘LET’S JUST CRASH,’ its explosive energy hit me like a powerful drug,” Kameyama said. “I’m extremely grateful to have been part of the production and put a lot of thought into expressing the track’s captivating sound visually.”
– via press release
The project also marks Mori Calliope’s first fully 3D-animated music video, produced by Kanaban Graphics, the acclaimed studio behind Usavich. The result is a kinetic, vividly stylized world that amplifies Calliope’s unique musical identity — a blend of idol charisma, street-style rap, and J-pop theatricality.
The Kitsune Network is excited to officially announce an exclusive collaboration with independent VTuber talent up-and-coming talent Krystal Vee, marking the beginning of a new chapter of engaging, creator-driven anime and pop-culture content.
This partnership will expand The Kitsune Network’s multimedia presence across YouTube and Twitch, introducing VTuber-hosted vlogs, interview coverage, in-depth product and content reviews, and exclusive interviews with figures from across the anime, gaming, and entertainment industries. Fans can also look forward tolive-streamed gaming, community interactions, and future giveaway opportunities as part of this growing collaboration.
About Krystal Vee
Softly debuting in late 2024, Krystal Vee has steadily cultivated a small yet loyal following through a mix of gaming streams, YouTube videos, and casual vlog-style content. Known for their friendly personality and variety-driven approach, Krystal brings a fresh and interactive edge to anime and gaming discussions online.
Vee streams on Twitchand posts additional content on YouTube. Their growing online presence and genuine connection with viewers make them an ideal collaborator for The Kitsune Network’s mission to celebrate anime culture from both the professional and fan perspectives.
As part of this collaboration, Krystal Vee will work exclusively with The Kitsune Network as an independent partner, helping to bring more personality-driven, community-oriented experiences to viewers worldwide.
Gundam fans, prepare for liftoff. Bandai Namco Filmworks has revealed a brand-new commemorative visual, “Barbatos Rises at NYC,” as the centerpiece of an unprecedented Gundam celebration at New York Comic Con 2025 and across New York City. Illustrated by Naohiro Washio, the artwork depicts the mighty Gundam Barbatos standing tall against the Manhattan skyline—an image that will symbolize this fall’s Gundam festivities.
Illustration by Naohiro Washio
From October 4–19, 2025, Gundam will transform New York into a fan paradise, combining exclusive convention events with city-wide activations, screenings, pop-ups, and giveaways.
NYCC Highlights: Meet Gundam Legends
One of the most anticipated events is the exclusive director autograph session with Tatsuyuki Nagai (Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans).
Date/Time: Thursday, October 9 @ 2:00 PM
Location: TAMASHII NATIONS Booth #2417
Tickets: Free (first 70 attendees, distributed starting at 10:00 AM)
Bonus: Signed commemorative poster featuring the Barbatos Rises at NYC visual
Attendees will also receive a generous giveaway bundle, including a Gundam Card Game promo card, headbands, balloons, an intro booklet, an Iron-Blooded Orphans mini-poster, and even a GUNPLA Trial Kit RX-78-2 Gundam.
Later that evening, fans can keep the momentum going with the Gundam Fan Meet Up (7:30 PM, Room 1E05), a casual gathering for cosplay, photos, and community bonding.
Gundam Film Festival at Japan Society
On October 11–12, Japan Society will host a two-day Gundam Film Festival, featuring English-dubbed screenings, cast appearances, and exclusive giveaways.
Highlights include:
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- (Oct. 11)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special (4K remaster, Oct. 12) with a talk show featuring Mark Hildreth (voice of Heero Yuy)
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway (Oct. 12) with Megan Shipman (Gigi Andalucia) & Aaron B. Phillips (Kenneth Sleg) joining a live discussion
Gundam-Wrapped Buses: From Sept. 28–Oct. 12, specially wrapped Gundam buses will roam Manhattan, with select routes offering free rides.
The Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour: From Oct. 4–19 at American Dream Mall (NJ), fans can enjoy exclusive merch, hands-on Gunpla building, Gundam card game workshops, and model-painting activities.
TAMASHII NATIONS Store New York (Times Square): Special Iron-Blooded Orphans displays, giveaways, and collectibles will be featured during the event.
What’s Next for Gundam
The NYC celebration also teases Gundam’s upcoming Japanese theatrical releases, including:
Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe (Winter 2025)
Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans Urdr-Hunt -Path of the Little Challenger- (Special Edition, Oct. 31, 2025)
With a striking new visual, exclusive fan signings, city-wide screenings, and immersive pop-ups, NYCC 2025 is set to be a Gundam experience like no other. From Barbatos towering over Manhattan to buses wrapped in Gundam glory, fans across New York will feel the series’ legendary impact like never before.
For updates and full schedules, fans can follow Gundam Info and Gundam Info NA on social media.
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The race for anime-inspired fashion heats up today as Crunchyroll unveils its first-ever capsule collaboration with Olympic champion Noah Lyles, powered by adidas.
Designed by Lyles in collaboration with Crunchyroll, the capsule reflects his identity as both the world’s fastest sprinter and the world’s fastest anime fan. Lyles channels the determination of Dragon Ball’s heroes, the grit of Tokyo Ghoul, and the resilience of Fullmetal Alchemist into a collection that captures the essence of his journey.
When I’m on the track, I channel the same energy as the heroes I grew up watching,” Lyles says. “Their determination, their style, their fight to push beyond limits; this collab is my way of sharing that love with fans everywhere
– via press release
The lineup includes bold essentials with anime-flair:
Speedline Saga Tee ($40)
The Poster Tee ($40)
Crunch Mode Hoodie ($70)
Speedline Saga Hat ($35)
Each piece incorporates anime-inspired visuals, Lyles’ love of manga aesthetics, and his signature red — built for both trackside energy and everyday fandom.
Crunchyroll describes the partnership as a cultural milestone, further bridging anime with sports and lifestyle. Following past activations with athletes and entertainers, the Crunchyroll x Noah Lyles x adidas capsule marks a new stride into the global sportswear scene.
The exclusive collection is now available only through the Crunchyroll Store in the U.S.
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Paru Itagaki has never been a creator who plays it safe. With Beastars, she turned a high school animal society into a raw allegory of identity, desire, and power. Now with Sanda, her latest manga series, she once again pushes manga into unexpected territory — this time by transforming Santa Claus into a supernatural curse passed through generations. What sounds like a gag premise becomes, in Itagaki’s hands, a biting satire of society wrapped in slapstick comedy and manga charm.
At its core, Sanda asks: What if becoming Santa Claus was a hereditary curse? Our protagonist, high schooler Kazushige Sanda, learns the hard way when he suddenly transforms into a hulking, bearded Santa on Christmas Day. His classmate Shiori Fuyumura, unhinged after the disappearance of her friend Ono, forces him into accepting this role — claiming his powers are the key to saving her missing friend.
SANDA vol.1
From that moment on, the manga snowballs into chaos: part supernatural mystery, part high school melodrama, and part black comedy. What begins as a surreal Christmas joke morphs into a sharp critique of society’s obsession with youth, image, and forgotten traditions.
Episode 1
The debut chapter sets the tone with a mix of chaos and satire. We meet Kazushige Sanda, an ordinary high schooler, and his volatile classmate Shiori Fuyumura, who brandishes a knife and makes cryptic claims about Santa Claus. The narrative escalates quickly as she reveals Sanda is a descendant of Santa, forcing him to undergo the transformation into a hulking, red-suited old man.
Itagaki wastes no time in establishing her surreal style and getting to the point. The art here is loose, jittery, and full of nervous energy, perfectly reflecting Fuyumura’s instability and Sanda’s panic. The comedy lands in the absurdity of seeing a teenager instantly morph into a massive Santa, yet the undertone is dark — Ono’s disappearance and Fuyumura’s desperation set up the emotional stakes. This opening captures Itagaki’s greatest strength: taking a ridiculous premise and grounding it in genuine drama.
Episode 2
As Sanda struggles to understand his transformation, while Fuyumura tests his powers by planting a bomb in the science lab. Sanda is forced into action, torn between saving lives and accepting his bizarre identity as Santa. His resistance to fire — chalked up to “a chimney thing” — adds to the absurd comedy, while the situation underscores how reckless and unhinged Fuyumura is.
The bomb scenario is over-the-top, but it works as a way to test the limits of Sanda’s curse. The comedy shines in his reluctance — this isn’t a heroic power fantasy, but a curse that drags him into embarrassing and dangerous situations. Artistically, Itagaki uses chaotic paneling to amplify the tension, contrasting the students’ nonchalance with the absurdity of Sanda running around as Santa. It’s slapstick layered over genuine suspense, showing Itagaki’s mastery of tonal whiplash.
Episode 3
Sanda’s roommate Amaya steps into the spotlight. Having witnessed Sanda’s secret, Amaya manipulates him and Fuyumura, even demanding they kiss to secure their freedom. Sanda refuses on the grounds that “Santa DNA” won’t allow him to kiss a child, invoking his role’s bizarre moral code. The tension between them escalates, revealing Amaya as a cunning antagonist who thrives on control and cruelty.
This chapter is both the funniest and most disturbing so far, in my opinion. The kiss demand reads as playground bullying amplified by Itagaki’s sense of humor, but it also critiques the exploitation of innocence. Sanda’s refusal is played for laughs yet builds on the manga’s underlying rules: Santa is bound by folklore, even in absurd situations. The artwork shines in Amaya’s twisted expressions and Fuyumura’s manic energy, with exaggerated anatomy and angles that heighten the uncomfortable comedy. It’s quintessential Itagaki — chaotic, satirical, and emotionally charged.
Episode 4
The grotesque principal is introduced in this chapter, a 92-year-old man who maintains a youthful appearance with cosmetic injections, embodying society’s obsession with youth. He prowls the school seeking out “traumatized” students to drag into a rumored basement. When Fuyumura becomes his target, Sanda intervenes, unleashing violent Santa powers to protect her.
This episode pivots the manga into social critique. The principal is both hilarious and horrifying, a literal caricature of vanity and authority. Itagaki’s linework exaggerates every wrinkle, injection, and grotesque smile, making him one of the most visually striking characters so far. Thematically, this chapter solidifies Sanda as not just a gag manga but a satirical commentary on societal decay — the corrupt adult world preying on fragile youth, if you will. The fight scenes here are messy and violent, with energy lines and distorted anatomy giving them a frantic, unsettling edge.
Episode 5 & 6
Sanda and Fuyumura’s alliance deepens, driven by her obsession with finding Ono. Their relationship swings between manic comedy and poignant vulnerability, with moments of tenderness breaking through the chaos. Ono’s disappearance remains the driving mystery, while the presence of manipulative classmates and corrupt adults expands the sense of conspiracy around the school.
These chapters show Itagaki’s pacing — she doesn’t rush answers but layers mysteries with bizarre detours. Comedy continues to clash with heartfelt emotion: one moment we see a ridiculous Santa gag, the next a touching glimpse into Fuyumura’s dramatic, grief. The visual rhythm keeps readers off-balance, jumping from slapstick to action to melancholy in the span of a few pages. This unpredictability is what makes Sanda stand out among current manga titles.
Overall Impression
Volume 1 of Sanda is pure Paru Itagaki: raw, experimental, and deeply strange. The artwork is unpolished yet expressive, bursting with emotion. The comedy lands in its absurdity but beneath the humor lies real commentary on trauma, youth, and a society, subjects Itagaki fans are very much familiar with.
Personally, I do not like seeing Christmas item 3 months before December rolls in however, for anime and manga readers, Sanda is a refreshing break from formula, making it a MUST READ. It’s messy, surreal, and often thought-provoking, funny, and emotionally resonant. Like Beastars, it’s not afraid to push genre boundaries — but where Beastars explored love and instinct, Sanda wields Santa Claus as a weapon against societal decay. A bold, chaotic opening volume that combines comedy, satire, and action into something wholly unique. Sanda isn’t for readers who want polish or predictability — but for those who crave manga that experiments, provokes, and entertains.
Get your copy of Sanda volume 1 here, volume 2 is set to release November 18 and is available to preorder here.
The Anime series
The anime is slated to premiere on October 4, 2025 and will be able to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
For more interviews and coverage follow The Kitsune Network.
Nyaight of the Living Cat takes the apocalypse in a cuter—but no less terrifying—direction. Based on the manga by Hawkman and Mecha-Roots, the 2025 anime follows survivors in a world where touching a cat transforms humans into cute, cuddly felines.
Produced by OLM with legendary filmmaker Takashi Miike serving as chief director, the series blends horror and comedy with tongue-in-cheek style. It premiered in Japan on July 7, 2025, and began streaming worldwide on Crunchyroll the same week.
English Dub Cast
Crunchyroll’s English dub debuted July 19, 2025, as part of its Summer SimulDub lineup, featuring:
Jason Douglas as Kunagi (Dragon Ball Super, Chainsaw Man)
Maria Delilah as Kaoru (WIND BREAKER Season 2)
Lew Temple as Tanishi (The Walking Dead)
Sara Ragsdale as Tanishi (Cat)
Ben Bryant as Gaku
Paul T. Taylor as the Narrator
The ensemble is rounded out by Aaron Campbell, Aaron Roberts, Brian Mathis, Madeleine Norton, Barry Yandell, and more—voicing survivors and cats alike.
Interview at the CatCafe Lounge
We sat down with Jason Douglas, Maria Delilah, and Lew Temple at Los Angeles’ CatCafe Lounge to talk about stepping into this hilarious-yet-harrowing world. Their insights on balancing horror and humor bring fresh perspective to this one-of-a-kind series.
With a stellar English cast and a premise equal parts adorable and horrifying, Nyaight of the Living Cat is a must-watch this summer. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Crunchyroll.
For more interviews and coverage follow The Kitsune Network.
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.
