Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus anime announced its July 2025 release window at the inaugural Special Stage of Anime Japan 2025. The television anime series also introduced its first promotional video, which featured and previewed the opening theme song “Snowdrop” by Conton Candy. The event provided fans with an early look at the upcoming series, which adapts the University Arc of the original light novel series.
The anime also disclosed two new cast members joining the series. Konomi Kohara and Manaka Iwami will play Sara Himeji and Miori Mito, respectively. Both characters made their first appearance in the promotional video. During the stage event, Hantaro Tenshin hosted a Q&A session with the cast members, sharing insights about the source material and the production process.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus anime trailer and plot details
The Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Special Stage featured several voice actors from the series, including Kaito Ishikawa (Sakuta Azusagawa), Asami Seto (Mai Sakurajima), Sora Amamiya (Uzuki Hirokawa), Aya Yamane (Ikumi Akagi), and Reina Ueda (Miniskirt Santa). Konomi Kohara and Manaka Iwami also appeared on stage, introducing their characters for the first time.
The trailer opened with scenes from previous franchise installments, reminding viewers of the story’s emotional moments. It then transitioned to new footage from the University Arc, showing Sakuta and other returning characters navigating new challenges.
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The atmosphere shifted as Miniskirt Santa made her appearance, casting an unsettling presence over Sakuta’s memories of Mai. The scene hinted at Miniskirt Santa influencing Sakuta’s perception of past events, raising questions about her intentions.
The teaser introduced Sara Himeji and Miori Mito, adding fresh dynamics to Sakuta’s circle. Their interactions with Sakuta and Mai suggest that the new arc will explore deeper emotional and psychological themes. The trailer concluded with a glimpse of Sakuta standing alongside Miniskirt Santa, setting the stage for the upcoming conflict.
New cast members and stage highlights
Konomi Kohara and Manaka Iwami’s inclusion as Sara Himeji and Miori Mito expands the anime’s character roster. The event provided fans with a brief look at their personalities through the promotional video and character dialogue. Kohara and Iwami expressed excitement about joining the series, with Iwami highlighting her admiration for the franchise’s emotional depth.
During the stage, Tenshin introduced a timeline of the franchise’s history, followed by a video recap of prior seasons. Ueda received a surprise gift from three “miniskirt santas,” leading to the promotional video’s reveal. Ishikawa’s gift prompted the video premiere, while Seto’s gift brought Kohara and Iwami to the stage.
The stage also announced a rebroadcast of the original series on Japanese TV, providing new viewers a chance to catch up on the story. Light novel and manga updates were also shared, reinforcing the franchise’s expanding presence across multiple platforms. The event concluded with Ishikawa addressing the audience, expressing gratitude for the continued support and anticipation surrounding the new season.
