SANDA Anime: Premiere Date, Expanded Cast, Musical Themes and More Details Revealed

Introduction to the Animated Adaptation of SANDA

The highly anticipated animated adaptation of Paru Itagaki’s SANDA manga (from the creator of BEASTARS) is almost here. The main promotional video has revealed a wealth of exciting details, including the full cast, the artists performing the theme songs, and the official premiere date. Set in a near-future Japan where children are considered the greatest asset due to a drastic decline in the birth rate, the series explores complex themes such as extreme child protection, nostalgia for lost childhoods, and the search for the meaning of forgotten traditions. All of this is wrapped up in an intriguing mystery plot. The combination of supernatural elements with emotional moments promises a captivating experience for fans of the original manga and those seeking new animated adventures.

Expanded Cast and New Key Characters

In addition to Ayumu Murase as Kazushige Sanda and Hiroki Tōchi as Santa Claus, whose voices were already announced, the animated adaptation boasts an even more extensive cast. Notable additions include Toshihiko Seki as Hifumi Oshibuchi, the eccentric director of Daikoku Aid Academy who is obsessed with youth through plastic surgery, and Hiroaki Hirata as Saburo Yagyuuda, the agent specializing in capturing Santa Claus. The actors’ comments on their characters reveal great dedication and enthusiasm for participating in this unique project. Seki expressed his interest in Itagaki's work and his desire to convey Oshibuchi’s distinctive personality, while Hirata highlighted the festive atmosphere even during long recording sessions.

Music and Central Themes of the Anime

The soundtrack of SANDA promises to be as memorable as the animation itself. The opening theme, “Adultic Children,” will be performed by Yama, while Soushi Sakiyama will handle the closing theme, "Diary." Yama reflected on the meaning of maturity and emotional fragility, seeking to capture the essence of characters caught between childhood and adulthood. Sakiyama, in turn, was deeply moved by Ichie’s internal conflict and created a song that reflects her hesitation between being an adult and remaining a child. These musical reflections perfectly complement the anime's central theme: the search for a balance between protection and freedom in a world that has forgotten the importance of childhood.

Premiere Date, Streaming Platforms, and Production

The SANDA anime will premiere on October 3rd at 2:53 a.m. JST (October 3rd at 1:53 p.m. EDT), with exclusive worldwide streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The series will initially air its episodes in the "Animeism" blocks of TBS, MBS, and BS-TBS. Direction is by Tomohisa Shimoyama (Yurei Deco, SUPER SHIRO) at Science SARU, a studio known for its animation quality, while Kimiko Ueno (Delicious in Dungeon, Ranma 1/2) will oversee the scripts.

Expectations and International Availability

The SANDA manga will be published in English by Titan Manga starting in September, allowing international readers to explore the universe before the anime premiere. With its original premise, memorable characters, and distinctive art style, SANDA has generated great anticipation among fans of the shonen genre. The animated adaptation promises to take this story even further, offering an immersive experience that explores relevant themes about childhood, nostalgia, and the power of believing in something magical, even in a world increasingly devoid of hope.