On March 22, 2025, the highly anticipated anime Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus was officially announced to premiere in July 2025 during the inaugural Special Stage at Anime Japan 2025. The event showcased an exciting first promotional video that not only teased the series but also featured the opening theme “Snowdrop,”performed by Conton Candy.
New Cast Revealed for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus
During the presentation, the event’s host, Hantaro Tenshin, facilitated a lively Q&A session with the cast, providing fans with insights into the anime’s development and its source material. Notably, two newcomers were introduced to the returning cast: Konomi Kohara, who will voice Sara Himeji, and Manaka Iwami, taking on the role of Miori Mito. Both characters appeared prominently in the newly released promotional video, further heightening excitement for the series.
This upcoming series is based on the University Arc from the original light novel series. The promotional trailer opened with a nostalgic montage featuring scenes from previous franchise installments before transitioning to fresh content from the new arc. Fans were treated to glimpses of Sakuta and other beloved characters, including the intriguing Miniskirt Santa, who intriguingly seems to replace Mai in Sakuta’s memories.
Star-Studded Voice Cast for the New Anime
In addition to Iwami and Kohara, the stage was filled with a talented array of voice actors, including Kaito Ishikawa, Asami Seto, Sora Amamiya, Aya Yamane, and Reina Ueda, who portray Sakuta Azusagawa, Mai Sakurajima, Uzuki Hirokawa, Ikumi Akagi, and Miniskirt Santa, respectively. Their presence added star power to the announcements, emphasizing the caliber of talent behind the series.
After introducing the returning cast, a visual timeline chronicling the franchise’s history was displayed. This was followed by a fun segment where Ueda received gifts from three costumed “miniskirt santas,”sparking a delightful interaction among the cast. These amusing moments transitioned into a series of character intros, allowing the main cast to share their enthusiasm for their roles and their experiences within the beloved franchise.
The quirky gifts included a miniature Christmas tree, a stocking, and a stuffed reindeer, all contributing to the festive spirit of the occasion. Additionally, it was announced that the original series would be rebroadcast on Japanese television, alongside new light novel and manga release updates. Ishikawa provided closing remarks, capping off a remarkable presentation that promises an exciting future for Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus.