Seishun Buta Yarou wa Santa Claus no Yume wo Minai

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus

Characters

Mai Sakurajima

MAIN

Nodoka Toyohama

MAIN

Sakuta Azusagawa

MAIN

Miniskirt Santa

MAIN

Uzuki Hirokawa

MAIN

Kaede Azusagawa

SUPPORTING

Shouko Makinohara

SUPPORTING

Ikumi Akagi

SUPPORTING

Miori Mitou

SUPPORTING

Kento Yamada

SUPPORTING

Sara Himeji

SUPPORTING

Takumi Fukuyama

SUPPORTING

Tomoe Koga

SUPPORTING

Ranko Nakago

SUPPORTING

Rio Futaba

SUPPORTING

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus: A Profound Evolution of Adolescence and Identity

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, the second anime season adapting Hajime Kamoshida’s light novel series, marks a bold and introspective continuation of the Rascal Does Not Dream saga. Set in the University Arc (volumes 10–13 of the light novels), this 13-episode season, which premiered on July 5, 2025, transitions protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa from the familiar confines of high school to the uncharted waters of university life in Yokohama. Directed by Sōichi Masui and animated by CloverWorks, the series retains the franchise’s signature blend of emotional depth, supernatural mystery, and sharp dialogue while exploring new dimensions of identity, societal pressure, and the elusive nature of truth. This review delves into what makes Santa Claus a standout chapter in the franchise, examining its narrative ambition, character development, and thematic resonance.

A New Stage for Adolescence Syndrome

The Rascal Does Not Dream series has always hinged on Adolescence Syndrome, a supernatural phenomenon tied to the emotional turmoil of youth. In Santa Claus, this concept evolves to reflect the complexities of young adulthood. Sakuta, now a first-year statistical science student, encounters a mysterious figure dressed as a miniskirt Santa, Touko Kirishima (voiced by Reina Ueda), who claims to “gift” Adolescence Syndrome to others. Unlike the more localized manifestations of the syndrome in Bunny Girl Senpai or the films, this season’s phenomena—precognitive dreams, poltergeists, and identity-altering social pressures—take on a broader, almost cosmic scope. The series uses these elements to explore how the transition to adulthood amplifies questions of selfhood and agency.

Episode 2, as noted in critical discussions, is a pivotal moment, dissecting the concept of herd mentality through the character of Uzuki Hirokawa (voiced by Sora Amamiya), the leader of the idol group Sweet Bullet. Uzuki’s struggle with conforming to societal expectations while maintaining her individuality is magnified by Adolescence Syndrome, which forces her to “read the room” to an extreme degree. The episode’s slow pacing allows for a nuanced exploration of how societal pressures can erode personal identity, a theme that resonates universally but feels particularly poignant in the context of Japan’s collectivist culture. This arc avoids simplistic resolutions, presenting conformity and individuality as a delicate balance rather than a binary choice.

The introduction of Touko Kirishima as a catalyst for these phenomena adds a layer of intrigue. Her enigmatic presence—visible only to Sakuta and tied to the viral “Dreaming” trend on social media—raises questions about the nature of reality and perception. The series cleverly uses her character to probe whether Adolescence Syndrome is a psychological delusion, a supernatural force, or a manifestation of collective consciousness, leaving viewers to ponder the boundaries between the individual and the collective.

Character Evolution: Sakuta and Beyond

Sakuta Azusagawa remains the heart of the series, his deadpan humor and unflinching empathy anchoring the narrative. Now a university student, he navigates a world where his reputation as a high school “troublemaker” lingers but is overshadowed by his relationship with Mai Sakurajima, the nationally famous actress. Their dynamic, tested by Mai’s career demands and Sakuta’s encounters with new characters, evolves with a maturity that reflects their growth. The series avoids romantic clichés, instead portraying their relationship as a partnership built on mutual respect and quiet resilience.

New characters like Uzuki Hirokawa and Ikumi Akagi (voiced by Aya Yamane) add depth to the ensemble. Uzuki’s arc, particularly in episode 2, is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Her transformation from a carefree idol to someone grappling with the weight of societal expectations is both heartbreaking and relatable. Ikumi, introduced in the Nightingale Arc (episode 5), brings a different perspective as a nursing student with a mysterious connection to Sakuta’s past. Her use of the Dreaming trend to play the “hero” introduces ethical questions about interfering with fate, drawing parallels to Sakuta’s own past interventions. The series’ ability to weave these new characters into the existing cast—without sidelining fan favorites like Rio Futaba or Nodoka Toyohama—demonstrates its narrative dexterity.

Notably, the series doesn’t shy away from exploring the lingering impact of past characters. Kaede, Sakuta’s sister, and others from the high school arcs make appearances, ensuring continuity while allowing the story to move forward. This balance keeps the University Arc accessible to newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with meaningful callbacks.

Thematic Depth: Navigating the Gray Areas of Adulthood

What sets Santa Claus apart is its willingness to embrace ambiguity. The series tackles heavy themes—conformity, the pressure to perform, and the ethics of altering others’ futures—without offering easy answers. Episode 5, for instance, highlights the supernatural through Ikumi’s manipulation of the Dreaming trend, but it grounds this in human questions about self-satisfaction versus altruism. The series draws a subtle parallel between Ikumi’s actions and Sakuta’s own history, forcing viewers to question whether good intentions justify tampering with destiny.

The mystery of Touko Kirishima, particularly the revelation of multiple Toukos, adds a layer of existential intrigue. This plotline, rooted in volume 13 of the light novels, challenges Sakuta to discern reality from illusion, mirroring the broader theme of navigating truth in an era of social media and collective narratives. The series’ use of precognitive dreams and poltergeists as metaphors for the chaos of young adulthood is both innovative and haunting, blending supernatural elements with psychological realism.

Visual and Auditory Craftsmanship

CloverWorks delivers a visually consistent experience, maintaining the soft color palette and clean designs of the original series while adapting to the new Yokohama setting. The animation shines in quieter moments—Sakuta and Uzuki’s journey through Misakiguchi, for example—where subtle expressions and environmental details convey emotional weight. The absence of flashy action sequences is a strength, as it keeps the focus on character interactions and dialogue.

The soundtrack, featuring the opening theme “Snowdrop” by Conton Candy and the ending theme “Suiheisen wa Boku no Furukizu” by the voice actresses, complements the series’ tone. The music captures the wistful yet hopeful mood of young adulthood, with Touko Kirishima’s in-universe songs adding an eerie layer to the narrative. Sound design, under Yoshikazu Iwanami, enhances the supernatural elements without overshadowing the human drama.

Critical Reflections: Strengths and Shortcomings

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus excels in its character-driven storytelling and thematic ambition. The series’ ability to balance emotional resonance with supernatural mystery is a testament to Kamoshida’s writing and Masui’s direction. Its exploration of herd mentality, identity, and the ethics of choice feels fresh and relevant, particularly in the context of social media’s influence on modern youth.

However, the series is not without flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing, particularly in expository episodes like 2, deliberately slow, which could disrupt the momentum for those accustomed to faster-paced anime. Additionally, the Touko Kirishima mystery, while compelling, risks feeling anticlimactic for some, as noted in reviews of the light novel. The lack of a clear resolution to certain plot threads may frustrate viewers seeking closure, though this aligns with the series’ embrace of ambiguity.

A Series That Challenges and Resonates

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus is a worthy successor to Bunny Girl Senpai and its films, pushing the franchise into new territory while retaining its emotional core. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but challenges viewers to reflect on their own identities, choices, and place in the world. By weaving supernatural phenomena with universal themes, it captures the messy, exhilarating transition from adolescence to adulthood. For fans of introspective anime and newcomers alike, Santa Claus offers a thought-provoking journey that lingers long after the credits roll.¹