The Seishun Buta Yarou series is set to continue with Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, bringing fans back to the lives of Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima. The new arc shifts the story into Sakuta’s university years and dives deeper into the strange and emotional world of Puberty Syndrome. Here’s what viewers need to know about when Episode 1 drops and where to watch it.
When Does Episode 1 Release?
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 1 will premiere in Japan on July 5, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. JST. For fans in North America, that’s 10:30 a.m. EDT on the same day, so viewers can enjoy the episode without much delay compared to Japan.
This launch kicks off the Summer 2025 anime season and continues the series’ ongoing story following the recent movies that have kept the franchise in the spotlight.
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Where to Watch Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus Episode 1
Fans outside Japan can watch Episode 1 on Crunchyroll, which will stream the series in Japanese with English subtitles. Crunchyroll hasn’t announced the exact time it will go live, but it’s usually about one to two hours after the Japanese broadcast.
For viewers who prefer alternatives or live in other regions, the episode will also be available on:
- ANIPLUS and ANIPLUS Asia
- BiliBili
- ABEMA
- U-NEXT
- Anime Hodai
In Japan, the series will air on multiple networks including Tokyo MX, BS11, Gunma TV, Tochigi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC TV), Mētele, and AT-X.
English Dub Status: Currently, there’s no official word on an English dub for the new season. However, previous installments have received dubbed versions a few weeks to months after their initial release, so fans can likely expect an update down the line.
What Happens in Episode 1?
Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus continues the story from the light novels and dives into the University Arc, following Sakuta as he juggles college life, his relationship with Mai, and the mysterious cases of Puberty Syndrome.
The series is known for blending everyday teenage experiences with supernatural twists. In earlier arcs, fans saw Mai literally become invisible to people around her due to her fear of being forgotten, while Sakuta’s sister Kaede developed physical injuries from emotional trauma.
In this new arc, Sakuta meets a new character struggling with Puberty Syndrome, while Mai faces her own pressing issues. A preview released by Aniplex gave fans a glimpse of what’s to come, showing Mai working on set and Sakuta looking troubled as he drinks with Miori Mitou.
Who’s New in the Cast?
The upcoming season introduces several new characters who will play key roles in the unfolding story:
- Sara Himeji, voiced by Konomi Kohara
- Miori Mitō, voiced by Manaka Iwami
- Miniskirt Santa, voiced by Reina Ueda
Miniskirt Santa is a standout addition, teased in promotional artwork wearing a Santa outfit and hinting at fresh mysteries tied to the new storyline.
Creative Team and Music
The team behind the series remains largely the same, ensuring continuity in style and storytelling. Returning staff include:
- Director: Sōichi Masui
- Studio: CloverWorks
- Series Composition: Masahiro Yokotani
- Character Design: Satomi Tamura
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
- Music: fox capture plan
Music plays a big part in setting the tone. The opening theme song, “Snowdrop,” is performed by Conton Candy. The ending theme, “Suiheisen wa Boku no Furukizu” (The Horizon Is My Old Wound), is sung by several of the voice cast members, including Uzuki Hirokawa, Ikumi Akagi, Sara Himeji, and Tōko Kirishima.
The Story So Far
The Seishun Buta Yarou franchise started as a light novel series in 2014 by Hajime Kamoshida and has sold over three million copies worldwide. The anime first aired in 2018 as Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai and quickly became a fan favorite for its unique blend of supernatural plots and emotional storytelling.
Since then, the franchise has expanded with several films:
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out (2023)
- Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid (2023)
The light novels concluded in October 2024 with the fifteenth volume. Fans can also read the series in English thanks to Yen Press.
Why Fans Should Watch
With Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus, fans get the chance to see familiar characters navigate new phases of life, all while dealing with the series’ signature supernatural mysteries. Whether you’re a long-time fan or jumping in fresh, this new season promises more of the emotional drama and clever writing that has kept the franchise popular for years.
