Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa: Official Release Date Announced!
Great news for fans of the Rascal Does Not Dream series! The upcoming anime film Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus has finally received a release date and a brand-new trailer. According to the official website, the movie will hit Japanese theaters on July 5, 2025. The animation will be handled by CloverWorks, the same studio behind popular anime like The Promised Neverland.
The film is an adaptation of volume 13 of the original light novel series, also known as the beginning of the university arc. This new chapter follows Sakuta Azusagawa and Mei, now in college, as they experience even more strange events tied to Adolescence Syndrome — the mysterious phenomenon at the heart of the series.
What Is Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus About?
In this new story, Sakuta is now a college student. He attends university in Kanazawa Hakkei and is still in a relationship with his girlfriend, Mai Sakurajima, a famous actress. One day, Sakuta meets a girl dressed in a Santa costume, who introduces herself as Tōko Kirishima. She says something strange: that she’s spreading Adolescence Syndrome like a Christmas gift.
Sakuta has heard something similar before. As strange things begin to happen—like viral dreams, a mysterious internet singer, and even poltergeist-like events—it becomes clear that a new wave of emotional challenges and supernatural experiences is on the way.
A Quick Recap of the Franchise
Rascal Does Not Dream began as a light novel series written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Keiji Mizoguchi, published by Dengeki Bunko. It was adapted into an anime in 2018, gaining popularity for its mix of romance, mystery, and supernatural themes.
The franchise already includes three 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)
Now, with Santa Claus continuing the story, fans can look forward to seeing more of Sakuta's emotional journey—and the mysterious girls affected by Adolescence Syndrome.
Stay tuned as more updates come closer to the July 2025 release!