If any proof is needed of how unique Christmas in Japan truly is, it can be found in the pages ofSANDA, a manga inspired by the legend of Santa Claus, created by Paru Itagaki, the author ofBEASTARS. Christmas in Japan is quite different from how it is celebrated in the West. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, people line up to buy buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken for their holiday feasts. Since Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, people typically go to work or school as usual. Christmas Eve is primarily seen as a romantic occasion, similar to Valentine’s Day, and is often celebrated by young couples.
The story ofSANDAis set in a near-future Japan whereChristmas has become nothing more than a myth. Due to a drastic decline in birth rates, children are treated with extreme caution, creating societal imbalances. Having recently completed its run in Japan,an English version of theSANDAmanga has just been announced by Titan Comics, withVolume One set to arrive on September 2.
SANDA: From Manga to Anime
A Future Without Christmas?
SANDAwas originally serialized inWeekly Shōnen Championmagazine from 2021 to 2024, resulting in 16 collected volumes.An anime adaptation ofSANDAis scheduled for release in Fall 2025, with Ayumu Murase voicing the protagonist and Hiroki Tochi as Santa Claus. The protagonist of the story, Kazushige Sanda, is a middle school student who unexpectedly discovers that he is a descendant of Santa Claus. With the help of his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, he gains the ability to transform into Santa Claus by consuming jellybeans or wearing red clothing. Together, they set out on a journey to find their missing friend, Ichie Ono, and revive the lost spirit of Christmas.
Paru Itagaki: A Rising Star in Manga
A New Take on Christmas in Japan
Born in 1993, Paru Itagaki, the creator ofBEASTARSandSANDA, has manga in her blood—her father is Keisuke Itagaki, the author ofBaki. She originally studied filmmaking but later switched to manga, debuting withBeast Complexin 2016. Her hit mangaBEASTARSran from 2016 to 2020, leading to a popular anime seriesthat will conclude with its final season later this year.
Beastars' Creator’s Follow-Up Manga Gets Anime Adaptation, & It’s So Much Wilder Than You’d Expect
A Santa Claus anime announcement from the creator of Beastars may have been the last thing manga fans expected on their 2024 bingo card.
With its blend of holiday mythology, action, and heartfelt storytelling,SANDAadds a fresh twist to Christmas in Japan. As the series reaches international audiences, it has the potential to leave a lasting impact, much likeBEASTARSbefore it, solidifying Itagaki’s reputation as one of the most innovative voices in modern manga.
