This Unique Title From 'Dandadan' Studio Is the Best Coming-Of-Age Story of 2025

The anime series Sanda concluded its run in December 2025. Animated by Science SARU, the studio behind hits such as Dandadan and Inu-Oh, the title is based on the manga by Paru Itagaki, creator of Beastars.

This creative collaboration produced not just a vibrant shonen title, but perhaps the most unusual coming-of-age story of the past year.

What Is 'Sanda' About?

Fifteen-year-old Sanda is an ordinary teenager facing an extraordinary problem: his classmate, Fuyumura, has suddenly attacked him with a knife.

She believes that Sanda is a descendant of Santa Claus and that he must reveal his true nature in times of danger. Much to everyone's astonishment, this turns out to be true – the boy transforms into a powerful, gray-haired old man in a red suit.

Thus begins their journey together to find Fuyumura's missing friend and, more importantly, to understand the meaning of bearing the burden of being Santa.

'Sanda' Is a Story From the Creator of 'Beastars'

Paru Itagaki, who captivated viewers with her complex world of anthropomorphic animals in Beastars, demonstrates impressive creative growth in Sanda.

While her debut work was criticized for its less-than-ideal ending, Sanda reveals Itagaki's confidence and refined storytelling skills.

Itagaki maintains her signature trait of absolute unpredictability in the plot, where events and twists follow one another at a dizzying pace. Yet, she subordinates this chaos to a clear and profound central topic.

'Sanda' Is Made by Science SARU – And It's Evident in Every Frame

Science SARU once again proves itself to be one of the leading innovators of modern animation. Director Tomohisa Shimoyama, who has collaborated with renowned artists such as Masaaki Yuasa and Satoshi Kon, has created a true animated symphony.

The action scenes are breathtaking, and the everyday scenes are striking in their detail and artistic boldness.

The studio's signature use of line and color is apparent: the thickness of the outlines changes depending on the emotions depicted, and the aggressive, vibrant red of Sanda's suit bursts into the subdued palette of the world.

'Sanda' Is One of the Most Unusual & Unique Coming-of-Age Titles in Recent Years

The story is set in a dystopian future where youth is worshiped and old age is taboo. Children are forbidden to sleep to avoid aging, adults are obsessed with plastic surgery, and marriages are arranged at birth.

The main character experiences an identity conflict, torn between the bodies of an awkward teenager and a powerful old man.

Sanda examines the concept of growing up from every angle: as physical change, social pressure, internal fear, and the acquisition of wisdom.

What Did Viewers Think of 'Sanda'?

Reddit user SaberLover1000 wrote:

“Science Saru somehow manages to consistently put out some of the most interesting and visually inventive anime of the modern era. [...] This is a fantastic anime.”

• Sanda has a score of 7.0/10 on IMDb.

Where to Watch 'Sanda'?

Sanda is available to stream on Prime Video.