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basic information
- title:SANDA(Sanda)
- Author: Itagaki Paru
- Published in: Weekly Shonen Champion (Akita Publishing)
- Number of volumes: 16 volumes
- Genre: Sci-fi, near future, action, school, mystery elements
- Animation: TV anime broadcast starting October 2025, Production: Science SARU
Set in a near-future Japan where the birthrate is declining, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a society that depicts the mystery and conflict surrounding the "descendants of Santa Claus" and the intertwining school system and power structure. Another notable feature is that it takes a different approach to human drama and worldview than Itagaki Paru's other works (such as "BEASTARS").
Synopsis
The story is set in Japan in 2080. The birthrate has fallen dramatically, and society has introduced systems that strictly control minors. Specifically, it is a unique worldview in which marriage partners are assigned from an early age, children's sleep is restricted, and facilities and spaces are separated for adults and minors.
Among them, an ordinary junior high school student Mita On a snowy December 25th, my classmates Shiori Fuyumura The "power of Santa Claus" that had been sealed within his body is released by the magic spell, and when he puts on the red clothes, he transforms into Santa Claus and is able to display superhuman strength.
There are conditions for the ability to transform, and Mita must transform by "wearing red clothes," and in order to detransform she must consume a gummy candy called "Bratty Beans."
Fuyumura breaks the seal, asking Mita for help in finding his missing classmate, Ono Ichie. The story unfolds as Mita, Fuyumura, and others unravel the mystery while confronting the system of underage control.
However, the story progresses while incorporating many mysteries and action elements, such as the true identity and abilities of this "Santa," why he was sealed away, the conspiracy of the system, and the battle with the rival organization, the "Red Coat Special Investigation Team."
The work has elements of mystery, but is also a hybrid genre that includes criticism of the school and system, heroism, and drama of human relationships and emotions.
The charm of the characters
Kazushige Mita
The protagonist of this work. Although he is burdened with the heavy fate of being a descendant of Santa Claus, he is portrayed as an ordinary middle school student at the beginning of the story, and even after gaining the ability to transform, he is still confused and uncertain, and his struggles resonate with readers. He is a well-defined character who not only behaves as a being with powers, but is also forced to make choices about why he uses those powers and who he protects.
His transformed form includes Santa-like motifs, but he is portrayed without losing his humanity or weaknesses, making him more than just a hero.
Shiori Fuyumura
She is Mita's classmate and the person who broke the seal at the beginning of the story. She has her own past and secrets, and holds the key to the disappearance of Ono. She has a strong will and drive, and drives the story forward by walking alongside Mita.
Ono Ichie
A girl who plays an important role in the story. As a missing person, her whereabouts become a major mystery in the story. As her actions and background are revealed, the mystery of the entire story deepens.
Characters on the side of the enemy/system
The story features powerful figures who try to maintain the system, such as the "Red Coat Special Investigation Team" and the directors and organizers of Daikoku Children's School. The conflict with these figures adds tension and weight to the story.
These characters are not simply villains, but are portrayed as three-dimensional beings driven by the logic of the system, their fears, and their desires, and by clashing with the protagonists, they strengthen the theme of the story.
The Reversal of Celebration and the Politics of "Giving"
① Festivities (Santa) × Control (Sleep/Marriage Allocation)
Santa, who originally symbolizes unconditional giving and empathy, becomes a heretic in a society of surveillance and control. The moment this symbol of celebration is weaponized, the story exposes not a "good system" but a "convenient order." In a world where even sleep and growth are controlled by the system, Santa becomes a device that reclaims the "space that should be inherently given to humans."
② Gift vs. Exchange: What is power used for?
The protagonist is the embodiment of "distribution = gift," yet he is constantly forced to choose how to distribute his power and to whom he gives it. If he falls into the exchange of interests, he will be absorbed into the "circuitry of the system." The ethical tension in the story is whether or not the possibility of gifting without expecting anything in return can be maintained.
3. Body politics: Sleep/clothing/age switches
"Red clothes" turn power on, sweets turn it off. The visualized switch is a metaphor for how power conditions the body. To what extent can people "choose their own bodies?" Mita's hesitation confronts this question head-on.
4. Repositioning the myth: Santa can be both a monster and a hero
When society changes its meaning, the same symbol can turn into either salvation or violence. SANDA repositions the Santa myth as a critique of modern institutions, providing a critical distance from the reproduction of the myth.
Imagery and atmosphere
Paru Itagaki's style of drawing is known for his depictions that combine the motif of anthropomorphized animals with realism in works such as "BEASTARS." SANDA The focus is on human characters, but the attention to detail in the characters' expressions, shadows, and composition, as well as the detailed depiction of the backgrounds, are characteristic of Itagaki's work.
The film's particularly effective combination of black-and-white contrast, bold frame layout, and use of perspective and shadows emphasizes its mysterious and somewhat dark worldview. Scenes that express a sense of institutional surveillance, claustrophobia, and oppression through the use of background depictions and space are particularly memorable.
Additionally, the combat and transformation scenes are carefully crafted with dramatic perspective, emphasis on shadows, and a sense of power exerted, creating a powerful visual impact. The contrast between everyday school scenes and hero and transformation scenes is also effectively used, creating a sense of shifting atmosphere.
In terms of the overall color tone (even though it is a black and white manga), dark and shading are used heavily in scenes with strong shadows and tension, while quieter scenes have depictions with spacious white space and lines that give the impression of the beauty of white space.
Memorable scenes
- The moment the seal was broken
On Christmas Day, Fuyumura breaks Mita's seal and he transforms into Santa Claus. This dramatic scene marks the beginning of the story and has a powerful impact that draws the reader in. - Transformation and power manifestation scene
The scene where he transforms into Santa Claus in his red clothes and the moment his powers are revealed are very memorable, conveying a sense of heroism and mystery at the same time. - The climax of the conflict and battle
In the battle between the system and the enemy forces, Mita clashes with the villain. The tension of the moment when his power as a hero clashes with his human conflict remains with you after reading. - The gap between everyday life and tension
The quiet depictions of the school and everyday scenes, the interactions between characters, and the sense of distance between them all create a contrast that heightens the tension of the confrontation scenes. - Mystery revealed, fragments of the truth
Little by little, clues and mysteries are revealed, such as Ono's disappearance, the intentions of the system, and the shadow of past incidents. The fragmented way in which these revelations are revealed makes you want to read the next part.
Recommended for:
- People who like near-future/sci-fi/dystopian genres
- People who like mystery elements and solving puzzles
- People who want to read hero stories and transformation stories in a modern context
- Readers interested in school-related topics, institutional criticism, and social structure
- People who like Itagaki Paru's works (BEASTARS, etc.)
- People who want to experience dark and heavy themes through manga
On the other hand, those who are looking for something that is purely gags and light-hearted romance may find the film's heavy themes and social structure too heavy.
Similar works
- BEASTARS(Works by Paru Itagaki)
This work is also a good comparison for understanding the artist's own style, as it shares elements in that it depicts social structures, discrimination, rules, and desires from a non-human perspective. - death note/The town where only I am missing
A work that includes elements such as systems, rules, solving mysteries, psychological warfare, and a fluctuating sense of justice. - Tokyo Ghoul
They also share common themes such as darkness, foreignness, structures of domination, and questioning of existence. - My Hero Academia(Not heavy, but heroic / strength and responsibility)
There are aspects that make it easy to use metaphors in terms of the themes of transformation, ability, and conflict structure. - Knights of Sidonia/Parasyte
A collection of works with a science fiction structure and a perspective on human existence, adaptation and conflict. - Mobile Police Patlabor/PSYCHO-PASS
A near-future story that explores the themes of systems, management, and controlled society.
By reading these together, you will be able to appreciate the themes and structure of "SANDA" more deeply.
Q&A
Q1: Can I transform into Mita at any time?
→ No. In order for Mita to transform into Santa, he must wear red clothing, and to cancel this he must eat a jelly-like snack called "Bratty Beans."
Q2: What does the disappearance of Ono Ichie mean?
→ A major mystery element in the story. Her whereabouts, intentions, and relationship with the system will hold the key to future developments.
Q3: Why was Santa sealed away?
→ Within the work, the taboo against the existence of Santa Claus, the intervention of the system, and the reasons for his sealing are foreshadowed and gradually become clear in the latter half of the story.
Q4: Is it completed in 16 volumes?
→ Yes. The series ended on July 11, 2024, and is completed with 16 volumes.
Q5: When will the anime start?
→ It will start airing in October 2025.
summary
SANDA Set against the dystopian backdrop of a declining birthrate, a controlled society, and a school system, "Santa Claus' descendants" incorporate a mysterious and heroic setting, while blending human relationships, institutional violence, justice and hope, solving mysteries, and conflict. Author Itagaki Paru's pen evokes questions about human existence and the visual compositional power of this work. While possessing multi-layered themes, it is also easy to read and captivating, making it appealing to fans of sci-fi, action, mystery, and heroic settings.
Overall impressions
This work makes you think about what it means to be between a child and an adult. There aren't many manga that feature Santa, so it's interesting. As a child, you believe in Santa, then as you grow up you start to doubt him, and as an adult you discover his true identity. Itagaki Paru's ability to portray a world where children must find answers in a society that is biased due to a declining birthrate is truly impressive.
Purchase Link
Other works by the author
"BEASTARS", "Taika's Reason", "Cowpea"
Related articles
▶ Related article: "BEASTARS" - Carnivores, herbivores, and complex feelings of love
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