The Rise of Sanda in the Shonen Anime Landscape
Sanda has quickly become one of the most anticipated shonen anime series of the Fall 2025 lineup. With its chaotic premise and unforgettable characters, it has already drawn comparisons to Dandadan, another popular title from the same studio. The visual style of both shows is undeniably linked to Science Saru's signature flair, making them instantly recognizable and sparking conversations among fans.
Science Saru has once again proven their ability to craft compelling stories that go beyond being mere successors to previous hits. While Dandadan was a refreshing take on the shonen genre, Sanda brings its own unique elements while still maintaining a similar vibe.
A New Female Lead That Stands Out
One character in Sanda, Shiori Fuyumura, has already surpassed Momo Ayase from Dandadan in terms of impact as a main character. While Momo is a strong female lead, Fuyumura takes her role with more dominance. After Episode 3, she has firmly established herself as the driving force behind the story, something that Momo isn't as prominent in Dandadan.
Fuyumura’s presence gives Sanda a feel that is reminiscent of Dandadan, even though the two series are thematically different. She shares similarities with Momo in her independence and strength, but she also adds a new layer to the narrative.
The Power Dynamics Between Sanda and Fuyumura
In Sanda, the protagonist, Sanda Kazushige, is the descendant of Santa Claus, possessing unique abilities that transform him when he wears anything red. He becomes an old man with a powerful body and can withstand fire. Recently, he was shown to have ice skis that can double as weapons. However, Fuyumura, who is just an ordinary human, proves to be more powerful than Sanda because of her unwavering conviction.
Fuyumura is the reason why Sanda feels so similar to Dandadan. Like Momo, she is a capable female character who doesn’t rely on a hero to save her. Her relationship with Sanda mirrors that of Momo and Okarun, characterized by bickering yet working together. Additionally, Sanda has a clear crush on Fuyumura, adding a romantic element to the story, much like Dandadan.
Fuyumura also played a crucial role in unlocking Sanda’s powers. She pushed him to act and went to great lengths to achieve her goals. Her actions shape the story in ways that make her even more essential than Momo.
A Female Lead Who Goes Beyond Limits
Momo Ayase is widely regarded as one of the best female characters in shonen anime history. She is known for her loyalty and determination, often putting herself in danger to protect those she cares about. Fuyumura is similar in this regard, but she takes it to an entirely new level.
In the first episode of Sanda, Fuyumura charges at Sanda with the intent to stab him, just to confirm if he truly has powers. She did this because she wanted to save her friend Ono, who she believed had gone missing. Her motivation was simple: if Santa Claus could make wishes come true, then Sanda should help her too.
Later, when she impales Sanda, almost killing him, she is more concerned about her plan failing than about someone dying. This might make her seem cold, but in Episode 3, she genuinely smiles when she realizes her friend is alive, showing that she does have emotions. For those she truly cares about, Fuyumura is willing to cross any line.
The Dangerous Side of Fuyumura
Fuyumura’s actions show that she is tougher and more extreme than Momo. She makes her own bombs and isn’t afraid to plant them on school grounds. Her single-mindedness makes her feel more dangerous despite being a regular human. In just three episodes, she has already wounded Sanda and planned a bombing twice. It’s fortunate that her moral compass is aligned with the right direction.
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