At this year’s Anime Expo, we sat down with SANDA director Tomohisa Shimoyama and producer Kohei Sakita to talk about their work on the anime adaptation of Paru Itagaki’s latest manga. Known for its bold visuals and unexpected story twists, the duo shared insights on what drew them to the series, the creative challenges in bringing Itagaki’s distinct style to life, and what they hope viewers will take away from this unique holiday-inspired inspired story.

T-ONO: Could you tell us what initially attracted you to the SANDA story and series, and how it made you feel?

Shimoyama: Sure! For me, it was the visuals that stood out the most. The character expressions were incredibly striking and appealing. They really drew me in.

As for the story, it’s filled with surprising developments. Each chapter keeps you guessing. At the same time, the characters’ emotions are written so carefully and thoughtfully that I found myself completely absorbed. I read through it all in one go.

Sakita: When I read Itagaki-sensei’s manga, what struck me most was the cool artwork. The range of expressions, from highly realistic to very exaggerated, was especially captivating. That flexibility made the manga stand out.

The setting is a bit odd, a slightly strange world, and the protagonist becomes Santa Claus. It’s hard to predict where the story will go. The cast includes some very quirky characters, but they’re all serious about their goals, which creates real emotional tension. As Sanda interacts with them, he grows and changes. It’s unusual, but that emotional sincerity gives the story real weight.

T-ONO: We noticed the anime’s visual quality is very high, it’s almost cinematic, retaining much of the manga’s original look. Were there any specific techniques or challenges in achieving that?

Shimoyama: Yes, several. One major focus was recreating the strength and nuance of Itagaki-sensei’s linework. We spent a lot of time developing the right compositing techniques to capture that feeling on screen.

Also, Itagaki-sensei’s color use is very unique, not found in your typical anime palette. We were careful to reflect that in the anime as well.

T-ONO: On the topic of color, Shimoyama-san, we’ve noticed you dress quite stylishly. Do you think your fashion sense has influenced your approach to directing SANDA?

Shimoyama: [laughs] Ah, thank you. Well, I just think wearing fun clothes makes life more enjoyable! I feel the same way about visual design. I tend to prefer fun and lively visuals over something too formal or rigid. That philosophy carries over into my work.

T-ONO: Shimoyama-san, you’ve directed SUPER SHIRO and YUREI DECO. What lessons from those projects have you brought to SANDA?

Shimoyama: One key role of a director is leading the team, not doing everything yourself, but guiding others to create something great. I’ve learned how important it is to communicate clearly and motivate the team.

Also, like SANDA, Super Shiro and Yurei Deco take place in fictional worlds. I learned how important it is to carefully build those worlds so they feel real to viewers. That attention to detail helps audiences believe in the story and characters.

Sakita: As a producer, my role is to support the director’s vision. We had fantastic staff, like Mr. Masamichi Ishiyama, who worked on character design. Their contributions were crucial. The team’s chemistry and trust made a big difference.

T-ONO: As a producer, Sakita-san, and having worked with Shimoyama-san now, what would you say are some of his greatest strengths?

Sakita: This is kind of embarrassing to say in front of him…

[everyone laughs]

I first met Shimoyama-san when I started as a production manager. Even back then, he was already a super animator, known for his skill. As he transitioned into directing, that deep understanding of animation carried over. What really stands out, though, is his personality. His bright, positive energy is contagious on set. It motivates everyone.

T-ONO: To wrap up, what would you like fans to take away from watching SANDA?

Shimoyama: First of all, I hope fans enjoy the visuals. We put a lot of effort into making the show look cool and exciting. But more than that, SANDA is about a boy who grows through his relationships with his friends, with adults, and with the world around him. If his journey can inspire courage in others, that would make me very happy.

Sakita: Itagaki-sensei’s manga is amazing, and we did our best to translate that magic into animation. That includes not just the visuals, but also the voices, music, and sound design. I hope viewers pay attention to all those elements and experience the story with all their senses.