The Definitive Chronological Order Of Rascal Does Not Dream: New 2025 & 2026 Anime Projects Revealed

The *Rascal Does Not Dream* series has captivated fans worldwide with its unique blend of supernatural mystery, sharp dialogue, and heartfelt romance, all centered around the enigmatic "Puberty Syndrome." For those looking to dive into the story of Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima, or for veteran fans eager for the latest developments, the chronological order of the light novels, anime series, and films is crucial for a complete experience. The good news is that the story is far from over, with multiple new anime projects—including the highly anticipated "University Arc"—confirmed and already premiering in 2025 and stretching into 2026, making this the perfect time to catch up.

As of late 2025, the narrative has moved well beyond the initial high school setting, propelling the main characters into their college lives while continuing to explore complex emotional and scientific phenomena. This article provides the definitive chronological path through the entire series, detailing the latest anime releases like *Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus* and the announcement of the final film, *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend*, ensuring you experience the story exactly "in order."

The Complete Chronological Timeline: Light Novels & Anime Adaptations (2025 Updates)

The *Rascal Does Not Dream* franchise, known in Japan as *Seishun Buta Yarō* or *AoButa*, is based on the light novel series written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Keiji Mizoguchi. The story follows Sakuta Azusagawa as he encounters various girls afflicted by "Puberty Syndrome," a mysterious condition manifesting as supernatural phenomena.

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To follow the story chronologically, you must move sequentially through the light novel volumes, which each correspond to a specific anime adaptation. The following list is the definitive order, incorporating the latest 2025 and 2026 releases:

• Volume 1: *Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai* (Anime: TV Series, Episodes 1-3)
• Volume 2: *Rascal Does Not Dream of Little Devil Kohai* (Anime: TV Series, Episodes 4-6)
• Volume 3: *Rascal Does Not Dream of Stray Cat Girl* (Anime: TV Series, Episodes 7-8)
• Volume 4: *Rascal Does Not Dream of Siscon Idol* (Anime: TV Series, Episodes 9-10)
• Volume 5: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Lonesome Girl* (Anime: TV Series, Episodes 11-13)
• Volume 6: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl* (Anime: Theatrical Film, *Dreaming Girl*)
• Volume 7: *Rascal Does Not Dream of His First Love* (Anime: Theatrical Film, *Dreaming Girl*)

These first seven volumes conclude the main high school arc and are essential viewing/reading before moving to the newest content.

The New University Arc: 2025 & Beyond

The story continues with Sakuta and Mai entering university, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated "University Arc." The latest anime projects focus on this next phase of their lives, bringing new characters and more complex manifestations of Puberty Syndrome.

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• Volume 8: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out* (Anime: Theatrical Film, *Sister Venturing Out*)
• Volume 9: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid* (Anime: Theatrical Film, *Knapsack Kid*)

The films adapting Volumes 8 and 9 serve as a bridge, concluding the high school graduation and setting the stage for the new college life.

• Volume 10: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Lost Singer* (This volume kicks off the true University Arc.)
• Volume 11: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Girl Who Has No Color*
• Volume 12: *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Siscon Detective*
• Volume 13: *Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus* (Anime: TV Season, *Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus*, which aired from July to September 2025)

The adaptation of Volume 13 into a new TV season, *Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus*, is a major recent development for the franchise, signaling a return to the episodic format to cover the new phase of the story.

What to Expect from the New 2025 & 2026 Releases

The future of the *Rascal Does Not Dream* series is incredibly bright, with official announcements confirming multiple new anime projects that will adapt the entire University Arc of the light novels.

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1. *Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus* (2025 TV Season)

This new anime season, which aired in mid-2025, adapts the events of light novel Volume 13. The story centers on the search for Touko Kirishima, an enigmatic figure, and the mystery of the "Miniskirt Santa." This arc continues to explore Sakuta and Mai's relationship as they navigate their university lives, balancing their respective careers and studies while encountering new manifestations of Puberty Syndrome. The introduction of new characters further expands the world and the complexity of the supernatural phenomena.

2. The University Arc Anime Project (Ongoing)

The franchise has officially confirmed a broader "University Arc" anime project, which began with the *Santa Claus* season. This project will continue to adapt the remaining light novel volumes (Volume 10 through 14) that cover the characters' time in college. Fans can expect a continued focus on key themes like identity, societal pressure, emotional trauma, and the transition into adulthood, all viewed through the unique lens of the Puberty Syndrome phenomenon.

3. *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend* (2026 Final Film)

The most significant announcement for the franchise's conclusion is the theatrical anime film, *Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend*, slated for a 2026 premiere. This film will adapt Volume 15 of the light novel series, which is titled *Seishun Buta Yarō wa Dear Friend no Yume wo Minai* and is confirmed to be the final volume of the main storyline. This movie is set to conclude the entire narrative, promising an emotional and definitive ending to Sakuta and Mai’s journey and the overarching mysteries of Puberty Syndrome.

Key Characters & Core Entities of the Series

The narrative depth of *Rascal Does Not Dream* stems from its well-developed cast and the central concept that drives the plot.

• Sakuta Azusagawa: The cynical yet deeply empathetic protagonist who is one of the few people capable of seeing and interacting with those affected by Puberty Syndrome.
• Mai Sakurajima: The famous actress and Sakuta's girlfriend, whose initial encounter with Puberty Syndrome (becoming invisible) forms the basis of the series.
• Kaede Azusagawa: Sakuta's younger sister, whose severe Puberty Syndrome led to amnesia and a change in personality.
• Tomoe Koga: A high school student who uses Sakuta to fake a relationship to avoid social pressure.
• Rio Futaba: A lone wolf scientist and the sole member of the science club who provides scientific and quantum explanations for the Puberty Syndrome phenomena.
• Nodoka Toyohama: Mai's younger half-sister and an aspiring idol who swaps bodies with Mai.
• Shoko Makinohara: A mysterious girl who appears in two different ages and is central to the time-traveling aspects of the story.
• Puberty Syndrome: The core supernatural entity of the series, manifesting as various physical and psychological ailments (e.g., invisibility, body-swapping, wounds appearing out of nowhere) in adolescents experiencing severe emotional or social distress.
• Quantum Mechanics: The scientific framework (including concepts like the Schrödinger's Cat thought experiment and the observer effect) used by Futaba to explain the seemingly impossible events of Puberty Syndrome.
• Touko Kirishima: A new, mysterious entity in the University Arc who is key to the *Santa Claus* storyline.

The continuous release of new content, including the 2025 TV season and the 2026 final film, solidifies *Rascal Does Not Dream* as a major ongoing franchise. By following the chronological reading and watching order, fans can fully appreciate the complex, interwoven narrative that has made this series a critical and commercial success.