The latest memorial visual has been released for the upcoming Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend anime film, spotlighting Sara Himeji. The anime film is scheduled to premiere in Japan on October 16, 2026.
An accompanying video featuring Sara and her memorial visual was also revealed.
Soichi Masui (reprising) is directing the anime film, with Masahiro Yokotani (series composer for the TV anime) as story composer, Satomi Tamura (reprising) as character designer, and fox capture plan (reprising) as music composer. CloverWorks is handling the animation production.
Meanwhile, the anime’s voice cast includes:
- • Kaito Ishikawa as Sakuta Azusagawa
- • Asami Seto as Mai Sakurajima
- • Sora Amamiya as Uzuki Hirokawa
- • Aya Yamane as Ikumi Akagi
- • Konomi Kohara as Sara Imeji
- • Manaka Iwami as Miori Mito
- • Reina Ueda as Nene Iwamizawa
The Rascal Does Not Dream light novel series is written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Keji Mizoguchi, who both previously worked on The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. The series is published by ASCII Media Works, with the volumes being released under the Dengeki Bunko imprint.
The light novel’s first volume, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, was published on April 10, 2014. Fifteen total volumes have been published as of July 2025, with the latest volume being a short story collection. A second short story collection will be released in Japan on October 9, 2026. Yen Press licensed the light novels and manga adaptation for English release.
The anime adaptation began in 2018 with the TV anime series Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. It was followed by three anime films, with one being released in 2019 and two in 2023. Another TV anime series titled Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus was released in July 2025. Crunchyroll is currently streaming the anime series and films.
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dear Friend is the latest entry in the Rascal Does Not Dream anime series. It shares its title with the original light novel series’ 15th and final main volume, which Yen Press describes as:
As the truth about Miori and Touko Kirishima comes to light, Sakuta must make a choice that will decide everything…for him…for Mai…for Shouko…for Miori…and for Touko. Only one thing’s for sure—whatever happens, this will be his final bout of Adolescence Syndrome!
Sources: Rascal Does Not Dream Official Twitter, Aniplex Japan Official YouTube Channel, Crunchyroll News
