That’s exactly how I feel about the absolute rollercoaster that is Bunny Girl Senpai. It has everything you could ask for, emotions, romance, wholesome moments, character growth, story depth, you name it. You can tell it was written with love.
That said, I get that it’s not for everyone. Some might find it “weird” or even “repetitive,” but for me, that’s missing the point. To truly see its beauty, you can’t just look at the surface, you have to dive into the depth of the storytelling.
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Santa Claus really hit the spot. Coming in right after Knapsack Kid with a one year time skip, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the moment Sakuta got dragged back into the mess of Puberty Syndrome, I felt right at home. The mix of heartfelt drama, strange supernatural twists, and touching character growth is exactly why I fell in love with this series in the first place. For me, this was an easy 10/10 experience.
Story 8/10
The story keeps the series’ trademark formula: a grounded, emotional core wrapped in supernatural metaphors. It feels more mature now that Sakuta and Mai are in college, but the essence hasn’t changed. From the sudden appearance of “Santa” to the emotional struggles of friends caught up in Puberty Syndrome, the narrative balances mystery, heart, and humor perfectly. It’s the kind of storytelling that sneaks up on you and hits harder the more you think about it.
However, it doesn’t really try to reinvent itself. The formula is the same as season 1, someone gets hit with Puberty Syndrome, Sakuta steps in to help, and of course, Mai-san ends up in trouble and needs saving. On paper, that might sound repetitive, and I did had issues with it. But honestly? For us Bunny Girl fans, that’s exactly what we signed up for. It’s the comfort of familiarity, and I can’t really complain about that.
Art 9/10
The visuals aren’t showy, but they fit the tone. Character expressions carry the emotional weight beautifully, and certain scenes really stick in your head. It may not be the flashiest anime visually, but the art style is consistent and helps deliver the story’s atmosphere.
Soundtracks 8/10
The soundtrack was spot-on. The opening theme sets the mood right away, while the background music knows when to stay soft and when to swell with emotion. Voice acting is top-tier as always—Sakuta and Mai’s performances carry so much weight that you can feel every little shift in their emotions.
Characters 10/10
This series has always been character-driven, and this season is no exception. Sakuta continues to shine as the grounded, sincere heart of the story. Mai’s presence feels even more significant now, and their relationship growth is a highlight. New characters like the “Santa” bring intrigue and depth, while the supporting cast gets moments that remind you how much you’ve come to care about them.
Enjoyment 10/10
Honestly, I loved every second. The pacing may be slow compared to action-heavy shows, but that’s the charm. The emotional highs and lows felt genuine, and the mix of romance, drama, and mystery kept me hooked throughout. I found myself smiling, tearing up, and just fully immersed in the world again.
Conclusion
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Santa Claus was everything I wanted and more. It captures the magic of the original series while pushing the characters into new, meaningful territory. With heartfelt storytelling, subtle but effective visuals, and characters that feel real, this season reminded me why Bunny Girl Senpai is one of my favorites. A perfect 10/10 from me.
TL;DR:
A heartfelt continuation that nails the emotional beats, delivers meaningful character growth, and reminds you why Bunny Girl Senpai is special. For me, this was an easy 10/10.
