If you’re a fan of psychological horror and emotional storytelling, The Summer Hikaru Died is an anime to watch in 2025. Adapted from Mokumokuren’s critically acclaimed manga, this upcoming series promises a chilling blend of supernatural horror, coming-of-age drama, and deep emotional resonance. Set to premiere on July 5, 2025, on Netflix, this anime is already generating buzz for its unique premise and atmospheric storytelling. Here’s everything you need to know about this haunting new release.
What Is The Summer Hikaru Died About?
The Summer Hikaru Died follows Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indou, two inseparable childhood friends living in the rural Japanese village of Kubitachi. Their close bond is tested when Hikaru disappears during a hike in the mountains. When he returns, something is terribly wrong—Hikaru looks, speaks, and acts the same, but Yoshiki senses an eerie difference. It soon becomes clear that Hikaru’s body has been taken over by an otherworldly entity, one that retains his memories and personality but is no longer human.
As Yoshiki grapples with grief, fear, and his lingering attachment to his friend, strange and unsettling events begin to unfold in their village. The story masterfully weaves themes of friendship, identity, loss, and the supernatural, creating a slow-burning horror experience that’s as emotionally gripping as it is unsettling. Unlike traditional jump-scare horror, this series focuses on psychological dread and the complexities of human relationships, making it a standout in the horror anime genre.
Key Details About the Anime
- Release Date: July 5, 2025, with an advance screening of the first episode on June 29, 2025, at Toho Cinemas Shinjuku in Tokyo.
- Streaming Platform: Netflix (exclusive global streaming outside Japan) and Abema (free streaming in Japan).
- Broadcast: Nippon TV in Japan, starting July 5, 2025.
- Animation Studio: CygamesPictures, known for Princess Connect! Re:Dive and Brave Bang Bravern!.
- Director: Ryohei Takeshita, who has worked on Jujutsu Kaisen and Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night.
- Voice Cast:
- Yoshiki Tsujinaka: Chiaki Kobayashi (Moriarty the Patriot).
- Hikaru Indou: Shuichiro Umeda (Senpai is an Otokonoko).
- Additional cast: Yoshiki Nakajima (Yuta Maki), Shion Wakayama (Yuki Tadokoro), Yumiri Hanamori (Asako Yamagishi), Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka).
- Music:
- Opening theme: “Saikai” (Reunion) by Vaundy.
- Ending theme: “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You Are My Monster) by Tooboe.
The anime is based on Mokumokuren’s manga, serialized on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up website since August 2021. With six volumes released in Japan and five available in English via Yen Press, the manga has earned critical praise, topping Kono Manga ga Sugoi!’s 2023 list for male readers and receiving nominations for the Manga Taisho, Eisner, and Next Manga Awards.
Why The Summer Hikaru Died Stands Out
- Unique Blend of Genres: The series combines slice-of-life elements with supernatural horror, creating a narrative that’s both relatable and deeply unsettling. It explores the emotional turmoil of adolescence alongside existential questions about identity and loss.
- Psychological Horror Done Right: Fans of slow-burn horror will appreciate the anime’s focus on atmosphere and dread over cheap scares. The story’s unsettling tone is amplified by its rural setting and the mysterious “Dorodoro” entity, animated by Masanobu Hiraoka.
- Emotional Depth: At its core, the series is about Yoshiki’s struggle to reconcile his love for his friend with the terrifying reality of what Hikaru has become. This emotional anchor sets it apart from typical horror anime.
- High-Quality Production: With CygamesPictures at the helm and a director experienced in delivering visually stunning anime, The Summer Hikaru Died promises striking visuals and a haunting atmosphere. The trailers already showcase a moody, hand-drawn art style that captures the manga’s eerie tone.
What to Expect from the Anime
The anime will likely stay faithful to the manga’s story, focusing on Yoshiki’s internal conflict and the supernatural mysteries surrounding Kubitachi Village. The trailers hint at a visually striking adaptation, with a focus on the subtle, creepy details that made the manga a cult hit. The inclusion of Vaundy’s opening theme and Tooboe’s ending theme suggests a soundtrack that will enhance the series’ emotional and eerie vibe.
While the manga has sparked debate among fans about its boys’ love (BL) undertones, it’s not officially marketed as a BL series. However, the deep emotional bond between Yoshiki and Hikaru is a central element, adding layers to the story that will resonate with fans of complex character dynamics.
Where to Catch Up Before the Premiere
If you want to dive into the story before the anime premieres, the manga is a great place to start. With 29 chapters currently available and five English volumes published by Yen Press (the sixth expected in 2025), it’s an accessible read for newcomers. The manga’s blend of horror, mystery, and emotional storytelling has made it a favorite among readers, and its relatively short length means you can catch up quickly.
You can find the manga through:
- Yen Press for English physical and digital copies.
- Kadokawa’s Young Ace Up website for the original Japanese chapters.
Why You Should Watch The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most compelling anime releases. Its unique mix of psychological horror, coming-of-age themes, and emotional depth makes it a must-watch for fans of series like Stranger Things, The Outsider, or anime such as Devilman Crybaby and AJIN: Demi-Human. With Netflix’s global reach and a talented production team, this series has the potential to become a breakout hit.
Mark your calendars for July 5, 2025, and prepare for a haunting journey into the heart of friendship and fear. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or simply love a good story, The Summer Hikaru Died is an anime you won’t want to miss.
