The Summer Hikaru Died is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated anime of 2025, and for good reason. Fans of the original manga have long been captivated by its eerie blend of slice-of-life and supernatural horror, and now a whole new audience is about to experience the unsettling tale.
The first teaser trailer has recently been released, giving a chilling preview of the psychological horror series. This upcoming adaptation promises to deliver a story full of suspense and mystery, as well as a deep dive into the strange world of Yoshiki and his best friend, Hikaru.
While we await further updates, this guide will provide all the latest details about the show’s release, cast, and more. Keep reading to get a taste of what’s to come—this is one series you won’t want to miss. Also, as always, we’ll keep this page updated with all the latest developments as they unfold!
The anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died is set to premiere on Netflix in Japan in the summer of 2025.
The Summer Hikaru Died follows the unsettling story of Yoshiki and his best friend Hikaru, whose bond is tested when Hikaru returns after mysteriously vanishing. Though he looks and sounds the same, something about him feels fundamentally different, and Yoshiki soon realizes that the person standing before him is no longer his friend.
Despite this, Yoshiki feels an inexplicable pull towards Hikaru, remaining by his side even as eerie and dangerous forces begin to reveal themselves. As the two navigate the increasingly strange and foreboding situation, a far greater threat looms, pushing their relationship to the brink and testing the boundaries of trust and reality.
The teaser for The Summer Hikaru Died perfectly sets the chilling and ominous tone that fans of the manga have come to adore. Its eerie atmosphere promises a captivating blend of suspense and horror, drawing viewers in with the unsettling visuals and mood.
The anime adaptation is being directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, at Cygames Pictures, the studio behind Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a New Era. Takeshita is also overseeing the series' scripts, with Yuichi Takahashi serving as character designer and chief animation director.
The Summer Hikaru Died, originally created by Mokumokuren and serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up since August 2021, has gained significant recognition, topping Kono Manga ga Sugoi!’s list for male readers in 2023. It has also received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Manga Taisho, Tsutaya Comic Awards, and the Eisner Award.