The Summer Hikaru Died might not have caught your attention yet, but its debut trailer could soon change that, urging you to slot it into your Netflix queue.
It’s not often that slice of life and horror blend seamlessly, yet The Summer Hikaru Died pulls off this unlikely fusion with ease. Since it started serialization back in 2021, this manga has been capturing readers’ imaginations with new chapters still coming out today. The story is set in a quaint Japanese town and follows two characters, Yoshiki and Hikaru, as they navigate their everyday lives—until an uncanny twist occurs. Hikaru dies, only to be replaced by an enigmatic and otherworldly entity, leaving Yoshiki wrestling with the unsettling revelation that his best friend is gone. It’s a chilling premise, and the freshly released anime trailer doesn’t shy away from the eerie atmosphere you’d expect.
In the trailer preview, while not too much is given away, the mysterious tones are unmistakable. Ryohei Takeshita, who previously showcased his talent on Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, is at the helm as director. Bringing Yoshiki to life is Chiaki Kobayashi, whose voice you might recognize from leading roles in Hell’s Paradise and Reynatis. Starring opposite him as Hikaru is Shuichiro Umeda, known for his roles in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
Takeshita expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Reading the original manga was truly a thrill. I contemplated how to translate its panels into vibrant animation. Our team is passionate about portraying the nuanced emotions of Yoshiki and Hikaru, as well as the manga’s stunning and inventive narrative. We can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Though we don’t have a specific air date yet, it’s anticipated to grace our screens in the latter part of 2025, so the wait won’t be too long now.
