The Summer Hikaru Died, known in Japan as Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu, continues to unravel its unsettling blend of folk horror and poignant character drama. Episode 5, titled “Wig Ghost,” dives deeper into the strange, evolving relationship between Yoshiki and the entity inhabiting his best friend Hikaru’s body, while also introducing a new, eerie supernatural threat and further developing the enigmatic character of Tanaka. Released on August 2, 2025, for most of the world (August 3 in Japan), this installment amplifies the series’ signature quiet dread and emotional complexity.
The “Wig Ghost” and Kaoru’s Terrifying Encounter
The episode opens with a chilling scene featuring Kaoru, Yoshiki’s younger sister. As she washes her hair, she discovers unusually long strands in the drain and tub, far longer than anyone in her family. This seemingly innocuous detail quickly escalates into a full-blown supernatural encounter as the hair retreats into the drain and shadows dance around the bathroom, indicating the presence of a “Wig Ghost.” Kaoru’s fright is palpable, and the encounter is so traumatizing that she refuses to take a bath afterward. This event highlights that Yoshiki’s connection to the “new Hikaru” may be attracting other supernatural entities to his home, impacting even his family.
Yoshiki and Hikaru’s Intensifying Bond
At the heart of The Summer Hikaru Died lies the complex and increasingly intimate relationship between Yoshiki and the being that now wears Hikaru’s face. Episode 5 explores this dynamic further, pushing the boundaries of their connection.
Uncomfortable Intimacy and Mutual Imprints
Following the unsettling experience of Yoshiki previously touching the entity inside Hikaru, Hikaru again invites Yoshiki to touch him, leading to another deeply uncomfortable yet significant interaction. This time, Hikaru attempts to “touch back,” causing Yoshiki to feel as if he is being “engulfed in his essence,” a sensation akin to something crawling inside him. This mutual “imprinting” leaves a mark on Yoshiki and is suggested to be the reason for attracting the “Wig Ghost” to his house. The episode reinforces the idea that their bond is becoming increasingly co-dependent and dangerous, with an undeniable romantic undertone despite the horror elements.
A Flashback to Childhood and Deep-Seated Guilt
Amidst the supernatural encounters, Episode 5 provides a poignant flashback to Yoshiki and the original Hikaru’s childhood. This memory reveals a fight they had over the death of a crow they were trying to care for. This seemingly innocent childhood argument is recontextualized with the present circumstances, hitting harder now that the real Hikaru is gone. The flashback offers insight into the original Hikaru’s more immature nature and underscores Yoshiki’s lingering guilt and internal struggles.
Yoshiki’s Near-Fatal Possession
During the confrontation with the “Wig Ghost,” Hikaru attempts to absorb the entity to protect Yoshiki and his family, similar to how he saved Yoshiki in the woods previously. However, the plan goes awry, and Hikaru becomes trapped in a trance. Yoshiki intervenes, but in doing so, the “Wig Ghost” possesses him, pulling him into the bathtub water and a dream-like state. In this state, Yoshiki is bombarded with negative thoughts and memories, nearly losing his mind. He finds himself in a distorted replay of the childhood fight with Hikaru, where he physically attacks the “new Hikaru,” biting and clawing at him. This violent, yet intimate, act draws blood and leaves marks on Hikaru, mirroring a past instance where Hikaru almost devoured Yoshiki. Hikaru manages to break the possession, but the “Wig Ghost” escapes, indicating it could return.
Tanaka’s Ongoing Investigation and the Threat of Nonuki-sama
While the focus remains largely on Yoshiki and Hikaru, the episode also subtly advances the subplot involving Tanaka. He continues his mysterious investigation into the supernatural occurrences in the village. A post-credit scene reveals Tanaka performing a ritual to harness another spirit, aiming to “sniff out” Hikaru, whom the villagers refer to as “Nonuki-sama.” This suggests Tanaka is actively pursuing the entity inside Hikaru, posing a significant threat to their unconventional existence.
Visuals, Themes, and Overall Impact
CygamesPictures continues to deliver impressive animation and visuals, maintaining the series’ unsettling atmosphere. Episode 5 is noted for its ability to blend horror, emotional depth, and even unexpected humor, creating a chaotic yet brilliant experience. The narrative skillfully builds suspense and tension, often shifting tones from terrifying to mundane, and back again, keeping viewers on edge. Despite being a slower episode in terms of overall plot progression, “Wig Ghost” deepens the emotional and supernatural stakes, reaffirming the unique and increasingly dangerous bond between Yoshiki and “Hikaru.” The episode highlights the series’ core themes of love, grief, identity, and the blurring lines between human and inhuman, leaving Yoshiki marked both physically and emotionally.
