Fans of the psychological horror and coming-of-age anime, “The Summer Hikaru Died” (Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu), can rejoice as a second season has been officially greenlit. The announcement comes as the first season’s final episode aired, concluding a highly successful run that captivated audiences on Netflix and in Japan.
Production Details and Anticipated Return
CygamesPictures, the animation studio behind the critically acclaimed first season, is confirmed to return for the production of the second season. While no specific release date has been announced yet, the continuation of the series is eagerly awaited by its dedicated fanbase.
To commemorate the exciting news, special illustrations from original manga creator Mokumokuren and character designer Yuichi Takahashi were released. Voice actors Chiaki Kobayashi, who plays Yoshiki Tsujinaka, and Shuichiro Umeda, the voice of Hikaru Indo, also shared their enthusiasm and comments on the renewal.
The Phenomenal Success of the First Season
“The Summer Hikaru Died” premiered on July 5, 2025, quickly garnering significant attention for its haunting visuals, immersive sound design, and deeply unsettling narrative. The series quickly climbed the ranks, securing the No. 1 spot on Japan’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” on Netflix after its second episode and holding the No. 1 position on ABEMA’s weekly anime ranking for three consecutive weeks during the summer of 2025.
Unraveling the Haunting Narrative: What is “The Summer Hikaru Died”?
Based on the popular manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren, “The Summer Hikaru Died” (光が死んだ夏, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu) delves into a chilling supernatural horror story. The plot centers on Yoshiki Tsujinaka, a teenager living in a quiet rural Japanese village, and his childhood friend, Hikaru Indo.
The unsettling premise unfolds when Hikaru disappears in the mountains during winter and returns a week later. However, Yoshiki soon realizes that the Hikaru who has come back is not his friend, but rather a mysterious, otherworldly entity that has taken over Hikaru’s body and memories. Despite his fear and the chilling reality of the situation, Yoshiki chooses to keep this profound secret, unwilling to let go of the person he loved.
Themes of Grief, Identity, and Attachment
The series masterfully blends psychological horror with slice-of-life elements, exploring complex themes such as grief, identity, and the desperate human instinct to cling to loved ones, even when they’ve changed irrevocably. Yoshiki’s internal struggle to reconcile his feelings for the “new” Hikaru while mourning the loss of his true friend forms the emotional core of the narrative. The horror is less about jump scares and more about the deep, aching dread of losing someone and the terrifying prospect of almost getting them back, but as something entirely different.
The Manga’s Enduring Popularity
The original manga by Mokumokuren began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up website in August 2021. As of July 2025, the series has collected seven tankōbon volumes, with Yen Press publishing the series in English. The manga gained significant recognition, ranking No. 1 in the men’s category of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023, highlighting its critical and commercial success. The anticipation for the anime adaptation was high, and its subsequent popularity underscores the compelling nature of Mokumokuren’s storytelling.
Fans can look forward to delving deeper into the unsettling mystery and emotional complexities as “The Summer Hikaru Died” continues its journey with a highly anticipated second season.
