The highly anticipated first season of the folk-horror-meets-BL anime, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” wrapped up with its twelfth episode, “Its Place,” which aired on September 27, 2025, with a Japanese broadcast on September 28, 2025. The finale delivered a powerful blend of emotional confessions, significant plot revelations, and a definitive setup for a second season, leaving fans both satisfied and eager for more.
Key Events Unfold in the Season Finale
Episode 12 brought several narrative threads to a head, focusing intensely on the central relationship between Yoshiki and the entity inhabiting Hikaru’s body, while also shedding light on the village’s mysterious past.
Hikaru’s Contemplation and Asako’s Confrontation
The episode saw Hikaru, the otherworldly being, seriously consider returning to the mountains from which he came. This decision was largely influenced by a poignant confrontation with Asako, another friend of the original Hikaru. Asako’s distress made the entity realize the profound impact its presence had on Hikaru’s loved ones, prompting a moment of self-awareness regarding the grief it inadvertently prolonged. This realization underscored Hikaru’s development from a mere mimicry to an individual capable of complex emotions.
Yoshiki’s Heartfelt Plea and Confession
Central to the finale was Yoshiki’s unwavering desire for Hikaru to stay. Upon hearing Hikaru’s intention to leave, Yoshiki reacted with intense emotion, vehemently pleading for him to remain. He confessed his deep feelings, even going as far as to call himself a “monster” as well, blurring the lines between their identities and emphasizing his acceptance of Hikaru’s true nature. This dramatic exchange solidified their complex bond, moving beyond fear and grief towards a mutual, albeit twisted, attachment.
The Truth About Nonuki-sama and Village Rituals
A major revelation came from Tanaka, who disclosed that the feared deity “Nonuki-sama” never actually existed. He explained that the creature within Hikaru was an “abnormal being,” an otherworldly entity that humans had mistakenly identified as Nonuki-sama, leading to generations of futile rituals by the Indou Family. This plot twist debunked long-held village beliefs, suggesting that the sacrifices and practices observed were ultimately meaningless in appeasing a non-existent entity, and that the real Hikaru had died in vain according to these traditions.
Emotional Climax and Future Implications
The episode’s climax featured Hikaru and Yoshiki sharing a significant moment at the beach, where Hikaru communicated the original Hikaru’s final wish: not to leave Yoshiki alone. This scene, rich with visual and emotional depth, highlighted the unique love and connection that has blossomed between them, despite the supernatural circumstances.
The finale was praised for its focus on the emotional journey of Yoshiki and Hikaru, providing a “visually emotional and powerful” conclusion to the first season. It effectively addressed the internal struggles and communication barriers that had been building throughout the series.
Season 2 Confirmation
Following the conclusion of the first season, a second season of “The Summer Hikaru Died” was officially confirmed. A teaser directly following the finale’s scene showed Yoshiki and Hikaru walking along the shore, hinting at the continuation of their story and the further exploration of their relationship and the lingering mysteries of Kigobayama village. The renewal comes as a relief to fans, as the finale, while impactful, left certain aspects open-ended, promising deeper dives into the mythology and character arcs in the future.
