The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s psychological horror manga, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” premiered on July 5, 2025, drawing significant attention for its unsettling atmosphere and gripping narrative. The series, which delves into themes of grief, identity, and the supernatural, is now streaming on Netflix worldwide.
A Haunting Premise Unfolds
“The Summer Hikaru Died” introduces viewers to the seemingly idyllic life of best friends Yoshiki and Hikaru in a rural Japanese village. However, their inseparable bond takes a dark turn when Hikaru disappears in the mountains and returns subtly changed. Yoshiki quickly realizes that the Hikaru who came back is not the friend he once knew, but rather a mysterious, otherworldly entity that has taken over his body, memories, and feelings. Despite his fear and the chilling reality, Yoshiki chooses to keep this secret, unwilling to let go of the person he loved, even if it’s merely a doppelganger.
The anime, produced by CygamesPictures and directed by Ryōhei Takeshita, masterfully recreates the quiet horror and emotional intensity that made the original manga a critical and commercial success. Takeshita has even expressed an intention to make the anime more frightening than the manga through the unique possibilities of animation.
Streaming Details and Episode Schedule
“The Summer Hikaru Died” is exclusively streaming on Netflix for audiences outside of Japan. In Japan, the series airs on the NTV channel and ABEMA streaming service. New episodes are released weekly on Saturdays. As of the week of July 21-27, 2025, new episodes are available on Netflix, with Episode 4 scheduled for release on July 26, 2025. The first season is expected to comprise 12 episodes.
Critical Reception and Fan Buzz
The series quickly became a talking point among anime enthusiasts, gaining impressive viewership numbers on Netflix. It debuted as the second most-watched show in Japan on Netflix, only behind Dandadan Season 2, and has since reportedly climbed to the #1 spot in Japan. Its success is attributed to its compelling narrative, unsettling visuals, and deep exploration of psychological themes. Critics and fans have lauded its ability to blend horror with heartfelt emotion, making it a standout in the Summer 2025 anime season. The anime’s ability to dance with themes of isolation, young love, and depression, coupled with the monstrous yet sometimes caring nature of the new Hikaru, contributes to its gripping appeal.
The opening theme song, “Saikai” (“Reunion”) by Vaundy, and the ending theme, “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (“You Are My Monster”) by Tooboe, further enhance the anime’s eerie and emotional atmosphere.
The Story So Far
The initial episodes have set a tragic and suspenseful tone. Yoshiki’s internal struggle to reconcile his love for his best friend with the horrifying truth of Hikaru’s replacement forms the core emotional conflict. The narrative explores Yoshiki’s denial and his attempts to maintain a semblance of their past relationship, even as supernatural occurrences begin to manifest around them. The series does not shy away from disturbing imagery and unsettling events, leaving viewers both captivated and disturbed by the blurring lines between friendship and fear. As the season progresses, viewers can anticipate a deeper dive into the village’s lore and the escalating tensions as Yoshiki navigates his unique, terrifying bond.
