The Summer Hikaru Died continues to captivate audiences with its blend of horror, mystery, and profound character exploration. Episode 9, titled “Old Man Takeda,” delves further into the unsettling secrets of the village and the complex, evolving relationship between Yoshiki and the entity inhabiting Hikaru’s body. The episode intensifies the supernatural threats while shedding light on the town’s dark past and introducing a crucial new ally.
Episode Overview: “Old Man Takeda” Deep Dive
Episode 9 opens with Yoshiki recalling a memory of an Indo family ancestral ritual, observing the original Hikaru contemplating stealing mushroom bun offerings. The narrative quickly shifts to the present, finding Yoshiki and the current Hikaru at Kurebayashi’s house, where a sleeping Hikaru allows Yoshiki to gather vital information. This episode serves as a pivotal moment, connecting past traumas with current supernatural dangers and solidifying the bond between the two protagonists.
A Glimpse into the Past and Family Rituals
The episode subtly begins by tapping into Yoshiki’s memories of a past ritual for the Indo family ancestors, potentially Hikaru’s father’s side. Yoshiki’s concern for Hikaru’s perceived sadness contrasts humorously with Hikaru’s actual thought of pilfering mushroom buns, a small detail that underscores the pre-tragedy innocence. This brief flashback sets a thematic undertone of ancestral connections and the quiet traditions of the village that will later prove significant.
Kurebayashi’s Wisdom and the Nature of Impurities
A key development in Episode 9 is the growing involvement of Kurebayashi, who emerges as an unlikely ally for Yoshiki and Hikaru. She clarifies the nature of the malevolent entities plaguing the village, referring to them as “impurities” – spirits whose emotions violently manifest when the barrier between worlds weakens. Intriguingly, Kurebayashi reveals that Hikaru himself acts as a “lightning rod” for such spirits.
Her understanding of these phenomena stems from a deeply personal tragedy: her own husband had once returned from the dead, an event that tragically resulted in harm to their child. This shared experience allows her to empathize with Yoshiki’s predicament, as she too was once in a similar position, witnessing a loved one return in an altered state. Kurebayashi offers invaluable support and a nuanced perspective, distinguishing Hikaru’s unique nature as “more than an impurity” and someone who “transcends the cycle of life, death, and rebirth”. However, she delivers a grave warning to Hikaru: if Yoshiki continues to “mix” with him, Yoshiki may lose his ability to remain human.
Evolving Dynamics Between Yoshiki and Hikaru
The bond between Yoshiki and the entity impersonating Hikaru deepens significantly throughout the episode, navigating a complex emotional landscape. Hikaru’s condition visibly weakens, a consequence of him having shared a part of himself with Yoshiki earlier in the narrative, leaving him more vulnerable to attacks from impurities. This reversal of roles sees Yoshiki becoming fiercely protective, even declaring his willingness to bear Hikaru’s sins alongside him, regardless of the severity.
A particularly poignant scene involves Yoshiki creating a makeshift grave for the original Hikaru, mourning the friend he lost, a secret he believes only he knows. The current Hikaru follows him, discovering their old hideout and childhood games. This leads to a tender yet unsettling conversation where Hikaru asks about his differences from the original and inquires if Yoshiki “like-liked” the old Hikaru. While Yoshiki states he doesn’t feel that way about this Hikaru, he also reassures him that he doesn’t need to strive to be human, accepting him for who he is, as long as he commits no harm. This exchange highlights Yoshiki’s unwavering loyalty and the unique, blurring lines of their relationship.
Unveiling the Village’s Dark History and Nonuki-sama
The episode peels back more layers of the village’s unsettling past, gradually weaving a tapestry of mystery and dread. A chilling discovery reveals that the map of the villages collectively forms the shape of a human body, a sinister piece of symbolism suggesting a deeper, perhaps ritualistic, connection to their geography.
Further lore surrounding the deity Nonuki-sama comes to light. Once worshipped as a benevolent protector, Nonuki-sama is now feared as a vengeful and cruel entity following an ancient famine and curse, believed to be sealed away on the mountain. Old Man Takeda, in a panicked state, reveals that the Indo family’s rituals were either botched or disrespected, leading to terrifying supernatural consequences. The village elders are hinted to harbor dark secrets about these past events and the sealing of Nonuki-sama.
Tanaka’s Confrontation and New Mysteries
Amidst the growing revelations, Tanaka, a character working for a mysterious company, has his own impactful encounter. He confronts an impurity from the diner, which, upon blasting through him, imbues him with memories taken from Yoshiki and Hikaru. This event suggests Tanaka’s mission extends beyond what was initially perceived, hinting at a deeper, personal objective. The episode also sees the unsettling entrance of a new, cryptic presence who seemingly recognizes Hikaru, hinting at larger forces at play, potentially tied to the Indo family’s ancestral guilt and legacy.
Release Information and Fan Reception
“The Summer Hikaru Died” anime, produced by CygamesPictures, premiered in July 2025 and quickly became a streaming hit. Episode 9 was originally scheduled for August 30, 2025, but experienced a one-week delay, instead releasing on September 6, 2025, due to Nippon TV’s annual “24-Hour Television / Love Saves the Earth” telethon. This delay, while disappointing to fans, only intensified anticipation for what was widely regarded as a crucial episode. Fans have praised the anime for its faithful adaptation of the manga, highlighting its unique blend of horror and slice-of-life elements. The series is available for international streaming on Netflix.
