The Summer Hikaru Died is a Netflix anime adaptation that mixes slice of life with eerie horror. The manga, which began serializing in 2021, follows Yoshiki and his best friend Hikaru.
But when Hikaru unexpectedly dies, he is replaced by an unsettling, otherworldly being. Yoshiki is left to confront the reality of losing his friend and the terror of what has taken his place.
The first trailer sets the tone with haunting visuals and a tense atmosphere. It teases the emotional and supernatural themes of the story, leaving fans eager for more.
Directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, the anime promises to stay true to the delicate emotional depth of the manga.
Chiaki Kobayashi, who voices the lead in Hell’s Paradise, plays Yoshiki, with Shuichiro Umeda, from Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, as Hikaru. Their performances are expected to bring the emotional weight of the story to life.
While there’s no confirmed release date, The Summer Hikaru Died is set to debut in late 2025. Fans of horror and slice of life anime won’t want to miss this gripping new series.
