In 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive platform outside of Japan to stream the anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s critically acclaimed manga series, The Summer Hikaru Died.
Below is everything we know about the upcoming anime so far.
On November 27, 2024, Netflix’s official X account unveiled a new teaser trailer for the anime The Summer Hikaru Died.
While Netflix only teased that the anime is “coming soon,” the streaming platform confirmed that it will be available globally, except in Japan.
In contrast, the animated movie is anticipated to premiere in Japan in 2025. However, the exact release date has not been announced yet.
More About The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died is a supernatural horror anime series, both written and directed by Ryōhei Takeshita.
This show is an adaptation of the award-winning manga of the same name by Mokumokuren.
The manga was nominated for the 16th Manga Taisho Awards, officially known in English as the “Cartoon Grand Prize.”
It was also featured in the New York Public Library’s 2023 Teen Best Books list.
Furthermore, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), part of the American Library Association (ALA), included the manga in its 2024 list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
The creator of the manga, Mokumokuren, was recognized with nominations for this year’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.
Mokumokuren was nominated for Best Writer/Artist, while the manga itself was nominated for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia.
The animation is brought to life by the renowned studio, CygamesPictures.
Director Ryōhei Takeshita shared his thoughts, stating:
“Reading the original work was exciting, and I pondered how to express its frames in animation. Our team was very dedicated to capturing the delicate emotions of Yoshiki and Hikaru, as well as the manga’s beautiful and innovative structure. We look forward to sharing it with you.”
What Is The Plot of The Summer Hikaru Died?
A secluded village in Japan is home to Yoshiki and Hikaru, two inseparable best friends who grew up together.
However, everything changed when Hikaru returned from the mountains one day, utterly transformed.
“Something” had taken control of Hikaru’s body, memories, and emotions. Suddenly, their entire world began to unravel.
This thrilling blend of slice-of-life and the paranormal unfolds in the newly released teaser video, unveiling the mysterious universe of Yoshiki and Hikaru.
Who Are the Cast Members of “The Summer Hikaru Died”?
The anime features Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Shūichirō Umeda as Hikaru Indou.
Shūichirō Umeda shared his thoughts on being cast in the lead role:
“Playing Hikaru was like peering into darkness. Despite uncertainties, my desire to stay connected with Yoshiki was clear, and I approached the role with that strong feeling.”
Chiaki Kobayashi also expressed his excitement about portraying Yoshiki:
“I’m thrilled to voice Yoshiki. From the audition, I felt a whirlwind of emotions — fear, comfort, and uncertainty. My goal was to capture all of Yoshiki’s feelings and melancholy.”
