Supernatural mystery fans, get ready! The highly anticipated anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died just dropped a chilling new trailer at AnimeJapan 2025. The event also revealed three more cast members and a sneak peek of the hauntingly beautiful ending theme song, “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You Are My Monster) by TOOBOE. With its summer 2025 premiere confirmed and Netflix exclusive worldwide streaming, this anime is shaping up to be one of the most captivating and eerie releases of the year.
New Cast Members & Characters Revealed
The latest trailer not only showcases the mysterious and emotional atmosphere of The Summer Hikaru Died, but also introduces three important supporting characters joining the cast:
- Yumiri Hanamori (Marin in My Dress-Up Darling, Ai Hayasaka in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) as Asako Yamagishi, Yoshiki’s classmate.
- Wakana Kowaka (debut role) as Rie Kurebayashi, a housewife with the ability to see things that normal people cannot.
- Chikahiro Kobayashi (Legoshi in BEASTARS, Rengoku in Demon Slayer: Mugen Train) as Tanaka, an employee of a mysterious company investigating strange occurrences.
These additions to the cast only add to the sense of mystery and psychological horror that the anime is known for, making fans even more eager for its premiere this summer.
A Haunting Story of Friendship, Horror, and the Unknown
Based on Mokumokuren’s critically acclaimed manga, The Summer Hikaru Died tells the story of Yoshiki and Hikaru, two childhood friends living in a quiet village. But after Hikaru is engulfed by a strange, blinding light, everything changes. He still looks and sounds the same, but something is off—as if he is no longer human.
🎭 Yoshiki wants to believe his best friend is still there, but how do you stay by the side of someone who isn’t themselves anymore?
The trailer beautifully captures the chilling and melancholic tone of the story, emphasizing its blend of horror, suspense, and deep emotional drama. It’s a tale of love, loss, and terrifying existential dread, and the anime is expected to faithfully capture the hauntingly poetic essence of the manga.
Where & When to Watch The Summer Hikaru Died
Mark your calendars—The Summer Hikaru Died premieres in Summer 2025!
- 📺 Broadcast in Japan: NTV channel
- 🌍 Streaming (Worldwide): Netflix (Exclusive)
- 🇯🇵 Streaming (Japan): ABEMA
With Netflix securing exclusive rights, fans around the world can expect a high-quality release, complete with subtitles and likely dubs in multiple languages.
Meet the Talented Team Behind the Anime
✨ Studio: Cygames Pictures (Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, Pokémon: Paldean Winds)
🎬 Director: Ryohei Takeshita (Eromanga Sensei)
📝 Script Supervisor: Ryohei Takeshita
🎨 Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi (Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-)
🎶 Music: TOOBOE (Ending Song: “Anata wa Kaibutsu”)
With a mix of experienced talent and fresh creative vision, The Summer Hikaru Died is in excellent hands. The trailer alone hints at gorgeous animation, unsettling tension, and deep emotional storytelling—everything that made the manga a modern horror masterpiece.
Why You Should Be Excited
🔥 The Summer Hikaru Died isn’t just another horror anime—it’s a psychological and emotional rollercoaster. If you love anime like Another, Shadows House, or Summertime Rendering, this one should immediately be on your watchlist.
Here’s why it’s a must-watch:
✅ Deep emotional themes: A heartbreaking exploration of identity, loss, and friendship.
✅ Horror & suspense: A slow-burning mystery with chilling supernatural elements.
✅ Stunning animation: The trailer showcases gorgeous backgrounds, eerie lighting, and expressive character designs.
✅ Award-winning source material: The manga is internationally acclaimed, with nominations for the Eisner Awards and Manga Taisho Awards.
With its intense psychological depth and a gripping story, The Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated anime of 2025.
FAQs
No. The anime will stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide and on ABEMA in Japan.
Yes! It’s adapted from Mokumokuren’s award-nominated horror manga, which has been praised for its emotional depth and eerie storytelling.
It’s a mix of horror, psychological drama, mystery, and supernatural thriller, making it perfect for fans of eerie, thought-provoking stories.
