A new teaser for The Summer Hikaru Died, the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the youth horror manga, has been unveiled ahead of its scheduled release in the summer of 2025. The series will be broadcast on NTV in Japan and will also be available for global streaming on Netflix, with exclusive free streaming on ABEMA.
A Haunting Premise Based on Mokumoku Ren’s Manga
Adapted from the popular manga by Mokumoku Ren, The Summer Hikaru Died follows the story of Yoshiki, an ordinary high school student who encounters disturbing supernatural events while living with a strange entity that appears to be his childhood friend, Hikaru. The manga has garnered significant attention, surpassing 3 million copies in circulation and ranking first in the “Men’s Edition” of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023.
The anime will be directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for his work on The Jellyfish Can’t Swim at Night. Animation production will be handled by Cygames Pictures, the studio behind Uma Musume Pretty Derby: New Door to the Future. The series will feature Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki and Shuichiro Ueda as Hikaru.
Key Voices Behind the Characters
Chiaki Kobayashi, who voices the protagonist Yoshiki, shared his excitement about bringing the character to life. “From the audition stage, I was captivated by the conflicting emotions Yoshiki experiences—his desire to stay close, yet the awareness that he shouldn’t. The feelings of fear intertwined with comfort were powerful, and I’m determined to pour my heart into this role,” Kobayashi remarked. He also encouraged viewers to look forward to the anime, noting its emotional depth and relevance in today’s diverse world.
Shuichiro Ueda, who voices Hikaru, expressed his enthusiasm for playing the character. “It’s an honor to voice Hikaru, and this role feels like stepping into the darkness. While the character’s emotions are uncertain, one thing is clear—Hikaru’s desire to be with Yoshiki. I’m focusing on capturing this deep emotion and bringing authenticity to the role,” Ueda said.
Director Ryohei Takeshita’s Vision
Director Ryohei Takeshita spoke about the challenge of adapting the original manga into animation, noting his excitement at the prospect of translating the delicate nuances of the characters’ emotions and the unique structure of the manga into the anime format. “Our goal is to faithfully animate the emotional struggles of Yoshiki and Hikaru as they try to understand each other. We’re putting in all our effort to deliver a beautiful adaptation,” said Takeshita.
Teaser Visual and PV Set the Tone
Along with the staff and cast announcements, a teaser visual and teaser PV were released, offering a glimpse into the unsettling atmosphere of the series. The PV begins with a serene conversation between Yoshiki and Hikaru set against the backdrop of a summer suburban landscape. However, the tone shifts dramatically as the peaceful scenes of nature are distorted by unsettling noises and monochrome effects. Negative emotions and eerie dialogue intensify as the PV builds towards a chilling climax, with Yoshiki’s voice asking, “You’re not really Hikaru, are you?” The teaser ends with a disturbing close-up of Yoshiki, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease.
The Summer Hikaru Died – Project Details
Original Work: Mokumoku Ren (Serialized in KADOKAWA’s “Young Ace UP”)
Director & Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi
Sub Animation Director: Masanori Hiraoka
Animation Production: Cygames Pictures
Cast:
Yoshiki: Chiaki Kobayashi
Hikaru: Shuichiro Ueda
The anime is set to premiere in summer 2025, and fans are encouraged to follow the updates as the release date approaches. With its mix of supernatural horror and psychological tension, The Summer Hikaru Died promises to be a standout in the anime lineup of 2025.
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