Mokumokuren's youth horror manga, The Summer Hikaru Died, which blends supernatural elements with BL and high school drama, famously topped the male readers' category of the 2023 "Kono Manga ga Sugoi!" guide.
After an anime adaptation was confirmed last May, new details emerged at the AnimeJapan 2025 event on March 22. The first promotional video and main cast were revealed, confirming that the TV anime The Summer Hikaru Died will premiere in Summer 2025 as a Netflix worldwide exclusive.
The Summer Hikaru Died was originally self-published by creator Mokumokuren before being serialized on Kadokawa's "Young Ace UP" digital platform. Six collected volumes have been released to date.
The story centers on two childhood best friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru. After Hikaru vanishes in the mountains for a week, he returns, but Yoshiki immediately senses something is wrong. He confronts the boy, asking, "You're not Hikaru, are you?"
The "monster" wearing Hikaru's face reveals its true nature. This entity has inherited the deceased Hikaru's body, personality, and memories—including his romantic feelings for Yoshiki. Because Hikaru's presence is so important to him, Yoshiki allows the imposter to stay. However, this decision triggers a series of horrifying incidents in their small town.
The main voice cast has also been announced. Chiaki Kobayashi will voice the protagonist, Yoshiki Tsujinaka, while Shuichiro Umeda will play Hikaru. They are joined by Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi, Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, and Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka.
▼ The Summer Hikaru Died TV Anime Promotional Video
The series is known for its unique plot, which combines supernatural horror with BL themes to explore the unsettling line between "monster" and human. The story follows its two teenage protagonists as they navigate a complex and dangerous new reality.
For those interested, the manga is available now and serves as a perfect entry point before the anime's premiere next summer. Stay tuned for more official updates as the release date approaches.
STAFF
Original Creator: Mokumokuren (Serialized in KADOKAWA's "Young Ace UP")
Director & Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi
Special Effects Animator: Masanobu Hiraoka
Prop Design: Ryunosuke Ouji
Sub-Character Design: Mai Watanabe, Hiroko Saigan, Shoko Nagasawa
Art Setting: Shuhei Tada, Takeyuki Takahashi, Yudai Sono
Art Director: Kohei Honda
Color Design: Naomi Nakano
Color Design Assistant: Yuko Koshida
3D Director: Yoshinori Nakano
Director of Photography: Tomohiro Maeda
2D Design: Yusuke Nagara, Yuri Tsue
Editing: Kashiko Kimura
Sound Director: Koji Kasamatsu
Sound Production: dugout
Music: Taro Umebayashi
Ending Theme: "Anata wa Kaibutsu" by TOOBOE
Animation Production: CygamesPictures
via： 動畫《光逝去的夏天》官網