The Summer Hikaru Died (2025)
A chilling Japanese anime that unravels supernatural dread and heartbreak when a boy confronts what came back wearing his best friend's face.
The Summer Hikaru Died - Series Information
- Original Title: 光が死んだ夏
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 6, 2025 (United States - TV-14), July 6, 2025 (Canada - 14+), July 6, 2025 (United Kingdom - 12), July 6, 2025 (Germany - 12), July 6, 2025 (France - 12), July 6, 2025 (India - U/A 16+), July 6, 2025 (New Zealand - M), July 6, 2025 (Australia - M), July 6, 2025 (Brazil - 16), July 6, 2025 (Mexico - B-15), July 6, 2025 (Italy - VM14), July 6, 2025 (Spain - 12), July 6, 2025 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: 光逝去的夏天 (CN), Hikaru ga shinda natsu (JP)
- Production Companies: CyPic, KADOKAWA, CyberAgent, Nippon Television Network Corporation
- Production Countries: Japan
The Summer Hikaru Died - Plot
Six months ago, Hikaru vanished for a week. Now, as his best friend Yoshiki senses something amiss and confronts him, the harrowing truth emerges.
The Summer Hikaru Died - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold:
Where to Watch The Summer Hikaru Died
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The Summer Hikaru Died - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Chiaki Kobayashi
- Shuichiro Umeda
- Chikahiro Kobayashi
- Wakana Kowaka
- Yumiri Hanamori
- Yoshiki Nakajima
- Shion Wakayama
- Ryoko Shiraishi
- Seika Hirose
- Setsuji Sato
Writers
- Ryohei Takeshita
- Oki Murayama
Executive Producers
- Shuzo Kasahara
- Hiroko Osawa
- Yosuke Aomura
- Joji Seita
The Summer Hikaru Died - FAQs
Where can you stream The Summer Hikaru Died?
The Summer Hikaru Died is available to stream on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. The series premiered on July 6, 2025, and is accessible to subscribers in multiple regions. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your country.
Is The Summer Hikaru Died based on a manga?
Yes, The Summer Hikaru Died is adapted from the manga of the same name by Mokumokuren, serialized in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan. The manga blends supernatural horror with a deeply emotional boys' love narrative and has earned a devoted international following.
What is The Summer Hikaru Died about?
The series follows Yoshiki, a high school student who suspects that the friend who returned after a mysterious week-long disappearance is no longer truly human. Blending psychological horror with themes of grief, identity, and queer longing, it explores what it means to love someone you can no longer fully recognize.
Is The Summer Hikaru Died a boys' love anime?
The Summer Hikaru Died contains strong boys' love (BL) themes, centering on the intense emotional bond between Yoshiki and Hikaru. While the series is primarily a supernatural psychological horror story, the queer undercurrent is central to its emotional core and is drawn from the source manga.
How many episodes does The Summer Hikaru Died have?
The Summer Hikaru Died currently has 12 episodes across Season 1. A second season has been announced and is in production, though its episode count has not yet been confirmed. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes.
What is the content rating for The Summer Hikaru Died?
The Summer Hikaru Died is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains psychological horror elements, supernatural themes, and emotionally intense scenes. International ratings include 14+ in Canada and 12 in the United Kingdom.
Who voices the main characters in The Summer Hikaru Died?
Chiaki Kobayashi voices protagonist Yoshiki Tsujinaka, while Shuichiro Umeda voices Hikaru Indo. The supporting cast includes Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka, Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, and Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi, among others.
Is The Summer Hikaru Died renewed for a second season?
Yes, The Summer Hikaru Died has been renewed for a second season and is currently listed as a returning series in active production. Season 2 details, including its episode count and premiere date, have not yet been officially announced as of the time of writing.
More About The Summer Hikaru Died
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