The coming-of-age horror The Summer Hikaru Died is set to stream on Netflix, with a summer 2025 release window.
Netflix has found success adapting some of the best horror anime series and films, including Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, which debuted on the platform in 2023. CyberAgent Inc. shared a special report on the stage event for the TV anime The Summer Hikaru Died, held at AnimeJapan 2025. The report outlined that the series is set for worldwide exclusive streaming on Netflix and included staff details and a summary of the show. The Japanese voice cast and staff also spoke in more depth about the story, and the ending theme was revealed.
The Summer Hikaru Died is a hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki Tsujinaka, who experiences various mysterious incidents involving Hikaru, a mysterious being that imitates his best friend, Hikaru Indo. The two grew up in the rural community of Kubitachi Village, a quiet countryside area where most residents try to live simple lives. The manga is currently serialized on Young Ace UP, published by Kadokawa, and crafted by emerging talent Mokumokuren.
Appearing in response to the call of Nippon TV announcer Rina Sato, who hosted the stage event, were Chiaki Kobayashi, who plays Yoshiki, and Shuichiro Umeda, who plays Hikaru. Both were dressed in costumes inspired by their characters. Chiaki also brought a doll of the stray cat Mince-Aniki, who appears in the story. Some lighthearted interactions between the two and the audience followed.
Kobayashi pointed out an important detail in the latest key visual: “…Hikaru seems to be reflected behind Yoshiki’s back. Hikaru is in the sunlight, and Yoshiki is in the shadow. Just looking at this expands so many images. It’s a truly excellent key visual. The scenery depicted is beautiful, but conversely, it accentuates the horror aspect.”
Umeda agreed and added, “You can feel the horror in the tiny incongruities within the village’s everyday life. But the way it’s depicted as being normal is somewhat terrifying. I think the key visual captures that tension well.”
Kobayashi went on to explain that “coming-of-age horror” is the perfect way to describe the upcoming Netflix anime. He noted that the story is beautifully crafted to balance both the coming-of-age and horror elements. “It’s balanced in a way that both fans and those who aren’t fond of horror can enjoy it, and there’s a dramatic aspect within it,” he said. “I always feel that it is a work that many people can enjoy.” This was an important observation, as many teen horror stories often lack the teen aspect, with characters serving only as fodder for the killer or monster.
The animation will be directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for directing Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night and several episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen. CygamesPictures will handle animation production for the series. The ending theme, titled Anata wa Kaibutsu (“You Are My Monster”), is performed by Tooboe.
The special event for the Netflix anime also introduced three additional cast members: Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi, Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, and Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka. Without revealing too much, these characters contribute to the supernatural elements of the story, as they are also connected to the occult.
From the main trailer, the series appears to be inspired by Junji Ito’s art and animation style of horror. Few horror scenes were shown — likely to save the best for the show’s release. The actors concluded by saying the anime will be “somewhat relaxed” but carries “a subtle fear” that creeps into the quiet, leisurely village. While there is still no official release date, fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the official website.
