Netflix has officially announced that it will exclusively stream the anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died starting in the summer of 2025. The announcement came alongside a beautifully crafted trailer, subtitled in French, showcasing the atmospheric and haunting tone of the series.
Key Staff and Voice Cast Revealed
The anime boasts an impressive lineup of talent:
- Director and Script Structure: Ryôhei Takeshita (Eromanga Sensei, Pokémon: The Winds of Paldea, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night)
- Character Design and Animation Direction: Yûichi Takahashi (Macross Frontier, Tsuritama, FLCL Alternative)
- Studio: Cygames (Granblue Fantasy, Uma Musume: Pretty Derby, Princess Connect! Re: Dive)
For the voice cast, two talented actors will bring the leads to life:
- Yoshiki Tsujinaka: Played by Chiaki Kobayashi (Blue Box, Hell’s Paradise, Moriarty)
- Hikaru: Played by Shûichirô Umeda (Blue Miburo, Makeine, Bucket List of the Dead)
Manga Success
The anime is based on Mokumokuren’s critically acclaimed manga, The Summer Hikaru Died. Released in France by Pika Edition in October 2023, the manga has garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for the FIBD in Angoulême. It also won first place in the “Manga for Boys” category at the Kono Manga ga Sugoi awards in 2023. With its blend of supernatural, horror, mystery, and drama, the series enjoys widespread acclaim in Japan and abroad.
Synopsis
Hikaru and Yoshiki have been inseparable childhood friends, growing up together in a secluded village. However, Yoshiki begins to suspect that something is amiss with Hikaru after his disappearance in the forest six months earlier. His fears are confirmed: Hikaru has been replaced by “something else.” Despite this unsettling revelation, Yoshiki cannot bring himself to abandon his friend and continues his life alongside the perfect imitation of Hikaru. As the two navigate this eerie reality, mysterious and strange incidents begin to unfold in their village.
What to Expect
The Summer Hikaru Died promises a gripping narrative filled with emotional depth and spine-chilling moments. Fans of supernatural and psychological anime will not want to miss this highly anticipated adaptation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting release, including additional trailers, cast announcements, and behind-the-scenes details.