THE SUMMER HIKARU DIED anime reveals trailer, cast, and Netflix release window at AnimeJapan 2025

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At AnimeJapan 2025, The Summer Hikaru Died—the highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s haunting manga—debuted its first main trailer, announced additional cast and staff, and revealed its Netflix streaming schedule. The special stage event took place on March 22nd at the GREEN Stage and was hosted by Nippon TV announcer Rina Sato.

A global audience has been awaiting this adaptation since its May 2024 announcement, and the latest updates from the AnimeJapan showcase only heightened that excitement. The Summer Hikaru Died is a coming-of-age horror story centered on high school student Yoshiki and a mysterious entity that has taken the form of his childhood friend, Hikaru Indo. The unsettling tale explores grief, identity, and an encroaching darkness lurking in the ordinary.

Voice actors Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki Tsujinaka) and Shuichiro Umeda (Hikaru) made an appearance dressed in costume, joined by new cast members Yumiri Hanamori (Asako Yamagishi), Wakana Kowaka (Rie Kurebayashi), and Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka).

The newly released trailer introduced the anime’s atmospheric blend of summer nostalgia and creeping terror, set to the emotional ending theme “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You Are My Monster) by TOOBOE. Chiaki Kobayashi praised the trailer’s ability to “stir the imagination” and capture the eerie tranquility of the story’s rural setting.

CygamesPictures will handle animation production, with Ryohei Takeshita (Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night) directing. Yuichi Takahashi joins the team as character designer and chief animation director. Netflix will stream the series exclusively worldwide in Summer 2025.

The stage event highlighted not just plot details, but the passion and preparation behind the scenes. Kobayashi shared insight into his character’s life in a small, judgmental village: “Yoshiki can’t express his frustration with the village’s narrow-minded nature. He’s a realistic character you can imagine existing anywhere.”

Umeda described Hikaru as “a boy who strongly wants to be by Yoshiki’s side,” noting the subtle emotional complexity in portraying a character who is no longer human.

In a spooky twist befitting the series’ horror themes, the cast revealed that a purification ritual was held at the recording studio, reflecting both the show’s tone and the cast’s dedication. “It was a valuable experience,” said Umeda. Unfortunately, Hanamori missed the ritual, jokingly wishing for a second chance.

The cast also detailed their work with dialect coaches to authentically represent the Mie Prefecture setting, showing the production’s commitment to cultural and linguistic realism.

The additional cast members bring to life characters with supernatural sensitivities. Hanamori’s Asako can hear things normal people cannot, while Kowaka’s Rie can see them. Kobayashi’s Tanaka is a mysterious man with a hamster sidekick, teased as a potentially key character in the unfolding story.

The cast encouraged fans to pay close attention to visual and sound details. Hanamori praised the sound design for its eerie authenticity: “You’ll experience moments where you realize, ‘Oh, I shouldn’t have heard that.’” Chikahiro Kobayashi added that headphone listening might amplify the fear factor.

As the event closed, the cast shared heartfelt messages. Chiaki Kobayashi reflected on the emotional core of the story: “It’s not only scary as a horror piece but also a drama that makes you think about friends, family, and even your own existence.” Umeda noted the responsibility of portraying a character so beloved by fans: “I approach the voice recording with the thought of cherishing the existence of Hikaru.”

With its lush animation, nuanced performances, and slow-burning horror, The Summer Hikaru Died is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally resonant anime releases of 2025.

As anticipation builds for the anime adaptation, fans can revisit Hikaru and Yoshiki’s story through the physical manga, available from Yen Press.

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