Get ready for a dive into the unsettling and surreal! Netflix has just dropped a treasure trove of information for the highly anticipated worldwide exclusive streaming anime, “The Summer Hikaru Died”. Following a special stage event at AnimeJapan 2025, we’ve been treated to the main trailer, the reveal of new cast members, and a sneak peek at the haunting ending theme song. Prepare to be captivated by this must-see horror anime that has already garnered significant buzz since its adaptation announcement in May 2024.
For those unfamiliar, “The Summer Hikaru Died” is a gripping horror manga by Mokumokuren. It follows Yoshiki, an ordinary high school boy, as he navigates a series of bizarre and terrifying incidents alongside a mysterious being that has taken the form of his best friend, Hikaru Indou. The manga’s exploration of “whatever it is” and Yoshiki’s descent into a unique form of madness has resonated deeply with readers, and the anime adaptation promises to bring this chilling story to life.
A First Look: Main Trailer and Eerie Ending Theme
The main trailer has finally arrived, offering a glimpse into the anime’s unique blend of slice-of-life moments intertwined with the creeping dread of the supernatural. Adding to the unsettling atmosphere is the first reveal of the ending theme song, “Anata wa Kaibutsu (you are my monster)”, performed by the incredibly talented and currently trending artist, TOOBOE. This song promises to be the perfect accompaniment to the anime’s eerie narrative.
You can check out the main trailer below:
Welcome New Faces to the Cast!
Joining the previously announced voice actors Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki) and Shuichiro Umeda (Hikaru) are three exciting new additions to the cast:
- Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi, a classmate of Yoshiki who possesses the ability to “hear” things others cannot. Described as tall, lively, and intelligent.
- Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, a housewife with the ability to “see” the supernatural. She is concerned for Yoshiki’s well-being due to the dangerous presence surrounding him and urges him to stay away.
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka, a seemingly carefree and elusive man investigating something for a certain company, often accompanied by his hamster.
The new cast members shared their excitement and thoughts on their roles:
Yumiri Hanamori (Asako Yamagishi): “The first time I read this work, I was greatly shocked that the story begins from the point where it didn’t make it in time. In a place that shouldn’t have existed. What if ‘something’ very close to what didn’t make it appears in front of us? What choice would we choose? What will be awaiting them at the end of their summer? I will do my best to play the role so that you can feel the atmosphere that sticks to your skin. Thank you very much.”
Wakana Kowaka (Rie Kurebayashi): “I’m looking forward to seeing how this work, which is filled with various emotions, how it will be visualized. And the Mie dialect! We are all working so hard to record it! I want to do my best to play Rie Kurebayashi, who is close to Yoshiki and Hikaru and has kindness in her sternness.”
Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka): “When I read the original story, my heart was firmly grasped from the beginning! The scene of ‘Summer’ that everyone feels nostalgic for is mixed with the fear and wonder of not knowing what is happening. It’s really interesting. I’m very happy to be able to mix in with the atmosphere of this work…! Let’s watch it together when summer comes!”
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Meet the Characters:
- Asako Yamagishi (voiced by Yumiri Hanamori): A perceptive classmate who can sense the unseen.
- Rie Kurebayashi (voiced by Wakana Kowaka): A caring housewife burdened with the ability to perceive the dangerous supernatural.
- Tanaka (voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi): A mysterious investigator with a laid-back demeanor.
The Haunting Melody of “The Summer Hikaru Died”
The ending theme song, “Anata wa Kaibutsu (you are my monster),” is crafted by the multi-talented TOOBOE, known for their distinctive voice and captivating music. TOOBOE shared their thoughts on creating the song:
“Hello, I’m TOOBOE, and I will be in charge of the ending theme song. In creating this piece, I delved deeply into the original story, contemplating how one might savor memories and promises upon realizing that the neighbor the one believed to be true isn’t actually who the one thought. The more I tried to understand Yoshiki’s feelings, the more pure, sorrowful, and cruel they became. The resulting song, ‘Anata wa Kaibutsu (you are my monster)’ became a kind of forgiveness that I extended to the characters. I hope it can add a vibrant touch to this wonderful story. Thank you for your support.”
TOOBOE is a rising artist with a significant presence in the online music scene, having gained recognition for their work, including the ending theme for “Chainsaw Man” Episode 4, “JOUZAI (TABLET).”
Behind the Scenes of “The Summer Hikaru Died”
The talented team bringing “The Summer Hikaru Died” to life includes:
- Original Work: Mokumokuren (Serialized in KADOKAWA’s “YOUNG ACE UP”)
- Director / Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita (Known for “Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night”)
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi
- DORODORO Animator: Masanobu Hiraoka
- Animation Production: CygamesPictures
Yuichi Takahashi (Character Designer & Chief Animation Director) emphasized the challenge of capturing the subtle nuances of the characters from the original manga, aiming to convey their “breath and body temperature.”
Masanobu Hiraoka (DORODORO Animator) highlighted the importance of the unsettling “DORODORO” (slimy) elements in creating the eerie atmosphere and the effort to depict its viscosity and unpleasantness to leave a lasting impression.
Taro Umebayashi (Music) expressed his honor in contributing to the music for this beloved series.
Get Ready to Be Chilled!
“The Summer Hikaru Died” promises to be a unique and unsettling anime experience, blending the familiar warmth of summer with a creeping sense of dread and the unknown. With a talented cast and crew, a haunting ending theme, and a compelling original story, this is one anime you won’t want to miss when it streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
Stay updated on all the latest news by following:
- Official Website: https://hikanatsu-anime.com/
- Official X (Japanese): https://x.com/hikaru_anime_en
- Netflix Title Page: https://www.netflix.com/title/81948057
Mark your calendars and prepare for a summer where the sunshine hides something sinister!
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.