The upcoming anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s horror manga, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” has revealed its main trailer, additional cast members, and the ending theme song. The trailer offers a glimpse into the eerie world of Yoshiki and the mysterious being imitating his best friend, Hikaru, setting the stage for a chilling blend of slice-of-life and supernatural horror.
New Cast Members Announced
Three new cast members have joined the project, adding depth to the story’s intriguing characters:
- Yumiri Hanamori as Asako Yamagishi, a classmate of Yoshiki.
- Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, a housewife who possesses the ability to perceive things that others cannot.
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka, a man working for a certain company and seemingly investigating something.
TOOBOE to Perform Ending Theme “Anata wa Kaibutsu”
The ending theme song, titled “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You are a Monster), will be performed by the music creator TOOBOE. The trailer provides a preview of the song, which adds to the anime’s unsettling atmosphere.
Production Details
- Director and Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita ( Eromanga Sensei, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night, Pokémon: Paldean Winds)
- Character Design and Chief Animation Director: Yūichi Takahashi (Stars Align, Macross Frontier, Vivy -Fluorite Eye’s Song-)
- “Dorodoro” Animator: Masanobu Hiraoka (Snorunt’s Summer Vacation)
- Studio: CygamesPictures (Princess Connect! Re:Dive)
Story Synopsis
“The Summer Hikaru Died” follows Yoshiki, a high school boy, and his best friend Hikaru. One day, Hikaru goes missing in the mountains, only to return a week later, seemingly unchanged. However, Yoshiki soon realizes that something is amiss – the Hikaru who came back is not the same. The story explores the mysterious incidents that occur as Yoshiki grapples with the unsettling reality that his best friend is now something else entirely.
Premiere and Streaming
The anime is set to premiere in the summer of 2025 on the NTV channel in Japan. It will also be available for streaming worldwide on Netflix and in Japan on ABEMA.
Manga Popularity
The original manga series by Mokumokuren launched in August 2021 on Kadokawa’s Young Ace Up website. As of December 2024, the manga has six compiled book volumes, with over 3 million copies in circulation. Yen Press publishes the English version of the manga. The manga has also inspired a light novel adaptation by Mio Nukaga. Mokumokuren has stated that the manga is planned to reach 10 volumes.
