Fans of the supernatural horror anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” eagerly anticipated its eighth installment, which premiered on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, for many international viewers and Sunday, August 24th, 2025, in Japan. Titled “Contact,” Episode 8 thrusts protagonists Yoshiki and Hikaru further into the unsettling secrets of Kubitachi Village as their investigation into Hikaru’s true nature intensifies amidst escalating paranormal occurrences. The episode is available for streaming globally on Netflix, in addition to airing on various Japanese television networks and ABEMA.
Where to Watch “The Summer Hikaru Died” Episode 8
For international audiences, “The Summer Hikaru Died” Episode 8, “Contact,” became available for streaming on Netflix on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025. In Japan, the episode aired on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at 2 AM JST across several television networks including Sapporo TV, Aomori Broadcast, TV Shinshu, and Miyagi TV, with ABEMA also providing streaming services. The series is presented in its native Japanese language with subtitles, and dubbing options may become available later depending on the anime’s popularity.
Recap of Episode 7: A Violent Confession and a Strange Offer
Episode 7 set a tense stage for the latest developments, focusing heavily on the strained relationship between Yoshiki and the entity inhabiting Hikaru’s body. After a day spent trying to recreate normal childhood memories, Yoshiki, overwhelmed by the reality of Hikaru’s transformation and the dangers he poses (especially after Hikaru nearly harmed Asako), made a desperate attempt to end Hikaru’s existence by stabbing him with a knife. This shocking act revealed Hikaru’s invulnerability to conventional physical wounds, leaving Yoshiki in despair and pleading for his own death. Instead, Hikaru responded by tearing off a piece of his own body and offering it to Yoshiki, a gesture he claimed would weaken him and keep his powers in check. The episode concluded with Yoshiki’s grim determination to “figure out what the hell you are.”
Episode 8 Plot Summary: Digging into Kubitachi’s Dark Past
“The Summer Hikaru Died” Episode 8, titled “Contact,” immediately picks up on the aftermath of Yoshiki’s failed attempt on Hikaru’s life. Yoshiki is seen frantically trying to clean Hikaru’s blood-stained shirt, a grim reminder of the previous night’s events. Despite the intense confrontation, the two decide to collaborate to uncover the truth about Hikaru’s origins.
Unraveling the Mystery of Nonuki-Sama
Their investigation begins with a cryptic note Yoshiki found in the original Hikaru’s room, mentioning “Nuki-Sama.” The imposter Hikaru suggests this refers to “Nonuki-Sama,” a name Yoshiki has also heard mentioned by the late Ms. Matsuura. Their quest for answers leads them to Hikaru’s grandfather, who provides fragmented but unsettling insights into Kubitachi Village’s past, hinting at a “murder village,” a long-running curse, and the involvement of “Unuki-san” or Nonuki-Sama in ancient times. They also consult the village librarian, who reveals that Nonuki-Sama was once worshipped as a mountain god, offering blessings in exchange for offerings. However, a famine transformed this deity into a curse god, leading to the splitting of the villages.
Escalating Paranormal Events and Hikaru’s Weakness
As Yoshiki and Hikaru delve deeper, paranormal disturbances become more pronounced. While at a diner, they are suddenly isolated as the establishment empties, and a menacing, headless figure appears, threatening them. Hikaru attempts to fight the entity but is noticeably weakened after giving a piece of his body to Yoshiki, highlighting the unforeseen repercussions of his offering. Yoshiki is momentarily frozen by fear before being jolted back to reality by Rie, suggesting the encounter might have been a shared hallucination or a glimpse into a supernatural plane.
Tanaka’s Investigation and Yoshiki’s Predicament
Meanwhile, the investigator Tanaka, who was largely absent in the previous episodes, re-enters the narrative. While delivering a “good luck charm” to Takeda’s father, Tanaka crosses paths with Yoshiki. His “hamster” (likely a supernatural detection ability) alerts him to Yoshiki’s “mixed” nature, leading Tanaka to suspect that an evil entity is living among the locals and that Yoshiki is somehow connected. The episode also shows the continuing effects of Hikaru’s touch on others, with Asako experiencing hearing problems, further emphasizing the creature’s dangerous influence.
Yoshiki’s Internal Struggle and the Path Ahead
Episode 8 portrays Yoshiki’s increasing internal conflict. While he initially tried to kill Hikaru, he now pledges to stand by him, even questioning Hikaru’s understanding of death and promising to stay by his side if he were to cause harm again. However, he also recognizes that Hikaru’s true nature makes it increasingly difficult for him to remain in the human world. The episode culminates with Yoshiki’s growing awareness that his attachment to the monstrous Hikaru is pushing him to lose his human morals, setting the stage for more profound philosophical and psychological battles in future episodes. The mysteries surrounding Nonuki-Sama, the village’s history, and the full extent of Hikaru’s powers are far from resolved, leaving viewers to ponder what “contact” truly means for the duo and their town.
