Fans of the critically acclaimed horror anime, The Summer Hikaru Died (Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu), can now experience its chilling narrative in English, as an official English-dubbed trailer has been released, coinciding with the immediate availability of the full English dub on Netflix. The series, which captivated audiences during its original Japanese run from July to September 2025, is now accessible in multiple languages, significantly broadening its reach to a global audience.
English Dub Brings Horror to a Wider Audience
CyberAgent confirmed the release of The Summer Hikaru Died with English and nine other dubbed languages on Netflix as of November 20, 2025. The new dubbed versions include Spanish (Latin America), Thai, Portuguese (Brazil), French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain), Hindi, and Indonesian, alongside English. This extensive localization allows a much broader international audience to delve into the eerie world of the anime without relying solely on subtitles. The anime adaptation, produced by CygamesPictures and directed by Ryōhei Takeshita, has been praised for its faithful yet enhanced portrayal of the manga’s unsettling atmosphere.
Unraveling the Eerie Premise of The Summer Hikaru Died
The Summer Hikaru Died centers on the inseparable childhood friends Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indo, who live in a quiet, rural Japanese village. Their bond takes a dark turn one winter day when Hikaru disappears in the mountains, only to return a week later. Yoshiki soon realizes that the “Hikaru” who returned is not his friend, but rather a mysterious, otherworldly entity that has taken over Hikaru’s body. Despite this terrifying truth, Yoshiki chooses to keep the entity’s secret, unwilling to let go of the person he loved, even if it’s an imitation. The narrative then explores their complex, changed relationship as strange and ominous incidents begin to plague the village, hinting at deeper supernatural threats. The series is lauded for its “slow-burn” psychological and cosmic horror, driven by Yoshiki’s emotional turmoil and grief rather than overt jump scares.
Critical Acclaim and Manga Origins
The anime is based on the highly popular manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren, which began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up website in August 2021. The manga quickly garnered critical acclaim, topping Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list for best manga for male readers in 2023 and ranking highly in other industry awards. Yen Press has licensed the manga for English publication, further cementing its international appeal. Mokumokuren has described the series as a “coming-of-age horror” with “queer themes,” focusing on the struggle of loving someone who is fundamentally lost. This blend of horror, mystery, and deep emotional exploration has resonated strongly with readers and viewers alike.
A Second Season and Expanding Universe
Following the successful 12-episode run of its first season, which premiered in July 2025 and quickly became a hit on Netflix Japan, a second season of The Summer Hikaru Died has already been announced. The growing popularity of the series has also led to a novelization of the manga, published in December 2023, and a stage play adaptation set to run in Japan in January 2026. This expansion across various media platforms underscores the franchise’s significant impact and the enduring appeal of its unique horror story.
The Appeal of Psychological Horror
The Summer Hikaru Died stands out for its masterful combination of quiet intimacy and pervasive dread. It delves into profound questions about friendship, grief, and identity, offering a nuanced exploration of what it means to care for someone when they are no longer truly themselves. The anime’s ability to maintain a persistent sense of unease through its atmospheric direction and the unsettling nature of Hikaru’s new existence is a key factor in its success. With the English dub now available, a wider audience can now delve into this captivating and terrifying mystery.
