The highly anticipated season finale of “The Summer Hikaru Died,” Episode 12 titled “Its Place,” premiered on Saturday, September 27, 2025, streaming exclusively on Netflix. The episode brought a melancholic yet powerful conclusion to the first arc of the folk-horror and queer romance series, leaving viewers with an emotionally charged resolution for its protagonists while simultaneously setting the stage for future mysteries. Immediately following its broadcast in Japan, a second season of the anime was officially announced, much to the excitement of fans.
A Bittersweet Farewell and a Confession
The finale delves deep into the complex relationship between Yoshiki and the entity inhabiting his deceased friend Hikaru. The episode opens with Hikaru making the weighty decision to return to the mountain where the original Hikaru died. This choice stems from a newfound realization, spurred by Asako’s confrontation, that his presence prevents others from properly grieving the loss of the real Hikaru. Asako, having seen Hikaru’s “monster form,” understands the truth but, instead of fear, shows a tender understanding, acknowledging the pain of the original Hikaru’s absence.
In a pivotal sequence, Hikaru invites Yoshiki on one last poignant outing to the ocean. Here, Hikaru tearfully conveys his intent to leave, believing it is what’s best for everyone. However, Yoshiki’s raw grief and desperate need for his friend, regardless of his monstrous nature, surface in a powerful confession. He declares his love for Hikaru, admitting his own “selfishness” and labeling himself a “monster” for clinging to this altered version of his friend, stating that without him, life feels “empty, meaningless”. This moment is hailed as a breakthrough, as both characters shed their pretenses and confront their deepest feelings.
Unveiling Deeper Truths and Unresolved Mysteries
Beyond the emotional core of Yoshiki and Hikaru’s bond, the finale also provides significant lore revelations. Tanaka, the enigmatic investigator, drops a bombshell: Nonuki-sama, the revered village deity, never actually existed. This revelation shatters the long-held folklore of Kigobayama village and suggests a far darker, more arcane force at play behind the local curses and disappearances, rendering the traditional family rituals useless and implying the real Hikaru died in vain.
The episode masterfully balances these revelations with the ongoing personal journeys of the characters. Hikaru, despite his otherworldly origin, demonstrates remarkable personal growth, showing empathy and choosing to act in a way that minimizes harm to others, even if it means self-sacrifice. Yoshiki, too, undergoes a profound transformation, accepting his romantic feelings and moving past his initial denial and self-doubt. The ending sees the two choosing coexistence, an uneasy peace where they remain “together yet still surrounded by shadows,” with many mysteries unresolved.
Critical Acclaim and the Road Ahead
The finale, described as “visually emotional and powerful,” garnered positive reception for its focus on the central relationship, effectively rebounding from earlier episodes that some critics felt struggled with narrative pacing. CygamesPictures’ “gorgeously grotesque monster visuals” and creative camera work were also highlighted as contributing to the episode’s impact.
Fans will not have long to wait for the continuation of Yoshiki and Hikaru’s haunting tale. Following the emotional conclusion of Season 1, a second season of “The Summer Hikaru Died” was swiftly confirmed. The announcement, accompanied by a new visual and a teaser video, indicated that Season 2 will delve into the “Hole Closing Arc” from the manga, promising to explore even darker truths about Hikaru’s origins and the growing rift allowing more impurities into their world. While a return date was not specified, the rapid confirmation underscores the series’ critical and commercial success, which quickly topped Netflix’s “Today’s Top 10 Series” in Japan during its initial run.
