The Summer Hikaru Died continues to masterfully blend supernatural horror with deeply personal character drama, and Episode 5, titled “Wig Ghost,” is a prime example. This installment delves further into the unsettling realities of Yoshiki’s life with the entity inhabiting Hikaru’s body, while also exploring the evolving, complex nature of their bond and introducing a new, eerie threat.
The “Wig Ghost” Haunts the Household
The episode opens with a chilling domestic scene as Yoshiki’s younger sister, Kaoru, encounters a bizarre and disturbing supernatural presence in their bathroom: a “Wig Ghost” — a blob of long, creepy hair emerging from the drain. This unsettling experience leaves Kaoru traumatized and afraid to bathe, disrupting the already fragile normalcy of their home.
Upon learning of the incident, Hikaru, ever-protective of Yoshiki and his family, offers to investigate. This sets the stage for a tense confrontation within the seemingly safe confines of their home, highlighting how supernatural occurrences are no longer confined to the woods but are now infiltrating Yoshiki’s personal space.
A Deeper Dive into Yoshiki and Hikaru’s Connection
Beyond the immediate horror, “Wig Ghost” significantly deepens the intricate and often ambiguous relationship between Yoshiki and the entity that is Hikaru. The episode provides moments of introspection and physical intimacy that further blur the lines between friendship, horror, and something more profound.
The Unsettling Experiment
A key moment involves Yoshiki’s second attempt to “enter” Hikaru, a strange, almost ritualistic act that parallels intimacy. Initially, Yoshiki finds it less unsettling than before, but when Hikaru attempts to reciprocate the touch, the experience quickly overwhelms Yoshiki, sending him into a panic. This interaction is depicted as simultaneously erotic and uncanny, further emphasizing the unique and bizarre nature of their connection.
During this unsettling encounter, Hikaru realizes that a malevolent entity, the “Wig Ghost,” has possessed Yoshiki, using him as a shield. The ghost drags Yoshiki into a dream state, forcing him to relive a childhood fight with the real Hikaru. This flashback is significant, revealing a moment of past conflict between the boys and an ironic line from young Yoshiki about the naturalness of death—a truth his older self now struggles to accept. The entity inside Yoshiki even causes him to bite Hikaru, leaving a mark.
The Aftermath and Strengthening Bond
After the “Wig Ghost” is driven away (though not destroyed), Hikaru explains that Yoshiki’s resistance to such entities is weak. This event reinforces Hikaru’s protective instincts towards Yoshiki, making it clear that he will fight to keep Yoshiki safe. Despite the terrifying experience, the incident appears to bring them closer, solidifying their co-dependent dynamic. Yoshiki grapples with the fear of potentially harming Hikaru due to these possessions but also finds himself wishing that Hikaru could truly live like a human. The episode suggests that Yoshiki’s “emo aura” might be attracting these spirits, and that “mixing” with Hikaru may also attract other entities.
The Looming Threat of Tanaka and Nonuki-sama
While much of the episode focuses on Yoshiki and Hikaru’s domestic supernatural encounter, the narrative also continues to build suspense around the enigmatic character of Tanaka. In the woods, Tanaka is seen using his blood to draw out “Nonuki-sama,” the powerful being the villagers fear. Takeda, who works with Tanaka, suspects that Tanaka’s actions could lead to the destruction of the town, and perhaps even finds the idea appealing. A post-credit scene further hints at Tanaka’s relentless pursuit of Nonuki-sama, suggesting an escalating conflict that will inevitably draw in Hikaru and Yoshiki.
Themes and Artistic Choices
“Wig Ghost” effectively utilizes shifts in tone, transitioning from creepy horror to everyday school life (like a cooking class where Yoshiki uncomfortably compares raw chicken to touching Hikaru’s insides) before diving back into the supernatural. This contrast amplifies the unsettling nature of the series. The episode excels in building quiet dread through seamless storytelling and consistent visual quality from CygamesPictures, maintaining an eerie atmosphere with muted tones and stark contrasts.
Ultimately, Episode 5 of The Summer Hikaru Died explores themes of fear of the “other,” the complexities of grief, and the moral dilemmas plaguing Yoshiki. It solidifies the unique, almost romantic, bond between Yoshiki and the entity, showcasing their growing trust and willingness to protect each other, even as more dangers emerge. The episode reinforces the idea that their relationship is at the heart of the series, even if it means slowing down the broader plot progression to delve into their developing intimacy and mutual acceptance.
