The anticipation for Netflix's thrilling new adaptation continues to grow as they unveil the initial teaser for a psychological horror anime titled The Summer Hikaru Died. This adaptation draws directly from a widely acclaimed manga, capturing an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors its source material.
The trailer starts with a glimpse of two friends discussing their post-high school plans, set against the backdrop of an idyllic town. However, this serene setting quickly escalates into something far more surreal, as their dialogue becomes warped, revealing visions full of disturbing and eerie elements. One character questions, "You’re not Hikaru, are you?" just as a boy with dark hair is seen in distress while another friend tries to comfort him. A chilling "Don’t tell anyone" follows, suggesting the complexity of identities at play.
This anime is adapted from the renowned comic by Mokumokuren, which tells the story of a young man who learns that his closest companion, Hikaru, has fallen victim to a malevolent force, thrusting him into a world of supernatural threats.
The narrative centers around two childhood friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, hailing from a serene rural village in Japan. According to Netflix’s synopsis, their bond is tested when Hikaru returns from an outing in the mountains, seemingly transformed. The essence of his being appears altered, as if consumed by an unknown presence, leading to a chain of unraveling truths about their lives.
Directed by Ryohei Takeshita, the series features voice acting from Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki and Shuichiro Umeda as Hikaru. While there is no set release date yet, The Summer Hikaru Died is slated to debut on Netflix globally in 2025, joining a growing lineup of popular anime.
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