The anime ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ is set to air on NTV in the summer of 2025, with global exclusive distribution on Netflix and free exclusive streaming on ABEMA.
Based on the youth horror manga of the same name by Mokumoku Ren, the series follows an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who encounters various supernatural incidents while living with a mysterious “Something” that mimics his childhood friend, Hikaru. The original series has surpassed 3 million copies in total circulation and gained attention by ranking first in the “Men’s Edition” of Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023.
The series will be directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for The Jellyfish Can’t Swim at Night, and animated by CygamesPictures, recognized for Uma Musume Pretty Derby: New Door to the Future. The lead roles will be voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki and Shuichiro Ueda as Hikaru. Alongside the announcement, comments from Kobayashi, Ueda, and Takeshita have been released.
Yoshiki Tsujinaka (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi)
I am excited to share that I will be voicing the character of Yoshiki. From the audition stage, I was drawn to the conflicting emotions—wanting to be near yet knowing I shouldn’t, the fear mingled with comfort—turbulent feelings that I carried with me throughout the process. I will put my heart, soul, and every part of me into bringing Yoshiki’s thoughts and worries to life with all my might.
Given the diversity of values in modern society, I believe this is a work that many will want to see. Please look forward to the broadcast and enjoy it when it airs. Thank you for your support.
Hikaru (voiced by Shuichiro Ueda)
I am honored to be playing the role of Hikaru in the anime The Summer Hikaru Died. This is a fresh experience for me, and at the same time, it feels like peering into darkness. There are many uncertainties in both the heart and body, but one thing that is certain is Hikaru’s desire to be with Yoshiki. With that feeling in mind, I approached the audition, determined to capture that emotion and portray him authentically. I will do my best to bring this character to life.
Director: Ryohei Takeshita
I remember feeling excited as I turned the pages for the first time while thinking, “How can we best bring the panels of this original work to life in animation?” We are all committed to adapting the delicate nuances of the characters’ emotions, as well as the beautiful and innovative structure of the manga, into the anime. The staff is working hard, facing the original work with sincerity. We are putting our utmost effort into beautifully animating the story of Yoshiki and Hikaru as they struggle to understand each other. Please look forward to the broadcast.
Additionally, the teaser visual and teaser PV have been released. In the first half of the PV, Yoshiki and Hikaru are heard having a calm conversation against the backdrop of summer suburban scenery. The middle section takes a dramatic turn as peaceful scenes of forests and nature are rendered with unsettling noise and monochrome effects, accompanied by various negative emotions expressed through dialogue. The PV concludes with Yoshiki asking, “You’re not really Hikaru, are you?” followed by a shot of a disturbed-looking Yoshiki, bringing the teaser to an end.
The Summer Hikari Died

Summer 2025: TV Anime Adaptation Announced
Exclusive Worldwide Streaming on Netflix and Free Exclusive Streaming on ABEMA
Airing on Nippon TV
Project Information
Staff
Original Work: Ren Mokumoku (Serialized in KADOKAWA’s “Young Ace UP”)
Director & Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi
Sub Animation Director: Masanori Hiraoka
Animation Production: Cygames Pictures
Cast
Yoshiki: Chiaki Kobayashi
Hikaru: Shuichiro Umeda
Copyright Notice: © Ren Mokumoku/KADOKAWA, “The Summer Hikaru Died” Production Committee