‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ is poised to be a major event in the anime world in 2025. Based on Mokumokuren’s manga, the series blends psychological horror with mystery, generating significant buzz even before its release.
The story revolves around Yoshiki and his best friend Hikaru, whose lives are disrupted when Hikaru returns changed. This unsettling event leads to a slow-burn horror, exploring the unsettling nature of the unknown. Yoshiki is forced to grapple with his emotions as he faces this new reality.
Unlike many horror stories, ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ focuses on themes of identity and grief. The manga’s success is due to its lyrical storytelling and haunting style. The series delves into Yoshiki’s internal struggle: should he protect others or hold on to the remnants of his friendship?
This anime explores universal themes of loss, identity, and memory, wrapped in a supernatural mystery, appealing to a broad audience.