The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals New Story Visual and Launches Behind-the-Scenes Series
The Summer Hikaru Died anime, based on Mokumokuren’s award-winning horror manga, has shared a new story visual ahead of its seventh episode. Kadokawa also launched The Making of The Summer Hikaru Died, a behind-the-scenes YouTube series exploring how the chilling adaptation was brought to life.
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The eerie and unsettling world of The Summer Hikaru Died continues to build momentum as the anime prepares for its seventh episode premiere worldwide. To mark the occasion, the production team has revealed a new story visual teasing upcoming events in the series.
In addition to the visual, Kadokawa has launched a brand-new documentary series titled The Making of The Summer Hikaru Died on its official YouTube channel. The first episode, simply called “Horror,” dives into how the creative team designed the anime’s atmosphere, pacing, and tension to bring genuine fear to viewers. Featuring interviews with the staff, the behind-the-scenes series will give fans insight into how one of 2025’s most chilling anime was made.
About the Anime
Directed by Ryohei Takeshita (Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night) at CygamesPictures, the adaptation also features character designs and chief animation direction by Yuichi Takahashi (Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song) and “Dorodoro” animation from Masanobu Hiraoka (Chainsaw Man episode director). The anime is streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
About the Manga
Mokumokuren’s manga The Summer Hikaru Died began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up in 2021 and has since grown into a seven-volume hit. It was ranked the #1 manga for male readers in Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023, while also earning nominations for the Manga Taisho Award, Tsutaya Comic Awards, Next Manga Award, and even an Eisner Award.
Yen Press publishes the official English version, which describes the chilling premise:
It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever returned from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous.
With the story visual teasing what’s to come, and a behind-the-scenes look now available, fans have even more reason to dive deeper into the haunting world of The Summer Hikaru Died.
