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The latest episode of Dandadan has caught the attention of X Japan’s member Yoshiki after featuring a song that bore a striking resemblance to the band’s track “Kurenai.”

In a series of posts on X, Yoshiki revealed that lawyers had contacted him about the matter, raising the possibility of copyright infringement.

The song in question, titled “Hunting Soul,” appeared in Episode 18 of the anime and was performed by the fictional band HAYASii. Guitarist Marty Friedman handled the arrangement alongside Seiichi Nagai.

While Friedman later confirmed that the track was meant as a nod to X Japan, Yoshiki’s response suggested the reference may have bypassed the usual permissions. He said he was initially amused when he heard the piece, laughing at how much it resembled his band’s work. However, the tone shifted after legal representatives contacted him, warning that the similarity could amount to copyright infringement.

最初これを知った時は...

You’ve heard of all the ultimate anime hits like “Attack on Titan,” the “Dragon Ball” franchise and of course “One Piece,” but there are several anime series that get swept under the rug … and we’re here to pull it back.

Just like any TV show, there are some series that just don’t get the recognition they deserve. But now that Netflix has carved out its own lane in the anime industry, it’s investing in animated Japanese storytelling and bringing over new and old titles for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’ve heard of them before or if this is your first time, here’s five underrated anime series you should start watching today.

“Vinland Saga” Season 2 (Mappa) “Vinland Saga”

When you first look at “Vinland Saga,” it’s not at all what you might imagine seeing when you think of anime. While most anime series take place in Japan,...

With anime shows like Dandadan splashing around again with high-energy action and wild art styles, The Summer Hikaru Died does something entirely different. It primarily makes use of its queer themes, and quietly breaks your heart, creeps into your brain, and reminds you that horror doesn’t have to scream. Sometimes, it just whispers in your ear and wears the face of someone you love.

Based on Mokumokuren’s manga, The Summer Hikaru Died is about Yoshiki Tsujinaka, a reserved boy in a tiny, gossipy town, and his best friend, Hikaru Indo, who disappears into the snowy mountains and dies, or at least we believe so. The next day, Hikaru’s back. He looks the same. Sounds the same. Knows the same things. But he’s not the same. Yoshiki knows it. But does knowing make it easier to let go?

The Summer Hikaru Died: Queerness Makes the Scares Hit...

Spoiler Alert !!!The Summer Hikaru Died episode 5 and 6 spoilers

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 6 will be released on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 am Pdt. It might show what happened to the Wig Ghost and if it intends to cause even more harm to Yoshiki’s family. Episode 5 was proof that the supernatural hauntings have increased a lot because not only are the spirits terrorizing Yoshiki, but also his near and dear ones.

The Wig Ghost seems particularly malicious and powerful since it could easily overpower Hikaru. It even realized that in order to kill the being inside Hikaru, it had to use the one person whom Hikaru could not harm.

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 6 Release Date Yoshiki is getting too involved with Hikaru in The Summer Hikaru Died | Credits: Cygames Pictures

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 6 will be released on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 am Pdt; therefore, it will be available in Japan on Sunday,...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some of the spoilers from The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 5.

Hey, guys! We totally need to talk about The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 5 ’cause I’m totally losing it. I thought I was prepared for more of that slow-burn supernatural tension and some brooding Yoshiki moments (you know the drill), but what completely caught me off guard was getting jump-scared by a freakin’ hair clog in the bathroom.

I’m serious. This anime has officially weaponized drain hair, and I just don’t even know how to even process that. You think you’re sitting down for some slice-of-life school fun, maybe a little emotional brooding here and there, but Bam! Bathroom ghost. Hair all over the place. And then things just get crazy from there.

Yoshiki’s Emo Aura Is Attracting Ghosts Now (Confirmed)

So episode 5 of The Summer Hikaru Died begins with Yoshiki’s younger sister,...

So, in The Summer Hikaru Died episode 5, Yoshiki gave Hikaru his first love bite (quite literally). I mean, I know he was possessed, but aren’t we all? The episode, titled “Wig Ghost,” is comparatively slower and less eventful, which only makes me wonder if something really big is coming our way in the next one. The reason I say this is because both Yoshiki and Hikaru are much closer than they were before. They are leaving their “imprint” on each other, which is kind of their way of making out with each other in empty classes after school. But you may ask, what’s the conflict here? Who’s going to stop them? Well, there’s a post-credit scene in the episode that suggests Tanaka has set up another magical trap to catch Nonuki-sama. He’s obsessed with stopping the evil spirit and won’t stop until he has achieved his goals.

Alright, serious talk. If The Summer Hikaru Died doesn’t take Anime of the Year for giving us emotional trauma wrapped in beautiful soft-boy aesthetics and creepy existential horror, we riot. Episode 4 was a lot. Like, “we need to lie down and rethink my friendships” level intense. And now that we’re heading into Episode 5, we just know it’s gonna only get worse (in the best possible way).

So, if you’re like us, an emotionally unstable anime gremlin who’s obsessed with this quietly devastating horror-boys-love-maybe-kinda show, here’s all that we know about The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 5: when it’s coming out, what could happen, and why we are already losing it.

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 5 Release Date

Mark your calendars and emotionally prepare yourself: The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 5 drops on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at approximately 12:53 Am (Jst). The anime is available to stream on Netflix.

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some of the spoilers from The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 4.

Alright, anime fans, gather ’round because I have stuff to discuss. So, Episode 4 of The Summer Hikaru Died just dropped, and it might look like your regular chill summer festival episode: fireworks, shaved ice, and cute guys hanging out, but Oh Boy.

Just when I thought I could breathe for once, this show gently reached into my chest and crushed my heart like it was nothing. Episode 4, ‘Summer Festival,’ isn’t so much about action-packed twists and major supernatural showdowns. Rather, it’s a relaxed but piercing exploration of trauma, identity, and that creeping sense that something’s just not right. Let’s break it down.

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 4: Yoshiki’s Big Sad Reveal Had Me on the Floor

Okay, so the episode of The Summer Hikaru Died starts with Hikaru miserably...

Even though the fourth episode of The Summer Hikaru Died was less eventful, it did reveal the burden that Yoshiki had been carrying, which had turned his nights sleepless ever since Hikaru went missing. The truth was, on the night of Hikaru’s disappearance, Yoshiki ran to the mountains to find his best friend, and he found him lying in the mud with heavy rain slowly washing away the blood on his forehead. Yoshiki took a closer look and figured that Hikaru wasn’t breathing anymore. However, for some strange reason, his body was less damaged than expected? He thought maybe it was because of the winter, but the new Hikaru, the one possessed by Nonuki-sama, told Yoshiki that he might still have been repairing Hikaru’s body when Yoshiki found the corpse in the woods.

Spoiler Alert

Yoshiki wanted to inform others about Hikaru’s death, but as soon...

Alright, horror enthusiasts, let’s discuss something real (but also kinda creepy). When people talk about horror anime, you usually hear the same old stuff: those exorcist kids flipping around and yelling ancient spells, creepy monsters ripping through reality, or science experiments that totally went off the rails. But then The Summer Hikaru Died creeps in.

And out of nowhere, silence becomes the scariest thing in the room. Adapted from Mokumokuren’s already iconic manga, this Netflix anime doesn’t go for cheap scares or buckets of blood. It aims for your heart, and then slowly squeezes it like a ghostly fist. This anime doesn’t scream. It quietly whispers. And what it’s whispering is seriously freaky. And the biggest takeaway in watching it? Junji Ito, the literal king of manga horror, still hasn’t gotten anything this good.

Horror Anime Finally Did Something Right, So Why Not For Junji Ito?...

Netflix just released their list of top ten non-English shows, and three anime series were included in the ranking. With millions of views, each of these titles has earned its rightful place as one of Netflix's best shows of the summer.

Dandadan, Tougen Anki, and The Summer Hikaru Died are the three animes that have all received spots among Netflix's list of the most popular streaming shows of July 2025. 2025 has already been a record-breaking year for anime, with new hits dropping weekly, so it is no surprise that a few of these summer 2025 anime were officially recognized as masterpieces.

Three Animes Are Among Netflix's Top Ten Non-English Shows of July 2025 Dandadan, Tougen Anki, and The Summer Hikaru Died Made It Into the Top Ten

Dandadan season two was long-awaited, ever since season one took the world by storm in October 2024. Bridging two genres effortlessly, Dandadan meshes all the terror of...

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 4 will show the mental state of Yoshiki in more detail. In episode 3, he was attacked all of a sudden by ‘Hikaru’ after saying that he was not the real Hikaru. However, he already feels a bond between them that will force him not to drive the creature away.

Yoshiki also chose to contact Rie Kurebayashi for help, but after talking with her, he feels even more confused about what he is supposed to do. On the one hand, he wants to put a stop to everything weird happening around the town, but on the other, he can’t let the creature go.

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 4 Release Date The creature in Hikaru’s body | Credits: Cygames Pictures

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 4 will be released on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10 am according to Pacific Daylight Time. The episode will be out in Japan on Sunday,...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some of the spoilers from The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 3.

Alright, let me just scream into the void real quick: What In The World Did I Just Witness?! Because Episode 3 of The Summer Hikaru Died totally wrecked me; it shattered my heart, tossed it to some creepy shapeshifting monster, and was like, “But you kinda love this pain, right?” And honestly. yeah. I do. Unfortunately.

Listen, I was already obsessed after Episode 1. Then Episode 2 came along and turned up the creep quotient with dead villagers and ominous spirits. But Episode 3? It straight-up broke me. Like, emotionally. Existentially. Seriously, do I really want Hikaru to become a monster if he loves Yoshiki this much? And why am I now terrified of watermelon? Let’s dive into the chaos, shall we?

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 3: Watermelon Shouldn’t Hurt This Much

Before I start crying...

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 3, aptly titled “Denial,” centers around the turmoil in Yoshiki’s mind, who still couldn’t figure out if he should face reality or keep living a lie. Hikaru was dead, but Yoshiki wanted to believe that the creature possessing Hikaru’s body had brought his best friend back from the dead. That was the question that Yoshiki asked himself throughout the episode: is Hikaru really gone? And if yes, should he keep pretending that everything’s normal? Should he keep living in denial? Yoshiki really wanted to share his dilemma with someone, and luckily in the previous episode, he came across a woman named Rie Kurebayashi, who hinted that she knew things about the creatures from the mountains. She had sensed Nonuki-sama’s presence on Yoshiki and shared her contact details with him in case he wanted to talk further. But before getting to their meeting,...

We all knew that the summer would be promising for anime series, but it's always a nice surprise when a particular title blows up and has everyone talking about it. One of Netflix's newest anime titles, The Summer Hikaru Died, debuted as one of the most-watched non-English titles globally. The story is a gritty one: In one particular summer, Yoshiki (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) realizes that, after a bizarre incident, his best friend Hikaru (Shūichirō Umeda) is no longer the same, and that something evil might have taken over his body.

What makes The Summer Hikaru Died an even more intriguing watch is that Yoshiki immediately realizes that his friend is not there anymore, which suggests that the anime series will chronicle his attempt to understand what the entity is, discover where his friend might have gone, and see if there's a chance to get him back. Additionally, we...

Another critically and commercially successful manga is doing well with its anime adaptation, just a few days after its debut. Released on July 6 on Netflix, where it has quickly become a hit, The Summer Hikaru Died is inspired by Mokumokuren’s manga series, which follows the touching story of Yoshiki Tsujinaka. The manga began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up website in August 2021, and as of this month, its individual chapters have been compiled into seven tankōbon volumes.

With only two episodes aired to date, The Summer Hikaru Died is ranked #1 in Netflix's Japan Daily and Abema’s anime rankings as of July 15, based on reports from Oricon. Produced by Cygames Pictures and directed by Yuichi Takahashi, the horror anime airs in Japan on Nippon TV and its affiliates, with Abema also streaming it for free in the country, while Netflix streams it globally. Opening the series is the theme song "Saikai" by Vaundy,...

Netflix’s hit horror anime The Summer Hikaru Died owes its chilling atmosphere to the distinctive influences of its creator, Mokumokuren. They were motivated by a desire to create a horror-mystery story after realizing no other story met their expectations. The result was a haunting, character-driven series that quickly became one of Netflix’s most talked-about summer releases.

Mokumokuren drew inspiration from a wide range of horror sources outside of manga. From the video games Silent Hill and Undertale to internet horror lore like creepypastas and Japan’s version of Slender Man, these works helped create a story that many fans have become hooked on, making the series an immediate hit.

The Summer Hikaru Died Was Inspired by Creepypastas and Horror Games The Summer Hikaru Died Is Unlike Other Horror-Mysteries

Mokumokuren’s creative process started with a sense that there was a shortage of horror-mystery stories that truly satisfied them.

Netflix's recently released adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died is quickly becoming a huge streaming hit. The series is ranked #1 in Netflix's Japan Daily and Abema anime rankings.

Oricon reports that The Summer Hikaru Died hit the top of the charts as of July 15. The series debuted earlier this month on July 6 and has only aired two episodes to date. The Summer Hikaru Died is produced by Cygames Pictures and directed by Yuichi Takahashi. It airs in Japan on Nippon TV and its affiliates, with Netflix streaming the series globally.

The Summer Hikaru Died Becomes Major Streaming Hit With Horror & Bl Combo

The Summer Hikaru Died is adapted from the manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren, which was originally serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up website in 2021. The series mixes both horror and slice of life, telling the story of young Yoshiki Tsujinaka who lives in rural...

Summer 2025 was supposed to be one of the most upbeat anime seasons of this year. That is before The Summer Hikaru Died crashed the party. The ongoing season contains romantic anime like The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, My Dress-Up Darling season 2, awaited Shonens like Dandadan season 2 and Gachikuta, and the comedy masterpiece: Grand Blue Dreaming Season 2.

With so many high octave releases, summer 2025 was all set to be a happy-go-lucky fest. However, the overall tone that has been set in the last two weeks is nothing short of melancholic. No, not because those anime have been flops, but because The Summer Hikaru Died, Takopi’s Original Sin, and Dandadan have banded together to give fans a reality check.

The Summer Hikaru Died Is Crushing Fans Under Its Emotional Baggage

When one thinks of summer, they think of bright beaches, backyard barbeques, peaceful sunsets, and soothing sunlight on their face.

The Summer Hikaru Died episode 3 will be all about Yoshiki trying to make a rather crucial decision about ‘Hikaru.’ In episode 2, he is starting to understand that befriending an otherworldly being comes with its consequences. The mysterious death of Matsuura, the sudden cleansing of the mountain’s eeriness, and the weird sightings are all connected.

Most probably, they have something to do with the creature inhabiting Hikaru’s body. However, its fondness for Yoshiki has stopped the latter from taking any steps or alienating it. That said, Yoshiki and ‘Hikaru’ can’t continue being together for much longer, it seems like.

The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 3 Release Date Hikaru’s real nature | Credits: Cygames Pictures

Episode 3 of The Summer Hikaru Died anime will be released on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10 am Pacific Standard Time. The episode will release in Japan at 2 am on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The anime is being streamed on...

Alright, let’s be real: The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 2 completely took me on a wild ride. Like actually. I went in thinking I was about to get some creepy forest vibes, maybe a little spooky action with a ghost or whatever, and I came out holding my chest like I just got possessed. This show is literally an emotional rollercoaster, weirdly hot, and deeply terrifying, all at the same time. And I absolutely love it here.

So if you’re wondering, “Is this just some Bl-coded horror thing?” Nah. It’s grief. It’s horror. It’s intimacy. It’s teenage boys being messy and emotionally ruined, and also putting their hands into each other’s chests. Literally. Let’s dive into this masterpiece together ’cause I’ve got thoughts. Like, a lot of them.

The Weight of Grief and the Horror of Acceptance

If you missed Episode 1 of The Summer Hikaru Died,...

Who — or what — is the strange being with a familiar face? The Summer Hikaru Died is bringing its ominous vibes to Netflix this summer. Today, Kadokawa Anime has released creditless versions of the show's opening and ending sequences on their YouTube channel. First, get into the eerie mood with the opening, set to "Saikai" by Vaundy: The Summer Hikaru Died Creditless Opening Video Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Releases 1st Main Trailer Then take a nostalgic trip around town in the ending, set to "Anata wa Kaibutsu" by Tooboe: The Summer Hikaru Died Creditless Ending Video Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals Vaundy Opening Song, Release Date in New Trailer Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died manga has been serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up web imprint since August 2021 and currently spans six collected volumes. The series topped Kono Manga ga Sugoi!'s list for...

The second episode of Netflix’s The Summer Hikaru Died, titled “Suspicion,” follows Yoshiki’s skepticism around the parasite living inside his best friend, Hikaru’s body. The episode begins with two police cars passing through the street, which makes Yoshiki wonder what tragedy has taken place in their peaceful village. This is when Hikaru tells him about the death of an old woman named Matsuura the previous night. The ending of episode 1 suggested that Yoshiki had some sort of weird nightmare in which he saw someone knocking on Matsuura’s door. I mean, I could be wrong because the sequence was designed that way, but Matsuura’s sudden death becomes the root for Yoshiki’s suspicion that his new friend in his old friend’s body may have had something to do with Matsuura’s tragic demise. And throughout the episode, Yoshiki is struggling with the dilemma of whether...

The Summer Hikaru Died has already debuted on Netflix, and from the very first episode, I could feel the brimming chemistry between Hikaru and Yoshiki. The anime has revealed early on that the one posing as Hikaru is actually a supernatural entity, but Yoshiki accepts it nonetheless and pretends that everything is normal.

The situational horror in the anime is slowly building, and the eerie atmosphere indicates something is wrong other than the Hikaru fiasco. Setting the horror aside for a moment, I have already become attached to the main duo. However, something tells me that things are not going to go smoothly between the two. After all, when in the history of anime have the dark and white haired best friends remained together?

I’m Not Ready for Gojo and Geto Part 2

Some fans have already begun calling Hikaru and Yoshiki, Gojo and Geto, in an alternate universe. This...

The Summer Hikaru Died sparked intense debate about genre classification. Still, Episode 1 makes one thing crystal clear: this anime isn't just horror with queer undertones but an important reimagining of what Boys' Love anime can be. 

Unlike horror anime like Dandadan that features ghastly ghouls and cryptid monsters, The Summer Hikaru Died explores queer themes within a supernatural framework that creates something uniquely powerful in Lgbtqia+ storytelling.

The premiere episode establishes an emotional intimacy between Yoshiki and "Hikaru" that transcends typical friendship dynamics. The creator, Mokumokuren, also clarified (via Bluesky) that the series is not a love story, but a coming-of-age horror with queerplatonic themes, emphasizing grief and sexuality. 

Read full article on The Direct.

The cicadas are screaming. It’s the first thing you notice in The Summer Hikaru Died, a relentless, high-pitched thrum that blankets the sleepy rural village of Kubitachi in a thick layer of summer heat. It’s the kind of idyllic, pastoral setting where teenagers are supposed to be bored, not terrified.

Here we find Yoshiki and Hikaru, lifelong friends whose bond is the town’s only real point of interest. That is, until Hikaru wanders up a mountain, vanishes for a week, and comes back… different.

Most horror tales would spend episodes teasing out the mystery, letting the dread build in stolen glances and unsettling moments. This series has no time for that. Within the opening minutes, Yoshiki, armed with the unshakable certainty of a true best friend, looks at the smiling boy beside him and cuts straight to the point: “You’re not Hikaru, are you?”

The question hangs in the humid air,...

Netflix’s horror anime, The Summer Hikaru Died, centers around the mysterious disappearance of Yoshiki Tsujinaka’s beloved friend, Hikaru Indou. In January 2020, Hikaru had gone missing in the Nisyama Mountains for an entire week, but what was strange was that he didn’t have any recollection of what happened in that period afterwards. It’s been six months since Hikaru’s disappearance, and the question that still bothers Yoshiki is what really happened to his friend. Why has Hikaru started acting so strange after his return from the mountains, which were believed to be home to a supernatural creature?

As the first episode began, Yoshiki mustered the courage to ask the person sitting beside him, “You aren’t the real Hikaru, are you?” The creature came out of Hikaru’s body to tell his friend that he wasn’t the real Hikaru, but he begged Yoshiki to protect his secret,...

The Summer Hikaru Died is a horror series, but the story mostly unfolds while keeping its two protagonists at the center. Hikaru and Yoshiki are the main focus of the story, and it is via their interactions that the audience can get a sense of what is going wrong. Thus, choosing the right voice actors is integral to its anime adaptation.

Thankfully, director Ryohei Takeshita was able to find the perfect voice actors for the roles. He was extremely satisfied with their work and even excitedly narrated an incident that convinced him they were the best ones for the roles.

An Incident Cemented the Director’s Trust in the VAs The bond between Yoshiki and Hikaru was present in their voice actors as well | Credits: Cygame Pictures

Since the relationship between Hikaru and Yoshiki is a central aspect of the story, their unique chemistry needed to be recreated for a successful anime.

The Summer Hikaru Died might be a horror story, but it does not scare its audiences with sudden appearances of ghosts or horrifying faces. Instead, it reels in its audience with a sense of ‘something is wrong.’ One can’t point their finger at the eeriness of the situation, but the series can make anyone uncomfortable.

It makes one question what is wrong and what is right. How far is too far? What the the boundaries that humans aren’t allowed to cross? The horror in The Summer Hikaru Died makes people question themselves just like the characters in the story, and the director of its upcoming anime is well aware of it.

The Summer Hikaru Died‘s Director Highlights Its Unique Horror

Ryohei Takeshita is the director of The Summer Hikaru Died. In an interview with Anime News Network, Takeshita revealed how he was conscious of depicting the horror in the anime adaptation.

The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Set To Premiere In July!(Photo Credit –Netflix)

Horror anime fans have a fresh nightmare to look forward to as Netflix continues to strengthen its anime lineup. This summer, the popular streaming platform brings The Summer Hikaru Died, a chilling new series set to arrive next month. The anime, adapted from Mokumokuren’s manga, dives into a twisted coming-of-age tale and mixes body horror with unsettling friendship drama.

When Is The Summer Hikaru Died Releasing?

The horror anime will be landing on Netflix on July 5, 2025. Fans of the genre can watch it from the comfort of their homes. The anime will reportedly have 12 episodes.

The Summer Hikaru Died Anime is listed for 12 episodes!

✨More: https://t.co/TxnZCC3Rs9 pic.twitter.com/B7aNA8jJxK

— AnimeTV チェーン (@animetv_jp) June 27, 2025

What Is The Plot Of The Summer Hikaru Died?

Viewers will find themselves pulled into...

Netflix is no stranger to broadening its collection of entertainment packages with new shows and movies being added on a regular basis. Animated movies and series have become quite an attraction for the streamer, as recent additions like Devil May Cry and Blue Eye Samurai show. Now, Netflix is looking to expand its collection of anime-specific content this summer anime season with the premiere of The Summer Hikaru Died. The new anime is based on a manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren, and is a coming-of-age horror story, exploring the themes of drama, body horror, friendship, and terror. The anime's first episode is set to premiere on July 5, 2025, and ahead of its arrival, we have some insight into what terrors lurk ahead.

The Summer Hikaru Died was published by Kadokawa Young Ace Up digital publication in 2021, the publishing company behind fan-favorite titles like Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

In 2023, the multi-hyphenate musician Yoshiki made his directorial debut with the documentary Yoshiki: Under the Sky, and became the first Japanese artist to have his handprints immortalized in cement at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre. Now, a chance encounter on the small screen has led to him creating J-pop girl group Bi-ray, and they’re taking on Hollywood with “Butterfly,” the theme song for Rebel Wilson’s action comedy Bride Hard.

“I’m extremely busy. I’m doing a million projects,” chuckles Yoshiki, a 2025 TIME100 honoree who has his own wine,...

The Summer Hikaru Died is one anime you wouldn’t want to miss. It is a complete treat for horror fanatics and enthusiasts. It’s refreshing and novel, straight out of the oven with its themes and complexities.

So far, the teaser has effectively captured the themes present in the story. The camaraderie and further dissociation are blended together through animation and brilliant voice acting. But we’re missing out on something.

The deets, yes! It would be a crime not to discuss the details and information. From release date and cast to streaming platform, here’s everything you should know about the upcoming yet promising anime!

The Summer Hikaru Died: Release Date, Cast and more deets

The Summer Hikaru Died is a poignant tale of two friends, Hikaru and Yoshiki. They’re two peas in a pod, especially since they’re both the same age. The story is set in rural Japan,...

Not all horror is about gore and jump scares. Although they may be the best part about horror, sometimes, it’s about unsettling emotions, the creeping dread, or the panic that makes it seem like the viewer is descending into madness. That, along with the fear of losing someone you love, makes up a terrifying form of horror.

That feeling is exactly what The Summer Hikaru Died delivers. The shivers that run down your spine are coming to you through Netflix this July. The anime The Summer Hikaru Died adapts one of manga’s most popular horror works in recent times.

The Summer Hikaru Died offers a slow-burning horror

The Summer Hikaru Died is one of the most exciting gifts for the anime community this year (especially for the horror lovers). The series is written and illustrated by Mokumokuren and tells the story of Yoshiki and his childhood friend Hikaru.

The biggest streaming platform in the world, Netflix, is yet again returning with a new anime series called The Summer Hikaru Died. A second trailer of the series was recently released along with an official post from Netflix’s X account, which confirmed the scheduled release date of the anime, which has been much-awaited by fans for quite a long time.

The Summer Hikaru Died is a special series that perfectly embeds and combines the themes of horror and slice of life in a unique story. The manga started serialization in 2021, and since then, it has been greatly appreciated by fans, and hopefully, the same love will be displayed for the upcoming anime series as well.

While The Summer Hikaru Died’s release is certainly a big deal, what’s more significant is that it adds another star to Netflix’s array of anime movies and series. The streaming platform...

Surprisingly, horror and anime don't blend together very well. Many major attempts to adapt some of the best horror manga have ended poorly, with fans finding the anime adaptations lackluster and, worst of all, laughable. But this Summer anime season, Netflix is here to make that right with its newest horror series, The Summer Hikaru Died. The manga of the same by Mokumokuren, which was only first published in 2021, has become a phenomenon among manga readers. The Summer Hikaru Died is one of Summer 2025's most anticipated releases, even against shonen giants like Dandadan, Demon Slayer, Kaiju No. 8, and Chainsaw Man (all of which release new seasons/movies this Summer season), and the new trailer proves exactly why fans are se excited to see the anime adaptation.

The Summer Hikaru Died is gearing up for its Summer release on July 5, and its newest trailer might be the spookiest and goriest one yet.

Netflix is setting the stage for one of its most anticipated anime debuts of the summer with a haunting new trailer for The Summer Hikaru Died. Based on Mokumoku Ren’s popular boys’ love horror manga, the series premieres July 5, 2025, and brings a chilling blend of rural mystery, emotional tension, and supernatural horror. The latest trailer offers a gripping first look at the psychological unraveling that begins when a close friendship is shattered by the unexplainable.

Animated by Cygames Pictures and featuring a moody, atmospheric opening theme titled “saikai” by Vaundy, The Summer Hikaru Died is already turning heads. The trailer from @NetflixAnime on X hints at a surreal and emotionally charged story in which small-town quiet is disturbed by the terrifying truth that Hikaru is not really Hikaru anymore. As the lines blur between grief, fear, and devotion, this series promises a unique horror experience with plenty of emotion and genre-defying thrills.

Netflix has released the trailer for The Summer Hikaru Died, based on Mokumokuren‘s hit manga of the same name.

The Japanese coming-of-age horror anime series premieres July 5.

Yoshiki and Hikaru live in a rural village and have been close friends since they were young. On a perfectly ordinary summer day, as they laugh over trivial things, Yoshiki turns to Hikaru and says, “…You’re not Hikaru, are you?”

Six months earlier, Hikaru went missing in the mountains and returned unexpectedly a week later. The new Hikaru looks and sounds just like the original, but something else is stirring within him.

Yoshiki continues spending his days with the “something” imitating Hikaru, while pretending as if nothing has changed. Meanwhile, strange incidents begin to plague the village.

Directed by Ryohei Takeshita (“Jujutsu Kaisen”), the animation is produced by CygamesPictures (Blade Runner: Black Out 2022).

“Reading the original work was exciting, and I...

This summer, another highly anticipated anime title with a strong, compelling premise will be coming our way. Netflix has finally unveiled the full trailer for the upcoming anime series, titled The Summer Hikaru Died. Harboring two genres that aren't usually combined, the new anime — based on a manga series written and illustrated by Mokumokuren — is a coming-of-age horror story, exploring the themes of drama, body horror, friendship, and, of course, terror. It is scheduled to arrive on the streamer on July 5, 2025.

The hit manga series was published by Kadokawa, the publishing company behind fan-favorite titles like Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion. When an adaptation was announced, anime fans were understandably excited (with some curious) about how the story would translate on television. But the newly released trailer so far showcases what viewers can expect, and that a good anime will be gracing their screens this summer. It opens with...

A brand-new trailer released for The Summer Hikaru Died anime today announced a July 5 at 24:55 Jst (effectively July 6 at 0:55) premiere date for Japanese television and previewed the supernatural horror series' opening song, "Saikai" by Vaundy. Additionally, an advance screening of the first episode will be held at Toho Cinemas Shinjuku in Tokyo on June 29, with cast members Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki), Shuichiro Umeda (Hikaru) and Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka) and director Ryohei Takeshita in attendance. The Summer Hikaru Died Main Trailer 2 Two additional cast members were also confirmed today, as follows: Yuta Maki voiced by Yoshiki Nakajima Yuki Tadokoro voiced by Shion Wakayama Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals Summer 2025 Release, Cast and Staff in First Trailer Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died manga is serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up web imprint since August 2021 and currently spans six collected volumes. The series topped Kono Manga ga Sugoi!

Anime fans are pumped to hear about Netflix’s incredible summer schedule of highly anticipated series being released. It doesn’t matter what your interest in anime is, such as extreme clashes, mysteries, or something that just makes you smile. Netflix will definitely have something for everyone this summer season!

From ex-hitman action to bizarre supernatural comedies, Netflix has all the all-stars lined up to keep us from turning our little screens off this season. Really, who doesn’t want to binge, right?

The selection includes crowd pleasers like Sakamoto Days and Dandadan, so get your popcorn ready, and be hyped up for the anime showdown you will want to get to on Netflix this Summer 2025.

1. Sakamoto Days Part 2: Ex-hitman is getting back into it

Get ready for Sakamoto Days part 2, because it is about to get the action and laughs in motion on July 14, 2025. Taro Sakamoto is an...

Things are heating up this summer on Netflix. New episodes of Sakamoto Days, Dandadan, Pokémon Horizons, and more are in store for the summer 2025 anime season.

New and returning anime series are making their debut on Netflix this summer, according to What's on Netflix. Among the exciting batch of premieres is the highly anticipated return of Sakamoto Days, which recently revealed its release date and teaser trailer for Part 2 of the Shonen Jump anime adaptation. Also returning is Pokémon Horizons, continuing Liko and Roy's quest to become Pokémon Masters. On top of fan-favorite series, Netflix is also debuting a new anime series that's sure to win over horror and true crime lovers.

Netflix Summer 2025 Anime Schedule Includes New Episodes of Sakamoto Days, Pokémon & More

Pokémon Horizons: Season 2—The Search for Laqua’ Part 3

Release date: June 27, 2025

Release schedule: All 11 new episodes at once

Studio: Olm

Starring: Ikue Otani, Alejandra Reynoso,...

Minoru Kawasaki is a unique case in the Japanese movie industry. Having reached a type of cult stardom due to titles like “Calamari Wrestler”, “Executive Koala”, and other similar works early in his career, he has continued along the same path, creating movies that linger between science fiction and parody. His filmography now includes 33 titles. His latest, which takes on the entire tokusatsu genre, is titled “Super Legend God Hikoza”.

Watch Monster Seafood Wars on Bijou Theater

Four scientists work under the eccentric Dr at Uisas (Ultra Institute of Space and Astronaut Science). Among them are Takao and Okubo, childhood friends who bicker constantly, with Takao (the female this time) being the dominant one, often bullying, pinning down, or even hitting Okubo. Yoshiki, the most competent among them, is routinely mocked by the Dr, who sarcastically refers to him as merely an “assistant.” Yoshiki is also the one most annoyed...

Horror anime has hardly managed to nail that feeling of eerie, bone-chilling atmosphere that the manga establishes. Though classics such as Perfect Blue and Higurashi: When They Cry have made the transition from manga to anime or on the big screen with ease, many adaptations have failed.

One of the most anticipated yet ultimately disappointing cases is Uzumaki, a long-awaited adaptation of Junji Ito. Riddled with production problems, its continuous delays had many fans doubting it could do justice to the manga’s striking, nightmarish panels.

The Summer Hikaru Died Trailer [Credit: CyGames Pictures, Netflix]

On the other hand, The Summer Hikaru Died may be well-positioned to do what Uzumaki hasn’t. Horror anime fans have been in anticipation for something new, and with its emotional depth, slow-burning dread, and themes of possession and loss, the anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s story could be it.

Anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died...

The Time100 Gala honored the world’s most influential people of 2025 and we have an inside look at the star-studded event!

Scarlett Johansson, Serena Williams, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were among the celebs who stepped out for the event at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Thursday night (April 24) in New York City.

Time100 cover star Snoop Dogg hosted the evening and there were musical performances from Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith.

Blake, Serena, Diego Luna, and others gave honorary tributes at the event. Simone Biles was recognized with the Time100 Impact Award and Kristen Bell was there to present her with the award.

Head inside to see all of the celebs who attended the event…

Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs who attended the event…

Scarlett Johansson

Demi Moore

Fyi: Demi is wearing GapStudio designed by Zac Posen and Kim Jones.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

Fyi:...

Time magazine has announced its annual list of 100 most influential people in the world, and the entertainment industries are represented this year by, among others, Demi Moore, Snoop Dogg, Ted Sarandos, Lorne Michaels, Nikki Glaser and Broadway’s Nicole Scherzinger, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Daniel Dae Kim, who appeared in the play Yellow Face this season.

In all, more than a dozen entertainers are featured on this year’s list, including Scarlett Johansson, Ed Sheeran, Kristen Bell, Adrien Brody, Blake Lively, Rosé, Jon M. Chu, Danielle Deadwyler, Adam Scott, Kristen Wiig, Diego Luna, Hiroyuki Sanada, Mohammad Rasoulof, Hozier, Myles Smith, Yoshiki, and more.

As is its custom, the issue pairs the influential with guest contributors for write-ups. The 22nd annual list features, for example, Shonda Rhimes on Ted Sarandos, Will Ferrell on Lorne Michaels, Amy Poehler on Rashida Jones, Chris Evans on Scarlett Johansson, Hoda Kotb on Snoop Dogg, Patti LuPone on Nicole Scherzinger,...

With her last win now six years ago in 2019, Sanrio's beloved mascot character Hello Kitty finally looks to regain the top spot in the annual character rankings following her milestone 50th anniversary.

Via a press release, Sanrio has officially opened its 40th annual character ranking contest as of April 10, 2025, with the voting window open until May 25. Fans can vote online or in person at all Sanrio Stores, Cafés and, for the first time ever, all Hot Topic stores. In-store voters will receive a free "I Voted" sticker while supplies last. There are 90 characters to vote for; readers can check out the official Sanrio Character Ranking 2025 visual below.

Sanrio Opens Official 2025 Character Ranking Contest for Fans Internationally Image via Sanrio

"Sanrio’s annual Character Ranking contest is a true testament to the enduring love for our characters and the vibrant community that supports them," said Jill Koch, Senior Vice President...

Yoshiki and Hikaru live in a rural village and have been close friends since they were young.

The blazing sun…

The constant buzzing of cicadas…

Ice cream on the way home…

On a perfectly ordinary summer day, as they laugh over trivial things,

Yoshiki turns to Hikaru and says:

“You’re not Hikaru, are you?”

Six months earlier, Hikaru had gone missing in the mountains and returned unexpectedly a week later.

The new Hikaru looks and sounds just like the original, but something else is stirring within him.

“Hikaru is gone… If that’s the case, then…”

Yoshiki continues spending his days with the “something” imitating Hikaru while pretending as if nothing has changed.

Meanwhile, strange incidents begin to plague the village.

Falling into the unknown “something” —

The curtain soon rises on this coming-of-age horror story.

Anime fans are in for a treat, as the lineup for 2025’s summer is filled with beloved series that are sure to keep them entertained. While these series will undoubtedly get enormous love from the fans, there is always a possibility that some of them might not get the love and hype that they deserve.

The Summer Hikaru Died | Credits: CygamesPictures

Among the unprecedented array of new and returning series lies The Summer Hikaru Died, which, despite its wonderful story and art, might be lost in the tidal wave of summer releases, which might lead to a short-lived run.

‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ is a hidden gem Indou Hikaru talking to Yoshiki | Credits: CygamesPictures

The Summer Hikaru Died is a seinen horror manga written and illustrated by Mokumokuren. The manga was originally serialized in a digital magazine and quickly gained popularity from readers for its compelling art and horror elements.

The Summer Hikaru Died , an upcoming anime based on the horror manga by Mokumokuren, released a main trailer, announced new cast members and the ending theme song performer following the stage event at AnimeJapan 2025 . The series will broadcast in Japan on Nippon Television beginning in summer 2025, and it will also stream on Netflix. The Summer Hikaru Died Anime 1st Main Trailer Tooboe will perform the ending theme song for the series, titled “you are my monster”. The new cast members also include: Asako Yamagishi voiced by Yumiri Hanamori Rie Kurebayashi voiced by Wakana Kowaka Tanaka voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi Asako Yamagishi Rie Kurebayashi Tanaka The Summer Hikaru Died key art Related: The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Reveals Key, Character Visuals Mokumokuren's The Summer Hikaru Died manga is serialized on Kadokawa Shoten's Young Ace Up web imprint since August 2021, releasing six volumes in Japan to date. Ryohei Takeshita ( Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night...