Netflix has secured the global distribution rights to The Summer Hikaru Died, an upcoming anime adaptation of the critically acclaimed manga by author Mokumokuren. The series, which has already garnered attention for its unique blend of slice-of-life drama and supernatural suspense, is set to premiere next year in Japan.
The anime follows the story of Yoshiki, a teenage boy whose life is upended when his best friend, Hikaru, is mysteriously replaced by a being that looks and behaves exactly like him. As the supernatural elements unfold, Yoshiki grapples with his own sense of reality and the eerie transformation of the once-familiar world around him.
First published by Kadokawa in 2021, The Summer Hikaru Died quickly became a hit, earning recognition for its compelling storytelling and intricate character development. The anime adaptation is produced by CygamesPictures and directed by Ryohei Takeshita, known for his work on Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night. The voice cast features Chiaki Kobayashi and Shuichiro Umeda in the leading roles.
Speaking about the project, Takeshita expressed his enthusiasm for the original manga and the challenge of translating its emotional depth into animation. “Reading the original work was exciting, and I pondered how to express its frames in animation,” he said. “Our team was very dedicated to capturing the delicate emotions of Yoshiki and Hikaru, as well as the manga’s beautiful and innovative structure.”
The Summer Hikaru Died promises to deliver a thrilling and emotionally charged viewing experience, blending supernatural horror with poignant moments of friendship and loss. Fans of the original manga and newcomers alike will soon be able to stream the series on Netflix, marking another major anime acquisition for the platform as it continues to expand its global offerings.
Nippon TV, the Japanese broadcaster behind the series, is scheduled to debut the anime in Japan in 2025, while Netflix will stream the series worldwide shortly thereafter.
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