The manga “The Summer Hikaru Died” (Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu) by Mokumokuren will be adapted into an anime, with a premiere scheduled for summer 2025.
Production Details
- Studio: Cygames Pictures
- Director: Ryouhei Takeshita (Eromanga-sensei, Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai)
- Character Design: Yuuichi Takahashi (Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song)
- Voice Cast:
- Shuichiro Umeda as Hikaru Indou
- Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki Tsujinaka
Notable Elements
- The series marks Mokumokuren’s debut work, making its anime adaptation particularly significant in the industry.
- Initial serialization began in through Kadokawa’s Young Ace UP platform.
- The story blends elements of supernatural horror with intense psychological drama.
Production Background
The adaptation announcement follows the manga’s successful run in Young Ace UP. Cygames Pictures, known for their high-quality productions, will handle the animation, with veteran staff members at the helm.
Story Overview
Set in a small rural town, the narrative follows two lifelong friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru. Their peaceful existence takes a dark turn when Hikaru undergoes a mysterious transformation. The changed Hikaru, while retaining his physical appearance and memories, threatens to kill Yoshiki unless accepted in his new form, all while professing his love.
Themes Explored
- Identity and transformation
- The boundaries of friendship
- Acceptance and fear
- Rural mystery and supernatural elements
As strange occurrences begin to plague their village, Yoshiki must navigate his relationship with this altered version of his best friend while confronting the possibility that the Hikaru he once knew may be gone forever.
