Netflix’s Hit Dark Thriller Anime Is a Chilling Callback to a 2022 Classic

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This summer, Netflix, the leading streaming service, isn’t shying away from offering fresh anime content. With the anticipation surrounding “Sakamoto Days” and the second season of “Dandadan,” Netflix also boasts a variety of unique, platform-exclusive titles. One standout series for the summer is the gripping, dark thriller “The Summer Hikaru Died.” Originating from the manga by Mokumokuren, the show focuses on Yoshiki Tsujinaka, a teenage resident of a secluded Japanese village. His tranquil life takes an unsettling turn when his old friend, Hikaru, reappears after disappearing for a week in the forest, but with a shocking revelation: he is dead and has been taken over by some otherworldly force.

The story progresses as Yoshiki delves into deciphering his friend’s enigma and the mysterious presence within him, while bizarre occurrences start to trouble the townsfolk. This paves the way for a thrilling whodunit, as additional characters become entangled in the chilling happenings around them. Remarkably crafted by CygamesPictures, The Summer Hikaru Died skillfully combines suspense and intrigue with a summer ambiance. Its motifs and mood resonate deeply with the spirit of the 2022 summer blockbuster, Summer Time Rendering.

Netflix’s The Summer Hikaru Died Strongly Resembles Summer Time Rendering

The anime titled “Summer Time Rendering,” derived from Yasuki Tanaka’s manga of the same name, was brought to life by OLM Studio over 25 episodes from April 2022 to September 2022. Similar in tone to the currently streaming suspenseful drama on Netflix, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” this series unfolds in a secluded part of Japan, where chilling mysteries gradually come to light. The narrative centers around Shinpei Ajiro, who is on the cusp of adulthood at 17 years old, and his return to his native town, Hitogashima, following the tragic death of his childhood friend, Ushio Kofune. Shinpei shares a deeper connection with the Kofunes than just friendship, as he had lived with them since the loss of his parents.

The news about Ushio’s demise deeply affects him, more so when Mio discloses that her sister’s corpse showed peculiar signs, hinting at a possible murder. Mio additionally admits to having come across Ushio’s double days before her passing. These doubles are linked to the local folklore of “shadows” haunting Hitogashima. Eager to unveil the truth, Shinpei finds himself pulled into a chilling mystery filled with unexpected turns. In terms of plot structure, The Summer Hikaru Died bears a striking resemblance to Summer Time Rendering, with several nuanced aspects linking the two stories.

The Summer Hikaru Died and Summer Time Rendering Share Many Intriguing Similarities

As I watch these two captivating anime unfold, I find myself drawn to the striking similarities between them. If you’re hooked on the dark, suspenseful tale of The Summer Hikaru Died, then I believe you’ll be equally enthralled by Summer Time Rendering. The resemblances go deeper than their shared dark and thrilling storylines. Both series immerse us in the enchanting atmosphere of a Japanese summer, using this season as a powerful narrative tool. Moreover, they both take place in isolated Japanese locales, where characters speak with regional accents that beautifully reflect the area’s unique culture. However, Summer Time Rendering takes this detail a step further, showcasing it with remarkable depth and precision by its talented voice actors.

In addition, both shows develop into crime investigations. However, Summer Time Rendering takes it a step further by introducing intense action scenes because of supernatural “Shadow” entities, which include thrilling Shonen-style battles. Since there’s a powerful entity in The Summer Hikaru Died, it seems that the series will also become more action-packed as the plot unfolds, especially with outside forces getting involved in solving the mystery, similar to what happens in Summer Time Rendering.

The striking similarities between the two shows are clear as day, making it a strong possibility that those who appreciate “The Summer Hikaru Died” will also find “Summer Time Rendering” equally captivating. Notably, the latter series has already wrapped up with a complete 25-episode run, providing viewers an immediate sense of closure – something that the ongoing anime adaptation of “The Summer Hikaru Died” doesn’t offer yet, as its manga is still being serialized and its conclusion remains uncertain for some time. In fact, for some fans, “Summer Time Rendering” may even surpass “The Summer Hikaru Died“.

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2025-07-22 03:09