Netflix’s The Summer Hikaru Died Unveils Stunning Opening & Ending: Watch

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The animated adaptation of the award-winning manga “The Summer Hikaru Died,” created by Mokumokuren, will debut on July 6th, 2025, as part of the Summer 2025 lineup. This manga was initially published in 2021 and is currently being serialized in Young Ace UP, a monthly manga magazine published by Kadokawa Shoten. CygamesPictures announced an anime adaptation in May 2024, with the premiere exclusive to Netflix. The second episode, released on July 12th, 2025, revealed both the opening and ending themes of the anime. Previously teased in the trailers, the full versions of these songs are now available to enjoy alongside stunning visuals.

The introductory melody, “Saikai” (Restart) by Vaundy, skillfully combines ordinary and unsettling motifs from the narrative, emphasizing the undercurrents of tension beneath the tranquil summer atmosphere. Additionally, fleeting scenes of secondary characters are presented to foster empathy towards protagonists Hikaru and Yoshiki, without disclosing specific plot points. Concurrently, the concluding theme, “You Are My Monster,” by TOOBOE, markedly differs from the opening. It adopts a subdued color scheme, inducing a sense of melancholy as it showcases tender moments involving the main characters.

What Is the Plot of The Summer Hikaru Died?

In a tranquil little hamlet, Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indou have been as close as peas in a pod since their early years. They’ve always been together, like two pieces of a puzzle that perfectly fit. Then, one day, an unsettling event occurred: Hikaru went missing for a full week. The village was thrown into turmoil, searching high and low for any sign of him during those anxious days.

As Hikaru appears unchanged, one might think everything is normal. However, Yoshiki discerns that this semblance of Hikaru is merely an illusion. Though they share the same appearance, voice, and memories, it’s another person entirely. Heartbreakingly, Yoshiki learns that Hikaru has perished during his absence, and in his place, a mysterious entity assumed his identity.

Amidst his emotional distress, the creature admits he doesn’t know where he came from, but all he is certain of is his affection for Yoshiki. With Yoshiki still grappling with the sorrow of losing his best friend, he contemplates if it’s better to leave things as they are. However, since Hikaru’s demise, odd incidents have been taking place around them, causing unrest in the previously tranquil village. In the most recent episode, Yoshiki and the creature maintain their act of friendship. As the episode concludes, a woman approaches Yoshiki and advises him about the mountain where Hikaru vanished, as Yoshiki battles to silence his thoughts.

The anime is set to air over 12 episodes, streaming exclusively on Netflix every Saturday. Meanwhile, it will also be accessible for free on Abema in Japan on the same day. To read the manga, you can acquire the volumes from Yen Press’s official website, with six installments currently available. Volume 7 was released in Japan on July 4th, 2025, so we anticipate an English release within approximately ten months based on typical manga publication schedules.

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2025-07-14 20:10