‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ Anime Teaser Lives Up to its Chilling Source Material

Dec 3

The first teaser trailer for Netflix's anime adaptation of The Summer Hikaru Died (directed by Ryohei Takeshita) just dropped — and almost instantly, the early footage has generated promising hype from both horror genre lovers and fans of the popular manga.

Based on the popular manga by Mokumokuren, The Summer Hikaru Died unfolds in a quiet village where two childhood friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, experience a series of mysterious events during summer, which obviously includes the tragic death of the titular character.

The Summer Hikaru Died, (2025) | Netflix

The anime trailer opens with breathtaking visuals of the village (with animation produced by CygamesPictures), highlighting the serene yet eerie atmosphere that perfectly sets the tone for the series. The character designs are also faithful to the manga, capturing the emotions and subtleties of Yoshiki and Hikaru's looming turmoil. As the trailer progresses, it hints at the supernatural elements that will play a crucial role in the story, with glimpses of strange occurrences and strikingly haunting imagery.

Fans are particularly excited about the top-notch animation quality, which appears to bring the manga's art to life. The voice acting (by Chiaki Kobayashi and Shuichiro Umeda) also seems promising, adding depth to the characters and the potential to enhance the overall viewing experience.

In terms of the plot, the trailer gives just enough to intrigue viewers without revealing too much. Though, it still teases the core mystery that surrounds Hikaru and the changes he undergoes, which will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Overall, the first teaser trailer for The Summer Hikaru Died has successfully heightened anticipation for the series, with its captivating visuals, intriguing storyline, and strong faithfulness to the source material. As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see how this beloved manga will be adapted.

Check out the teaser trailer included below.