The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s psychological horror manga, “The Summer Hikaru Died,” has finally revealed its release date, cast, and staff in the first teaser trailer. Fans of the manga have been eagerly awaiting this announcement, and the trailer has only heightened the excitement. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of the teaser trailer, the cast and staff, and what fans can expect from this chilling new series.
The Teaser Trailer
On November 27, 2024, the first teaser trailer for “The Summer Hikaru Died” was released, confirming a summer 2025 release in Japan, with a worldwide release on Netflix to follow. The trailer showcases the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that fans of the manga have come to love, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that sets the tone for the series.
Cast and Staff
The main cast and staff for the anime adaptation have been announced, featuring some well-known names in the industry:
- Yoshiki Tsujinaka: Voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi, known for his role as Gabimaru in “Hell’s Paradise”.
- Hikaru Indo: Voiced by Shuichiro Umeda, who played Akira in “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead”.
The anime is directed by Ryohei Takeshita, who is also serving as the series composer. Takeshita is known for his work on “Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night”. The character design and chief animation direction are handled by Yuichi Takahashi, with Masanobu Hiraoka serving as the “Dorodoro” animator.
About the Manga
“The Summer Hikaru Died” manga, written and illustrated by Mokumokuren, began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up web imprint in August 2021. The series has received critical acclaim, topping Kono Manga ga Sugoi!’s list for male readers in 2023 and earning nominations for the Manga Taisho award, the Tsutaya Comic Awards, an Eisner Award, and the Next Manga Award.
Plot Summary
The story follows Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indo, two inseparable friends living in a rural Japanese village. One day, Hikaru goes missing in the mountains, only to return a week later. However, something is different about him. Whatever came back from the mountains has Hikaru’s face, voice, and memories, but it isn’t Hikaru. As strange incidents begin to plague the village, Yoshiki must navigate the unsettling reality that his best friend is no longer human.
Conclusion
“The Summer Hikaru Died” promises to be a standout series in the psychological horror genre, with its compelling narrative, talented cast, and experienced staff. Fans of the manga and newcomers alike can look forward to an intense, thought-provoking experience when the anime premieres in summer 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be captivated by the chilling tale of “The Summer Hikaru Died.”
