CyberAgent, Inc. today has provided the report of the special stage event for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” held at AnimeJapan 2025.
“The Summer Hikaru Died” is a hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his life with Hikaru, a mysterious being who imitates his best friend Hikaru Indo. The story of “whatever it is” and the boy’s madness has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime film.
Following the announcement of the anime adaptation in May 2024, there is considerable anticipation among fans in Japan and worldwide. The animation will be directed by Ryohei Takeshita known as the director of “Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night” and CygamesPictures will be handling the animation production for the series. The special stage event for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died”, set to air in the summer of 2025, was held on March 22nd (Saturday) at the GREEN stage of “AnimeJapan 2025”.
Chiaki Kobayashi and Shuichiro Umeda, the new cast members Yumiri Hanamori, Wakana Kowaka, and Chikahiro Kobayashi made a surprise appearance on “The Summer Hikaru Died” special stage held today at AnimeJapan 2025. Furthermore, the main trailer, featuring the ending theme song “Anata wa Kaibutsu(you are my monster)” performed by TOOBOE was unveiled for the first time. Also, additional staff members such as Yuichi Takahashi, who is responsible for character design and chief animation direction were revealed.
“Coming-of-age horror” is a perfectly fitting introduction
“The Summer Hikaru Died” is a coming-of-age horror story that intertwines the whispers of youth and fear. It is currently serialized on YOUNG ACE UP published by KADOKAWA and crafted by the emerging talent, Mokumokuren. The once peaceful daily life begins to crumble gradually due to the unknown “something” eventually descending into an irretrievable darkness—a spine-chilling development that has been making headlines. The anime is set for worldwide exclusive streaming on Netflix.
Appearing in response to the call of Nippon TV announcer Rina Sato, who hosts this stage, were Chiaki Kobayashi, playing the role of Yoshiki Tsujinaka, and Shuichiro Umeda, playing Hikaru, both dressed in costumes inspired by their characters. Chiaki also brought the doll of the stray cat Mince-Aniki, who appears in the story. The audience couldn’t help but smile at the adorable recreation, complete with the cat’s paws in a loaf position.
Incidentally, Mince-Aniki was reportedly supervised by Mokumokuren themself, and the effort put into the perfect recreation of its form was evident. In Shuichiro Umeda’s hand was a card shaped like the “DORODORO”, an entity that exudes a peculiar presence in the original work. Some audience members were also seen holding the same card, creating a unique atmosphere in the venue even before the event began.
From here, the conversation about the story unfolds, starting with an explanation of the plot and characters.
“Coming-of-age horror” is a fitting term, as it’s balanced in a way that both fans and those who aren’t fond of horror can enjoy it, and there’s a dramatic aspect within it. I always feel that it is a work that many people can enjoy,” said Chiaki Kobayashi.
Chiaki Kobayashi plays Yoshiki, a high school student who accepts that his childhood friend Hikaru Indo has been replaced by “something else.” While harboring inner conflict, he continues to live his daily life. When asked about Yoshiki, Chiaki Kobayashi explained, “In Kubitachi Village, where Yoshiki and the others live, the population is about the same as the number of people on this stage right now, which means there are very few people. Because of that, he’s often talked about, whether it’s the length of his hair or his family environment, wherever he is. While he’s frustrated with the village’s narrow-minded nature, he can’t express those feelings. He’s a realistic character who you can imagine exists in any village.”
The character Hikaru, portrayed by Shuichiro Umeda, is a mysterious entity that appeared in place of “Hikaru Indo”, who went missing in the forbidden mountain area six months ago, with the same voice and appearance but isn’t Hikaru. “Hikaru is an important friend to Yoshiki. Though an enigmatic presence, one thing I can say is that he’s a boy who strongly wants to be by Yoshiki’s side. His ability to find joy in new things, feel different emotions, and have questions makes him a fascinating character, I think.”
Chiaki Kobayashi also mentioned the key visual revealed two days before the event, saying, “In the key visual, Hikaru seems to be reflected behind Yoshiki’s back. Hikaru is in the sunlight, and Yoshiki is in the shadow. Just looking at this expands so many images. It’s a truly excellent key visual. The scenery depicted is beautiful, but conversely, it accentuates the horror aspect.”
Agreeing with a nod, Shuichiro Umeda added, “You can feel the horror in the tiny incongruities within the village’s everyday life. But the way it’s depicted as being normal is somewhat terrifying. I think the key visual captures that tension well.”
The additional cast, which had been kept under wraps, has been announced!
Here, the first main trailer for “The Summer Hikaru Died” was unveiled. The unique world of the work, where refreshing coming-of-age drama and spine-chilling horror intersect, was depicted, drawing not only the audience but also the two main cast members into the story instantly. “I’ve got goosebumps that won’t stop!” exclaimed Umeda. The music that adorned this main trailer was revealed to be the ending theme song “Anata wa Kaibutsu(you are my monster)” by TOOBOE. With the announcement of the additional cast and staff, there were moments when the audience buzzed with excitement.
In the lingering atmosphere, Chiaki Kobayashi commented, “The main trailer conveyed the original work’s ambiance and a sense of summer… It wasn’t explanatory, but rather, through the power of imagery and voice performance, it stirred the imagination, suggesting that something unusual was happening in the village.”
Then, with a hint of anticipation, he mentioned, “I noticed the cast was listed towards the end…” Prompted by the host’s voice saying, “Well then, let’s welcome the cast members who appeared in the main trailer!” Yumiri Hanamori, who plays Asako Yamagishi, Wakana Kowaka as Rie Kurebayashi, and Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tanaka took the stage.
Let’s introduce the characters played by the three actors. Asako Yamagishi, played by Yumiri Hanamori, is a classmate of Yoshiki who has been able to “hear” things that ordinary people cannot since she was a child. Opposite to Asako, who “hears”, is Rie Kurebayashi, a housewife who can “see” things that ordinary people cannot.
And then there’s Tanaka, described as “a man who seems to belong to a certain company and is investigating something. He’s always nonchalant and hard to pin down. He has a hamster as his partner.” However… “As the introduction suggests, I can’t really say anything. He’s a mysterious man,” says Chikahiro Kobayashi. Incidentally, the hamster partner is said to be a key character, so we hope you look forward to it.
A Ritual at the Recording Studio
The stage was set for a cross talk session featuring five cast members. The recording sessions for this project are usually done with almost all members present. Chiaki Kobayashi revealed, “Recently, we had a purification ritual at the studio. We made sure to have a proper ritual performed.” Umeda reflected warmly, saying, “It was a valuable experience to witness the ritual with this group.” However, on that particular day, Hanamori was absent, which led to a moment where they expressed a bit of disappointment, saying, “I wish they would do it again…” This episode highlighted the camaraderie among the cast and the atmosphere of the studio.
In addition to the cheerful anecdotes from the recording sessions, the topic of Mie dialect guidance, which appears in the work, was also discussed. Although none of the five cast members are from Mie Prefecture, a dialect coach from Mie, along with the original author, Mokumokuren, and the director, checks the dialect usage as needed. Tanaka, played by Chikahiro Kobayashi, is not a character that uses the dialect, so he remarked, “I watch everyone struggling and think it looks tough,” showing a bit of relaxed sympathy for his fellow cast members. This conversation conveyed the meticulous efforts of the team to ensure authentic dialect expression, inviting the audience to pay attention to this aspect as well.
In highlighting the appeal of the work, the cast members called attention to the unique expressions possible in animation, such as the beautiful visuals, the commitment to sound, and the individuality of the characters. Chiaki Kobayashi noted that viewers should also pay attention to “Yoshiki’s bangs.” Following that, Umeda mentioned, “Please pay special attention to the differences in acting between the real “Hikaru Indo” and the “Hikaru” that might be “something” else, revealing the thought put into differentiating these roles.
Yumiri Hanamori commented, “As you might have felt from the trailer, the representation of things that ‘shouldn’t be heard’ is truly amazing. Through the work, I think you’ll experience moments where you realize, ‘Oh, I shouldn’t have heard that,’ so I hope you’ll look forward to it,” highlighting the meticulous attention to sound effects.
Chikahiro Kobayashi also remarked, “The inclusion of sound enhances fear and makes it more enjoyable. I hope you’ll pay attention to that.” He added, “Listening with headphones might make it even more exciting…?” showing moments of enthusiasm among the cast as they discussed ways to deeply savor the “sound” of the work.
Additionally, Wakana Kowaka reintroduced Rie Kurebayashi, saying, “She may be strict at times, but she’s charming. I believe she’s the heroine of this work. She’s a very playful housewife.”
Please immerse yourself in “The Summer Hikaru Died”
Final messages from the cast.
Chikahiro Kobayashi:
“This work truly has a serene and somewhat relaxed atmosphere. It’s a story where a subtle fear slowly creeps into a leisurely village. However, it’s not merely about fear; it also portrays warmth between people and a subtle sense of ‘human love.’ It’s absolutely a work that should be watched in the summer, so I’m very glad that it will be broadcasted and streamed in summer. I’ll continue to do my best with the voice recording, so please look forward to it.”
Wakana Kowaka:
“I have really been looking forward to this day! Both the actors and the characters are struggling and striving hard! Just a little bit more until this summer, so please look forward to it.”
Yumiri Hanamori:
“The artwork is very beautiful, and especially the blue stands out to me. Not just Tanaka, but Tanaka is also working hard with the hamster (laughs). I believe we can deliver a wonderful ‘blue’ this summer, so please look forward to it!”
Shuichiro Umeda:
“This work is cherished by many people. I approach the voice recording with the thought of cherishing the existence of Hikaru. Please look forward to the summer broadcast!”
Chiaki Kobayashi:
“At the first event stage for this work, I’m filled with joy to have been able to get excited together with everyone. It’s not only scary as a horror piece but also a drama that makes you think about friends, family, and even your own existence. Since the original work isn’t complete yet, I believe many are looking forward to how the anime will conclude. Please immerse yourself in “The Summer Hikaru Died” this summer.”
“The Summer Hikaru Died” is set to begin its TV anime broadcast and streaming in the summer of 2025. Original Japanese ver. written by Mari Sakurai.
Follow “The Summer Hikaru Died” for the latest news and announcements：
- Official website: https://hikanatsu-anime.com/
- Official X : https://x.com/hikaru_anime_en
- Netflix Title Page: https://www.netflix.com/title/81948057
Source: Press Release
