CyberAgent, Inc. today has revealed the latest information at the special stage event for the TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” held today at AnimeJapan 2025, including the main trailer and additional cast announcements.
“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 Indou. 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.
In addition to the previously announced cast members 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.
Below you can find comments from the newest cast members:
Yumiri Hanamori (Asako Yamagishi)
I’m Yumiri Hanamori, I will be playing the role of Asako Yamagishi in “The Summer Hikaru Died”.
The first time I read this work, I was greatly shocked that the story begins from the point where it didn’t make it in time. In a place that shouldn’t have existed. What if “something” very close to what didn’t make it appear in front of us? What choice would we choose? What will be awaiting them at the end of their summer?
I will do my best to play the role so that you can feel the atmosphere that sticks to your skin. Thank you very much.
Wakana Kowaka (Rie Kurebayashi)
I’m Wakana Kowaka, who will be playing the role of Rie Kurebayashi. I’m looking forward to seeing how this work, which is filled with various emotions, how it will be visualized.
And the Mie dialect! We are all working so hard to record it! I want to do my best to play Rie Kurebayashi, who is close to Yoshiki and Hikaru and has kindness in her sternness.
Chikahiro Kobayashi (Tanaka)
When I read the original story, my heart was firmly grasped from the beginning!
The scene of “Summer” that everyone feels nostalgic for is mixed with the fear and wonder of not knowing what is happening. It’s really interesting. I’m very happy to be able to mix in with the atmosphere of this work…!
Let’s watch it together when summer comes!
I addition to the cast, information on the characters they will portray has also been revealed!
Asako Yamagishi (voiced by Yumiri Hanamori)
A classmate of Yoshiki. Since childhood, she has been able to “hear” things that ordinary people cannot. She is tall, lively, and intelligent.
Rie Kurebayashi (voiced by Wakana Kowaka)
A housewife who can “see” things that ordinary people cannot. She worries about Yoshiki, who is with a dangerous and terrifying presence, and warns him to stay away.
Tanaka (voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi)
A man who seems to be investigating something for a certain company. He is always carefree and elusive. He has a hamster as his partner.
The anime’s ending theme was revealed to be “Anata wa Kaibutsu (You Are My Monster) by TOOBOE.
The full version of the song is scheduled to be released this Summer! TOOBOE also provided a comment about performing the ending theme:
Hello, I’m TOOBOE, and I will be in charge of the ending theme song. In creating this piece, I delved deeply into the original story, contemplating how one might savor memories and promises upon realizing that the neighbor the one believed to be true isn’t actually who the one thought. The more I tried to understand Yoshiki’s feelings, the more pure, sorrowful, and cruel they became. The resulting song, “Anata wa Kaibutsu(you are my monster)” became a kind of forgiveness that I extended to the characters. I hope it can add a vibrant touch to this wonderful story. Thank you for your support.
Source: Press Release
