The highly anticipated TV anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” (original manga published by KADOKAWA; anime co-produced by CyberAgent and KADOKAWA; animation production by CygamesPictures) held its North American premiere screening and special talk panel on July 4 at Anime Expo 2025, North America’s largest annual anime convention, held in Los Angeles this year from July 3 to 6.
The event featured an exclusive screening of Episode 1, followed by a panel discussion with the original manga creator Mokumokuren, voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi (who voices Yoshiki Tsujinaka), and producers Chiaki Kurakane (KADOKAWA) and Manami Kabashima (CyberAgent). The venue welcomed a full house of nearly 2,000 excited fans eager to see this haunting and emotionally-packed new anime before anyone else.
Episode 1 Premiere Leaves Fans in Awe
The panel opened with the premiere screening of the first episode, introducing viewers to the rural Japanese summer setting where high school student Yoshiki Tsujinaka begins to notice unsettling changes in his childhood friend Hikaru—who seems to have been replaced by something eerily identical. From the very first frame, the emotionally tense storytelling and striking visuals drew the audience in. The screening ended to a thunderous applause with audible exclamations of awe from the audience.
The Cast and Creators Share the Story Behind the Anime
Following the premiere screening, manga creator Mokumokuren, voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi, and the two producers took the stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the anime.
When asked about her thoughts on the anime adaptation, Mokumokuren admitted, “I was kind of expecting [the manga to be made into an anime]—so I wasn’t that surprised when the offer came. But I had a strong sense of what could be changed [in the story] and what absolutely shouldn’t be. I was very involved throughout the process.” Her remarks made her deep trust in the production team evident.
Voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi, who plays Yoshiki in the anime, reflected on landing the role: “I thought the story was really fascinating even when I was auditioning for the role, so I was thrilled to become a part of it.”
When asked about casting Chiaki Kobayashi as Yoshiki, producer Chiaki Kurakane shared some behind-the-scenes insights: “Given Yoshiki’s emotional subtlety, the nuance in his shifting feelings, and the growth his character goes through, we knew we needed someone with Kobayashi’s range. After discussions with the director and Mokumokuren, it was nearly unanimous—we all felt Kobayashi was the right choice.”
Producer Manami Kabashima also spoke about the team’s meticulous approach to the anime’s production: “As a horror series, we didn’t want to rely on loud sounds or sudden shocks to scare the audience. Instead, Director Takeshita and the team at CygamesPictures have been exploring how to create a more quiet kind of horror—like the constant sense that something might be there—through expertly utilizing sound, color, and direction.”
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as the panelists offered valuable behind-the-scenes insights into the production.
Scenes That Stayed With the Panelists
When asked which scenes from Episode 1 left the strongest impression on them, Mokumokuren highlighted one particularly chilling moment: “The scene where the red light outside the police box starts blinking as Yoshiki’s inner thoughts slip out—that was originally conveyed through text in the manga. I was amazed at how the director turned that into a purely visual expression.”
Kobayashi pointed to one particular line that stuck with him: “Yoshiki’s line, ‘You’re not really Hikaru, are you?’ is normally something you’d expect at the climax of a story. The fact that it’s delivered right at the start really sets the tone.”
As the discussion continued, Kobayashi shared further insights into how he performed his role, while the producers teased what fans can expect in future episodes. The panel concluded to enthusiastic cheers from the audience and heartfelt messages from each panelist.
Messages from the Panel
Manami Kabashima (Producer, CyberAgent):
“The story really takes off after Episode 1, and I hope you’ll stay with us and enjoy every episode to the end.”
Chiaki Kurakane (Producer, KADOKAWA):
“Although this series is framed as a youth horror, it’s also a mystery and drama that explores human relationships in complex ways. We want each viewer to enjoy it in their own way, from whatever angle resonates with them most.”
Chiaki Kobayashi (Voice of Yoshiki Tsujinaka):
“‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ is a visually stunning series with a beautiful soundtrack. While it’s set in a quiet rural town in Japan, it deals with themes that I think are universally relatable. I truly believe audiences here in L.A. will enjoy it too—so please look forward to it!”
Mokumokuren (Original Creator):
“The TV anime adaptation of ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ has stayed true to the core of the original story, while evolving into something even more powerful through animation. I think it’s a faithful and honest adaptation. The manga is still going as well, so I hope you’ll keep reading it.”
Episode 1“Replacement” Stills and Synopsis
In celebration of Anime Expo 2025, the stills and synopsis for Episode 1 of “The Summer Hikaru Died” have also been made available.
Episode 1 “Replacement” serves as a powerful introduction to the emotionally charged and unsettling world of “The Summer Hikaru Died.” The newly released stills capture key moments from the premiere episode, hinting at the tension and mystery that drive the story forward.
Watch the Episode 1 Preview Here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV4i5VkCuJM
The anime “The Summer Hikaru Died” is streaming worldwide on Netflix as of July 5, 2025.
Episode 1 “Replacement” Synopsis:
On a sweltering summer day, Yoshiki realizes that his best friend Hikaru—who had smiled beside him throughout their childhood—is no longer the same. Though this “Hikaru” looks and talks just like him, it’s something else entirely.
In their stifling, isolated village, Hikaru was the only person Yoshiki could ever truly trust. Desperate not to lose that bond, he chooses to accept the imposter—and vows to tell no one.
About “The Summer Hikaru Died”
“The Summer Hikaru Died” is a hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his daily life with Hikaru, or rather, a mysterious entity who is imitating his best friend Hikaru. The story of that “something” and Yoshiki’s mentality has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime series.
Follow “The Summer Hikaru Died” on Social Media:
Official Website:https://hikanatsu-anime.com/
Official X:https://x.com/hikaru_anime_en
Official YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hikaru_anime_en
Introduction
In a certain village
Since their childhood, they have grown up together.
Yoshiki and Hikaru, childhood friends.
the sun shining down on them
the chirping sound of a crypto tympana facialis
Ice cream on the way home
Laughing over trivial things
One day in summer, no different from any other day
…… You’re not Hikaru after all, are you?
Half a year ago, Hikaru went missing in the mountains.
A week later, he came back on a whim.
The voice, the figure, the thing that looked like Hikaru
What was stirring inside…
“Hikaru is no longer with us. …… if that’s the case.”
Starting the days with “something” in the form of a friend,
The “same as usual” everyday life.
But at the same time…
Strange incidents begin to plague the village.
Falling into the unknown “something”
The curtain rises on a coming-of-age horror story.
Broadcast & Streaming Information
Available on Netflix worldwide from July 5th, 2025
Netflix (Worldwide): https://www.netflix.com/jp/title/81948057
Cast
Yoshiki Tsujinaka: Chiaki Kobayashi
Hikaru: Shuichiro Umeda
Tanaka: Chikahiro Kobayashi
Rie Kurebayashi: Wakana Kowaka
Asako Yamagishi: Yumiri Hanamori
Yuta Maki: Yoshiki Nakajima
Yuki Tadokoro: Shion Wakayama
Staff
Original Story: Based on the manga “The Summer Hikaru Died” by Mokumokuren; originally serialized in YOUNG ACE UP, published by KADOKAWA
Director/Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi
DORODORO Animator: Masanobu Hiraoka
Prop Design: Ryunosuke Ouchi
Sub Character Design: Mai Watanabe, Hiroko Saigan, Shoko Nagasawa
Art Setting: Shuhei Tada, Takeyuki Takahashi, Yoshihiro Sono
Art Director: Kohei Honda
Color Design: Naomi Nakano（stella）
Assistant Color Design: Yuko Koshida
3D Supervisor: Yoshinori Nakano
Director of Photography: Tomohiro Maeda
2D Design: Yusuke Nagara, Yuri Tsue
Editing: Kashiko Kimura
Sound Director: Koji Kasamatsu
Sound Production: dugout
Music: Taro Umebayashi
Opening Theme Song: “saikai” by Vaundy
Ending Theme Song: “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You are my Monster) by TOOBOE
Animation Production: CygamesPictures
©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners
