The summer 2025 anime seasonis just around the corner, and appears set to pick up the pace with quite a few heavy-hitters after a relatively slow spring. There will be something for fans of all genres, including major shōnen action titles and the return of romance stand-outs. However, one new show will be bringing a rare horror experience to the table.
The Summer Hikaru Diedis one of the most anticipated new releases this upcoming anime season, andits latest promoproves that fans will want to ready themselves for a devastating watch before diving in. The manga series by Mokumokuren has gained quite a following since its debut in 2021, and it nowfinds itself a headliner in one of the strongest anime seasons in years.
The Summer Hikaru Died’s New Promo Shows Why the Series Will Be a Stand-Out
The New Supernatural Horror Mystery Series Has a Chance to Steal the Spotlight This Summer
It’s rare thata horror animebecomes one of the most anticipated of an upcoming season, but after a 2025 dominated by only a few standout titles,The Summer Hikaru Diedseems ready to become the breath of fresh air anime fans are looking for. Exploring themes of loss and grief, it won’t be an easy watch, but one that manga fans will ensure is worth it.
The series delivers rural Japanese horror in the vein of stories likeHigurashi When They Cryor the PS2 classicSiren, but is also able to masterfully blend slice-of-life elements that allow the audience to become attached to its characters. It follows two teenage boys named Yoshiki and Hikaru, who are close friends despite their own personal differences.
One summer, however, Hikaru is attacked and brought to the brink of death while exploring the mountainside,and something that isn’t exactly human takes his body and replaces him. Eventually, Yoshiki begins to notice the subtle changes in his best friend, and becomes stuck between the fear of what Hikaru has become, but also the possibility of losing him.
Horror anime is somewhat of a rare commodity, and following the major disappointment that was the fall’sUzumaki, fans of the genre have been waiting for something to impress them.
The new trailer showcases the sort of haunting psychological horror on display inThe Summer Hikaru Died, blending tragedy with unnerving scares for a unique, terrifying, but also deeply sad experience.
The Summer Hikaru Died Is Bringing a Fresh Experience to the Summer Anime Season
A Rare Horror Anime Is Set to Headline the Season
The summer anime season will be defined by major returning titles. Shows likethe 2024 breakout smash hitDandadanandKaiju no. 8are two of the most anticipated releases of 2025, while high-profile rom-coms likeMy Dress-Up Darlingand theRascal Does Not Dreamseries will be airing their own long-awaited second seasons.
However, anime fans are always on the look-out for the next big new title, andThe Summer Hikaru Diedis set to fill that role this summer. Horror anime is somewhat of a rare commodity, and following the majordisappointment that was the fall’sUzumaki, fans of the genre have been waiting for something to impress them.
The Summer Hikaru Diedwill bring a unique story to the table, unlike the campier titles that typically stand out in the genre, like 2021’s surprise hitMieruko-chan. Instead,fans will be met with a narrative deeply rooted in melancholic horror, with themes touching on far heavier subjects than ghosts and ghouls might usually offer.
The summer anime season will be kicking off in only a few short days, and there are a number of shows fans will want to keep their eye on. Among them,The Summer Hikaru Diedmight just be the breath of fresh air many are looking for. Fans can find the series on Netflix starting July 5, and are going to want to prepare themselves for the whirlwind of emotions to come along with it.
