The Summer Hikaru Died

Jasmine Gutz

“The Summer Hikaru Died” is a suspenseful coming-of-age cosmic horror anime on Netflix, which was adapted from Mokumokuren’s manga. Set in a quiet rural Japanese village, it follows teenage friends Yoshiki and Hikaru. After Hikaru returns from the mountain, something about him has changed. Yoshiki feels he’s been replaced by something else entirely. As unsettling events begin to unfold in the village, Yoshiki struggles to hold onto their bond while facing forces beyond his understanding that threaten everything they share. This anime explores dark, complex themes like identity, grief, and obsession through haunting audio-visual storytelling.

Episode 2 perfectly captures the essence of the show when Yoshiki visits a convenience store. The atmosphere is tense, and the oppressive heat feels almost tangible as cicadas buzz loudly. Inside, the sounds are overstimulating: people coughing, music from the speakers, items beeping at the register, and the cashier’s nonstop chatter with Yoshiki. Visually, the scene shifts between close-ups and distant shots, making you both a spy observing from afar and an intruder invading their space. It pulls you into Yoshiki’s anxious mind and growing disconnection from reality. It’s both intimate and alienating. 

I honestly didn’t expect to love the show as much as I did. Though the plot moves slowly, its emotional depth and cinematography drew me in. If you enjoy shows that favor mood, character, and overall psychological tension, this one’s for you. I recommend watching with headphones to fully immerse yourself in the detailed sound design.