Just over a month after Netflix premiered one of the most haunting anime,The Summer Hikaru Died, on July 22, 2025, the series quickly earned praise for its emotional depth and its unique approach to psychological and body horror storytelling. Following two high school boys in a rural town, the series explores dark themes with a truly fresh perspective.
Based on the manga by Mokumokuren,The Summer Hikaru Diedhas become one of the most popular summer releases of the 2025 anime season. Recently, the creators behind the hit anime released a new web series on YouTube, and it’s a must-watch for true fans of the show.
The Summer Hikaru Died Has a Behind-The-Scenes Series
The Web Series Can Be Watched for Free on YouTube
A new web series titledThe Making of The Summer Hikaru Diedlaunched on YouTube just weeks after the anime’s release. Its first episode, titled “Horror,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unsettling anime, exploring the creative choices that shaped the stunning adaptation with interviews from director Ryohei Takeshita and key staff who helped bring the story to life.
Revolving around the theme of horror, the episode provides an in-depth breakdown of the series’ approach to creating an unnerving atmosphere. Rather than relying on jump scares which are often seen in Western horror films, the anime focuses on moments that feel off, creating a chilling tension and underlying sense of dread.
These creative choices are all intentionally made to capture a Japanese horror style that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological impact.Fans ofThe Summer Hikaru Diedwill appreciate the care and thoughtfulness put into the anime’s creation, with many viewing it as a prime example of a well-crafted adaptation that honors the manga’s spirit.
The Summer Hikaru Died Is a Must-Watch Anime
The Summer Hikaru Died Will Likely Be in the Running for Anime of the Year
The series begins with a chilling premise when Hikaru disappears into the mountains and returns as an inhuman being. Only his best friend seems to notice the change, leaving Yoshiki to quietly deal with the dread, guilt, and grief alone, setting the stage for emotional fallout and psychological horror at the center ofThe Summer Hikaru Died.
Rather than relying on gore or overusing monsters, the anime leans into its disturbing themes by focusing on emotional dependence as the driving force. While Yoshiki recognizes that his best friend is gone and the new Hikaru isn’t human, he can’t let go and desperately clings to the last remaining threads he has left.
The supernatural, bodily, and psychological horror are intensified by the emotional undercurrent, making the show as unsettling as it is. Audiences can only sit with the growing dread as the rural town begins to experience increasingly haunting phenomena.The Summer Hikaru Diedexcelsat exploring tragedy, atmosphere, and grief in a way few other anime can match.
