Searching for Your Next Netflix Anime? Check Out the First Trailer for an Adaptation Blending Slice of Life and Horror!

You might not be familiar with The Summer Hikaru Died yet, but once you see the first trailer, it’ll likely find its way onto your Netflix queue.

Blending slice of life with horror isn’t a typical mix, yet that’s precisely what The Summer Hikaru Died delivers. This intriguing manga began its journey in 2021 and continues to captivate readers with new chapters. The story unfolds around two characters, Yoshiki and Hikaru, living in a small Japanese town. Their routine existence shatters when Hikaru dies, only to be replaced by a mysterious, otherworldly entity. Yoshiki’s faced with the chilling reality that his best friend is gone. After much anticipation, the anime adaptation’s first trailer has arrived, bringing a sense of foreboding that perfectly captures the manga’s atmosphere.

You can catch a glimpse of the trailer above; while it doesn’t give away too much detail, it certainly sets the mood. Directing this spine-tingling adaptation is Ryohei Takeshita, renowned for his work on Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night. Voicing Yoshiki is Chiaki Kobayashi, familiar to fans as the lead in both Hell’s Paradise and Reynatis. Meanwhile, Shuichiro Umeda, known for his roles in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, brings Hikaru to life.

Takeshita shared some insights, stating, "The original work was thrilling to read, and it made me think hard about how to translate its panels into animation. Our team is committed to showcasing the subtle emotions of Yoshiki and Hikaru, along with preserving the beautiful and innovative structure of the manga. We can’t wait to share it with everyone."

Though the release date remains under wraps, it’s slated for the latter half of 2025—so thankfully, the wait isn’t too long. With such a tantalizing premise and a talented team behind it, this adaptation is definitely one to keep an eye on.