The Summer Hikaru Died, the ongoing coming-of-age horror anime adapting from Mokumokuren’s manga, will appear at Otakon 2025 with a dedicated panel and guest appearance by voice actor Shuichiro Umeda. This will follow its appearance at Anime Expo 2025, where the author, producers, and voice actor Chiaki Kobayashi (Yoshiki) discussed the anime.
The anime premiered globally on Netflix on July 5, 2025. As of today, two episodes are available to stream, introducing viewers to the unsettling story of Yoshiki and the mysterious entity that has returned in place of his missing best friend, Hikaru. The adaptation is produced by CyberAgent and KADOKAWA, with animation by CygamesPictures.
The official panel will take place Friday, August 8 at 5:45 PM at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Umeda, who voices Hikaru, will participate in a live reading and discuss the development of his character and the tone of the series. An autograph session is also scheduled.
Otakon 2025 Details:
- Dates: August 8–10, 2025
- Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
- Panel: Friday, August 8 at 5:45 PM
- Guest: Shuichiro Umeda (Hikaru)
About The Summer Hikaru Died:
The Summer Hikaru Died began serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up website in August 2021 and has been compiled into 7 volumes as of July 4, 2025. The story follows high school student Yoshiki as he navigates the disturbing reality that Hikaru, the friend who returned after a disappearance in the mountains, may no longer be human. The main staff includes:
- Director & Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita
- Character Design: Yuichi Takahashi
- Studio: CygamesPictures
- Opening Theme: “saikai” by Vaundy
- Ending Theme: “you are my monster” by TOOBOE
Source: Press Release, The Summer Hikaru Died Official Website
©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners
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