Looking for something darker to balance out your summer binge list? Netflix’s new anime The Summer Hikaru Died is here to deliver a supernatural gut punch. Based on Mokumokuren’s cult-favorite manga, this eerie series blends small-town nostalgia with cosmic horror — and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most unsettling anime releases of the year.
Set in a quiet mountain town, The Summer Hikaru Died follows two close friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, whose bond is shattered when Hikaru dies in a tragic accident. But soon after, he returns — looking exactly the same, but undeniably… wrong. An ancient, unknowable presence has taken root, and whatever’s wearing Hikaru’s skin may not be done yet.
Wondering when new episodes drop? Here’s everything you need to know about The Summer Hikaru Died’s weekly release schedule on Netflix.
When Do New Episodes Of The Summer Hikaru Died Come Out On Netflix?
The Summer Hikaru Died premiered Saturday, July 5, 2025, and new episodes are expected to drop weekly on Saturdays through late September — likely totaling 12 episodes.
While Netflix hasn’t confirmed the full episode count, most seasonal anime run for 12 episodes. Based on that, here’s the likely release schedule:
Episode 1 – July 5, 2025
Episode 2 – July 12, 2025
Episode 3 – July 19, 2025
Episode 4 – July 26, 2025
Episode 5 – August 2, 2025
Episode 6 – August 9, 2025
Episode 7 – August 16, 2025
Episode 8 – August 23, 2025
Episode 9 – August 30, 2025
Episode 10 – September 6, 2025
Episode 11 – September 13, 2025
Episode 12 – September 20, 2025
Netflix has not yet revealed the exact release time, but new anime episodes on the platform usually go live at 12:00 AM PT / 3:00 AM ET.
How Many Episodes Of The Summer Hikaru Died Will There Be?
As of now, Netflix hasn’t confirmed an official episode count for The Summer Hikaru Died, but the general assumption is 12 episodes, aligning with the typical anime season structure. The series adapts a relatively compact manga, so a one-season run seems likely.
Where Can I Watch The Summer Hikaru Died?
The Summer Hikaru Died is streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide starting July 5. In Japan, the series will also be available for free on Abema on the same day.
What’s The Summer Hikaru Died About?
Yoshiki and Hikaru are best friends — until Hikaru dies in a mountain accident. A week later, he returns, unchanged in appearance… but something is deeply off. The person who came back may look like Hikaru, but what’s inside him is anything but human. As strange occurrences plague the town, Yoshiki must face a terrifying truth: his best friend might be gone for good, and something ancient has taken his place.
You can watch the official trailer above.
