Unveiling the Chilling Details for Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu Episode 8 “Contact”
The highly anticipated summer anime `Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu` is gearing up for its eighth episode, titled “Contact,” and fans are in for a treat with the release of its gripping synopsis and evocative preview cuts. This latest installment is set to broadcast starting Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Anime Overview and Unfolding Story
`Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu`, based on Mokumoku Ren’s acclaimed manga serialized in KADOKAWA’s ‘Yanggu Eesu UP’, is a captivating youth horror story that has already drawn significant attention, even securing the top spot in the Male Characters category of “Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2023.” The narrative plunges viewers into the life of Tsujinaka Yoshiki, a seemingly ordinary high school boy. His world is irrevocably altered when a mysterious entity, known simply as Hikaru (ヒカル), appears, mimicking the form and memories of his cherished childhood friend, Ido Hikaru (忌堂光). As Yoshiki grapples with this unsettling presence, he finds himself increasingly entangled in a series of bizarre and eerie incidents that plague his surroundings. The anime promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its unique blend of poignant friendship and creeping supernatural horror.
Talented Production Team and Voice Cast
The TV anime adaptation is brought to life by a stellar team. Takeshita Ryouhei, known for his masterful direction in `Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai`, takes the helm as both director and series composer, crafting the intricate narrative. Takahashi Yuuichi handles the crucial roles of character design and chief animation director, ensuring the visual consistency and expressiveness of the characters. Adding a unique touch to the horror elements, Hiraoka Masanobu serves as the “Doro Doro Animator,” specializing in the animation of grotesque and unsettling visual effects that are crucial for the anime’s chilling atmosphere. Animation production is expertly handled by CygamesPictures.
The talented voice cast breathes life into the characters, with Kobayash Chiaki perfectly capturing the essence of Tsujinaka Yoshiki, while Umeda Shuuichirou delivers a nuanced performance as the enigmatic Hikaru (ヒカル).
Episode 8 “Contact” Synopsis
After a profound moment, Yoshiki accepts Hikaru’s (ヒカル) heartfelt desire to “stay here,” prompting him to delve deeper into the mystery of Hikaru’s true nature. A cryptic note left by the original Hikaru (光) mentions a name, “Nou Nuki-sama,” yet Hikaru’s (ヒカル) memories regarding this entity remain frustratingly vague.
The deepening enigma takes another turn when Hikaru’s (ヒカル) grandfather unexpectedly asks, “Where did ‘Hichi-san’ go?” As these questions mount, the unsettling influence of the ‘Kegare’ (穢れ – a Japanese term often referring to spiritual impurity or corruption) begins to spread, subtly manifesting its eerie effects even within the confines of the school grounds.
What new revelations will Yoshiki uncover as he seeks answers about his companion?
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Don’t miss the chilling Episode 8 “Contact” of `Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu`, which will begin its sequential broadcast on Saturday, August 23rd, at 24:55 JST on Nippon TV and other affiliated networks. For international viewers and those who prefer on-demand, the series is available for exclusive worldwide streaming on Netflix, and for those in Japan, an exclusive free streaming option is available on ABEMA.
Scene Photos from `Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu`
`Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu` Anime Production Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Creator | Mokumoku Ren (serialized in KADOKAWA’s ‘Yanggu Eesu UP’) |
| Director / Series Composer | Takeshita Ryouhei |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Takahashi Yuuichi |
| Doro Doro Animator | Hiraoka Masanobu |
| Prop Design | Onda Ryuunosuke |
| Sub-Character Design | Watanabe Mai, Nishigane Hiroko, Nagasawa Shouko |
| Art Setting | Tada Shuuhei, Takahashi Takeyuki, Sono Yuudai |
| Art Director | Honda Kouhei |
| Color Design | Nakano Naomi |
| Color Design Assistant | Koshida Yuuko |
| 3D Director | Nakano Yoshinori |
| Director of Photography | Maeda Tomohiro |
| 2D Design | Nagayoshi Yuusuke, Tsue Yuuri |
| Editing | Kimura Yoshiko |
| Sound Director | Kasamatsu Koji |
| Sound Production | dugout |
| Music | Umekayashi Tarou |
| Opening Theme Song | “Saikai” by Vaundy |
| Ending Theme Song | “Anata wa Kaibutsu” by TOOBOE |
| Animation Production | CygamesPictures |
`Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu` Anime Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Tsujinaka Yoshiki | Kobayash Chiaki |
| Hikaru (ヒカル) | Umeda Shuuichirou |
| Tanaka | Kobayash Chikahiro |
| Kurebayashi Rie | Kowaka Wakana |
| Yamagishi Ketsui | Hanamori Yumiri |
| Maki Yuuta | Nakajima Yoshiki |
| Tadokoro Yuuki | Wakayama Shion |
(C) Mokumoku Ren / KADOKAWA・`Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu` Production Committee
By animeanime
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