A second season for the TV anime *Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu* (which can be translated as *The Summer Hikaru Died*) has been officially announced! This youth horror series, which topped the charts on Netflix and ABEMA, will feature new comments from voice actors Kobayashi Chiaki and Umeda Shuuichirou.
The series, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu, is a captivating youth horror story currently serialized on “Young Ace UP” by Mokumoku Ren, with a novelization also penned by Nukaga Mio. It delves into the eerie experiences of Tsujinaka Yoshiki, an ordinary high school boy, whose life takes a dark turn after his childhood friend, Hikaru, returns as a mysterious entity mimicking his former self. Yoshiki navigates a world filled with strange incidents and growing dread while living alongside this uncanny being.
The first season of the TV anime adaptation was brought to life by Takeshita Ryouhei (known for Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai), who served as both director and series composer. Takahashi Yuichi handled character design and was the chief animation director, while Hiraoka Masanori was credited as the ‘Dorodoro Animator’ (an animator specializing in grotesque or unsettling effects). Animation production was skillfully managed by CygamesPictures. The talented cast featured Kobayashi Chiaki as Tsujinaka Yoshiki (often simply called Yoshiki) and Umeda Shuuichirou as Hikaru. The first season aired from July to September 2025, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Since its premiere on July 5th, each episode garnered immense attention for its chilling visuals, immersive sound design, and compelling narrative, effectively creating a palpable sense of horror. Following the broadcast of its second episode, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu quickly soared to the #1 spot on Netflix Japan’s “Today’s Series TOP 10” and also topped ABEMA’s weekly anime ranking for the same week. It continued its impressive run on ABEMA, securing the #1 position for three consecutive weeks, including the week of July 21st, showcasing its widespread popularity.
In light of the highly anticipated second season announcement, new celebratory illustrations have been shared by the original author Mokumoku Ren and character designer Takahashi Yuichi. Kobayashi Chiaki, who voices Yoshiki, also shared a message with fans: “As Yoshiki struggles and gets tangled in a mess, what developments await him beyond that? I would be grateful if you could watch over him together with me.”
Meanwhile, Umeda Shuuichirou, the voice of Hikaru, expressed his excitement: “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day I can spend time with Hikaru and the others again through recording sessions. I’m also really excited to experience another season of the ‘Hikanatsu Anime’ (a popular fan nickname for the series) with all of you who love Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu.” Fans are undoubtedly excited for the continuation of this captivating series, which dominated discussions throughout the summer of 2025.
Full Comments Below
Kobayashi Chiaki (Voice of Tsujinaka Yoshiki)
Congratulations on the decision to produce a second season for the TV anime Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu! It’s no exaggeration to say that I spent the summer of 2025 running alongside Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu; it was such an intense and fulfilling time. My heart is truly filled with joy to be able to see the continuation of this work and to continue portraying the character of Tsujinaka Yoshiki. As he struggles and gets tangled in a mess, what developments await him beyond that? I would be grateful if you could watch over him together with me. I sincerely ask for your continued support!
Umeda Shuuichirou (Voice of Hikaru)
Congratulations on the TV anime Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu Season 2 production decision! I’m simply overjoyed. I’m eagerly looking forward to the day I can spend time with Hikaru and the others again through recording sessions. I’m also really excited to experience another season of the ‘Hikanatsu Anime’ with all of you who love Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu. Thank you so much for your continued support!
TV Anime Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Currently broadcasting nationwide on NTV-affiliated channels every Saturday from 24:55 JST.
Exclusively streaming worldwide on Netflix and exclusively free on ABEMA.
Streaming on the Chinese video distribution service “bilibili” since Tuesday, July 29th.
Cast and Staff
Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Tsujinaka Yoshiki | Kobayashi Chiaki |
| Hikaru | Umeda Shuuichirou |
| Tanaka | Kobayashi Chihiro |
| Kurebayashi Rie | Kowaka Wakana |
| Yamagishi Asako | Hanamori Yumiri |
| Maki Yuuta | Nakajima Yoshiki |
| Tadokoro Yuuki | Wakayama Shion |
Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Creator | Mokumoku Ren (Serialized on KADOKAWA’s “Young Ace UP”) |
| Director / Series Composition | Takeshita Ryouhei |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Takahashi Yuichi |
| Dorodoro Animator | Hiraoka Masanori |
| Prop Design | Ouchi Ryuunosuke |
| Sub-Character Design | Watanabe Mai, Nishigami 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 | Nagara Yuusuke, Tsue Yuuri |
| Editing | Kimura Yoshiko |
| Sound Director | Kasamatsu Hiroshi |
| Sound Production | dugout |
| Music | Umebayashi Tarou |
| Opening Theme Song | “Saikai” by Vaundy |
| Ending Theme Song | “Anata wa Kaibutsu” by TOOBOE |
| Animation Production | CygamesPictures |
(C) Mokumoku Ren / KADOKAWA・”Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu” Production Committee
By Nakase Koutarou
_
