In a world where it can often be difficult to assess the success of a potential anime adaptation, especially when produced by a streaming service such as Netflix, it’s always incredible when news of a second season is announced. And for the faithful weekly viewers of the runaway hit anime, The Summer Hikaru Died, this news couldn’t have come at a better time after the twelfth and final episode of season 1 released this past Saturday, September 27th, 2025.

While no date has been announced for when viewers can expect the second season, most speculate that it will likely arrive around early summer 2026. That being said, English speakers also wait for the official English dubbing of the series, which, as of today, also does not have a set date of release. Hopefully, these questions will gain answers momentarily, but for the time being, we are left with quite a spectacular first season.

The Summer Hikaru Died is based on the ongoing manga series by Mokumokuren. It follows childhood best friends Yoshiki and Hikaru as they face their day-to-day life of simplicity in a rural village in Japan. Well, perhaps simple isn’t quite the correct descriptor for this pair, or their village, for that matter.

Hikaru disappears after taking a solo hike up a nearby mountain. A week later, he returns as if nothing had happened. Life continues on, and six months later, Yoshiki finally musters the courage to confront not only his lifelong friend but his own fear of receiving clear confirmation: that his best friend truly died on that mountain and was replaced by a monster masquerading within his body.

What follows is an exploration of what defines humanity and morality as the two learn more about each other in an effort to remain together despite their vast differences. The story does a wonderful job with Yoshiki’s internal identity struggle, while ‘Hikaru’ also struggles to understand humanity’s fear of death. Their complex backgrounds and roles within each other’s life creates a powerful bond that defies normality, which will certainly come in handy when faced with the horrors being attracted to their village, family, and friends.

The Summer Hikaru Died season 1 is available to watch in its entirety on Netflix. You can also read the manga with chapters releasing regularly.

Well, what do YOU think of The Summer Hikaru Died, and will you be watching the second season when it drops? Leave a comment below and share this article on your socials to keep the convo going!