The Summer Hikaru Died has seriously blown us away with its spine-tingling mix of psychological horror and coming-of-age drama. This Netflix anime adaptation of Mokumokuren’s acclaimed manga delivers an absolutely unforgettable musical experience that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.
Six months ago, Hikaru vanished for a week, but what came back isn’t quite the same person his best friend Yoshiki remembers. The series’ carefully curated soundtrack doesn’t just complement this chilling supernatural story; it becomes the emotional heartbeat of every friendship moment and every terrifying revelation that’ll leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about identity and love.
The Summer Hikaru Died Soundtrack: Music That Haunts the Soul
The Summer Hikaru Died premiered on July 6, 2025, bringing Mokumokuren’s masterpiece to life through stunning animation by CygamesPictures. What makes this series absolutely captivating isn’t just the gorgeous visuals; it’s how composer Taro Umebayashi creates the perfect atmospheric backdrop for this psychological nightmare.
Set in a fictional rural town in Mie Prefecture, the anime follows Yoshiki as he deals with the gut-wrenching realization that his childhood friend has been replaced by something otherworldly. The soundtrack brilliantly captures this emotional rollercoaster, mixing melancholic melodies with those subtle undertones that make your skin crawl.
Every track feels intentional, building tension without ever feeling heavy-handed. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to keep watching even when you’re covering your eyes during the scary parts.
The Summer Hikaru Died Opening and Ending Theme Songs
Let’s talk about these absolute bangers that bookend each episode! The opening theme “Saikai” (Reunion) by Vaundy is pure genius. It runs 1:31 for the TV version, but trust us, you’ll want the full 4:20 version that dropped on July 13, 2025.
Vaundy perfectly captured that uneasy feeling we all get reading the manga, never knowing what’s coming next. This 24-year-old multi-talented musician handles everything himself: lyrics, composition, arrangement, and even the visuals. With 17 songs hitting over 100 million plays, he’s definitely the voice of this generation.
The ending theme “Anata wa Kaibutsu” (You Are My Monster) by TOOBOE is equally haunting. This 2:50 masterpiece explores the complex emotions of loving someone who might not be who they seem anymore. TOOBOE’s previous work on Chainsaw Man proved their talent for anime themes, and this track solidifies their reputation for creating emotionally devastating music that somehow feels like a warm hug and a goodbye all at once.
The Original Soundtrack: The Heart of Horror
The complete The Summer Hikaru Died Original Soundtrack dropped on September 29, 2025, and honestly, it’s a masterclass in atmospheric horror scoring. Composer Taro Umebayashi, a Tokyo University of the Arts graduate, created 22 tracks that’ll make you feel every emotion Yoshiki experiences.
From peaceful daily life moments to spine-chilling supernatural encounters, this soundtrack does the heavy lifting without ever feeling obvious about it.
Complete OST Track List:
Netflix Anime Special Insert Song: “Remnants” (Hibi no Kage)
Can we just talk about how “Remnants” absolutely destroyed us emotionally? This anime-original song appears in Episode 7 and comes in two versions that’ll hit you right in the feels. First, there’s the choir version performed by Class 2-A of Kibogayama High, followed by the intimate duet between “Hikaru” and Yoshiki, which will have you reaching for tissues.
Composed by Taro Umebayashi, with lyrics by Leo Imai and arranged by Kaori Morita, this track represents everything bittersweet about their friendship. It’s that moment where you realize some memories are all we have left, and sometimes the people we love most become strangers wearing familiar faces.
The way Shūichirō Umeda and Chiaki Kobayashi deliver these vocals as their characters makes it feel like you’re eavesdropping on a private conversation between two souls trying to hold onto what they once had. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and completely unforgettable.
Musical Themes, Emotional Storytelling, and Sound Design
Here’s what makes this soundtrack absolutely brilliant: it doesn’t just play in the background; it becomes part of the story itself. Umebayashi perfectly captures Yoshiki’s internal struggle between loving his friend and fearing what that friend has become.
You’ve got nostalgic tracks like “Napping, Wind Chimes” that make you remember peaceful summer days, then creepy pieces like “Echoes Invite” that’ll make your skin crawl. The genius is in how these compositions blend warmth with underlying menace, reflecting “Hikaru’s” dual nature.
Sound director Koji Kasamatsu and the dugout team deserve major props too! They use silence as effectively as music, creating those uncomfortable quiet moments that let the horror breathe. When the music does swell, it feels earned rather than manipulative.
The series explores coming-of-age themes without losing sight of its horror elements, and the soundtrack maintains that delicate balance beautifully. It’s sophisticated storytelling through sound that respects both the characters’ emotional journey and the audience’s intelligence.
Ready to dive into this haunting musical journey? You can stream The Summer Hikaru Died exclusively on Netflix worldwide. The official soundtrack is available on all major digital platforms, so you can relive those emotional gut punches whenever you want.
Both Vaundy’s “Saikai” and TOOBOE’s “Anata wa Kaibutsu” are available as separate releases and have been racking up serious streaming numbers since they dropped. Fan-created playlists on Spotify offer curated selections if you want to experience the full emotional spectrum without the trauma of rewatching certain scenes.
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The opening and ending themes work beautifully as standalone pieces, but experiencing them within the context of the series hits completely different. Pro tip: Listen to the soundtrack after watching the series for maximum emotional damage. You’ll hear musical cues you missed the first time through.
What did you think of The Summer Hikaru Died soundtrack? Did TOOBOE’s “You Are My Monster” absolutely wreck you emotionally like it did us? Which track perfectly captured the series’ eerie atmosphere for you – was it the haunting “Remnants” or maybe one of Umebayashi’s atmospheric pieces?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how this soundtrack made you feel! And if you haven’t experienced this musical masterpiece yet, head over to Netflix right now and prepare for an unforgettable journey into psychological horror done right.
