By Richard Moore In a recent interview with Anime Trending, Mokumokuren-sensei, the creator of the horror anime/manga series The Summer Hikaru Died, opened up about some of the creative ideas that went into shaping the story. Out of all the questions he answered, there was one that stood out the most: Did any other horror creator ever inspire him?
In response, Mokumokuren-sensei was quite straightforward. He first named two Japanese horror novelists, Ichi Sawamura and Fuyumi Ono, as his inspirations. But after that, he mentioned how overseas creators like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro have also greatly influenced him.
Overseas, I have been influenced by directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro.
This already explains why The Summer Hikaru Died feels so otherworldly and different. But what about their works did the author get inspiration from? Here’s everything he shared in response to that question during the interview.
How Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro‘s Influence Transpired into the Anime
When Anime Trending asked how these creators had inspired him, Mokumokuren-sensei didn’t hesitate and jumped straight into his answer.
He mentioned that he loves both Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro because they tell stories from the perspective of non-human characters. That approach can even be seen in The Summer Hikaru Died
I love both of them because they tell stories from the perspective of non-human characters.
Regarding Ichi Sawamura and Fuyumi Ono, he explained that their work isn’t just about horror. Instead, it explores the mysteries through human drama and folklore, which is often scarier than conventional jump scares.
What I find fascinating—and what I incorporate into my own works—is that their works are not simply horror: they unravel mysteries through human drama and folklore.
This mix of supernatural elements and human emotion is something Mokumokuren-sensei clearly brings into his own series. It gives the storyline an otherworldly but emotionally grounded feel that makes it stand out.
What Makes The Summer Hikaru Died One of the Best Horror Anime of All Time
Yaoi (BL) or not, one thing you can’t disagree with is that The Summer Hikaru Died stands out as one of the best horror anime of all time. Why? Because, instead of focusing only on human characters, the series often lets us see the world through the eyes of its monsters.
This gives the story a fresh and unsettling edge that is much more trippy than conventional horror. Del Toro is especially known for such approaches in his creations, and you can see glimpses of them in The Summer Hikaru Died.
The show also excels at blending horror with human drama and folklore. It doesn’t rely on jump scares alone; every mysterious event is layered with emotional stakes and character development. This combination makes the scares feel earned, rather than just for the cheap jump scares.
Some basic info about The Summer Hikaru Died anime’s production:
Also, the way tense scenes are framed, paired with subtle background music and ambient sounds, makes the fear feel almost tangible. Every episode also balances the suspense, emotion, and artistry almost perfectly. That is why it truly is a modern horror masterpiece. Would you disagree, though?
The Summer Hikaru Died is currently available to watch on Netflix.
