The critically praised horror manga, The Summer Hikaru Died, is set to conclude its narrative in October with its 51st chapter. Author Mokumokuren announced the upcoming finale, stating the story would wrap up in its next two installments. Chapter 50 is slated for release on October 13, followed by the final chapter, Chapter 51, on October 20.
Mokumokuren had previously indicated a plan to conclude the series within ten volumes. Serialization of the manga began in Young Ace Up on August 31, 2021. To date, nine volumes have been released, covering the story up to chapter 46.5. The remaining chapters are expected to comprise the tenth and final volume. Yen Press has been responsible for the manga's localization in North America, with the eighth volume scheduled for release on October 27. As of June, the series had achieved 5 million copies in circulation worldwide and received nominations for accolades such as the 2026 American Manga Awards.
The narrative follows Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indo, two inseparable friends in rural Japan. Their bond is tested when Yoshiki discovers that Hikaru is no longer truly Hikaru, but an entity from a nearby mountain possessing his body after a fatal accident. The story delves into their complex relationship and the unfolding mysteries of their seemingly idyllic town.
The manga's success led to a Netflix anime adaptation produced by Cypic. The first season, which aired from July 6 to September 28, 2025, comprised 12 episodes. The adaptation was noted for its successful capture of the source material's unsettling atmosphere and intricate character dynamics. The anime tackled themes of queer isolation and societal stigma with a tone described as both frightening and bittersweet. With the first season adapting the initial half of the manga's story, a second season has already been announced and is expected to cover the remainder of the plot.