Fans of Mokumokuren’s eerie and captivating horror manga, ‘The Summer Hikaru Died,’ have thrilling news to anticipate! The beloved series is officially receiving a stage play adaptation, scheduled to open its curtains in Japan in January 2026. The announcement was met with excitement, as an evocative key visual was unveiled, featuring the two central figures of the story brought to life. Junsei Motojima is set to embody Yoshiki Tsujinaka, while Hikaru Imamaki will take on the role of Hikaru, the friend whose return is shrouded in chilling mystery. In addition to these leading roles, the production has revealed a talented ensemble cast, with costume photos providing a first glimpse into their portrayals. The full roster of performers includes Mei Tachibana as Asako Yamagishi, Miki Matsuo as Yuta Maki, Rio Sawada as Yuki Tadokoro, Umi Yamano as Rie Kurebayashi, Shoichiro Akaboshi as Hajime Takeda, and Mitsuru Murata as Tanaka. Also joining the cast are Karen Tachibana, Nanami Hatokawa, and Ryotaro Murakami, completing the lineup ready to bring this haunting narrative to the stage.
Titled ‘The Summer Hikaru Died: The Stage,’ this production is skillfully written and directed by Sotaro Fujii. Audiences can catch the chilling performances at Kinokuniya Hall in Tokyo, with shows running from January 9 to 18, 2026. For those eager to secure their seats, various pre-sales will take place between October 3 and November 19, leading up to general ticket sales which commence on November 22. International fans will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets, as an English ticketing service will launch on the same day, November 22.
The original ‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ manga, penned by Mokumokuren, has been a hit since its serialization on Kadokawa Shoten’s Young Ace Up web imprint began in August 2021. To date, seven collected volumes have been released in Japan, captivating readers with its unique blend of horror and psychological depth. The series also saw an anime adaptation, directed by Ryohei Takeshita at CygamesPictures, which premiered in July 2025 and is available for streaming on Netflix.
The story, as described by its English publisher, Yen Press, plunges into a profound and unsettling mystery. Six months after his best friend Hikaru disappeared into the mountains, Yoshiki is relieved when Hikaru seemingly returns. Yet, a chilling dread creeps in: this entity, though possessing Hikaru’s face, voice, and memories, isn’t truly his friend. Whatever descended from the mountains is profoundly dangerous. Yoshiki faces an agonizing dilemma – should he continue life as if nothing has changed, pretending this new Hikaru is the old one, even as the unsettling truth gnaws at him? The entity’s uncanny resemblance and behavior make it an almost irresistible, yet terrifying, charade.