The Summer Hikaru Died is currently one of the biggest anime to have hit the summer season thanks to is dripping horror aesthetics, adorkable yet complicated characters, and raw chicken visuals. Yen Press gave Anime Trending the amazing opportunity to interview the mangaka behind this award winning story, Mokumokuren-sensei, where we got to dive deep into the story of this horror drama and discuss what being a monster can really mean.
How did you come up with the concept for The Summer Hikaru Died?
Mokumokuren-sensei: Ever since I was a child, I’ve always found myself empathizing with the monsters in stories. However, monsters who have taken on the form of a human—like Hikaru—always end up as the enemy or vanish in the end. That’s how I came up with this story: I wanted to portray the inner conflict and the possibility of salvation for monsters who have assumed human identities.
Were you inspired by any other horror creators, and if so, who are they and how did they inspire you?
Mokumokuren-sensei: I have been influenced by Japanese horror novelists such as Ichi Sawamura and Fuyumi Ono. 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. Overseas, I have been influenced by directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro. I love both of them because they tell stories from the perspective of non-human characters.
What’s the appeal of the horror genre for you?
Mokumokuren-sensei: What I love is not simply scaring people but exploring elements that appeal to human psychology and can be intertwined with social themes. In reality, the world is already full of things far more terrifying than fiction, but horror allows us to convey those fears to a wide audience in a clear, visceral way. I feel that portraying “what is frightening” rather than “what is happiness” results in a story that is equal for everyone, leaving no one behind. In that sense, horror is actually a very compassionate genre.
The relationship between Hikaru and Yoshiki is a centerpoint to this manga. How did you go about crafting this relationship?
Mokumokuren-sensei: First, I created Yoshiki’s character so that there would be no inconsistencies in portraying someone who “accepts a monster that has taken the place of his best friend.” Since I had already worked out the plot beforehand, the story took shape by developing character settings that would fit that plot.
The manga went viral online overseas, thanks to certain moments. One scene that went viral is the moment Yoshiki confronts “Hikaru” and Hikaru reveals a monstrous, dripping face. Can you describe what went through your mind and how you drew that scene?
Mokumokuren-sensei: This story has an element of “beginning from the end,” so I deliberately opened with a scene that feels like a climax. I once asked my editor at the time whether I should take more time to carefully depict events until Hikaru’s true identity is revealed, but I was told that placing this development right at the start would work well—so that’s how it ended up. Stories about monsters taking the place of humans are countless, but I believe what makes this work unique is that the characters accept it and move forward. To me, this opening scene is symbolic of that very idea.
Between writing and drawing the manga, which would you say is more challenging for The Summer Hikaru Died and why?
Mokumokuren-sensei: In creating the story, as I had to think carefully about how to make readers grow attached to the characters — especially since, in a sense, the protagonist’s side occupies the position of “socially in the wrong.” At the same time, if I made Hikaru too harmless, the story would lose its appeal, so striking that balance was by far the most difficult part.
Did you conduct any research when writing this manga, and if so, what did you research and learn?
Mokumokuren-sensei: I went on a research trip to Mie Prefecture, where I recorded the local atmosphere and visited historical archives. This was to help me portray the life and setting of a rural Japanese village with greater realism.
To you personally, what kind of story is The Summer Hikaru Died?
Mokumokuren-sensei: It’s a story of an ordinary young person’s growth, woven together with horror.
The trailers for the anime were dripping with mood and atmosphere. How much have you seen of the show so far, and what are your thoughts on its execution and the way it interprets your work?
Mokumokuren-sensei: It’s interesting to see my work adapted into an anime, because I can enjoy it from an objective perspective. I can feel the passion of the anime staff, and it’s truly moving.
The Summer Hikaru Died was both a commercial and critical success by the first volume. What was that like to see it become such an instant hit?
Mokumokuren-sensei: I didn’t really feel the reality of it and thought, “Is it really selling?” Even now, I don’t quite feel it. I think I was just very lucky. I’m truly grateful that what I love to create is being
appreciated.
How has the fan and critical reception to your work influenced your perception of your creation?
Mokumokuren-sensei: I felt that there were some gaps between my own perception and that of the general public, so I’ve tried to make an effort to convey what I want to express while staying close to the
audience’s understanding. In other words, it’s about making the story easier to follow. Even if, as a creator, I think it’s cooler to communicate through portrayal or subtle expression, I’ve learned that sometimes things need to be put into dialogue.
You’ve said that the setting for The Summer Hikaru Died is directly inspired by your grandmother’s hometown. What about her hometown spoke to you and made you want the story to take place in a small town similar to hers?
Mokumokuren-sensei: High school students in rural towns can’t easily “run away,” which is convenient for the story. Also, since I wanted to create Japanese-style horror, I thought a rural village was a traditional and fitting setting for Japanese horror.
When creators work on anything, it is said that they leave a part of themselves into their work. What part of yourself do you feel was left in The Summer Hikaru Died?
Mokumokuren-sensei: Perhaps the part of me that likes non-human beings. Because of that, I prefer the monster Hikaru to the Hikaru from when he was alive. I think this aspect will continue to be a common theme in my future works.
The Summer Hikaru Died is currently airing on Netflix!
Questions by Gracie Qu and Melvyn Tan.
