The moment everyone dreaded has arrived, but we knew it would happen sooner or later. After five years captivating us with one of the most unsettling, emotional, and fascinating stories of recent times, the manga of Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu (The Summer Hikaru Died) has officially concluded with the publication of its final chapter.

Chapter 51 marked the definitive closure of this journey created by Mokumokuren, published via the Young Ace Up website. It all began in August 2021, and since then the work achieved a tremendous impact in the industry, reaching over five million copies in circulation across nine compiled volumes, with a tenth volume on the way to collect the story’s final events.

To mark this farewell, the author shared a message of gratitude for those who accompanied the journey over these five years. Mokumokuren offered special words to everyone who connected sincerely with the story, sending a blessing to anyone who feels like a monster in this world and reminding that, in reality, monsters don’t exist among us.

The manga’s conclusion marks the end of an era for the printed work, though the legacy of this strange and beautiful friendship will keep the conversation alive for a long time among readers who followed each weekly update.

Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu is a psychological horror and young adult drama manga written and illustrated by Mokumokuren. The story takes place in a quiet rural village and follows Yoshiki, a high school student who discovers a terrifying truth: his childhood best friend, Hikaru, disappeared in the mountains six months ago, and what returned in his place is not human. Though the creature has Hikaru’s face, voice, and memories, Yoshiki knows it’s a completely different being, choosing to stay by its side as supernatural events disturb the village’s tranquility.

The work has earned huge praise since its debut, topping the male readers’ category of the prestigious Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list in 2023 and receiving a nomination for the Manga Taisho awards. Its success led to an anime adaptation aired between July and September 2025, which set a high bar and already has its second season confirmed.

What did you think of Yoshiki and Hikaru’s story ending in the manga?