The Summer Hikaru Died: Season 1 Episode 3 – Recap and Review
While Yoshiki is given a wake-up call regarding his relationship with Hikaru, whether or not he may hit snooze is a whole other story.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Episode 3 “Denial” Details
- Available On: Netflix
- Public Release Date: July 19, 2025
- Director(s): Joto Yasuhira, Uekazu Ayumu, Yokoyama Asuka
- Writer(s): Ryohei Takeshita
Episode 3 “Denial” Recap (With Spoilers)
You Aren’t The First, You Won’t Be The Last: Yoshiki, Rie, Hikaru
It’s a precarious situation when it comes to Yoshiki and his feelings towards Hikaru. It has been confirmed that Hikaru in present day isn’t the one he has known for most of his life, and with meeting up with Rie, the housewife, it becomes clear Yoshiki isn’t the only one who has experienced a body snatcher of sorts.
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?: Yoshiki, Hikaru
But the question is, what can be done? Hikaru in many ways is still the same, just more naïve and perhaps open to the world, which, yes, makes for weird and awkward moments, but the flavor of Hikaru is still there. Yet, Yoshiki can’t ignore Rie’s warning, ignore the threat of violence Hikaru presented, and how he reacted when he needed some space.
But feelings are complicated, and whether they are feelings which are rooted in being long-term friends or something romantic, as much as Yoshiki knows he may need to distance himself, he finds himself unable to let Hikaru go. In fact, maybe this naivety, this inexperience, could be a benefit to Yoshiki since now he can mold Hikaru into someone all the more lovable.
New Cast and Characters
Rie Kurebayashi (Wakana Kowaka)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Rie is a housewife who is worried about Yoshiki and whose conversation with him makes him question if he should continue his friendship with Hikaru.
Links
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Review and Commentary
Highlights
The Nature Of Hikaru and Yoshiki’s Relationship [84/100]
As much as the supernatural beings can be seen as a draw when it comes to The Summer Hikaru Died, I would submit the relationship between Hikaru and Yoshiki is the real hook here. Yes, it can feel like a bait and switch, and what can perhaps be described as queer baiting is surely not for everyone. But, in its explorations of this close, intimate relationship, we see how much the core of a person matters and the memories which form them.
I mean, that is what is allowing Yoshiki to look past how the supernatural being is becoming their own person in some ways. They see Hikaru not only in the flesh, but in how the being interprets and goes from masquerading to truly becoming Hikaru. Add in this love that has long existed, but maybe couldn’t have developed due to who Hikaru was before, and it presents a bit of a twisted angle.
Imagine if Hikaru was straight, unquestionably in a past life, while Yoshiki was queer, questioning, but with Hikaru his only friend, and the only one his age in the village. That would mean attempting to explore his feelings could have meant losing everything. It adds a layer to this which nourishes the drama and makes Yoshiki’s decision-making a bit more complex.
Mind you, not in a way which pushes the idea it is all in your head and you are making something out of nothing. With the push of loneliness being a strong theme, who is to say it is just the supernatural beings with some sense of longing, and many beyond the surface don’t yearn for more, but humans being what they are, struggle with all Yoshiki is getting to do since Hikaru doesn’t know better.
Overall
Our Overall Rating [84/100]
As The Summer Hikaru Died digs into its queerness, it finds a unique voice amongst the majority of anime out there.
Check Out Our Past Coverage Of This Series
The Summer Hikaru Died: Season 1 Episode 5 – Recap and Review
As Yoshiki and Hikaru continue to experiment, a supernatural being stalks Yoshiki’s family – maybe in hopes of getting to Hikaru.
The Summer Hikaru Died: Season 1 Episode 4 – Recap and Review
The origin of Hikaru’s body snatcher is developed, alongside the day Hikaru died.
The Summer Hikaru Died: Season 1 Episode 2 – Recap and Review
As it becomes clear Hikaru isn’t one of a kind, so comes the question of how much of the entire area is in danger?
