It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy...but when it looks so very like Hikaru...and acts so very like Hikaru...

Yoshiki tried to pretend nothing was wrong, but the truth cannot be ignored. Hikaru is gone. “Hikaru” is here. This new version is dangerous...or perhaps not? One thing’s for sure—Yoshiki doesn’t seem to be in harm’s way. In fact, “Hikaru” seems to want nothing more than to befriend and protect him. Despite Rie’s warnings, Yoshiki chooses to extend the hand of friendship, hoping it will help “Hikaru” become more human. But in doing so, what might Yoshiki become...?

“Hikaru’s” sudden disappearance from the mountain has not gone unnoticed...and his presence in town has begun to raise suspicions as well. Spirits from the other side grow restless, while the people sensitive to them begin taking steps to uncover the truth. As Yoshiki continues to struggle with the true identity of “Hikaru,” he is reminded once again that his friend no longer shares his understanding of life and death—and that if you play with fire, someone is sure to get burned eventually...

While “Hikaru” is not the Hikaru he once knew, Yoshiki must admit that this new entity has become a friend in his own right. But his true identity remains a mystery…even to the impostor himself! When their research into the town’s history brings them to the library, the boys discover an unsettling clue about the mysterious happenings in the region. Though, the question still stands of what “Hikaru” and the Nounuki-sama mentioned in Hikaru’s note might be—and whether they aren’t in fact one...

“Hikaru’s” unexpectedly violent encounter with the mysterious hamster-toting Tanaka only worsens his already weakened condition. Without knowing Tanaka’s intentions, the boys must act quickly to uncover the mountain’s secrets. Investigating the Indou family’s “sin” will be difficult now that Hikaru’s dad has passed, but they may be able to get some answers out of his closest friend—if Yoshiki’s father is willing to talk...

“Hikaru” and Kurebayashi set out to close the next hole in Darumazuka Tunnel, but a nasty surprise awaits them… Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!

As he prepares for the next steps, Tanaka ruminates on something he had learned about the holes’ true nature. Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!

Tanaka and Takeda discuss their loyalties, while Yoshiki returns home to his mother acting rather strange… Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!

Yoshiki speaks to his worried mother who asks him to promise her one thing… Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!

Hikaru et Yoshiki sont deux amis d’enfance qui ont grandi ensemble dans un hameau reculé. Mais un jour, les doutes qu'éprouvait Yoshiki depuis quelque temps se confirment : depuis sa disparition en forêt, six mois plus tôt, Hikaru a été remplacé par… “autre chose”. Malgré cet effroyable constat, Yoshiki refuse d’être séparé de son ami. Il fait alors le choix de poursuivre son quotidien aux côtés de cet “être” à l’image parfaite de Hikaru. Mais au même moment, d’étranges incidents se produi...

At last, Yoshiki decides to open up about the feelings he’s kept buried all this time… Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!

As it turns out, the elusive third hole is in an unexpected location intricately tied to Tanaka’s past. Read the next chapter of The Summer Hikaru Died the same day as Japan!