The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 12 marked the finale of the story, and naturally, there were high expectations attached to it. Yet, Season 1 ended with absolutely no major discoveries and nothing to make fans look forward to Season 2.
The raging debates about Nonuki-sama in the past few episodes convinced the audience that the season would end with a tight cliffhanger, or at least provide a significant revelation. Alas, nothing of the sort happened, but first the positive note.
The Summer Hikaru Died Episode 12 Finally Focused on Hikaru and Yoshiki’s Relationship
Ever since the beginning of the anime, it was clear that Yoshiki had budding feelings for the original Hikaru and wasn’t ready to let go of them yet. Episode 12 confirms this as the frustrations of Yoshiki are brought to light. He has always felt alienated and detached from the world. He was forced to hide his true self. When his relatives tried to advise him on how to impress women, Yoshiki was visibly distressed.
So when Hikaru told him that he had decided to return to the mountains, Yoshiki panicked, and all his inner feelings came out in a jumble. At first, he is vehemently against the idea of Hikaru leaving, and then he acknowledges his own ego and selfish desires. Yet, despite everything, he clung to Hikaru, unwilling to let go, as if turning his back on Hikaru would make him disappear.
This turn of events was satisfying to watch because Yoshiki had finally found it in himself to voice his thoughts out loud. In this respect, the episode delivered a refreshing change of scenario. At the same time, Hikaru has also become more human. When he saw Asako grieving over her friend’s death, he unknowingly reached out to wipe her tears, showing that he now understands the concept of human loss and grief.
The Summer Hikaru Died Season 1 Ended at the Most Awkward Point
The reaction of every fan when Tanaka said Nonuki-sama didn’t exist | Credits: Cygames Pictures
Despite the cutesy moments, the finale of The Summer Hikaru Died season 1 ended on a low note. Yes, Hikaru might have accepted his own feelings, and Yoshiki might not be going anywhere, but what about the underlying mysteries? Why did Tanaka claim that Nonuki-sama didn’t exist? After all the troubles that the duo went through, did they get nothing in return?
In fact, Tanaka didn’t even explain why he thinks Nonuki-sama didn’t exist. He appeared towards the end to accompany Yoshiki and Hikaru on the beach. The scene was brimming with hidden secrets, but nothing was revealed. The truth is so near but so far out of reach.
Yoshiki and Hikaru’s feelings towards each other might have stolen the spotlight, but not enough to divert fans from the disappointment they felt towards the end of the episode. The episode featured stellar animation, with a train scene that seamlessly combined real footage with animated characters sitting inside the train.
What did you think about The Summer Hikaru Died episode 12? Do you think it was a fitting end? Or do you think the series could do better? Let us know in the comments below.
The Summer Hikaru Died is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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