The Summer Hikaru Died Anime Built Around Director's Enshutsu Concept
A deep-dive analysis of The Summer Hikaru Died (HikaNatsu) anime by Sakuga Blog examines how series director Ryohei Takeshita conceived the adaptation as an "enshutsu anime"-a work where mise-en-scène and sensory experience take priority. The piece traces the production from initial talks in May 2022 through the October 2023 start of active work, with Kadokawa producer Toshinori Fujiwara contacting studios after the manga's first two volumes released. Takeshita's clear vision gave producers confidence, and he was vocal about staffing toward that enshutsu goal. The analysis notes that Cygames Pictures' productions often cut corners despite the studio's reputation, and HikaNatsu's schedule became problematic toward the end, though the show maintained acceptable quality throughout broadcast. The director's approach was not a response to limitations but reflected his long-standing interest in atmospheric horror. Original author Mokumokuren was unusually involved, attending regular meetings, providing a color script for the opening, and suggesting changes including the early introduction of character Tanaka. The piece details how sound designer Kouji Kasamatsu, credited as ongaku enshutsu, worked on a TV anime for the first time in over a decade, and how Masanobu Hiraoka's morphing animation (dorodoro animation) gives form to the supernatural being's gooey nature.