With the annual Anime Expo almost upon us, the anime convention has announced Mokumokuren, creator of manga series The Summer Hikaru Died, will be in attendance as a Guest of Honour for its 2025 event in Los Angeles, California. Known for blending coming-of-age themes with supernatural horror and grief, Mokumokuren’s latest title has become a best selling title for publisher Yen Press since its first volume debuted in 2023.
Mokumokuren made their serial debut with The Summer Hikaru Died, a series that has become widely discussed for its unique combination of horror and coming-of-age narrative. Within a year of serialization, the manga received significant recognition, ranking first in the male readers’ category of Takarajimasha’s This Manga is Amazing! list in 2023 and placing 11th in the Manga Taisho the same year. Mokumokuren’s work has since been adapted into various media, including a novel and an upcoming Netflix anime series.
Anime Expo 2025 marks Mokumokuren’s first appearance at a North American convention. Attendees will have the chance to join a guest panel hosted by Yen Press, participate in signings facilitated by Anime Expo, and view the North American premiere of the first episode of The Summer Hikaru Died on Friday, 4 July 2025.
