Higurashi When They Cry

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Higurashi When They Cry
A stylized illustration of a girl in a school uniform, carrying a knife
PlayStation 2 cover, featuring Rena Ryūgū
ひぐらしのなく頃に
(Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
Genre
Game
Developer07th Expansion
Publisher
  • JP: 07th Expansion (Windows)
  • JP: Alchemist (PS2, DS)
  • JP: Kaga Create (PS3, Vita)
  • JP: Entergram (Switch, PS4)
  • WW: Seams (iOS, Android)
GenreVisual novel
PlatformMicrosoft Windows
PlayStation 2
Nintendo DS
iOS
Android
PlayStation 3
PlayStation Vita
macOS
Linux
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 4
Released
  • JP: 2002 – 2014
  • WW: 2009 – 2010
Manga
Written byRyukishi07
Illustrated byKarin Suzuragi
Yutori Hōjō
Jirō Suzuki
Yoshiki Tonogai
Hinase Momoyama
En Kitō
Mimori
Yuna Kagesaki
Published bySquare Enix
Kadokawa Shoten
English publisher
Yen Press
MagazineGangan Powered
Gangan Wing
GFantasy
Monthly Shōnen Gangan
Monthly Gangan Joker
Comp Ace
English magazine
DemographicShōnen, seinen
Original runMarch 24, 2005 – November 22, 2011
Volumes38 (List of volumes)
Light novel
Written byRyukishi07
Illustrated byKarin Suzuragi
Yutori Hōjō
Jirō Suzuki
Yoshiki Tonogai
Mimori
Rato
Published bySquare Enix
Original run2006 – 2007
Volumes4 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
When They Cry
Directed byChiaki Kon
Produced byHiroyuki Ōmori
Mika Nomura
Yasutaka Hyūga
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
UK
MVM Films
Original networkChiba TV, Kansai TV, Tokai TV
Original run April 4, 2006 – September 26, 2006
Episodes26 (List of episodes)
Anime television series
When They Cry: Kai
Directed byChiaki Kon
Produced byHiroyuki Ōmori
Mika Nomura
Takema Okamura
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
UK
MVM Films
Original networkChiba TV, Kansai TV, Tokai TV
Original run July 6, 2007 – December 17, 2007
Episodes24 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
When They Cry: Nekogoroshi Chapter
Directed byChiaki Kon
Produced byHiroyuki Ōmori
Mika Nomura
Takema Okamura
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioStudio Deen
ReleasedJuly 27, 2007
Runtime23 minutes
Episodes1 (List of episodes)
Novel series
Written byRyukishi07
Illustrated byTomohi
Published byKodansha
ImprintKodansha Box
Original runAugust 2007 – March 2009
Volumes17 (List of volumes)
Live-action film
Directed byAtaru Oikawa
Produced byTakeshi Oikawa
Written byAtaru Oikawa
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioGeneon Universal Entertainment
Oyashiro-Sama Partners
ReleasedMay 10, 2008 (2008-05-10)
Runtime105 minutes
Original video animation
When They Cry: Rei
Directed byToshifumi Kawase
Produced byHiroyuki Ōmori
Mika Nomura
Takema Okamura
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
AUS
Universal/Sony
UK
MVM Films
Released February 25, 2009 – August 21, 2009
Episodes5 (List of episodes)
Live-action film
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Chikai
Directed byAtaru Oikawa
Produced byTakeshi Oikawa
Written byAtaru Oikawa
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioGeneon Universal Entertainment
Oyashiro-Sama Partners
ReleasedApril 18, 2009 (2009-04-18)
Runtime106 minutes
Original video animation
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Kira
Directed byHideki Tachibana
Produced byYoshihito Danno
Satoshi Nagaoka
Satoshi Fukao
Takema Okamura
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
Tomoki Kikuya
StudioStudio Deen
Released July 21, 2011 – January 25, 2012
Episodes4 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Outbreak
Directed byToshifumi Kawase
Produced byMasayuki Iida
Satoshi Fukao
Shigeto Suzuki
Takema Okamura
Written byToshifumi Kawase
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioStudio Deen
ReleasedAugust 15, 2013
Runtime52 minutes
Episodes1 (List of episodes)
Television drama
Directed byTōru Ōtsuka
Tarō Miyaoka
Produced byAtsushi Nagauchi
Motoko Kimura
Tatsuya Itō
Written byTōru Hasegawa
Yō Hosaka
StudioBS SKY PerfecTV!
Original networkBS SKY PerfecTV!
Original run May 20, 2016 – December 16, 2016
Episodes10
Anime television series
Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou
Directed byKeiichiro Kawaguchi
Produced byTakayuki Nagatani
Jōtarō Ishigami
Yūkō Hirata
Makoto Nakamura
Hirotaka Kaneko
Satoru Shimosato
Tomoyuki Ōwada
Takema Okamura
Written byNaoki Hayashi
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioPassione
Licensed byFunimation
SA/SEA
Medialink
Original networkTokyo MX, BS11, SUN
Original run October 1, 2020 – March 19, 2021
Episodes24 (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu
Directed byKeiichiro Kawaguchi
Produced byTakayuki Nagatani
Jōtarō Ishigami
Yūkō Hirata
Makoto Nakamura
Hirotaka Kaneko
Satoru Shimosato
Tomoyuki Ōwada
Takema Okamura
Written byNaoki Hayashi
Music byKenji Kawai
StudioPassione
Licensed byFunimation
SA/SEA
Medialink
Original networkTokyo MX, BS11, SUN, AT-X
Original run July 1, 2021 – present
Episodes15 (List of episodes)
Other

Higurashi Daybreak (fighting game)

Wikipe-tan face.svg Anime and manga portal

Higurashi When They Cry (Japanese: ひぐらしのなく頃に, Hepburn: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, lit. "When the Cicadas Cry"), known simply as When They Cry for the North American release of the anime adaptation before 2020, is a Japanese murder mystery dōjin soft visual novel series produced by 07th Expansion that comprises the first two entries of the When They Cry franchise. The series focuses on a group of young friends living in a fictional village and the strange events that occur there in 1983.

The games are built on the NScripter game engine and the Microsoft Windows operating system. The first game in the series, Onikakushi-hen, was released on August 10, 2002, and the eighth and final game in the original PC series, Matsuribayashi-hen, was released on August 13, 2006. While the first four games carried the overall title Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and are considered the first entry in the When They Cry franchise, the next four games were produced under the title Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai and are considered the second entry. A bonus fan disc called Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei was released on December 31, 2006. In addition to the original series, new story arcs were created in manga form and in video games for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, in order to expand the story. The original eight PC releases were released in English by MangaGamer between 2009 and 2010.

Two sets of drama CDs were produced, one by Wayuta and the other by Frontier Works. Novelizations of the game series were released by Kodansha between August 2007 and March 2009. A manga series adapted from the games began with eight different manga artists working separately on one to three of the multiple story arcs and were published by Square Enix and Kadokawa Shoten. The manga was licensed for release in English in North America by Yen Press under the title Higurashi: When They Cry and the first volume was released in November 2008. Following the manga's release in Japan, two anime television series were produced by Studio Deen and directed by Chiaki Kon in 2006 and 2007; a third anime adaptation was released as an original video animation (OVA) series in 2009. The first anime series was licensed by Geneon Entertainment in English in 2007, but the license expired in 2011. Sentai Filmworks has since licensed both anime seasons and the 2009 OVAs. A live-action film adaptation of the series, directed and written by Ataru Oikawa, premiered in Japanese theaters on May 10, 2008, with a sequel released on April 16, 2009. A six-episode live-action television series adaptation premiered in Japan on May 20, 2016, and a four-episode sequel premiered on November 25, 2016. A new anime television series by Passione aired from October 2020 to March 2021, and a sequel premiered on July 2021.

Gameplay[]

Higurashi When They Cry is a "sound novel", a variation of visual novel with a focus on sound and atmosphere.[4] Gameplay is restricted to reading individual scenes, during which characters are displayed as static two-dimensional sprites.[5] The versions of the game ported to home consoles additionally feature voice acting provided by professional voice actors.[6] The narrative of the game is divided into separate story arcs, named "chapters", which become accessible in a sequence strictly established by the developers.[4] The narration is conducted on behalf of various characters.[7] After reading a certain amount of text within a chapter, playback ends. At this point, the player is invited to save the game, as well as read "tips" that reveal details of the game's setting that were not present in the main story. The tips may also encourage the player to deduce the reasoning behind the narrative's mysterious events.[4] The chapters of the game are divided into two categories – "question arcs" and "answer arcs". Each question arc is a self-contained story taking place in an alternate reality, while each answer arc is based within the same scenario as a certain question arc, and help the player formulate a more accurate vision of the events of the pertaining question arc. Each chapter is assigned a "difficulty rating"[8] that indicates the complexity of the mystery. Upon completion of reading a chapter, all previously opened tips and images of individual scenes in the form of a gallery become available to the player from the main menu. In addition, the player can access a feature entitled the "Staff Room", in which writer Ryukishi07 discusses and examines the chapter,[9] or the "All-Cast Review Session", in which the characters break the fourth wall and debate about the events of the chapter.

Plot[]

See also: List of Higurashi When They Cry characters
Shirakawa, Gifu, the village used as the basis for Hinamizawa.[10][11]

Higurashi: When They Cry takes place in the fictional village of Hinamizawa (雛見沢) in June 1983. Shortly before then, the main character, Keiichi Maebara, moves to the village and befriends classmates Mion Sonozaki, her twin sister Shion, Rena Ryūgū, Rika Furude and Satoko Hōjō. Keiichi soon learns of the village's annual Watanagashi Festival, a celebration to commemorate and give thanks to the local deity Oyashiro. Hinamizawa initially seems calm and peaceful, but shortly before the festival, Keiichi learns that for four consecutive years, people in the village have been killed or have disappeared on the evening of the festival. These crimes remain unsolved and have been named the "Oyashiro Curse" by the local populace. The day after this year's festival, police discover the corpse of visiting freelance photographer Jirō Tomitake, who appears to have torn his throat out with his bare hands, and the charred body of Miyo Takano, a nurse in the village clinic. In most chapters, Keiichi attempts to investigate the Oyashiro Curse, only for him or one of his friends to become paranoid and commit a crime, often the murder of someone within his circle. A few days after the festival, Rika's body is found in the family shrine dedicated to Oyashiro, and on the same day, a cataclysmic release of swamp gas wipes out the village's population.

The answer arcs reveal that each of the preceding arcs were alternate realities in which Rika tried to prevent her own death. As a priestess of the Furude Shrine, Rika can communicate with the spirit Hanyū, who served as the prototype for Oyashiro and is the ancestress of the Furude clan. After Rika dies, Hanyū transfers her to another reality so that she may change her circumstance. Rika retains her memory of all past realities with the exception of the final minutes of her life, which prevents her from determining the cause of her fate. In the chapters Minagoroshi-hen and Matsuribayashi-hen, it is revealed that Miyo, who is studying a local endemic parasitic disease in the village, is responsible for some of the previous crimes, and is using the Oyashiro Curse as a cover. The disease manifests in those who move a distance away from the "Infection Queen", who releases a pheromone that prevents the aggravation of the villagers' condition, or in those who begin to experience extreme stress. Infected persons gradually lose sanity and eventually kill themselves by tearing their throat out. The women of the Furude clan have all acted as Infection Queens, and Rika is the sole remaining representative of her clan after the death of her parents.

Miyo kills Rika in each reality to unleash the disease and vindicate the work of her adoptive grandfather, who was mocked and shamed by the scientific community for his thesis about the disease. After several hundred loops, Keiichi becomes aware of them in a handful of flashbacks and subconsciously remembers several of his past loops, which allows him to avoid several critical points where various characters would be murdered or driven insane, and the group of friends nearly outwits Miyo. In the final loop, the group asks Hanyū to join them, and the spirit manages to manifest a physical body. With her assistance, they stay alive long enough to prevent Miyo's plan. Hanyū travels back to the past to save Miyo and her father, and to prevent their psychotic drive from forming.

Story arcs[]

In the Higurashi games, there are several story arcs, the original eight of which are referred to as either question arcs or answer arcs. The answer arcs generally recapitulate the events of the corresponding question arc, but from a different perspective, using the change of protagonist to solve various mysteries and come to a different conclusion. Each of the eight original games for the PC represented separate arcs of the overall storyline. Apart from the main question and answer relationship, the story of the arcs are not directly connected, although a multitude of parallels exist which allow the observant reader to gain extra insight into the mystery.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni[]

The Higurashi: When They Cry (ひぐらしのなく頃に, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) games form what are referred to as the question arcs. These first four games of the series were meant to give the player a sense of the world where the story takes place and introduce the mysterious circumstances surrounding the village of Hinamizawa. Since there are no concrete answers given to the questions that the story presents in these arcs, the question arcs allow the player to form his or her own opinions about the events taking place in the village. Each question arc game contains all of the previous question arcs.

Onikakushi-hen (鬼隠し編, "Demoned Away Chapter")
The chapter introduces the player to the world of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. The player is shown the simple rural life of the village, the after-school club activities, and the friendships of the main characters. However, things take a sinister turn after the Watanagashi Festival, when Keiichi discovers what his new friends have been concealing from him. The chapter implies that Rena and Mion are the villains.
Watanagashi-hen (綿流し編, "Cotton Drifting Chapter")
The player should have an overall idea of how life in the village resembles. Once again, the chapter begins for the Watanagashi Festival again marking the start of the bad events. An ancient curse strikes and a pair of sisters are not what they seem. Shion Sonozaki makes her first appearance in the chapter, while Mion is portrayed as the villain.
Tatarigoroshi-hen (祟殺し編, "Curse Killing Chapter")
Keiichi and Satoko develop a brother-sister relationship. When Satoko's abusive uncle returns to the village, Keiichi attempts to help Satoko with drastic measures. However, as more people die, it is clear he is not the only one involved. The spotlight shines on Satoko Hōjō as the "victim". The chapter implies that Keiichi is a villain.
Himatsubushi-hen (暇潰し編, "Time Killing Chapter")
Five years before the first three chapters, Tokyo police investigator, Mamoru Akasaka, investigates a kidnapping of a politician's grandchild around the village. Soon, he too becomes implicated in the mysteries of the village. The chapter focuses on Rika Furude as being the key part of the mystery.

Kai[]

The Higurashi: When They Cry Kai (ひぐらしのなく頃に解, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, When the Cicadas Cry: Solution) games form what are known as the answer arcs. The last four games released in the series, were, in contrast to the question arcs, meant to answer all of the questions presented in the first half of the series. These arcs can be considered the "solutions" of the previous arcs. Each answer arc game contains all of the previous answer arcs.

Meakashi-hen (目明し編, "Eye Opening Chapter")
Meakashi-hen is the answer arc corresponding to Watanagashi-hen. The chapter consists of events very similar to those of Watanagashi-hen told from the perspective of Shion. After Satoshi kills his aunt, the chapter implies that Shion is a villain.
Tsumihoroboshi-hen (罪滅し編, "Atonement Chapter")
Tsumihoroboshi-hen is the answer arc corresponding to Onikakushi-hen. Unlike Meakashi-hen, Tsumihoroboshi-hen's story is drastically different from the plot of its question arc. In Tsumihoroboshi-hen, Rena experiences a situation similar to Keiichi's in Onikakushi-hen, as she makes a terrible mistake and becomes distrustful of her former friends. It is the first chapter with a (seemingly) happy ending, although the tips reveal an evil twist.
Minagoroshi-hen (皆殺し編, "Massacre Chapter")
On the surface, Minagoroshi-hen is the solution to Tatarigoroshi-hen; however, it answers most of the major common mysteries of the previous arcs. It is told from the perspective of Rika Furude. Most notably, the true identity of the murderer is finally revealed in Minagoroshi-hen. After Minagoroshi-hen, one more effort is needed to seal the story into a happy ending.
Matsuribayashi-hen (祭囃し編, "Festival Accompanying Chapter")
With all pieces of the puzzle in place, it's up to the characters to join forces in order to defeat the culprit and stop them from destroying the village. Matsuribayashi-hen is a "Good End" in which the tragic events that occurred during June 1983 in the previous arcs are averted.

Rei[]

Three extra chapters were included in a fan disc named Higurashi: When They Cry Rei (ひぐらしのなく頃に礼, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei, When the Cicadas Cry: Gratitude), two of which were newly created. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei was released on December 31, 2006.

Saikoroshi-hen (賽殺し編, "Dice Killing Chapter")
Saikoroshi-hen is an epilogue of Matsuribayashi-hen, which takes place two months later in August 1983. Rika is apparently killed by a truck and wakes up in a different world, where none of the tragic events occurred in the main series: Keiichi is absent from the village, Rena's parents did not divorce, the dam project was resolved smoothly, Satoshi stays with Satoko and Rika's parents are alive. However, the club never formed, meaning Rika has no friends, she gets bullied by Satoko, Hanyū is absent, Rika is not revered as the reincarnation of Oyashiro, and the village will soon be submerged underwater. Rika has to choose between staying in that world or killing her own mother, which will enable her to leave that sinless world.
Batsukoishi-hen (罰恋し編, "Penalty Loving Chapter")
A slapstick dream story in which Keiichi and the Soul Brothers fight against the girls through the club punishment games. The chapter was originally an epilogue titled Otsukaresama which came with Meakashi-hen, but it was deemed too irrelevant and silly and was removed from subsequent chapters.[12]
Hirukowashi-hen (昼壊し編, "Daybreak Chapter")
Hirukowashi-hen is based on Higurashi Daybreak. Keiichi and Rena spent time together, until Rena accidentally swallows something during her usual treasure hunting. According to Rika, the seal of the sacred "Fuwarazu Magatama" pairs was broken, and Rena had one of them. The magatama holds a mysterious magical powers in which a person that has the red magatama will blindly fall in love with anyone with the white one.

Matsuri[]

Three original chapters were created for the PlayStation 2 version Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri (ひぐらしのなく頃に祭, When the Cicadas Cry: Festival), by Alchemist.

Taraimawashi-hen (盥回し編, "Rotation Chapter")
An alternate beginning chapter, at first glance, this additional "question arc" is a retelling of Onikakushi-hen. However, this chapter, in fact, contains the events of Watanagashi-hen. After learning the secrets of Hinamizawa, Keiichi decides to ignore everything and enjoy his peaceful school life; this action leads to a tragic series of events. Shion Sonozaki is the villain of the chapter, while Mion becomes the victim. Mion survives and is shown Rena's blood stained hat. Mion talks to Ooishi about the incident, but dies shortly after. The scenario is actually a "punishment", given when you deliberately try and avoid getting into any of the scenarios in the story (except one, as it is actually difficult to get into on purpose), and makes it clear to the player that they cannot simply avoid the tragedies around them and expect a happy ending.
Tsukiotoshi-hen (憑落し編, "Exorcism Chapter")
Although Tsukiotoshi-hen does not provide many answers since it relates what went wrong in Watanagashi-hen/Meakashi-hen and Tatarigoroshi-hen, it is still considered an answer arc. In order to save Satoko, Shion, Keiichi and Rena decide to kill Teppei. But after the murder is done, Rena starts to act strangely, and Keiichi thinks he hears Oyashiro talking to him. Mion notices the change in her friends' behavior and takes Shion's place to find out why they are acting this way. Later on, Satoko develops Hinamizawa Syndrome and kills Shion, before killing herself.
Miotsukushi-hen (澪尽し編, "Canal Drying Chapter")
An alternate ending to the main series, the chapter name Miotsukushi is a pun on miotsukushi (澪標, marks in a water channel) and mi o tsukushi (身を尽くし), a conjugation of mi o tsukusu (身を尽くす, to give one's all). The pun is known in Japanese poetry such as Man'yōshū and Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. After finding out who the real murderer is, Rika and Keiichi decide to put an end to the whole mystery, but they are in a different situation than Matsuribayashi-hen. Before they can do anything, they have to solve other people's problems first. The problems of Watanagashi/Meakashi-hen, Tatarigoroshi-hen, and Tsumihoroboshi-hen are met here, and all of them must be solved. The arc solves all the mysteries of the series, adds a few new ones, and gives the origins of both Hanyū and Hinamizawa syndrome. The story development of this arc in the fourth Nintendo DS game Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna has slight differences from the original PlayStation 2 version. The conclusion of Tomoe's story, continued from the third DS game Rasen, was added to Miotsukushi-hen, but had no connection with the PlayStation 2 version's ending. While there were very few choices in the previous answer arcs, this arc contains several choices that can lead to a bad ending if the wrong ones are picked.

Kizuna[]

Four original chapters were created for the Nintendo DS version Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna (ひぐらしのなく頃に絆, When the Cicadas Cry: Bond), by Alchemist.

Someutsushi-hen (染伝し編, "Dye Following Chapter")
The new question arc reveals in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna. It seems to be a retelling of Onisarashi with new characters and a few minor differences. In this chapter, the events of Onisarashi play out with the exception of Tomoe added to the equation, and Akasaka and Oishi being absent, although Oishi is mentioned, resulting in a different ending. The major difference is that this chapter's ending is a "bad ending" instead of a "good ending" like in the original storyline, with Natsumi dying at the end instead of being saved by Akira.
Kagebōshi-hen (影紡し編, "Silhouette Spinning Chapter")
A new chapter in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna Dai Ni Kan Sō. The version of Onisarashi-hen is told through the eyes of Tomoe Minami, a policewoman that is investigating the strange occurrences happening all over Japan. Akasaka and Oishi are present in this chapter, as well as Tomoe's younger sister, who is also a police officer, and another male officer. The chapter has a "good ending" like the original manga chapter, but with different events causing it. Natsumi attacks Chisato, one of her friends, putting her in the hospital, where she later talks with Akasaka. After the seemingly unpreventable murder of Natsumi's family, Chisato meets Natsumi on the hospital roof, and after a little struggling, manages to calm Natsumi down, and comforts her.
Tokihogushi-hen (解々し編, "Untangling Chapter")
A new chapter in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Kizuna Rasen. Tomoe Minai and her sister make another appearance, along with a new blue haired girl named Nagisa Ozaki. Ōishi Kuraudo and Rena Ryūgū return in this chapter.[13] The chapter explores Rena's past in Showa 57 (1982).
Kotohogushi-hen (言祝し編, "Congratulating Chapter")
A new chapter in the final installment of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna Dai Yon Kan Kizuna. The chapter explores Hanyū's past as Hai-Ryūn Yeasomūru Jeda and the origin of Hinamizawa. Characters appeared in this arc such as Riku Furude, one of Rika's ancestor and the Shinto Priest of Furude House, who fell in love with Hai-Ryūn; and Ōka Furude, the child of Hai-Ryūn and Riku Furude.

Manga arcs[]

These side stories are original chapters serialized in manga form which supplement the games and partially continue the story.

Onisarashi-hen (鬼曝し編, "Demon Exposing Chapter")
In Onisarashi-hen, a young girl named Natsumi is haunted by the aftermath of the Hinamizawa Disaster. Soon after her grandmother — a former Hinamizawa resident — tells her of Oyashiro's curse, Natsumi finds that her own hands have become covered in blood. Akasaka and Oishi also feature in the story. Onisarashi-hen was later included as part of the Nintendo DS remake Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna as Someutsuhi-hen, with some changes.
Yoigoshi-hen (宵越し編, "Beyond Midnight Chapter")
This chapter is an epilogue of one of the "possible outcomes" of Tsumihoroboshi-hen, in which Rena burned the school and killed Mion and her friends. Many years later, in 2006, the lock has been lifted and a group of five meet by coincidence, one of them claiming to be Mion, and get dragged into the supernatural aspects of the "Village of the Dead." Tips for this chapter can be read via mobile phone at Gangan Mobile. This chapter was included as part of Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kizuna: Dai-San-Kan Rasen for the Nintendo DS.
Utsutsukowashi-hen (現壊し編, "Reality Breaking Chapter")
A prequel to Meakashi-hen. Shion is sent away to the all-girls school, St. Lucia Academy, for confinement. One day, a male teacher's body was found in the school swimming pool and the first discoverer, Mizuho Kōsaka, is summoned to the chairman's office to report the details. Shion hears rumors about how Mizuho's grandmother is after Mizuho's life and the girl is taking refuge in the school, so Shion approaches the aloof Mizuho. The chapter started serialization in the December 2006 issue of Comp Ace.
Kataribanashi-hen (語咄し編, "Anthology Chapter")
A collection of award-winning reader-submitted stories compiled by Ryukishi07. Some of the stories have been adapted into manga and drama CDs.
Kokoroiyashi-hen (心癒し編, "Heart-Healing Chapter")
An epilogue to Matsuribayashi-hen where Rika and the others, including Hanyū, go on a summer vacation to heal their hearts, so to speak, after everything they have been through.

Anime arcs[]

Yakusamashi-hen (厄醒し編, "Disaster Awakening Chapter")
The arc was introduced in the second season, airing before Minagoroshi-hen and Matsuribayashi-hen.[14] Ryukishi07 requested the staff to include important plot details that were left out from the first season so as to tie the two seasons together. The issue of Hinamizawa's secrets is resolved early in this scenario, allowing the other characters to attend school without further issue. The story is told from the perspective of Satoko as she grows increasingly concerned about Rika, including speaking with Hanyū alone about her own inevitable murder, and her vain attempts to change her fate. Satoko later undergoes a situation containing elements from Tatarigoroshi-hen and Taraimawashi-hen, from discovering Rika's body to surviving the Great Hinamizawa Disaster, and dying in the hospital after understanding the secret behind Rika's murder.
Gou[]

The anime series Gou introduces five new arcs that parallel the initial chapters while posing a new mystery for the characters to overcome.

Onidamashi-hen (鬼騙し編, "Demon Deceiving Chapter")
At first, Onidamashi-hen appears to be a retelling of Onikakushi-hen. However, it is revealed that the events of this arc take place several years after Matsuribayashi-hen, and that Rika has mysteriously been sent back to June 1983. When Keiichi begins to become suspicious that others are hiding things from him, Rika encourages him to trust his friends.
Watadamashi-hen (綿騙し編, "Cotton Deceiving Chapter")
Similarly to Watanagashi-hen and Meakashi-hen, this question arc focuses on the Sonozaki twins and their relationship with Keiichi. When Shion and Keiichi sneak into a sacred place on the night of the Watanagashi Festival, people close to them begin to disappear. Rika attempts to intervene and change her fate.
Tataridamashi-hen (祟騙し編, "Curse Deceiving Chapter")
This scenario is meant to parallel Tatarigoroshi-hen and Minagoroshi-hen as Satoko's abusive uncle returns to Hinamizawa. Keiichi and his friends attempt to bring the village together to save her.
Nekodamashi-hen (猫騙し編, "Cat Deceiving Chapter")
This arc is told from Rika's perspective as she endures several tragedies in several different worlds. Nekodamashi-hen provides answers to some of the mysteries and reveals the identity of the culprit.
Satokowashi-hen (郷壊し編, "Village Destroying Chapter")
This arc follows Satoko and Rika, during the period between Matsuribayashi-hen and Onidamashi-hen. The arc has a large emphasis on the relationship between Satoko and Rika as they grow older and the world around them begins to change. It answers many mysteries introduced in the previous arcs.
Sotsu[]

The anime series Sotsu contains arcs that provide new perspectives and answers to the mysteries from Gou.

Oniakashi-hen (鬼明し編, "Demon Revealing Chapter")
Oniakashi-hen is the answer arc corresponding to Onidamashi-hen, showing the events of the latter chapter from the perspectives of Rena and Satoko. After taking drastic measures to ensure her family's happiness, Rena becomes increasingly suspicious that her friends know more than they let on.
Watakashi-hen (綿明し編, "Cotton Revealing Chapter")
Watakashi-hen follows the events of Watadamashi-hen from the perspectives of Mion and Satoko. Upon discovering that Keiichi's life may be in danger, Mion investigates Oyashiro's curse and the village families that may be behind it.
Tatariakashi-hen (祟明し編, "Curse-Revealing Chapter")
Tatariakashi-hen provides the solution for Tataridamashi-hen, following Satoko as she moves in with Teppei and grapples with internal conflict over her actions. Ōishi takes drastic measures to investigate the truth behind the curse of Oyashiro.
Kagurashi-hen (神楽し編, "God-Entertaining Chapter")

Development[]

The series is the first visual novel series produced by 07th Expansion.[15] The game director and scenario writer for the series are Ryukishi07, who also drew all of the character illustrations. Background images were taken from photographs taken by Ryukishi07, his younger brother Yatazakura, and Kameya Mannendō. Programming was worked on by Yatazakura, who worked on the main structure, 4U who worked on the intermission and Tips, and BT who worked on the mini games. The games were designed using the game engine NScripter. The music of Higurashi was provided by various music artists including both professionals and dōjin artists, including Dai, the composer of most of the music found in the answer arcs.

Ryukishi07 wrote in 2004 how he was influenced by Key's works during the planning of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.[16] Ryukishi07 played Key's games as a reference, among other visual novels, and analyzed them to figure out the reason why they were found to be so popular. He figured that the secret was due to how the stories would start with ordinary, enjoyable days, but then a sudden occurrence would happen to lead the player to cry due to the shock value. He used a similar model for the basis of Higurashi but instead of leading the player to cry, Ryukishi07 wanted to scare the player with the addition of horror elements. In this way, Ryukishi07 wished to be in some way associated with Key who he described as a "masterpiece maker."[16]

In an interview in the December 2008 issue of Yen Press's Yen Plus manga anthology, Ryukishi07 stated that Higurashi had its origins from an unpublished theater script called Hinamizawa Teiryūjo (雛見沢停留所, lit. Hinamizawa Bus Stop) he had written a few years before the first Higurashi game was released.[17] When he decided to rewrite the script and release it, he wanted to build upon "the contrast between a fun, ordinary life, and something terrifying and out of the ordinary." Ryukishi07 was greatly influenced by the worlds of Seishi Yokomizo when developing the universe of Higurashi. Ryukishi07 had decided "early on to design the story so that the truth comes to light by looking at several overlapping stories," though he originally planned to release it as a single game due to initially believing he could finish the story in a single year.[17]

The word higurashi is the name of a kind of cicada.[18] Naku means "to make sound" (鳴く), specifically referring to those sounds made by non-human organisms. According to Ryukishi07, the red Na (な) in the logo is an official part of the title.[19]

Release history[]

See also: List of Higurashi When They Cry titles

The first game of the Higurashi: When They Cry visual novel series, titled Onikakushi-hen, was released on August 10, 2002. The second game Watanagashi-hen was released on December 29, 2002. The third game Tatarigoroshi-hen was released on August 15, 2003. The fourth game Himatsubushi-hen was released on August 13, 2004. The first four games are part of the question arcs, and the following four games, under the title Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, are part of the answer arcs. The fifth game Meakashi-hen was released on December 30, 2004. The sixth game Tsumihoroboshi-hen was released on August 14, 2005. The seventh game Minagoroshi-hen was released on December 30, 2005. The eighth game Matsuribayashi-hen was released on August 13, 2006. A fan disc titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei was released on December 31, 2006. A second fan disc titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hō (ひぐらしのなく頃に奉, When the Cicadas Cry: Gift) was released on August 17, 2014.[20] In January 2021, 07th Expansion announced a remastered version titled Higurashi: When They Cry Hō + in development for a Q3 2021 release.[21] Each chapter keeps the same cast of main characters and general premise but unfolds in a different manner. Each of the chapters give valuable answers, hints, and clues as to the mysteries of the previous installment while at the same time bringing forth even more mysteries.

The eight original PC games were released in English by MangaGamer under the title Higurashi: When They Cry starting with the first four games released in December 2009 and the last four released in monthly intervals starting in February 2010.[22] MangaGamer's release of the visual novels does not include several background music tracks and two bonus features specific to the original Japanese version: the music room and a minigame. The eight original PC games were also released in French by Saffran Prod under the title Le sanglot des cigales, starting with the first two games released together in November 2009.[23] The Japanese company Seams has done releases for iOS devices in Japanese and English. The Japanese version includes all eight games.[24] The English version is based on the translation by MangaGamer and as of May 2012 includes the first five games.[25][26] A remastered version of Onikakushi-hen from Higurashi: When They Cry Hō was released by MangaGamer on Steam on May 15, 2015 for Windows, OS X and Linux.[27] The updates include a re-translation, previously cut music tracks and content, the original Japanese text,[28] and alternative character art by illustrator Kurosaki.[29]

A dōjin game named Higurashi Daybreak, based on the Higurashi series and featuring an original scenario by Ryukishi07, was developed by Twilight Frontier, the creators of Immaterial and Missing Power and Eternal Fighter Zero. The gameplay is that of a versus third-person shooter, in which most of the characters of the main Higurashi series are playable. Higurashi Daybreak was first released on August 13, 2006, and an expansion pack followed on April 22, 2007.

A video game console port for the PlayStation 2 was released as Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri (ひぐらしのなく頃に祭, When the Cicadas Cry: Festival) by Alchemist on February 22, 2007.[30] Higurashi is the third dōjin game to be ported to a video game console; the first was Hanakisō by HaccaWorks*,[31] and the second was Melty Blood by French-Bread and Ecole.[32] Although Higurashi was the first to have a video game console port announced, its long development time made it the third to be released. Due to the popularity of Matsuri, a second enhanced PlayStation 2 port, known as Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri: Kakera Asobi (ひぐらしのなく頃に祭 カケラ遊び, When the Cicadas Cry: Festival - Playing with the Pieces), was released on December 20, 2007. It was sold as an append disc to the original Matsuri and as a standalone game. It contains all of Matsuri's content, in addition to Matsuribayashi-hen from the original games and other bonus content.[33]

A series of four games for the Nintendo DS under the collective title Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna (ひぐらしのなく頃に絆, When the Cicadas Cry: Bond) with new story arcs are being developed by Alchemist.[34] The first, with the added title Tatari (祟, Curse), was released on June 26, 2008 containing the first three chapters from the question arcs, and a new chapter entitled Someutsushi-hen, with its story based on the Onisarashi-hen manga series. The second, with the added title Sō (想, Idea), was released in November 2008.[35] The third game in the series, with the added title Rasen (螺, Spiral), was released in March 2009. The final game, subtitled Kizuna (絆, Bond), was released in February 2010.

A PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita port titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sui (ひぐらしのなく頃に粋, When the Cicadas Cry: Style) and published by Kaga Create was released in Japan on March 12, 2015. This edition features all scenarios from previous versions, in addition to full voice acting, new songs, CGs, minigames and functions.[36] A Nintendo Switch port titled Higurashi: When They Cry Hō and published by Entergram was released in Japan on July 26, 2018. It includes the previous content covered by Sui, in addition to three new scenarios adapted from the Windows version of Hō.[37] A PlayStation 4 port of Higurashi: When They Cry Hō was released by Entergram in Japan on January 24, 2019.

A mobile phone RPG game titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei (ひぐらしのなく頃に命, When the Cicadas Cry: Life) and planned by D-techno, written by Kiichi Kanō and developed by Smile Axe was released on September 3, 2020.[38] The story stars a new protagonist, Kazuho Kimiyoshi, who visits Hinamizawa in the year 1993. After gaining the power to fight monsters called "Tsukuyami" by Tamurahime-no-Mikoto, Kazuho somehow wanders into Hinamizawa of 1983.

Adaptations[]

Drama CDs[]

Several sets of drama CDs based on the series have been released, mainly distributed by Frontier Works and Wayuta.[39] The latter's releases differ from other media adaptations in that they make extensive use of the source material from the original sound novels, and sometimes include original songs from dai's albums. The main eight sound novel arcs have been adapted into a total of eleven CD releases, published by HOBiRECORDS and distributed by Wayuta and Geneon Entertainment, between May 27, 2005 and March 9, 2012; Minagoroshi-hen and Matsuribayashi-hen have been split into two and three separate releases respectively.[40][41] Each chapter is 200–300 minutes long and contains 3-6 discs. The CDs feature remixes of the games' music and sound effects and the voice cast members have been chosen by Ry��kishi07 himself, though some of them have been changed for the anime and PS2 release due to scheduling conflicts.[42] The booklets included with the CDs contained passwords that, if entered on the official site, unlocked downloads to audio files that adapted the TIPS for each of the arcs. In response to fan requests, audio TIPS for the first five arcs later became available on drama CDs named Append Disc 01, released on December 29, 2005 at Comiket 69, and Append Disc 02, released on October 26, 2007.[43][44] HOBiRECORDS has also released three drama CDs that adapted several fan-submitted stories from the Kataribanashi-hen novel/manga anthology arc. The first CD was released on April 25, 2007, the second on May 9, 2008, and the third on April 24, 2009.[45][46][47] Frontier Works released several CDs, starting with an anthology piece called Anthology Drama CD 1 on December 22, 2005, followed by a second CD titled Anthology Drama CD 2 on March 24, 2006, and a third CD titled Anthology Drama CD Higurashi no Naku Koro ni featuring Umineko no Naku Koro ni on May 27, 2009. In addition to the anthologies, there have also been numerous character song CDs and DJCDs released during special events such as at Comiket, magazine subscriptions, and anime/film/game pre-order bonuses.

Manga[]

See also: List of Higurashi When They Cry chapters

There are eight main titles in the Higurashi manga series, spanning the four question arcs and the four answer arcs. Each question arc manga are compiled into two bound volumes. The first two answer arc manga are compiled into four volumes, meanwhile Minagoroshi-hen is compiled into six volumes, and Matsuribayashi-hen into eight. The manga uses multiple artists between the various arcs. Karin Suzuragi drew Onikakushi-hen, Tsumihoroboshi-hen, and Matsuribayashi-hen, Yutori Hōjō drew Watanagashi-hen and Meakashi-hen, Jirō Suzuki drew Tatarigoroshi-hen, Yoshiki Tonogai drew Himatsubushi-hen, and Hinase Momoyama drew Minagoroshi-hen. Another manga entitled Kokoroiyashi-hen (心癒し編, Heart Healing Chapter) is drawn by Yuna Kagesaki and began in Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace on August 26, 2008.[48] The manga series was licensed by Yen Press for English distribution in North America under the title Higurashi: When They Cry. The manga was initially serialized in Yen Press' Yen Plus anthology magazine, the first issue of which went on sale on July 29, 2008. The first English volume of the manga was originally planned to be sold in early 2009,[49] but was released in November 2008.[50]

There are three side stories related to the main Higurashi story, but with new characters. The first, named Onisarashi-hen (鬼曝し編, Demon Exposing Chapter), is drawn by En Kitō and was serialized between March 2005 and July 2006 in Comp Ace. The next, entitled Yoigoshi-hen (宵越し編, Overnight Chapter), is drawn by Mimori and was serialized between in GFantasy between 2006 and 2007. The last side story is known as Utsutsukowashi-hen (現壊し編, Reality Breaking Chapter) is also drawn by En Kitō and was serialized in Comp Ace between 2006 and 2007.

A manga adaptation of Higurashi's precursor Hinamizawa Teiryūjo began serialization in the debut issue of Square Enix's Big Gangan magazine, sold on October 25, 2011.[51]

Novels[]

See also: List of Higurashi When They Cry novels

There are four light novels which contain additional illustrations by five different artists, and seventeen novelizations of the separate visual novel arcs.[52][53] Each novel is written by Ryukishi07. The light novels were all released as limited editions not sold in stores. The first one, Nekogoroshi-hen, was illustrated by Karin Suzuragi, Yutori Hōjō, and Jirō Suzuki, and was sent out to those who bought the first volume of the manga versions of Onikakushi-hen, Watanagashi-hen, and Tatarigoroshi-hen. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all three of these manga by the deadline to receive this special short story. The second light novel, Kuradashi-hen, was illustrated by Yoshiki Tonogai, Karin Suzuki, Yutori Hōjō, and Mimori. This novel was sent out to those who bought the second volume of the manga version of Himatsubushi-hen, and the first volumes of the manga Tsumihoroboshi-hen, Meakashi-hen, and Yoigoshi-hen. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all four of these manga by a certain deadline to receive this special short story. The third light novel, Hajisarashi-hen, contained illustrations by Rato, and was included with the limited edition of the PlayStation 2 game Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri. The fourth novel, Kuradashi-hen Zoku is a sequel to Kuradashi-hen and was sent out to those who bought the second volumes of the manga Tsumihoroboshi-hen, Meakashi-hen, and Yoigoshi-hen. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all four of these manga by a certain deadline to receive this special short story. The light novels were published by Square Enix and released in 2006 and 2007.

Kodansha Box released 17 novelizations of the visual novel arcs with illustrations by Tomohi between August 2007 and March 2009, starting with Onikakushi-hen and ending with Saikoroshi-hen. Most of the story arcs are divided into two volumes, except for Himatsubushi-hen and Saikoroshi-hen which are compiled into one volume each, and Matsuribayashi-hen which is compiled into three volumes. In September 2010, editor Katsushi Ōta confirmed on Twitter that the novelizations would be re-released in paperback editions.[54] The paperbacks were published by Seikaisha with new cover art by Tomohi from January 12, 2011 to June 8, 2012. In 2020, the series received new paperback editions illustrated by Satoyoshimi, published by Futabasha under the Futabasha Junior Bunko label, starting with Onikakushi-hen on October 23.[55]

Anime[]

See also: List of Higurashi When They Cry episodes

The first anime series was animated by Studio Deen and produced by Frontier Works, Geneon Entertainment and Sotsu. It is directed by Chiaki Kon, with Toshifumi Kawase handling series composition, Kyūta Sakai designing the characters and Kenji Kawai composing the music. The season covers the four question arcs and the first two answer arcs, and aired in Japan between April 4 and September 26, 2006, comprising 26 episodes. Most of the characters were used by the same voice actors for the drama CD series. The series is available on DVD in Japan, France and North America (following Geneon Entertainment's licensing of the series).[56] However, Geneon's U.S. division announced that it discontinued all ongoing anime projects in September 2007, including Higurashi on November 6, 2007.[57] Only three of a planned six DVDs of Higurashi were released, under the title When They Cry: Higurashi. On July 3, 2008, Geneon and Funimation announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon still retained the license, Funimation assumed exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. Higurashi was one of the several titles involved in the deal.[58] Funimation released a complete box set of the series in August 2009. However, in August 2011, the rights to the series expired due to low sales.[59] Sentai Filmworks has licensed both anime series.[60]

People in Japan, who had bought all nine of the DVDs of the first season, had the chance to receive a special anime DVD entitled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gaiden Nekogoroshi-hen, based on the short story that was given to those who had bought the manga.[61] Despite being a bonus for the first season (and having the first season's opening and closing sequences), Nekogoroshi-hen featured Sakai's updated character designs from the second season.

A continuation of the series produced by the same core staff[62] and based on one new story arc and the final two original answer arcs of the franchise, entitled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (ひぐらしのなく頃に解, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: Solution), aired in Japan between July 6 and December 17, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes. Sentai Filmworks has licensed the second anime series.[60] As the result of a murder case in September 2007 in Japan involving the murder of a police officer by his sixteen-year-old daughter with an axe,[63] as well as the Japanese media relating the case to anime such as Higurashi, the latest episode screenings of both Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai and another anime at the time, School Days, were canceled by a number of stations, due to excessive violence. However, AT-X, TV Saitama and Sun TV announced that they would be airing the episodes as planned. Later, TV Saitama announced that they had ceased broadcasting of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai from episode thirteen onwards.[citation needed] Additionally, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai had its opening altered when it re-aired. Originally, a bloody bill hook cleaver (as used by Rena) was shown halfway through (at timestamp 0:55) the opening; it was replaced with an image of a van from the series' fictional junk yard.

An original video animation (OVA) series, entitled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei (ひぐらしのなく頃に礼, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: Gratitude), was released on February 25, 2009,[64] and is directed and written by Toshifumi Kawase, with Kazuya Kuroda taking over Sakai's role as character designer.[65][66][67][68] The series also started a limited broadcasting in Bandai Channel prior to DVD release.[69] Sentai Filmworks has licensed the Rei OVAs.[60] The OVA contains three story arcs, Hajisarashi-hen, Saikoroshi-hen and Hirukowashi-hen, with Saikoroshi-hen concluding in three episodes, and the other two arcs concluding in one episode each. Hajisarashi-hen was originally a light novel included with the limited edition of the PlayStation 2 game Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri, and took the place of Batsukoishi-hen from the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei fandisc. Frontier Works announced another original video anime series, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira (ひぐらしのなく頃に煌, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: Glitter) in March 2011, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.[70] It is directed and storyboarded by Hideki Tachibana and written by Kawase, with Tomoyuki Abe taking over Kuroda's role as character designer and Tomoki Kikuya serving as additional music composer. An OVA film titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak (ひぐらしのなく頃に拡〜アウトブレイク〜, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku ~Autobureiku~, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: Expansion ~Outbreak~), adapted from Ryukishi07's short story "Higurashi Outbreak", was announced in December 2012 and was later released in August 2013.[71] Sakai returned as a character designer for Outbreak.

On January 6, 2020, 07th Expansion and Kadokawa announced that a new anime project by Passione was in production. Akio Watanabe serves as a character designer, and Infinite serves as a producer.[72] Keiichiro Kawaguchi is directing the series, with Naoki Hayashi handling series composition and Kenji Kawai returning as music composer.[73] The main cast will reprise their roles.[74] The series was set to premiere in July 2020,[75] but was delayed to October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[76] The series aired from October 1, 2020 to March 19, 2021.[77] The series, entitled Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou (ひぐらしのなく頃に業, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gō, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: Karma), was acquired by Funimation and streamed on its website in North America and the British Isles, and on AnimeLab in Australia and New Zealand.[78] In Southeast Asia and South Asia, Medialink has acquired the series, and are streaming the series on its YouTube channel Ani-One.[79] Before episode 2 aired, the title of the anime was Higurashi: When They Cry – New and it was marketed as a remake to the original anime series. When episode 2 aired, the subtitle was changed to Gou (業, Gō, lit. Karma) and it was revealed that the anime is not actually a direct remake as it was previously marketed to be.[80] The new series ran for 24 episodes.[81]

After Gou finished airing, a sequel, entitled Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu (ひぐらしのなく頃に卒, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu, lit. When the Cicadas Cry: (Finishing, Graduation or Death)), was announced. The series premiered on July 1, 2021.[82] Funimation will stream the series.[83] In Southeast Asia and South Asia, Medialink has acquired the series, and are streaming the series on its YouTube channel Ani-One.[84]

Live action[]

A live action film adaptation of the series entitled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (ひぐらしのなく頃に, also known as Shrill Cries of Summer internationally), directed and written by Ataru Oikawa, premiered in Japanese theaters on May 10, 2008.[85][86] The film is an adaptation of the first story arc, Onikakushi-hen.[87] Gōki Maeda plays Keiichi, Airi Matsuyama plays Rena, Rin Asuka plays Mion, Aika plays Rika, and Erena Ono plays Satoko.[88] The film was released in 60 theaters and earned over ¥200 million at the box office.[89]

A sequel, also live action,[90] was released in Japanese theaters on April 18, 2009 and is entitled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Chikai (ひぐらしのなく頃に誓, When the Cicadas Cry: Oath, also known as Shrill Cries: Reshuffle internationally). The sequel is based on the Tsumihoroboshi-hen arc, but it incorporates elements from other arcs and has a slightly different ending. The cast, including Maeda as Keiichi, is almost the same as in the previous film, but the role of Ōishi has been changed from Tetta Sugimoto to Ren Osugi.

A live-action television series adaptation directed by Tōru Ōtsuka and starring Yu Inaba as Keiichi premiered in Japan on May 20, 2016 on cable channel BS SKY PerfecTV!.[91][92] The cast includes the members of NGT48.[93] A four-episode sequel premiered on November 25, 2016.[94]

Music[]

Main article: List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks

Unlike visual novels created by established companies, 07th Expansion did not create the music found in the Higurashi games. The music for the question arcs consists of license free songs found on the Internet while the music for the answer arcs was provided by dōjin music artists that were fans of Higurashi. Later, a CD album called Thanks/you was released by the dōjin music artist, Dai; many of his tracks were used in the answer arcs. Fans initially referred to this album as the official soundtrack. However, the actual official soundtrack has since been released for the series, featuring a majority of the songs featured in the answer arcs. This two-disc set is, to date, the most complete collection of songs from the games.

The first season anime's opening theme is "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" sung by Eiko Shimamiya; it went on sale in Japan on May 24, 2006. The ending theme is "Why, or Why Not" sung by Rekka Katakiri; it was released on June 28, 2006. They were released as two original soundtracks. The series is composed by Kenji Kawai and the albums were produced by Frontier Works. Volume 1 was released on July 21, 2006, and volume 2 was released on October 6, 2006, in Japan. Three character song CDs were also released, sung by voice actors from the anime adaptation, between March 28 and July 25, 2007.[95][96] The second season anime's opening theme is "Naraku no Hana" also sung by Shimamiya. The first season's opening theme includes a hidden message : the unintelligible lyrics at the beginning ("hanni hara hare hi") were generated by reversing the phrase nigerarenain da (逃げられないんだ, "there's no escape"). The second season's opening theme also includes a reversed part at the end ("ie hanann") which was made by playing backwards the reversed bit from the first opening theme. The ending theme is "Taishō a" performed by anNina. The first OVA season's opening theme is "Super scription of data" by Shimamiya, and the ending theme is "Manazashi" (まなざし) by anNina.[97] The opening theme for the OVA Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kira is "Happy! Lucky! Dochy!" by Yukari Tamura, Mika Kanai, and Yui Horie—the voice actors for Rika, Satoko, and Hanyū, respectively. The ending theme, "Zendai Mimon Miracle Change" (前代未聞☆ミラクルチェンジ, Unprecedented Miracle Change), had four separate versions: one by Mai Nakahara, Rena's voice actor and the others are sung by Yukari Tamura and Mika Kanai, Satsuki Yukino, Mion and Shion's voice actor, and Yui Horie. The opening theme for Gou is "I Believe What You Said" by Asaka. Except for the first episode that uses "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" by Shimamiya as its ending theme, the ending themes for Gou are "Kamisama no Syndrome" for episodes 2–17 and "Fukisokusei Entropy" for episodes 18–23 by Ayane. For the first live-action film, a short version of the film's theme song was released on December 22, 2007, in Japan. Once again, Shimamiya sang the song, entitled "Wheel of Fortune" (運命の輪, Unmei no Wa). Shimamiya also performed the ending theme entitled "Diorama" (ディオラマ).

Reception[]

Visual novels[]

Over 100,000 copies of the original games were sold in Japan by 2006,[102] a feat not attained by a dōjin game since Type-Moon released Tsukihime. Many fans attribute the game's success to the suspense and horror the novel portrays. Fan-based community boards emerged where fans began discussing their own theories. The popularity of the games grew exponentially as many took interest in their well-outlined script and story, which eventually led the game to be showcased in large gaming magazines with positive reviews. With the announcement of the live-action film adaptation of Onikakushi-hen came the news that over 500,000 copies of the games had been sold, by August 13, 2007.[85] The enhanced PlayStation 2 port, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri, had sold 140,397 copies by October 11, 2007.[103] Later console releases in the series, between December 2007 and January 2019, have sold 408,391 copies in Japan, as of February 2019,[104] bringing total software sales to 908,391 copies in Japan.

The PS2 version received a total review score of 31/40 (out of the four individual review scores of 9, 8, 8 and 6) from the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu.[98] The game was voted the tenth most interesting bishōjo game by readers of Dengeki G's Magazine in an August 2007 survey.[105] Its English-language release also received a positive reception from critics. Hardcore Gamer stated that the "writing is incredibly eerie, and amazingly effective"[100] and concluded that "few video games make it anywhere near the skillful story weaving present within the Higurashi series."[101] APGNation stated the "Excellent writing and music make for an evocative reading experience."[99]

Manga[]

In Japan, the third volume of the manga adaptation ranked as the 19th weekly best-selling book on January 16, 2008.[106] The first volume ranked as the 18th weekly bestseller on June 10, 2008.[107] The fourth volume ranked as the 19th bestseller on January 14, 2009.[108] In the United States, the first volume was ranked 253rd in the top 300 graphic novels sold in November 2008 and ranked as 25th in the top 25 Manga sold in the first quarter of 2009 release of ICv2 Retailers Guide to Anime/Manga.[109][110] The manga sold 8 million copies by 2009.[111]

Debi Aoki of About.com stated that reading the chapters in succession as they were presented in its serialization in Yen Plus made the story "easier to follow" and built the suspense better.[112] However, Justin Colussy-Estes of Comic Village disagreed feeling that this structure "backfire[d]".[113] Justin Colussy-Estes of Comic Village praised the setting for hinting at something "much darker". He also praised the structure stating that the "mystery develops slowly" to immerse the reader in the characters and then later force the reader to "confront the possibility that one or more of them may be [the] murderer"; a decision he described as "clever".[113] Critics criticized the manga for using "cliché" characterizations typical of the harem genre.[112][113][114] However, Phil Guie of Popcultureshock expressed disappointment that this characterization "is brushed aside" for the horror as it gave the friendship between characters "real depth" adding to the surprise of the plot twists.[115] Anime News Network's Casey Brienza praised the manga for being an "effective" horror story as it follows an ordinary situation, a harem manga plot, which "becomes terrifying" producing an effect that is "trashy horror at its absolute greatest".[114] However, she expressed being frustrated by the end of the second volume as the central question remains "infuriatingly unanswered" though still felt the manga is "wholly enjoyable and satisfying" nonetheless.[116] Brienza stated that although the artwork is "average", the illustrator "seems to know exactly how to transition between the adorable and the abominable—and does so with dramatic, nightmarish effect."[114] Aoki described the artwork as although "pander[ing] to otaku fetishes" containing "generic" and "awkward" character designs, providing "overbearing cutesiness [that] makes the secrets that the girls are hiding behind their smiles just that much creepier."[112]

Anime[]

A review by The Escapist gave the anime television series a highly positive review. James Henley praised the story, saying that each arc is interesting in its own way, but said that watching Kai was necessary to fully understand the story. He also praised the cast of characters, and how, despite having only one main male character, it never falls into harem stereotypes, and how each one has a unique back story, revealed in different arcs. He criticized the dub as poor quality, but recommended the anime, mainly subbed, if one "can stomach the brutality."[117] The Anime Almanac similarly praised the story, as a unique method of storytelling and the art of the characters, but went to add that the "moe" design on the girls made the scary scenes less threatening. He ultimately recommended the series.[118] Another review, from T.H.E.M Anime, was less positive, giving it 3 out of 5 stars, praising the story, but panning the sorrow of the characters and the violence, saying "Higurashi is a hard show to watch; while it's interesting, each chapter is progressively soul-sucking and depressing, as the characters struggle desperately to avoid grisly fates, often to no avail, multiple times." He finished the review by saying "...Higurashi is interesting and visceral enough to be worth viewing by the more adventurous."[119]

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