Studio Deen’s anime adaptation of Ryukishi07’s murder mystery visual novel seriesHigurashi no Naku Koro Ni(Higurashi:When They Cry)is not as popular as its narrative allows it. The series, being a psychological supernatural horror, becomes a double-edged sword in its presentation. Despite this, the anime shares the story ofHigurashiin faithful arcs akin to the series' manga.
Higurashiuses dimensional jumps and time loopsas its main storytelling method, making it one of thescariest horror anime. The series' many seasons follow the pattern of a ‘question arc,’ meant to stimulate speculation within its viewers, and an ‘answer arc’ afterward that reveals the truth.
The story structure is a daunting presence that creates confusion for viewers and a chance for it to be dropped outright.
Higurashi Could Answer the Series' Greatest Mystery in New Prequel
A new prequel series from the Higurashi franchise called Oni follows “Old Hag” Oryou Sonozaki as a child and the start of the Hinamizawa Syndrome.
Innovative Storytelling Is the Series' Strongest Point
The majority of anime fans are unaware of the multidimensional story and emotional connection that isHigurashi. On the surface,Higurashiis anothermystery anime with gorefor shock value, butit is a story with layers. Maebara Keiichi is depicted as the main protagonist of the series. However, it isn’t until the second season that the true main protagonist is revealed, Furude Rika. What Rika experiences during each tragedy brought on by her friends is introduced, and the supernatural powers at work are now realized. Every time Rika is murdered, she is brought back to life in another world.
Higurashiis connected to a much larger story within theWhen They Cryseries. Its individual story takes place within the Sea of Fragments where another title,Umineko no Naku Koro Ni (When the Seagulls Cry)also does. One of the connections between the two is noticeable whenever Rika’s tone of voice turns serious and pessimistic. The voice that is speaking is Frederica Bernkastel’s, a witch withinUmineko’sstoryline. It isn’t until both titles are considered that thetrue story ofHigurashiis understood.
InHigurashi: Gou, Euarefers to Satoko as “Vier,” “Mitsuyo,” and “Anomalous Spinal Cord Specimen LD3105.” These names reference another of Ryukishi07’s work within theWhen They Cryseries,Ciconia: When They Cry.
The Philosophy ofHigurashiPrompts Introspection and Personal Growth
HigurashiTeaches a Lesson on the Power of Friendship and Trust
The in-depth characterization ofHigurashiforges a bond between its viewers and characters. The slice-of-life moments before tragedy strikes strengthen this bond. Keiichi worries if he will make friends upon moving to Hinamizawa, but he is able to befriend four other classmates; Furude Rika, Hōjō Satoko, Sonozaki Mion, and Ryūgū Rena. When Keiichi is infected with Hinamizawa Syndrome, however, he hallucinates a syringe in Mion’s hand in place of the marker she is holding for his ‘punishment’ after losing a friendly game. Out of paranoia, he murders Mion and Rena, creating a ‘dead-end world’ for everyone.
The animeHigurashiisoverlooked because of its indirect storytelling. It is a story to be understood in pieces rather than as a whole. The tragedies shown by each character rallies the desire for this group of friends to have the happiness they strive for. The multiple elements withinHigurashi no Naku Koro Ni(When They Cry)and the connection formed between viewers and characters make this anime worth more than it is credited.
The first two seasons,HigurashiandHigurashi: Kai,can be watched on Amazon Prime Video. The final seasons,Higurashi: GouandHigurashi: Sotsu,can be found on Crunchyroll.
Higurashi: When They Cry
Cast
Higurashi: When They Cry is an anime series based on the visual novel by 07th Expansion. Set in the rural village of Hinamizawa, the story follows Keiichi Maebara and his friends as they uncover dark secrets and mysterious events surrounding their community. The series blends elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of paranoia and friendship.
