The charm and horror of "Higurashi When They Cry": An in-depth review

"Higurashi When They Cry" - Summer in Hinamizawa where fear and friendship intersect

"Higurashi When They Cry" is a TV anime series that aired in 2006, originally a game by Ryukishi07 of the doujin group "07th Expansion". The story is set in the summer of 1983, and revolves around a series of mysterious deaths in Hinamizawa, a poor village with a population of less than 2,000, and depicts a story of friendship and fear intertwined. Below, we will delve deeper into the appeal and details of this work.

■Overview of the work

Higurashi When They Cry aired on multiple TV stations, including Kansai TV, from April 4 to September 26, 2006. It consists of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Animation was handled by Studio DEEN, and the Higurashi When They Cry Production Committee (Frontier Works, Geneon Entertainment, Sotsu) produced the series. It was directed by Kon Chiaki, series composition by Kawase Toshifumi, and character design and general animation director Sakai Kyuta.

■ Story

Keiichi Maebara, who moved to Hinamizawa from the city in the summer of 1983, is a cheerful and talkative boy who quickly becomes friends with his classmates. He especially becomes good friends with the devoted Rena Ryugujo, the leader Mion Sonozaki, the trap expert Satoko Hojo, and the mysterious Furude Rika, the daughter of Furude Shrine, and spends happy days together. However, when the "Watanagashi" festival, which is held every June, comes into play, Keiichi's surroundings gradually begin to change as he becomes acquainted with the mystery of a series of mysterious deaths that occur in Hinamizawa. A tragedy repeats itself on the day of the festival, and while pursuing the truth behind the incidents in which one person dies and one person goes missing every year, Keiichi steps into the darkness of the village.

■ Characters

The protagonist, Maebara Keiichi, is a curious and passionate boy. Having moved from the city, he is quick-witted, but sometimes gets into trouble due to his lack of attention to detail. He is also known as the "Magician of the Lie" for his eloquence, and calls himself the "Evangelist of Moe" and has a strong opinion on costumes. Ryugu Rena is Keiichi's best friend and has a devoted personality. She has a weakness for "cute" things, and has a habit of "taking them home" whenever she finds them. Sonozaki Mion is one year older than Keiichi and Rena, and is a leader in her class, serving as the class representative. She is a high-spirited, easy-going, big sister type, and is also the next head of the Sonozaki family, a famous family in the village. Hojo Satoko is a junior student of Keiichi and Rena, and is the best trap master in Hinamizawa. She hates to lose and has a cheeky side, but she is still young and sometimes cries when teased. Furude Rika is the only daughter of Furude Shrine and a girl with the cuteness of a kitten. She plays the role of a shrine maiden at the "Watanagashi Festival" every June, and has a calmness and mystery that doesn't suit her age.

■ Background and influences

"Higurashi When They Cry" started out as a doujin game distributed at Comic Market. The game was a big hit and was adapted into a drama CD, manga, and anime, leading to a mixed media development. The manga in particular has sold over 1.5 million copies, and the sound novel game series continues to sell well today. After the anime aired in 2006, its popularity has not waned, with a second season planned for 2007.

■ Evaluation and acceptance

"Higurashi When They Cry" attracted many viewers with its unique atmosphere and meticulously crafted story development. It was especially praised for its exquisite blend of horror elements and the portrayal of friendship. The characters' relationships and psychological portrayal were also deep, leaving a strong impression on viewers. Additionally, the subtitles and episode structure for each episode were cleverly designed to keep viewers from getting bored. Furthermore, the music and the performances of the voice actors were also important elements in livening up the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Higurashi When They Cry" and the ending theme "Why, or Why Not" were particularly loved by many fans.

■ Related works

Many related works have been produced since then. Sequels include Higurashi When They Cry Kai, Higurashi When They Cry Rei, Higurashi When They Cry Kira, Higurashi When They Cry Expanded ~Outbreak~, Higurashi When They Cry Gaiden Nekogoroshi-hen, and Ura☆Higu. These works delve deeper into the world of the original work and live up to the expectations of fans.

■ Recommendation points

"Higurashi When They Cry" is a fascinating work that depicts horror, mystery, and friendship. In particular, the characters' relationships and psychological portrayals are deep, leaving a strong impression on viewers. Additionally, the subtitles for each episode and the episode structure are cleverly designed to keep viewers from getting bored. Furthermore, the music and the voice actors' performances are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Higurashi When They Cry" and the ending theme "Why, or Why Not" in particular were loved by many fans.

This work is recommended not only for those who like horror, but also for those who like mysteries and human dramas. In particular, it is a work that you should definitely watch if you want to feel the growth of the characters and the depth of their friendship. Also, the original game and manga are very interesting, so if you are interested, please check them out.

■Detailed episode commentary

"Higurashi When They Cry" consists of 26 episodes. Below, we will introduce the overview and highlights of each episode.

• Episode 1: The Demon-Hunting Arc Part 1 (2006/04/04)
  This is the episode where Keiichi has just moved to Hinamizawa. Although he is confused by his new environment, he makes friends with his classmates. His encounters with Rena and Mion are particularly memorable.
• Episode 2: The Secret (2006/04/11)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. While his friendship with Rena and Mion deepens, the highlight of the episode is the scene where he begins to notice the dark side of the village.
• Episode 3: Onikakushi Part 3: Doubt (2006/04/18)
  This is the episode where Keiichi's suspicions deepen. His trust and suspicion towards his friends are mixed together, drawing the viewer in.
• Episode 4: The Hidden Demon Chapter Part 4 (2006/04/25)
  The story depicts how Keiichi's mind becomes distorted. One memorable scene shows Keiichi's actions escalating as friendship and fear intertwine.
• Episode 5: Cotton Drifting Part 1 Jealousy (2006/05/02)
  This episode centers around the "Cotton-Floating" festival, which takes place every June, and sees the relationship between Keiichi and Rena deepen. Jealousy is a key element that drives the story.
• Episode 6: Cotton Drifting Part 2 Takano (2006/05/09)
  With the appearance of Takano Sanshi, the dark side of the village becomes even more apparent in this episode. Her interest in the occult adds depth to the story.
• Episode 7: Cotton Drifting Part 3: Lies (2006/05/16)
  This is an episode in which Keiichi's heart is shaken as lies and truths intersect. The scene in which Keiichi's actions escalate as friendship and fear intersect is memorable.
• Episode 8: Cotton Drifting, Part 4: Wish (2006/05/23)
  This is an episode where Keiichi's wish and the village's secret intersect. The scene where Keiichi's actions escalate as friendship and fear intersect is memorable.
• Episode 9: Curse Killing Part 1 Brother (2006/05/30)
  This episode reveals more of the village's secrets with the arrival of Satoko's brother, Hojo Satoshi. The story revolves around her feelings for her brother.
• Episode 10: Curse Killing Part 2 Kizuna (2006/06/06)
  This episode depicts the bond between Satoko and Satoshi. The story deepens as the bond between siblings and the village's secrets intertwine.
• Episode 11: Curse Killing Part 3: Boundary (2006/06/13)
  This episode further deepens the relationship between Satoko and Satoshi. The story deepens as the bond between siblings and the village's secrets intertwine.
• Episode 12: Curse Killing Part 4: Lost Things (2006/06/20)
  This is the episode where Satoko searches for something she has lost. The story deepens as the bond between siblings and the secrets of the village intertwine.
• Episode 13: Curse Killing Part 5: Apology (2006/06/27)
  This is the episode where Satoko apologizes to Satoshi. The story deepens as the bond between siblings and the village's secrets intertwine.
• Episode 14/Killing Time Part 1 Hinamizawa (2006/07/04)
  This episode depicts the daily life of Hinamizawa. As Keiichi and his friends' friendship deepens, the village's secrets are revealed.
• Episode 15: Killing Time Part 2: Signs (2006/07/11)
  In this episode, the village's secrets are revealed even more. As Keiichi and his friends' friendship deepens, the village's secrets are revealed even more.
• Episode 16: Detective Part 1: First Love (2006/07/18)
  This episode depicts Keiichi's first love. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate in a memorable scene.
• Episode 17: The Eyewitness Part 2: Resolve (2006/07/25)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 18: The Demon Bloodline (2006/08/01)
  This episode further reveals the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 19: The Detective Part 4: Revenge (2006/08/08)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 20: The Eyewitnesses Part Five: Cold Hands (2006/08/15)
  This episode further reveals the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 21: The Eyewitnesses Part 6: Condemnation (2006/08/22)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 22: Atonement Part 1: Happiness (2006/08/29)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 23: Atonement Part 2: The Place to Return (2006/09/05)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 24: Atonement Part 3 Document No. 34 (2006/09/12)
  This episode further reveals the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 25: Atonement Part 4: Invasion of Earth (2006/09/19)
  This episode further reveals the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.
• Episode 26: Atonement Part 5 Retake (2006/09/26)
  This is the episode where Keiichi begins to learn about the village's secrets. Amid a mix of friendship and fear, Keiichi's actions escalate, which is a memorable scene.

■Music and voice actors

The music for "Higurashi When They Cry" was written by Kawai Kenji. His music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Higurashi When They Cry" and the ending theme "why, or why not" in particular were loved by many fans. The voice actors are also impressive, with Soichiro Hoshi as Keiichi Maebara, Mai Nakahara as Rena Ryugu, Satsuki Yukino as Mion Sonozaki, Mika Kanai as Satoko Hojo, and Yukari Tamura as Rika Furude, all of whose performances bring out the individuality of each character.

Conclusion

"Higurashi When They Cry" is a very attractive work that depicts horror, mystery, and friendship. In particular, the characters' relationships and psychological depictions are deep, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the subtitles and episode structure for each episode are also cleverly designed to keep the viewer from getting bored. Furthermore, the music and the voice actors' performances are also important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Higurashi When They Cry" and the ending theme "why, or why not" were especially loved by many fans. This work is recommended not only for people who like horror, but also for people who like mystery and human drama. In particular, it is a work that should be watched by those who want to feel the growth of the characters and the depth of their friendship. In addition, the original game and manga are also very interesting, so if you are interested, please check them out.