The appeal and evaluation of "Ura☆Higu (tentative)": Introducing a hidden masterpiece anime

The appeal and evaluation of "Ura☆Higu (tentative title)": New possibilities for OVAs

"Ura☆Higu (tentative)" was released as an OVA in 2007, and is based on the game series "Higurashi When They Cry" by Ryukishi07. This OVA was produced as a bonus video included in each volume of the packaged version of the game "Higurashi When They Cry Kai". It has a total of 24 episodes, directed by Chiaki Kon, and animated by Studio Deen.

Overview

"Ura☆Higu (tentative title)" is a spin-off work that emphasizes comedy elements, unlike the main story of the original game. It depicts the various events that occur in the daily lives of the residents of Hinamizawa Village in a humorous way. Each episode contains different themes and gags, and there are many ingenious ideas to keep the viewer interested.

Story and Characters

The protagonist, Maebara Keiichi, is a boy who moved from the city to Hinamizawa Village. He is a man of action who is curious, passionate, and can't resist a good deal. Keiichi's friend, Ryugu Rena, is devoted and close to Keiichi, but she has a weakness for cute things and has a habit of taking them home with her when she finds them. Sonozaki Mion and Sonozaki Shion are twin sisters. Mion shows leadership as the class representative, while Shion works part-time as a waitress at a family restaurant. Hojo Satoko is a master of traps, and Furude Rika is the only daughter of Furude Shrine and plays the role of a shrine maiden at the village festival. The charm of this work is the comedy that unfolds between these characters in various situations.

Production background and staff

"Ura☆Higu (tentative title)" was created as a special video bonus for fans of the original game. Director Chiaki Kon has made various efforts to emphasize the comedy elements while maintaining the atmosphere of the original. Character design and general animation director Hisataka Sakai has faithfully reproduced the characters from the original work while incorporating humorous expressions. The music was created by Kenji Kawai, and the light-hearted background music that matches the atmosphere of the OVA is memorable.

The appeal of the episode

Each episode has its own theme, while bringing out the individuality of the characters to the fullest. For example, in episode 1, "The Insurance Salesman," a comedy unfolds in which Keiichi disguises himself as an insurance salesman and tries to deceive the villagers. In episode 6, "The Maid in Danger!", Kyosuke Irie's love for maids is highlighted, and there are plenty of humorous scenes. Each episode includes different gags and parodies, and there are plenty of ingenious ways to entertain the viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Ura☆Higu (tentative title)" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original game, but also to viewers who love comedy anime. With a total of 24 episodes, each episode contains different themes and gags, so you won't get bored of watching it. In addition, the characters' personalities are brought out to the fullest, not only making viewers laugh, but also deepening their attachment to the characters.

Fans of the original game have praised this work, saying that "it maintains the atmosphere of the original while emphasizing the comedy elements to create a new appeal." As a comedy anime, many also comment that "the jokes and parodies in each episode are fun, and make you want to watch it over and over again." In particular, the humorous exchanges between the characters and the direction that matches the theme of each episode have been praised.

Related works and the appeal of the series as a whole

"Ura☆Higu (tentative)" was produced as part of the "Higurashi When They Cry" series. The series as a whole has a wide variety of works, including "Higurashi When They Cry" and "Higurashi When They Cry Kai", which depict the main story of the original game, spin-off works "Higurashi When They Cry Rei" and "Higurashi When They Cry Kira", as well as "Higurashi When They Cry Expanded - Outbreak-" and "Higurashi When They Cry Gaiden: Nekogoroshi-hen". These works are widely supported not only by fans of the original game, but also by viewers who love anime and mysteries.

Conclusion

"Ura☆Higu (tentative)" is an OVA created as a special video bonus for fans of the original game, but its comedic elements and charming characters make it a work that can be enjoyed by a wide range of viewers. With a total of 24 episodes, each episode contains different themes and gags, so you won't get bored. This is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original game, but also to viewers who love comedy anime, so please give it a watch.