Higurashi When They Cry

07th Expansion
Company type	Dōjin soft developer
Industry	Video games, visual novels
Founder	Ryukishi07
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Higurashi When They Cry series

is a Japanese murder mystery dōjin soft visual novel series developed by 07th Expansion, representing the initial two installments of the When They Cry collection. The narrative focuses on a group of young friends residing in the fictional Hinamizawa village, set against a backdrop of enigmatic occurrences in the year 1983.

Constructed using the NScripter engine for Microsoft Windows, the series began with Onikakushi-hen in August 2002, culminating with the eighth installment, Matsuribayashi-hen, released in August 2006. The first quartet of games is collectively known as Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, which serves as the franchise's original entry, while the subsequent four titles, grouped under Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, comprise its sequel.

A supplementary fan disc titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei was introduced in December 2006. The franchise broadened its reach through adaptations into manga and video games for platforms such as PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS. Between 2009 and 2010, MangaGamer localized all eight original PC releases into English. Additionally, two drama CD collections were produced by Wayuta and Frontier Works. From August 2007 to March 2009, Kodansha published novel adaptations. Square Enix and Kadokawa Shoten collaborated on a manga rendition featuring eight different artists covering multiple story arcs; Yen Press secured licensing rights for North American English distribution beginning November 2008.

Two television anime series directed by Chiaki Kon and animated by Studio Deen aired in 2006 and 2007, followed by an OVA series released in 2009. Originally licensed by Geneon Entertainment (with the license expiring in 2011), the anime is currently under license by Sentai Filmworks. A live-action film adaptation helmed by Ataru Oikawa debuted in May 2008, with a follow-up film released in April 2009. A six-episode live-action television drama was broadcast in May 2016, succeeded by a four-episode sequel in November of the same year. A new anime adaptation produced by Passione aired from October 2020 through March 2021, with a continuation airing from July to September 2021.

Format and structure

Higurashi When They Cry is categorized as a "sound novel," a type of visual novel that prioritizes auditory elements and atmosphere. The plot unfolds through narration and dialogue shown as on-screen text, accompanied by static two-dimensional character sprites. Versions released for home consoles feature professional Japanese voice actors providing voice performances. The storyline is segmented into chapters that correspond to distinct story arcs, accessible in an order predetermined by the developers. Narration shifts among different characters’ viewpoints throughout. After completing sections of a chapter, players can save their progress and access "tips" that offer additional insights designed to aid in unraveling the overarching mysteries.

The chapters are divided into two groups: "question arcs," which are standalone narratives set within alternate realities, and "answer arcs," which revisit these question arcs to provide explanations for previously unclear events. Each chapter carries a "difficulty rating" that reflects the complexity of its mystery elements. Upon finishing a chapter, players unlock all tips and scene illustrations available from the main menu’s gallery. Additional features include the "Staff Room," where writer Ryukishi07 shares commentary on the chapter, and the "All-Cast Review Session," during which characters break the fourth wall to discuss and debate story developments.

Plot

In June 1983, Keiichi Maebara relocates to the village of and quickly forms friendships with classmates Mion Sonozaki, her twin sister Shion, Rena Ryūgū, Rika Furude, and Satoko Hōjō. He becomes aware of the annual Watanagashi Festival, which honors the local deity Oyashiro. Although Hinamizawa appears tranquil, it has suffered a series of four consecutive years marked by murders and disappearances occurring on the festival day, events collectively known as the "Oyashiro Curse." Following this year's celebration, authorities discover the body of photographer Jirō Tomitake alongside the charred remains of nurse Miyo Takano. Throughout most of the narrative, Keiichi and his friends delve into investigating the curse but gradually succumb to paranoia and violent behavior. Subsequently, Rika’s body is uncovered within her family shrine, and a devastating incident eradicates the village’s inhabitants, with media attributing it to swamp gas.

The answer arcs disclose that each preceding arc represents an alternate timeline where Rika attempts to save herself and her companions but ultimately fails. As the priestess of Furude Shrine, Rika communicates with a spirit named Hanyū, who is connected to Oyashiro and their Furude lineage. Every time Rika dies, Hanyū transports her consciousness into a different reality; however, Rika cannot remember how she died in each instance. The village clinic secretly functions as a government research facility studying a parasite responsible for Hinamizawa Syndrome—a condition that induces paranoia, hallucinations, and violent outbursts resulting in victims harming themselves by tearing their throats. This syndrome accounts for many of the murders depicted in earlier arcs; while some killings stem from its effects, others are perpetrated by Miyo, who murdered Tomitake and staged her own death to manipulate the curse for her own ends.

Hinamizawa Syndrome activates under intense stress or separation from an "Infection Queen," a pheromone-emitting individual who suppresses its symptoms. The women of the Furude family serve as Infection Queens; following her parents' deaths in 1981, Rika becomes the last remaining queen. Miyo’s adoptive grandfather, Hifumi Takano, theorized that without an Infection Queen present, villagers would succumb en masse to violent episodes. In certain realities, Shion succumbs to the syndrome's influence and kills Rika. Numerous timelines conclude with Miyo murdering Rika and instigating a government-led massacre of Hinamizawa—officially covered up as swamp gas poisoning. Miyo's objective is to vindicate Hifumi’s discredited research on the disease.

After enduring hundreds of repeated cycles, Keiichi develops awareness of previous timelines and manages to avoid critical fatal moments. In the concluding loop, they invite Hanyū to join them physically; she manifests in corporeal form. Leveraging her assistance and their accumulated experience, they successfully thwart Miyo’s scheme. Keiichi and his friends participate in the festival peacefully and proceed toward more positive futures. The secret ending depicts Rika traveling back in time to prevent the traumatic events in Miyo’s childhood that shaped her destructive path.

Development

This series marks 07th Expansion’s inaugural visual novel production. The project’s director and scenario writer is Ryukishi07, who also crafted all character designs. Background visuals were derived from photographs taken by Ryukishi07 himself, his brother Yatazakura, and Kameya Mannendō. Programming responsibilities were divided among Yatazakura (main framework), 4U (intermission sequences and Tips), and BT (mini-games), utilizing the game engine NScripter. Musical contributions came from various professional musicians as well as dōjin creators, including Dai, who composed much of the soundtrack for the answer arcs. Ryukishi07 acknowledged inspiration from Key’s works during development, analyzing their approach of beginning with ordinary daily life before introducing sudden shocking events. Rather than evoking sadness or tears, he aimed to instill fear through horror elements, aspiring to be regarded alongside Key—whom he described as a "masterpiece maker."

In a 2008 interview, Ryukishi07 revealed that Higurashi originated from an unpublished theatrical script titled , written years earlier. He reworked it to emphasize "the contrast between a fun, ordinary existence and something terrifying and abnormal." Drawing influence from Seishi Yokomizo, Ryukishi07 structured the narrative to unveil truth through overlapping storylines; initially he intended it as a single game project believing it could be completed within one year. The title higurashi refers to a species of cicada, while naku means "to make sound," specifically non-human vocalizations. The red Na (な) featured in the logo is officially part of the title.

Release history

The visual novel series Higurashi: When They Cry launched with Onikakushi-hen on August 10, 2002, and concluded with Matsuribayashi-hen on August 13, 2006. The initial quartet of titles constitutes the question arcs, while the following four, released under the name Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, represent the answer arcs. The series was further enriched by fan discs Rei (December 31, 2006) and Hō (August 17, 2014). In January 2021, 07th Expansion revealed a remastered edition titled Higurashi: When They Cry Hō+ featuring enhanced music and visuals; this version was released on January 28, 2022, including a fresh scenario and retrospective material.

Between December 2009 and mid-2010, MangaGamer localized all eight original PC games into English, although some original soundtracks and features were omitted. French versions were introduced by Saffran Prod in November 2009. Seams adapted all eight games for iOS in Japanese; the English iOS release includes the first five installments. MangaGamer also published a remastered version of Onikakushi-hen on Steam in May 2015, followed by the remaining parts of Hou+ completed in November 2023, which incorporated re-translations, restored content, and alternate artwork.

The dōjin title Higurashi Daybreak, a third-person shooter featuring characters from the series along with an original story by Ryukishi07, was developed by Twilight Frontier and released in August 2006, with an expansion arriving in April 2007.

Console adaptations include Alchemist’s PlayStation 2 game Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri, launched on February 22, 2007, followed by an upgraded edition titled Kakera Asobi on December 20, 2007. Alchemist also produced a four-part Nintendo DS series called Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna, released between June 2008 and February 2010, featuring new narrative arcs.

Kaga Create brought out a PlayStation 3 and Vita port named Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sui in March 2015 that includes full voice acting and additional content. Entergram issued a Nintendo Switch port of Hō in July 2018 and later a PlayStation 4 version in January 2019.

A mobile RPG titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei, developed by Smile Axe with writing by Kiichi Kanō, debuted on September 3, 2020. This game introduces a new protagonist exploring both past and present events within Hinamizawa.

Drama CDs

Several drama CD collections based on the series have been primarily released by Frontier Works and Wayuta. These adaptations cover the main eight sound novel arcs across eleven releases from May 2005 to March 2012, with some arcs divided into multiple volumes. The productions incorporate rearranged game music and feature voice actors personally selected by Ryūkishi07. Additional drama CDs include audio TIPS discs and dramatizations of fan-submitted tales from the Kataribanashi-hen anthology.

Starting December 2005, Frontier Works also issued anthology drama CDs alongside character song albums and DJCDs connected to events and pre-order campaigns.

Manga

The core manga series comprises eight titles that depict both question and answer arcs, with varying volume counts per arc. Different illustrators contributed throughout the series, including Karin Suzuragi and Yutori Hōjō. Supplementary side stories such as Onisarashi-hen, Yoigoshi-hen, and Utsutsukowashi-hen broaden the storyline by introducing new characters. Additionally, a manga adaptation of the prequel work Hinamizawa Teiryūjo began serialization in Square Enix’s Big Gangan magazine in October 2011.

Yen Press licensed the manga for English release under the title Higurashi: When They Cry, initially serialized within their anthology magazine Yen Plus. A spin-off manga called Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni, illustrated by Asahi, commenced serialization in February 2022.

Novels

Between 2006 and 2007, four special-edition light novels containing exclusive illustrations by various artists were distributed as limited releases alongside manga purchases or specific game editions. Kodansha Box published seventeen novel adaptations of the visual novel story arcs from August 2007 through March 2009. These novels were later reprinted as bunkobon editions by Seikaisha between 2011 and 2012, featuring refreshed cover designs. Starting in October 2020, Futabasha began issuing new bunkobon versions illustrated by Sato Yoshimi.

Anime

Studio Deen produced the initial anime television series, which aired from April to September 2006. This adaptation spanned 26 episodes, covering four question arcs and two answer arcs. Geneon Entertainment originally licensed the series for North American distribution but ceased operations in late 2007; subsequently, Funimation managed its distribution until the license expired in August 2011. Sentai Filmworks secured the rights to both anime series in July 2015, while Discotek Media obtained streaming rights in January 2025.

The sequel series, titled Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, was broadcast from July to December 2007 with a total of 24 episodes, presenting one new arc alongside concluding answer arcs. Some Japanese broadcasters canceled or modified episode airings due to sensitive content related to real-life violent incidents.

Beginning February 25, 2009, the OVA series Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei was released, adapting three story arcs from light novels and fandiscs. Frontier Works later announced additional OVAs including Kira (2011) and an OVA film titled Outbreak (2013).

In January 2020, Passione announced a new anime project named Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou, featuring returning voice cast and staff. This series aired from October 2020 to March 2021 across multiple streaming platforms such as Funimation (later Crunchyroll) and Ani-One in Southeast Asia. Although initially promoted as a remake, it was unveiled as an original storyline spanning 24 episodes.

A direct sequel anime called Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu aired between July and September 2021 with streaming availability on Funimation/Crunchyroll and Ani-One.

Live-action films

The first live-action film adaptation directed by Ataru Oikawa premiered on May 10, 2008, adapting the initial story arc Onikakushi-hen. It grossed over ¥200 million at the box office across roughly sixty theaters. A follow-up film based on the Tsumihoroboshi-hen arc debuted on April 18, 2009, featuring much of the original cast reprising their roles.

Live-action series

A live-action television drama directed by Tōru Ōtsuka premiered on BS SKY PerfecTV! on May 20, 2016. Yu Inaba starred as Keiichi alongside members of idol group NGT48. A four-episode sequel series began airing on November 25, 2016.

Music

Unlike conventional visual novels produced by established studios, the question arcs utilized royalty-free music tracks, while compositions for the answer arcs were created by dōjin musicians such as Dai. The official soundtrack for the answer arcs was subsequently released as a two-disc collection.

The opening theme for the first anime season was "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni," performed by Eiko Shimamiya; its ending theme "Why, or Why Not" was sung by Rekka Katakiri. The second season featured "Naraku no Hana" as the opening track by Shimamiya and "Taishō a" as the ending theme performed by anNina. The OVAs included themes by Shimamiya and anNina; later OVAs showcased songs performed by Yukari Tamura among others. Recent anime installments feature opening themes like "I Believe What You Said" (Gou) by Asaka with ending themes sung by Ayane.

Shimamiya also contributed theme songs for the live-action films, including "Wheel of Fortune" and "Diorama."

Visual novels

By August 2007, the original titles had surpassed sales of 500,000 units in Japan, marking a notable milestone for dōjin software, rivaled primarily by Type-Moon's Tsukihime. The PlayStation 2 adaptation achieved sales exceeding 140,000 copies by October 2007. Subsequent console editions contributed roughly another 408,000 copies sold domestically up to early 2019, bringing the total number of units sold within Japan to over .

The PS2 release obtained a Famitsu rating of 31 out of 40 and was ranked tenth in the bishōjo game category according to Dengeki G's Magazine readers in August 2007. English-language versions received favorable critiques, with reviewers commending the narrative quality, immersive atmosphere, soundtrack, and intricate storytelling.

Manga

From early 2008 through early 2009, the manga consistently appeared among Japan’s weekly top-selling volumes. In North America, it maintained a presence on ICv2 sales rankings until early 2009. Circulation figures had exceeded eight million copies by 2009 and grew beyond ten million by 2020.

Reviewers observed that consuming serialized chapters in sequence heightened suspense effectively. The manga was praised for its compelling horror narrative that skillfully combined moe aesthetics with darker themes, despite the artwork being regarded as average in quality.

Anime

The anime adaptation received acclaim for its rich storytelling, atmospheric presentation, character development, and incorporation of horror elements, although some noted that the visuals appeared somewhat outdated. Critics highlighted the series’ distinctive arc structure which gradually builds tension without relying on conventional harem clichés despite featuring multiple female protagonists. While certain reviewers expressed concerns about the level of violent content, it was generally recommended for mature viewers interested in psychological horror themes.

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