Musim
Episod
Pelayan pemain
Higurashi: When They Cry

Higurashi: When They Cry

20068
AnimasiDramaMisteri
Diterbitkan
05 Apr 2006
Negara
Jepun
Produksi
Studio Deen
Selepas berpindah ke bandar Hinamizawa yang tenang, Maebara Keiichi menghabiskan hari-harinya dengan gembira di sekolah sering bermain permainan dengan rakan-rakan tempatannya. Walau bagaimanapun, penampilan boleh menipu. Pada suatu hari yang menentukan, Keiichi tersandung pada berita pembunuhan yang telah berlaku di Hinamizawa. Mulai saat ini, peristiwa mengerikan berlaku di hadapan Keiichi, kerana dia tidak lama lagi mengetahui rakan rapatnya mungkin tidak seperti yang mereka lihat.

About

Quick guide

A slice‑of‑life village turns into a maze of murder and mystery. Keiichi Maebara’s quiet days are shattered by a curse that rewinds time and turns friends into foes.

Higurashi: When They Cry follows a group of high‑school friends in the remote village of Hinamizawa who become entangled in a series of murders and disappearances tied to an ancient village curse. Each arc rewinds the story, forcing characters to face their darkest secrets and impossible choices. Themes of paranoia, fate, and the fragility of memory dominate the plot while the group struggles to uncover the truth behind the cycle of death. The series is a psychological thriller that blends horror, mystery, and supernatural elements without resorting to gratuitous violence. It explores how ordinary people react under pressure, revealing that the line between ally and enemy can blur quickly. Viewers can expect tense pacing, complex character dynamics, and an ever‑shifting timeline that keeps them guessing until the final episode.

What to know

  • The story is presented in a series of “time‑loop” arcs where events reset.
  • The main characters are Keiichi, Rena, Mion, Satoko, Rika, and Hanyū.
  • The village curse causes murders, disappearances, and mass hysteria every festival night.
  • The series alternates between mystery, horror, and psychological drama.
  • The ending is ambiguous and invites interpretation.
  • The show contains graphic scenes of violence and gore.
  • The anime is not suitable for younger viewers.
  • The series requires watching episodes in order for full comprehension.

Watch if

If you enjoy tightly plotted mysteries that blend horror and psychological tension, especially with an unreliable narrative and a supernatural twist, Higurashi offers a gripping, thought‑provoking watch that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Skip if

If you prefer lighthearted slice‑of‑life anime or are uncomfortable with graphic violence, unsettling themes, and a non‑linear storyline, this series may not suit your tastes.

dark tonehorror elementspsychological elementsinvestigation heavysuspensefuldialogue heavy
The Curse Unveiled
The story begins with a small festival, but the village’s past is haunted by a curse that triggers violence every year. As the mystery unfolds, the characters realize that each new cycle can rewrite history, leading to multiple outcomes and the possibility of escape.
Arcs and Time Loops
Each episode set forms part of a larger arc that resets the timeline. These time loops force characters to revisit earlier events, but with altered circumstances. The tension builds as they learn the pattern, but also risk repeating mistakes.
Friendship Under Threat
Keiichi’s close friends—Rena, Mion, Satoko, Rika, and Hanyū—must confront secrets and betrayals. Trust is tested as suspicion grows, and the group’s unity is challenged by the ever‑present danger of the curse.
The Village’s Dark History
The village’s backstory reveals a dam construction and a series of protests that led to the curse’s creation. Past tragedies echo through the present, influencing the characters’ decisions and the unfolding of the horror.
Higurashi’s Tone and Style
The series balances eerie suspense with psychological depth. The visual design uses muted colors and subtle lighting to reinforce a sense of dread, while the music underscores tension during key moments.

FAQ

51 Q&A
What is 'Nae-hen'?
'Nae-hen' is an extra story that focuses on the adults in the village and a darker, more mature theme. It explores the consequences of past events and the hidden secrets of the adults.
What happens in 'Watanagashi-hen'?
'Watanagashi-hen' is the second story arc. It deals with the Watanagashi Festival and involves a mysterious murder and a lost item. The characters uncover more of the village's dark secrets.
What is 'Triesgosen-hen'?
'Triesgosen-hen' is a story arc that features a game of strategy and survival among the main characters, often involving life-or-death stakes. It explores the darker aspects of human nature.
What is 'Hinamizawa Shōjo Daigekisen' about?
'Hinamizawa Shōjo Daigekisen' is a spin-off story that focuses on a battle among the female characters of the series, often with a more action-oriented or humorous tone. It is not part of the main story.
What happens in 'Meakashi-hen'?
'Meakashi-hen' is a story arc that reveals the truth behind the events of 'Onikakushi-hen' and 'Watanagashi-hen' from a different perspective. It focuses on Shion Sonozaki and her tragic story.
What is the basic story of the first story arc, 'Onikakushi-hen'?
'Onikakushi-hen' is the first story arc and introduces Keiichi Maebara to Hinamizawa village. It depicts a series of disturbing events and paranoia that lead to tragedy, making him question reality.
Who is Mion Sonozaki?
Mion Sonozaki is one of the main female characters and a member of the Sonozaki family, one of the village's most powerful families. She is energetic, cheerful, and the leader of the school's friend group.
Who is Rika Furude?
Rika Furude is a mysterious young girl who is the shrine maiden of the village. She often speaks cryptically and seems to know more about the village's curse than others.
What does the phrase 'Hinamizawa's curse' mean?
'Hinamizawa's curse' refers to a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances that plague the village, particularly around the time of the annual Oyashiro Festival. It is believed to be caused by the wrath of the deity Oyashiro.
What is the story of 'Yoigoshi-hen'?
'Yoigoshi-hen' is an epilogue story that takes place after the main events of the series. It provides closure and shows the aftermath of the tragedies, focusing on the survivors and their future.
What happens in 'Hinamizawa Runaway Island'?
'Hinamizawa Runaway Island' is a humorous, non-canonical side story where the characters are stranded on an island. It's a departure from the horror elements of the main series.
Who is Keiichi Maebara?
Keiichi Maebara is the male protagonist who moves to Hinamizawa village. He is a kind and outgoing teenager who quickly becomes friends with the local girls, but soon finds himself caught in the village's dark secrets.
What is 'Tsumihoroboshi-hen'?
'Tsumihoroboshi-hen' is a story arc that deals with the consequences of past sins and the struggle for redemption. It often involves characters trying to atone for their actions.
What is Higurashi: When They Cry about?
Higurashi: When They Cry is a mystery horror series about a transfer student in a seemingly idyllic village who uncovers dark secrets and a pattern of gruesome murders. The story explores themes of paranoia, friendship, and the supernatural.
Who is Satoko Hojo?
Satoko Hojo is a young girl who lives in Hinamizawa and is often seen with Rika Furude. She has a complex and often tragic backstory, dealing with abuse and loss.
What happens in 'Satsuriku-hen'?
'Satsuriku-hen' is a story arc that depicts extreme violence and psychological horror. It is known for its dark and disturbing content, showing the brutal side of the village's curse.
What is the story of 'Tsumihodori-hen'?
'Tsumihodori-hen' is a story arc that delves into themes of guilt and punishment. It follows characters dealing with the repercussions of their choices and the weight of their sins.
Who is Rena Ryugu?
Rena Ryugu is one of the main female characters, known for her innocent appearance but also a tendency towards obsession and a dark side when provoked. She is fiercely protective of her friends.
What happens during the 'Great Hinamizawa Disaster'?
The 'Great Hinamizawa Disaster' is a catastrophic event where the village is flooded and destroyed due to a dam project. This event leads to the deaths of many villagers and is a turning point in the series' narrative.
What is the story of 'Kagurashi-hen'?
'Kagurashi-hen' is a story arc that explores a different timeline or perspective within the Higurashi universe. It often focuses on alternative outcomes or hidden truths.
Who is Shion Sonozaki?
Shion Sonozaki is Mion's twin sister. She has a more rebellious and passionate personality than Mion and plays a significant role in the darker arcs of the story, particularly those involving revenge.
What are the Oyashiro Festival and the Great Hinamizawa Disaster?
The Oyashiro Festival is an annual event in Hinamizawa, often associated with mysterious deaths and the 'curse.' The Great Hinamizawa Disaster is the event where the village is destroyed by flooding, causing many deaths and marking a significant tragedy.
What is 'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'?
'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai' is the second season of the anime series. It provides answers to the mysteries presented in the first season and concludes the overarching story.
What is the village of Hinamizawa like?
Hinamizawa is a remote, rural village with a small population. It appears peaceful on the surface but is plagued by dark secrets, paranoia, and a mysterious curse that leads to violence and death.
What is 'Batakukushi-hen' about?
'Batakukushi-hen' is a story arc that focuses on the relationships and internal struggles of the characters, often exploring themes of despair and the search for hope in dire circumstances.
What is the main mystery the characters are trying to solve?
The main mystery is figuring out who is causing the strange murders and disappearances that happen every year in the village of Hinamizawa during the Oyashiro Festival. Characters try to understand why these bad things happen and how to stop them.
How does the series blend cute slice-of-life moments with horror?
The show starts with happy and funny scenes of friends playing together. Then, it suddenly shifts to scary and violent events, making the scary parts feel even more shocking.
How does the concept of 'free will' versus 'fate' play out?
Characters often feel like they have no choice but to repeat bad events, as if fate is controlling them. They struggle to change their future and make different, better choices.
How do the characters' relationships change throughout the series?
Friendships are tested by fear and suspicion. Sometimes friends become enemies, and sometimes enemies become allies as the characters try to survive and uncover the truth.
What is the significance of the cicadas in the story?
The sound of cicadas signals the time of year when the tragedies happen. They are a constant reminder of the coming horror and the cycle of violence in the village.
What is the role of flashbacks in the series?
Flashbacks show past events and hint at the history of the village and the reasons behind the current mysteries. They help the audience piece together clues.
What is 'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou'?
'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou' is a later season of the anime that revisits the story and introduces new mysteries and plotlines.
Who is Ooishi Kuraudo?
Ooishi Kuraudo is a detective who investigates the strange events in Hinamizawa. He is determined to uncover the truth, even if it means digging up dark secrets.
Who voices the main characters in the anime?
The main characters are voiced by different actors in various anime adaptations. For example, Keiichirou Okouchi voices Rena Ryugu in some versions.
What are the different timelines or 'arcs' in the story?
The story is divided into different 'arcs' which show the same events happening in different ways, like different choices leading to different outcomes. These are often grouped into question arcs and answer arcs.
What are the different personalities of the main characters?
The main characters have distinct personalities, like the energetic Rena, the calm Rika, the impulsive Shion, and the kind Satoko. Their personalities change or are revealed differently in each arc.
What is the role of the village elder in Hinamizawa?
The village elder is often a keeper of traditions and secrets. Their influence can be tied to the village's history and the events surrounding the Oyashiro Festival.
How does the story explore themes of paranoia and distrust?
As strange things happen, characters start to suspect each other. This creates an atmosphere of fear where no one knows who to trust.
What is the relationship between Rika and Oyashiro?
Rika is a central character who seems to have a special connection to Oyashiro, the village deity. This connection is mysterious and important to the story's events.
Who is Takano Miyo?
Takano Miyo is a nurse and researcher who is deeply interested in the village's history and legends. Her actions are often key to the unfolding mysteries.
What is the connection between the murders and the Oyashiro Festival?
The murders and disappearances always happen around the time of the Oyashiro Festival. It's believed that a curse or a dark force is unleashed during this celebration.
Who is Irie Kyousuke?
Dr. Irie is the village doctor who also has a hidden agenda related to his research. He plays a significant role in the events surrounding the villagers' health and secrets.
Is the anime adaptation faithful to the original visual novel?
The anime adaptations try to follow the story of the visual novel, but some details or the order of events might be changed. Later seasons like 'Gou' and 'Sotsu' adapt later parts of the story.
What is 'Miotsukushi-hen'?
'Miotsukushi-hen' is a specific story arc within the 'Higurashi' series that focuses on uncovering the deep-seated mysteries and truths behind the tragedies.
Who are the 'villains' in Higurashi?
The 'villains' are not always clear-cut. Sometimes it's specific characters driven by their own motives, and other times it seems like the village itself or a supernatural force is the antagonist.
What is the meaning of the 'wiping away tears' (Naku Koro ni) in the title?
The title refers to the act of crying and shedding tears, often in sorrow or pain. The series explores stories where characters are forced to cry due to terrible events.
What is 'Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu'?
'Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu' is a sequel season to 'Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou'. It continues the story and aims to provide answers to the mysteries presented in 'Gou'.
Where can I watch Higurashi: When They Cry?
You can watch 'Higurashi: When They Cry' on various streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region and subscription.
Who is Akane Sonozaki?
Akane Sonozaki is the mother of Mion and Shion. She is a strong and influential figure within the Sonozaki family, known for her stern demeanor.
Who is Tomitake Jirou?
Jiro Tomitake is a freelance photographer who often visits Hinamizawa. He has a keen interest in the village's unusual events and local legends.
What is the overall message or takeaway from Higurashi: When They Cry?
Higurashi: When They Cry teaches us that even small acts of kindness can prevent bad things from happening. It also shows how important it is to talk about problems and not let misunderstandings grow. The story reminds us that bad events can sometimes be avoided if people work together and are honest with each other.

Pelakon

Soichiro Hoshi
Soichiro Hoshi
Keiichi Maebara (voice)
Mai Nakahara
Mai Nakahara
Rena Ryuuguu (voice)
Satsuki Yukino
Satsuki Yukino
Mion Sonozaki / Shion Sonozaki (voice)
Mika Kanai
Mika Kanai
Satoko Houjou (voice)
Yukari Tamura
Yukari Tamura
Rika Furude (voice)
Yui Horie
Yui Horie
Hanyu (voice)