We're going back to Hinamizawa.
Ready to spiral back into madness? The iconic Higurashi: When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) franchise is expanding its roster of anime titles with a new adaptation in the works! The announcement was made this Sunday (21 June) during the franchise's 20th anniversary livestream, unveiling a teaser trailer, teaser visual, and its slate of returning cast members.
The teaser trailer:
The teaser visual:
A broadcast window has not been confirmed.
What will the new Higurashi: When They Cry anime be about?
The livestream did not reveal or confirm which Higurashi timeline this anime is looking to adapt. The franchise is known for its multiple self-contained arcs, where each arc has its own reality and timeline.
Ryukishi07 however did hint through a comment that the story might be going into a new direction. In the official Higurashi website, he states that "we hope you enjoy this new story centered around Keiichi and the other club members, and the new tragedy that awaits you. The
fact that we are making another anime is all thanks to all of you who continue to support us!"
The adaptation will be animated by Studio Deen, taking over from Passione who animated the latest Higurashi entries, Gou and Sotsu. Studio Deen adapted the original 2006 adaptation of Higurashi, which featured the first six major story arcs of the game. No other staff members have been revealed.
Studio Deen is not the only one returning to the franchise, the original cast members will also be reprising their roles:
- Soichiro Hoshi as Keiichi Maebara
- Mai Nakahara as Rena Ryugu
- Satsuki Yukino Mion and Shion Sonozaki
- Mika Kanai as Satoko Hojo
- Yukari Tamura as Rika Furude
What is Higurashi: When They Cry about?
Higurashi: When They Cry is a franchise comprising of visual novels, anime and live action adaptations, light novels, manga, and Drama CDs. The series was created by prolific Japanese writer Ryukishi07 in 2002.
Crunchyroll streams Higurashi: When They Cry, and describes the story as:
Moving to the quiet village of Hinamizawa, Keiichi easily finds friendship amongst his new classmates. Ready for the largest festival of the year, he's unable to dismiss a looming sense of dread. What dark secrets lie buried in his new home?