Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, or literally When the Cicadas Cry, is a story situated during the period of June 1983, and tells the events of a group of children living in a rural village in Hinamizawa. Everything seems normal in the village, as assessed by the newly-moved in Maebara Keiichi. Until, that is, the annual Watanagashi Festival comes along and mysterious murders start happening, and people are claiming it is due to the Oyashiro-sama Curse…

The first season is separated into separated story arcs: Onikakushi-hen, Watanagashi-hen, Tatarigoroshi-hen, Himatsubushi-hen [Question Arcs] Meakashi-hen, Tsumihoroboshi-hen [Answer Arcs];

Each story arc repeats the time period of June 1983, but with different scenarios and from different characters’ perspectives. As the series progresses, backgrounds of the main characters are revealed and you will find yourself thinking that you have solved the mystery behind the murders, only to be marked down when an unexpected event happens and you find yourself back at square one. To add on to the excitement, each story arc is thrilling to the bone, which will make you addicted to the story and wanting to find out more.

One thing is for sure though; each story arc will always have at least one of the main characters becoming paranoid and committing murder, so prepare and brace yourself for madness and violence because there are sure to have scenes to send chills down your spine.

Of course, there is censorship, so it is still an anime suitable for teenagers…

The second season, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai, is the sequel to Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, and shares more limelight on the events that happened in the first season. (*Note: The kanji ‘Kai; 解’in the title means to explain)

The second season is also separated in another few story arcs: Yakusamashi-hen [Question Arc] Minagoroshi-hen, Matsuribayashi-hen [Answer Arcs]. Events are explained with greater detail so that viewers are able to follow the story better. The real protagonist and antagonist of the story are also revealed here, and the second season explains causes of the murders in both seasons clearly, especially regarding the ‘Oyashiro-sama Curse’. The origin of the mystery is very interesting, and the way the mystery is slowly revealed is excellent. I assure you, every moment is packed with excitement that it will keep you glued to your seats.

Then where does the ‘Comedy’ come in?

As an anime will be boring if it is constantly fixated on the mystery theme… so some elements of laughter are also added to ease up any tension build up through the story…

The OVA, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Rei, is a collection of extra episodes of Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni that happens after the probably after the mystery of the murders are solved. (*Note: The kanji ‘Rei; 礼’in the title means Gratitude) The story arcs are: Hajisarashi-hen, Saikoroshi-hen and Hirukowashi-hen. Unlike the first and second season, the OVA is specialized in the Comedy sector, so there is no mystery in these episodes. Nevertheless, it is a good laugh from the usual tense feeling from the original story…


... Not to mention all the fan-service here…

What can you expect? It's a swimsuit episode~! Every pervert man's dream...

Labels: Anime and Manga Corner, Chapter 3