View source for Higurashi When They Cry

{{Short description|Japanese visual novel series and its franchise}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = Higurashi Hou cover.png
| caption         = ''Higurashi When They Cry Hō'' cover, featuring (from left to right): [[Rena Ryūgū|Rena]], Hanyu, Satoshi, Satoko, Shion, Mion, Keiichi and Rika
| alt             = A stylized illustration of a girl in a school uniform, carrying a knife
| name            = Higurashi When They Cry
| ja_kanji        = ひぐらしのなく頃に
| ja_romaji       = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
| genre           = {{ubl|[[Murder mystery]]<ref name="Screen&Page"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Macdonald |first1=Christopher |title=Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Anime |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-12-02/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-anime |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=June 26, 2020 |date=December 2, 2005 |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627213444/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-12-02/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-anime |url-status=live }}</ref>|[[Psychological horror]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Loveridge |first1=Lynzee |title=Japanese Netizens Choose Their Grotesque Anime Must-Watch List |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-09-19/japanese-netizens-choose-their-grotesque-anime-must-watch-list/.121563 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=December 30, 2018 |date=September 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812070105/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-09-19/japanese-netizens-choose-their-grotesque-anime-must-watch-list/.121563 |url-status=live }}</ref>|[[Supernatural horror]]<ref name="Screen&Page">{{cite web |last1=Speelman |first1=Tom |title=Screen & Page: Unlock the Secrets Of 'Higurashi: When They Cry' |url=https://comicsalliance.com/higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-manga-review/ |website=[[ComicsAlliance]] |access-date=February 25, 2020 |date=November 2, 2016 |quote=''Higurashi: When They Cry'' is a murder mystery/supernatural horror that might sound more than a bit like Silent Hill |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225023206/https://comicsalliance.com/higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-manga-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
| creator        = [[Ryukishi07]]<br />[[07th Expansion]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| developer      = [[07th Expansion]]
| publisher      = {{vgrelease|JP|07th Expansion {{small|(Windows)}}}}{{vgrelease|JP|[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]] {{small|(PS2, DS)}}}}{{vgrelease|JP|[[Kaga Create]] {{small|(PS3, Vita)}}}}{{vgrelease|JP|[[Technical Group Laboratory#Subsidiaries|Entergram]] {{small|(Switch, PS4)}}}}{{vgrelease|WW|Seams {{small|(iOS, Android)}}}}{{vgrelease|WW|[[MangaGamer]]}} 
| genre          = [[Visual novel]]
| platforms      = {{collapsible list|title=[[Microsoft Windows]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[PlayStation 2]]<br>[[Nintendo DS]]<br>[[iOS]]<br>[[Android (operating system)|Android]]<br>[[PlayStation 3]]<br>[[PlayStation Vita]]<br>[[macOS]]<br>[[Linux]]<br>[[Nintendo Switch]]<br>[[PlayStation 4]]}}
| released       = {{collapsible list|title={{vgrelease|JP|2002 – 2022}}{{vgrelease|WW|2009 – 2023}}|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|{{Unbulleted list|''Onikakushi'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 10, 2002|WW|December 15, 2009}} ''Watanagashi'' {{vgrelease|JP|December 29, 2002|WW|December 15, 2009}} ''Tatarigoroshi'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 15, 2003|WW|December 15, 2009}} ''Himatsubushi'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 13, 2004|WW|December 15, 2009}} ''Meakashi'' {{vgrelease|JP|December 30, 2004|WW|February 28, 2010}}  ''Tsumihoroboshi'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 14, 2005|WW|April 15, 2010}} ''Minagoroshi'' {{vgrelease|JP|December 30, 2005|WW|May 31, 2010}} ''Matsuribayashi'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 13, 2006|WW|July 15, 2010}} ''Rei'' {{vgrelease|JP|December 31, 2006|WW|June 3, 2022}} ''Hō'' {{vgrelease|JP|August 17, 2014|WW|November 9, 2023}} ''Hō +'' {{vgrelease|JP|January 28, 2022|WW|November 9, 2023}}}}}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Ryukishi07]]
| illustrator     = {{collapsible list|title=[[Karin Suzuragi]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|Yutori Hōjō<br>[[Jirō Suzuki]]<br>[[Yoshiki Tonogai]]<br>Hinase Momoyama<br>[[En Kitō]]<br>Mimori<br>[[Yuna Kagesaki]]}}
| publisher       = [[Square Enix]]<br/>[[Kadokawa Shoten]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher|NA=[[Yen Press]]}}
| demographic     = ''[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]''
| magazine        = {{collapsible list|title=''[[Monthly Shōnen Gangan]]''|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:12px;background:transparent;text-align:left|''[[GFantasy]]''<br>''[[Monthly Gangan Joker]]''<br>''[[Gangan Wing]]''<br>''[[Gangan Powered]]''}}
| magazine_en     = {{English manga publisher|NA=[[Yen Plus]]}}
| first           = March 24, 2005
| last            = November 22, 2011
| volumes         = 38
| volume_list     = List of Higurashi When They Cry chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = light novel
| author          = Ryukishi07
| illustrator     = [[Karin Suzuragi]]<br/>Yutori Hōjō<br/>[[Jirō Suzuki]]<br/>Yoshiki Tonogai<br/>Mimori<br/>Rato
| publisher       = [[Square Enix]]
| imprint         = 
| first           = 2006
| last            = 2007
| volumes         = 4
| volume_list     = List of Higurashi When They Cry novels
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = When They Cry
| director        = [[Chiaki Kon]]
| producer        = Hiroyuki Ōmori<br/>Mika Nomura<br/>Yasutaka Hyūga
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase
| music           = [[Kenji Kawai]]
| studio          = [[Studio Deen]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|AUS=[[Siren Visual]]|NA={{ubl|[[Sentai Filmworks]] (expired)|[[Discotek Media]] (current)}}|UK=[[MVM Films]]}}
| network         = [[Chiba TV]], [[Kansai Television|KTV]], [[Tokai Television Broadcasting|THK]]
| first           = April 4, 2006
| last            = September 26, 2006
| episodes        = 26
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#When They Cry (2006)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = When They Cry: Kai
| director        = Chiaki Kon
| producer        = Hiroyuki Ōmori<br/>Mika Nomura<br/>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = Studio Deen
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|AUS=[[Siren Visual]]|NA=[[Sentai Filmworks]]|UK=[[MVM Films]]}}
| network         = Chiba TV, KTV, THK
| first           = July 6, 2007
| last            = December 17, 2007
| episodes        = 24
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#When They Cry: Kai (2007)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = When They Cry: Nekogoroshi Chapter
| director        = Chiaki Kon
| producer        = Hiroyuki Ōmori<br/>Mika Nomura<br/>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase 
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = Studio Deen
| licensee        = 
| first           = 
| last            = 
| released        = July 27, 2007
| runtime         = 23 minutes
| episodes        = 1
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Nekogoroshi-hen (2007)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = novel series
| author          = Ryukishi07
| illustrator     = Tomohi 
| publisher       = [[Kodansha]]
| imprint         = [[Kodansha Box]]
| first           = August 2007
| last            = March 2009
| volumes         = 17
| volume_list     = List of Higurashi When They Cry novels
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = live film
| director        = [[Ataru Oikawa]]
| producer        = Takeshi Oikawa
| writer          = Ataru Oikawa
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = [[Geneon Universal|Geneon Universal Entertainment]]<br/>Oyashiro-Sama Partners
| released        = {{Start date|2008|05|10}}
| runtime         = 105 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = When They Cry: Rei
| director        = Toshifumi Kawase
| producer        = Hiroyuki Ōmori<br/>Mika Nomura<br/>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase 
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = Studio Deen
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee|AUS=[[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment|Universal]]/[[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment|Sony]]|NA=[[Sentai Filmworks]]|UK=[[MVM Films]]}}
| first           = February 25, 2009
| last            = August 21, 2009
| runtime         = 
| episodes        = 5
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#When They Cry: Rei (2009)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = live film
| title           = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Chikai
| director        = Ataru Oikawa
| producer        = Takeshi Oikawa
| writer          = Ataru Oikawa
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = [[Geneon Universal|Geneon Universal Entertainment]]<br/>Oyashiro-Sama Partners
| released        = {{Start date|2009|04|18}}
| runtime         = 106 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Kira
| director        = [[Hideki Tachibana]]
| producer        = Yoshihito Danno<br/>Satoshi Nagaoka<br/>Satoshi Fukao<br>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase
| music           = Kenji Kawai<br>[[Tomoki Kikuya]]
| studio          = Studio Deen
| first           = July 21, 2011
| last            = January 25, 2012
| runtime         = 
| episodes        = 4
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira (2011–2012)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Outbreak
| director        = Toshifumi Kawase
| producer        = Masayuki Iida<br/>Satoshi Fukao<br/>Shigeto Suzuki<br>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Toshifumi Kawase 
| music           = Kenji Kawai
| studio          = Studio Deen
| released        = August 15, 2013
| runtime         = 52 minutes
| episodes        = 1
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak (2013)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = drama
| title           =
| director        = Tōru Ōtsuka<br>Tarō Miyaoka
| producer        = Atsushi Nagauchi<br>Motoko Kimura<br>Tatsuya Itō
| writer          = Tōru Hasegawa<br>Yō Hosaka
| music           = 
| studio          = [[SKY PerfecTV!|BS SKY PerfecTV!]]
| network         = BS SKY PerfecTV!
| first           = May 20, 2016
| last            = December 16, 2016
| episodes        = 10
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou
| director        = [[Keiichiro Kawaguchi]]
| producer        = Takayuki Nagatani<br>Jōtarō Ishigami<br>Yūkō Hirata<br>Makoto Nakamura<br>Hirotaka Kaneko<br>Satoru Shimosato<br>Tomoyuki Ōwada<br>Takema Okamura
| writer          = [[Naoki Hisaya|Naoki Hayashi]]
| music           = Kenji Kawai 
| studio          = [[Passione (company)|Passione]]
| licensee        = [[Crunchyroll]] {{English anime licensee|[[South Asia|SA]]/[[Southeast Asia|SEA]]|[[Medialink]]}}
| network         = [[Tokyo MX]], [[Nippon BS Broadcasting|BS11]], [[Sun Television|SUN]]
| first           = October 1, 2020
| last            = March 19, 2021
| episodes        = 24
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou (2020–21)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu
| director        = Keiichiro Kawaguchi
| producer        = Takayuki Nagatani<br>Jōtarō Ishigami<br>Yūkō Hirata<br>Makoto Nakamura<br>Hirotaka Kaneko<br>Satoru Shimosato<br>Tomoyuki Ōwada<br>Takema Okamura
| writer          = Naoki Hayashi
| music           = Kenji Kawai 
| studio          = Passione
| licensee        = [[Crunchyroll]] {{English anime licensee|[[South Asia|SA]]/[[Southeast Asia|SEA]]|[[Medialink]]}}
| network         = Tokyo MX, BS11, SUN, [[AT-X (TV network)|AT-X]]
| first           = July 1, 2021
| last            = September 30, 2021
| episodes        = 15 <!--https://higurashianime.com/package_sotsu.html-->
| episode_list    = List of When They Cry episodes#Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu (2021)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| title           = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni
| author          = [[Ryukishi07]]
| illustrator     = Asahi
| publisher       = [[Futabasha]]
| publisher_en    = 
| demographic     = ''Seinen''
| magazine        = [[Monthly Action]]
| first           = February 25, 2022
| last            = 
| volumes         = 2
| volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Other
| content         = 
* ''[[Higurashi Daybreak]]'' (fighting game)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Higurashi When They Cry'''''|ひぐらしのなく頃に|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni|{{lit.|When the [[Tanna japonensis|Cicada]]s Cry}}|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[murder mystery]] [[dōjin soft]] [[visual novel]] series produced by [[07th Expansion]] that comprises the first two entries of the ''When They Cry'' franchise. The series focuses on a group of young friends living in the fictional village of Hinamizawa and the strange events that occur there in 1983.

The games are built on the [[NScripter]] [[game engine]] and the [[Microsoft Windows]] [[operating system]]. The first game in the series, ''Onikakushi-hen'', was released in August 2002, and the eighth and final game in the original PC series, ''Matsuribayashi-hen'', was released in August 2006. While the first four games carried the overall title ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' and are considered the first entry in the ''When They Cry'' franchise, the next four games were produced under the title ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'' and are considered the second entry.

A bonus [[fan disc]] called ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' was released in December 2006. In addition to the original series, new stories were created in [[manga]] form and in [[video game]]s for the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo DS]], in order to expand the story. The original eight PC releases were released in English by [[MangaGamer]] between 2009 and 2010. Two sets of [[Radio drama in Japan|drama CDs]] were produced, one by Wayuta and the other by [[Frontier Works]]. Novelizations of the game series were released by [[Kodansha]] between August 2007 and March 2009. A manga series adapted from the games began with eight different [[manga artist]]s working separately on one to three of the multiple story arcs and were published by [[Square Enix]] and [[Kadokawa Shoten]]. The manga was licensed for release in English in North America by [[Yen Press]] under the title ''Higurashi: When They Cry'' and the first volume was released in November 2008.

Two [[anime]] television series (also known simply as '''''When They Cry''''' prior to 2020) were produced by [[Studio Deen]] and directed by [[Chiaki Kon]] in 2006 and 2007; a third anime adaptation was released as an [[original video animation]] (OVA) series in 2009. The first anime series was licensed by [[Geneon Entertainment]] in English in 2007, but the license expired in 2011. [[Sentai Filmworks]] has since licensed both anime seasons and the 2009 OVAs. A [[live-action]] film adaptation of the series, directed and written by [[Ataru Oikawa]], premiered in Japanese theaters in May 2008, with a sequel released in April 2009. A six-episode live-action television series adaptation premiered in Japan in May 2016, and a four-episode sequel premiered in November 2016. A new anime television series by [[Passione (company)|Passione]] aired from October 2020 to March 2021, and a sequel aired from July to September 2021.

==Format and structure==
''Higurashi When They Cry'' is a "sound novel", a variation of [[visual novel]] with a focus on sound and atmosphere.<ref name="UKANRev">{{cite web |url=https://www.uk-anime.net/games/Higurashi:_When_They_Cry_(PC).html |title=''Higurashi: When They Cry'' (PC) |last=Hanley |first=Andy |website=UK Anime Network |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112041051/https://www.uk-anime.net/games/Higurashi:_When_They_Cry_(PC).html |url-status=live }}</ref> The story is conveyed via narration and dialogue presented in on-screen text during its scenes, during which characters are displayed as static two-dimensional [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite images]].<ref name="HardcoreGamerRev1">{{cite web |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-1-onikakushi/149971/ |title=Review: ''Higurashi When They Cry'' Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi |website=Hardcore Gamer |last=Estrada |first=Marcus |date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328213129/https://hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-1-onikakushi/149971/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The versions ported to home consoles additionally feature [[voice acting]] provided by professional [[Seiyū|Japanese voice actors]].<ref name="DengekiOnline">{{cite web |url=https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/700/1700067/ |title=Switch『ひぐらしのなく頃に奉』7月26日発売。原典の『雛見沢停留所』などシナリオ全22本を収録 |website=Dengeki Online |date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328213129/https://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/700/1700067/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The narrative is divided into chapters, each of which covers a separate [[story arc]], which become accessible in a sequence strictly established by the developers.<ref name="UKANRev"/> The narration is conducted on behalf of various characters.<ref name="HardcoreGamerRev6">{{cite web |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2018/07/03/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-6-tsumihoroboshi/305115/ |title=Review: ''Higurashi When They Cry'' Hou – Ch.6 Tsumihoroboshi |website=Hardcore Gamer |last=Estrada |first=Marcus |date=July 3, 2018 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819163236/https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-6-tsumihoroboshi/305115/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After reading a certain amount of text within a chapter, playback ends. At this point, the user is invited to [[Saved game|save their progress]], as well as read "tips" that reveal details of the story's setting that were not present in the main narrative. The tips may also encourage the audience to deduce the reasoning behind the narrative's mysterious events.<ref name="UKANRev"/>

The chapters are divided into two categories – "question arcs" and "answer arcs". Each question arc is a self-contained story taking place in an alternate reality, while each answer arc is based on the same scenario as a certain question arc and is intended to help the audience formulate a more accurate vision of the events of the pertaining question arc. Each chapter is assigned a "difficulty rating"<ref name="HigurashiCodeWheeler">{{cite web |url=http://cinephile.ca/files/Vol7No1-FOR%20JEFF/Vol7No1-FOR%20JEFF.pdf#page=26 |title=The ''Higurashi'' Code: Algorithm and Adaptation in the ''Otaku'' Industry and Beyond |last=Wheeler |first=John |website=Cinephile |date=2011 |pages=26–30 |access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526043911/http://cinephile.ca/files/Vol7No1-FOR%20JEFF/Vol7No1-FOR%20JEFF.pdf#page=26 |url-status=live }}</ref> that indicates the complexity of the mystery. After completing a chapter, all previously opened tips and images of individual scenes in the form of a gallery become available to the user from the main menu. In addition, the user can access a feature entitled the "Staff Room", in which writer [[Ryukishi07]] discusses and examines the chapter,<ref name="FandomPostRev">{{cite web |url=https://www.fandompost.com/2011/05/02/higurashi-when-they-cry-game-review/ |title=''Higurashi: When They Cry Kai'' Game Review |last=Rose |first=John |website=The Fandom Post |date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118004416/https://www.fandompost.com/2011/05/02/higurashi-when-they-cry-game-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> or the "All-Cast Review Session", in which the characters [[break the fourth wall]] and debate about the events of the chapter.

==Plot==
{{stack|[[File:SHIRAKAWA GOU.JPG|thumb|[[Shirakawa, Gifu (village)|Shirakawa, Gifu]], the village used as the basis for Hinamizawa<ref>{{cite web |url=http://07th-expansion.net/Soft/Map00.htm |title=雛見沢迷所案内 |publisher=[[07th Expansion]] |access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja |archive-date=July 17, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717101101/http://07th-expansion.net/Soft/Map00.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://park17.wakwak.com/~mahosaro/higurashi_seiti.html |title=ひぐらしのなく頃に 背景探索編 |access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614083329/http://park17.wakwak.com/~mahosaro/higurashi_seiti.html |archive-date=June 14, 2006}}</ref>]]}}
{{See also|List of Higurashi When They Cry characters{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' characters}}
In June 1983, Keiichi Maebara moves to the village of {{Nihongo|Hinamizawa|雛見沢}} and befriends classmates Mion Sonozaki, her twin sister Shion, [[Rena Ryūgū]], Rika Furude, and Satoko Hōjō. Keiichi learns of the village's annual Watanagashi Festival, a celebration dedicated to the local deity ''Oyashiro''. Hinamizawa initially seems calm and peaceful, but shortly before the festival, Keiichi learns that for four years in a row, murders and disappearances have taken place on the day of the festival. This chain of incidents remains unsolved and has come to be known as the "Oyashiro Curse" by the superstitious villagers. The day after this year's festival, police discover the corpse of visiting freelance photographer Jirō Tomitake, who appears to have torn his throat out with his bare hands, and the charred body of Miyo Takano, a nurse in the village clinic. In most chapters of the game, Keiichi or one of his friends attempts to investigate the mysteries of Hinamizawa and the Oyashiro Curse, only to succumb to paranoia and homicidal rage. A few days after the festival, Rika's body is found in the family shrine dedicated to Oyashiro. On the same day, a cataclysm befalls the village and wipes out the population, which is explained by the media as a release of [[Marsh gas|swamp gas]].

The answer arcs reveal that each preceding arc is an alternate reality in which Rika tries and fails to save herself and her friends. As a priestess of the Furude Shrine, Rika can communicate with the spirit Hanyū, who serves as the basis for Oyashiro and is the ancestress of the Furude clan. Each time Rika died, Hanyū would move her to another reality; however, the very ending of Rika's life is not retained in her memories when she transfers, obstructing her from knowing the cause of her death. In the final two chapters, it is revealed that the village clinic is secretly a government institute investigating a mysterious parasite in the village that causes Hinamizawa Syndrome: a disease that induces paranoia, delusion, and homicidal rage in its victims before pushing them to tear out their own throats. This disease is responsible for instigating the characters to commit murders in the previous arcs, and some of the incidents in the earlier years were caused by it. The rest of the incidents were caused by Miyo, who had killed Tomitake and faked her death, using the Oyashiro Curse as a cover. Hinamizawa Syndrome manifests in those experiencing extreme stress or those who move a distance away from the "Infection Queen", who releases a pheromone that prevents the aggravation of the villagers' condition. The women of the Furude clan have all acted as Infection Queens, and Rika is the sole remaining member of the line after the death of her parents in a 1981 incident.

The theory by Miyo's adoptive grandfather, Hifumi Takano, is that if there is no Infection Queen, all villagers will succumb to the syndrome, and a mass outbreak of violence will occur. In some of the realities, Shion, succumbing to Hinamizawa Syndrome, kills Rika. However, life in Hinamizawa goes on, showing that Hifumi's theories have been exaggerated. In most of the realities, Miyo kills Rika, and the threat of the mass outbreak convinces the government to massacre the village, with the release of swamp gas being a [[Cover-up|cover story]]. Miyo's motive is to vindicate Hifumi's work and force it to be recognized after he was shamed by the government and scientific community for his thesis about the disease. After several hundred loops, Keiichi becomes either vividly or subconsciously aware of the previous realities, allowing him to avoid several critical points where various characters would be murdered or driven insane. In the final loop, the group asks Hanyū to join them, and the spirit manages to manifest a physical body. With her assistance and all of the knowledge and allies they have formed along the way, they thwart Miyo's plan, and Keiichi and his friends attend the festival to move on to live happy lives afterward. In the secret ending, Rika travels back to the past to prevent Miyo's suffering from the traumatic childhood that led her to become who she was.

==Production==
===Development===
The series is the first [[visual novel]] series produced by [[07th Expansion]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mangagamer.org/07thexpansion/|title=07th Expansion Official English Portal Site|website=www.mangagamer.org|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=July 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729041457/http://www.mangagamer.org/07thexpansion/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game director and scenario writer for the series are [[Ryukishi07]], who also drew all of the character illustrations. Background images were taken from photographs taken by Ryukishi07, his younger brother Yatazakura, and Kameya Mannendō. Programming was worked on by Yatazakura, who worked on the main structure, 4U who worked on the intermission and Tips, and BT who worked on the [[mini game]]s. The games were designed using the [[game engine]] [[NScripter]]. The music of ''Higurashi'' was provided by various music artists including both professionals and ''[[dōjin]]'' artists, including Dai, the composer of most of the music found in the [[#Kai|answer arcs]]. Ryukishi07 wrote in 2004 how he was influenced by [[Key (company)|Key]]'s works during the planning of ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''.<ref name="Ryukishi07-blog04">{{cite web|url=http://naderika.com/Cgi/log_cbbs/logcbbs.cgi?mode=red2&namber=399&no=1|title=Key's Essence is Actually...(Bitter Smile)|date=July 9, 2004|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007105605/http://naderika.com/Cgi/log_cbbs/logcbbs.cgi?mode=red2&namber=399&no=1|archive-date=October 7, 2011|author=[[Ryukishi07]]|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Ryukishi07 played Key's games as a reference, among other visual novels, and analyzed them to figure out the reason why they were found to be so popular. He figured that the secret was due to how the stories would start with ordinary, enjoyable days, but then a sudden occurrence would happen to lead the player to cry due to the shock value. He used a similar model for the basis of ''Higurashi'' but instead of leading the player to cry, Ryukishi07 wanted to scare the player with the addition of [[Horror fiction|horror]] elements. In this way, Ryukishi07 wished to be in some way associated with Key who he described as a "masterpiece maker."<ref name="Ryukishi07-blog04"/>

In an interview in the December 2008 issue of [[Yen Press]]'s ''[[Yen Plus]]'' [[manga]] anthology, Ryukishi07 stated that ''Higurashi'' had its origins from an unpublished theater script called {{Nihongo|''Hinamizawa Teiryūjo''|雛見沢停留所||lit. ''Hinamizawa Bus Stop''}} he had written a few years before the first ''Higurashi'' game was released.<ref name="Yen-Plus-Int">{{cite journal|title=Alone in the Dark: An Interview with the Creators of ''Higurashi When They Cry''|author=Thompson, Jason|journal=[[Yen Plus]]|publisher=[[Yen Press]]|issue=December 2008}}</ref> When he decided to rewrite the script and release it, he wanted to build upon "the contrast between a fun, ordinary life, and something terrifying and out of the ordinary." Ryukishi07 was greatly influenced by the worlds of [[Seishi Yokomizo]] when developing the universe of ''Higurashi''. Ryukishi07 had decided "early on to design the story so that the truth comes to light by looking at several overlapping stories," though he originally planned to release it as a single game due to initially believing he could finish the story in a single year.<ref name="Yen-Plus-Int"/> The word ''higurashi'' is the name of a kind of [[cicada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kimoto.cc/ykk/semi.html|title='Semi', Cicadas|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=December 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229161040/http://kimoto.cc/ykk/semi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Naku'' means {{Nihongo|"to make sound"|鳴く}}, specifically referring to those sounds made by non-human organisms. According to Ryukishi07, the red Na (<span style="color:red">な</span>) in the logo is an official part of the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://07th-expansion.net/Soft/Higurasi.htm|title=Ryukishi07's official ''Higurashi'' game website|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=December 22, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061222102224/http://07th-expansion.net/Soft/Higurasi.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Release history===
{{see also|List of Higurashi: When They Cry titles{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' titles}}
The first game of the ''Higurashi: When They Cry'' visual novel series, titled ''Onikakushi-hen'', was released on August 10, 2002. The second game ''Watanagashi-hen'' was released on December 29, 2002. The third game ''Tatarigoroshi-hen'' was released on August 15, 2003. The fourth game ''Himatsubushi-hen'' was released on August 13, 2004. The first four games are part of the question arcs, and the following four games, under the title ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'', are part of the answer arcs. The fifth game ''Meakashi-hen'' was released on December 30, 2004. The sixth game ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'' was released on August 14, 2005. The seventh game ''Minagoroshi-hen'' was released on December 30, 2005. The eighth game ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' was released on August 13, 2006. A [[fan disc]] titled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' was released on December 31, 2006. A second fan disc titled {{nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hō''|ひぐらしのなく頃に奉|When the Cicadas Cry: Gift}} was released on August 17, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lyenzee|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-28/new-higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-ho-visual-novel-opening-streamed/.76077|title=New Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hō Visual Novel's Opening Streamed|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=June 28, 2014|access-date=July 4, 2014|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819163236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-28/new-higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-ho-visual-novel-opening-streamed/.76077|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2021, [[07th Expansion]] announced a remastered version with new music and upscaled graphics titled ''Higurashi: When They Cry Hō+'' in development for a Q3 2021 release.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=07th_official |number=1353538593210331138 |title=お待たせ致しました！ お問い合わせの多かった「ひぐらし奉」、そのリマスター版、その名も「ひぐらし奉＋（プラス）」を今夏のマスターアップを目指し製作開始します！ また、各種グッズも随時更新していきます。1/28にはオンデマンド印刷で痛マスクを開始予定。2021年も頑張ります！|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> It released on January 28, 2022 and featured a new short scenario, ''Mehagashi-hen'', originally a mini-light novel chapter included with the ''Higurashi Gou'' BD. It also included a new All-Cast review chapter as a retrospective for the franchise and featured discussion of the ''Higurashi Gou'' and ''Sotsu'' anime arcs.

The eight original PC games were released in English by MangaGamer under the title ''Higurashi: When They Cry'' starting with the first four games released in December 2009 and the last four released in monthly intervals starting in February 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-05/mangagamer.com-acquires-when-they-cry-higurashi-visual-novels|title=MangaGamer.com Acquires ''Higurashi: When They Cry'' Visual Novels|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 5, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=July 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707004456/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-05/mangagamer.com-acquires-when-they-cry-higurashi-visual-novels|url-status=live}}</ref> MangaGamer's release of the visual novels does not include several background music tracks and two bonus features specific to the original Japanese version: the music room and a minigame. The eight original PC games were also released in French by Saffran Prod under the title ''Le sanglot des cigales'', starting with the first two games released together in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinamizawa.fr/|title=Le sanglot des cigales|trans-title=The Sob of Cicadas|publisher=Saffran Prod|access-date=March 2, 2010|language=fr|archive-date=February 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225155601/http://www.hinamizawa.fr/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Japanese company Seams has done releases for [[iOS]] devices in Japanese and English. The Japanese version includes all eight games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-jp/id366267383|title=Higurashi When They Cry(jp)|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=August 31, 2010|archive-date=December 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222131441/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-jp/id366267383|url-status=dead}}</ref> The English version is based on the translation by MangaGamer and as of May 2012 includes the first five games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-ep1/id383052917?mt=8|title=Higurashi When They Cry(Ep1)|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=August 31, 2010|archive-date=August 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813155228/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-ep1/id383052917?mt=8|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-kai/id525917361?mt=8|title=Higurashi When They Cry Kai(Ep5)|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=February 8, 2024|archive-date=May 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522082513/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/higurashi-when-they-cry-kai/id525917361?mt=8|url-status=dead}}</ref> A remastered version of ''Onikakushi-hen'' from ''Higurashi: When They Cry Hō'' was released by MangaGamer on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on May 15, 2015 for Windows, [[OS X]] and [[Linux]],<ref>{{cite web|url = http://store.steampowered.com/app/310360/|title = Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi|access-date = May 21, 2015|website = Steam Store|archive-date = May 21, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150521040229/http://store.steampowered.com/app/310360/|url-status = live}}</ref> with the last part of ''Hou+'' released on November 10, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://store.steampowered.com/app/2491040/|title = Higurashi When They Cry Hou+|access-date = February 8, 2024|website = Steam Store}}</ref> The updates include a re-translation, previously cut music tracks and content, the original Japanese text,<ref>{{cite web|title = MangaGamer.com - Higurashi When They Cry Hou - Ch.1 Onikakushi|url = http://www.mangagamer.com/detail.php?goods_type=1&product_code=132|website = MangaGamer|access-date = March 20, 2023|archive-date = May 21, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150521153110/http://www.mangagamer.com/detail.php?goods_type=1&product_code=132|url-status = live}}</ref> and alternative character art by illustrator Kurosaki.<ref>{{cite web|title = Announcements from Anime Expo 2014!|url = http://blog.mangagamer.org/2014/07/03/announcements-from-anime-expo-2014/|website = MangaGamer|access-date = May 21, 2015|date = July 3, 2014|archive-date = July 20, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720215356/http://blog.mangagamer.org/2014/07/03/announcements-from-anime-expo-2014/|url-status = live}}</ref>

A [[Dōjin soft|dōjin game]] named ''[[Higurashi Daybreak]]'', based on the ''Higurashi'' series and featuring an original scenario by Ryukishi07, was developed by [[Twilight Frontier]], the creators of ''[[Immaterial and Missing Power]]'' and ''[[Eternal Fighter Zero]]''. The gameplay is that of a versus [[third-person shooter]], in which most of the characters of the main ''Higurashi'' series are playable. ''Higurashi Daybreak'' was first released on August 13, 2006, and an expansion pack followed on April 22, 2007.

A video game console port for the [[PlayStation 2]] was released as {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri''|ひぐらしのなく頃に祭|When the Cicadas Cry: Festival}} by [[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]] on February 22, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/|title=Official Alchemist Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri homepage|publisher=[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070901054255/http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/index_main.html|archive-date=September 1, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> ''Higurashi'' is the third [[Dōjin soft|dōjin game]] to be ported to a video game console; the first was ''Hanakisō'' by HaccaWorks*,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animate.tv/game/special/hanakisou.php|title=Hanakisō page on animate.tv|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=July 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711052317/http://www.animate.tv/game/special/hanakisou.php|url-status=live}}</ref> and the second was ''[[Melty Blood]]'' by French-Bread and Ecole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e56.info/mbacps2/index.html|title=Melty Blood Act Cadenza PS2 official website|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=June 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616130949/http://e56.info/mbacps2/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although ''Higurashi'' was the first to have a video game console port announced, its long development time made it the third to be released. Due to the popularity of ''Matsuri'', a second enhanced PlayStation 2 port, known as {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri: Kakera Asobi''|ひぐらしのなく頃に祭 カケラ遊び|When the Cicadas Cry: Festival - Playing with the Pieces}}, was released on December 20, 2007.  It was sold as an append disc to the original ''Matsuri'' and as a standalone game.  It contains all of ''Matsuri'''s content, in addition to ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' from the original games and other bonus content.<ref name="alchemist-net.co.jp">{{cite web|url=http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/kakera.html|title=Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri: Kakera Asobi official website|publisher=[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011035319/http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/kakera.html|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref>

A series of four games for the [[Nintendo DS]] under the collective title {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna''|ひぐらしのなく頃に絆|When the Cicadas Cry: Bond}} with new story arcs are being developed by Alchemist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://higu.biz/intro/index.html|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna'' introduction at the series' official website|publisher=[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306232840/http://higu.biz/intro/index.html|archive-date=March 6, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The first, with the added title {{Nihongo|''Tatari''|祟|Curse}}, was released on June 26, 2008 containing the first three chapters from the question arcs, and a new chapter entitled ''Someutsushi-hen'', with its story based on the ''Onisarashi-hen'' manga series. The second, with the added title {{Nihongo|''Sō''|想|Idea}}, was released in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/092/92238/|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna Dainikan Sō'' to be Sold in November|work=電撃オンライン |publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]|date=July 11, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=March 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316035657/http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/092/92238/|url-status=live}}</ref> The third game in the series, with the added title {{Nihongo|''Rasen''|螺|Spiral}}, was released in March 2009. The final game, subtitled {{Nihongo|''Kizuna''|絆|Bond}}, was released in February 2010.

A [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Vita]] port titled {{nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sui''|ひぐらしのなく頃に粋|When the Cicadas Cry: Style}} and published by [[Kaga Create]] was released in Japan on March 12, 2015. This edition features all scenarios from previous console versions, in addition to full voice acting, new songs, CGs, minigames and functions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/11/higurashi-cry-coming-ps3-ps-vita|title=Higurashi When They Cry coming to PS3, PS Vita|publisher=Gematsu|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=November 4, 2014|archive-date=November 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104122538/http://gematsu.com/2014/11/higurashi-cry-coming-ps3-ps-vita|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Nintendo Switch]] port titled ''Higurashi: When They Cry Hō'' and published by [[Entergram]] was released in Japan on July 26, 2018. It includes the previous content covered by ''Sui'', in addition to three new scenarios adapted from the Windows version of ''Hō''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sato |title=Higurashi When They Cry Hou Gets A Chilling Trailer For The Switch Version |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/25/higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-gets-a-chilling-trailer-for-the-switch-version/ |publisher=Silconera |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181026/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/07/25/higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-gets-a-chilling-trailer-for-the-switch-version/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[PlayStation 4]] port of ''Higurashi: When They Cry Hō'' was released by Entergram in Japan on January 24, 2019.

A mobile phone RPG game titled {{nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei''|ひぐらしのなく頃に命|When the Cicadas Cry: Life}} and planned by D-techno, written by Kiichi Kanō and developed by Smile Axe was released on September 3, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|last=Luster|first=Joseph|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/08/31-1/higurashi-when-they-cry-mei-game-set-for-september-3-in-japan|title=Higurashi When They Cry Mei Game Set for September 3 in Japan|newspaper=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=August 31, 2020|access-date=October 1, 2020|archive-date=September 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905021259/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/08/31-1/higurashi-when-they-cry-mei-game-set-for-september-3-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref> The story stars a new protagonist, Kazuho Kimiyoshi, who visits Hinamizawa in the year 1993. After gaining the power to fight monsters called "Tsukuyami" by Tamurahime-no-Mikoto, Kazuho somehow wanders into Hinamizawa of 1983.

==Adaptations==
===Drama CDs===
Several sets of [[drama CD]]s based on the series have been released, mainly distributed by [[Frontier Works]] and Wayuta.<ref name="wayuta-drama-CDs">{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/|title=''Higurashi'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=October 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029051131/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/|url-status=live}}</ref> The latter's releases differ from other media adaptations in that they make extensive use of the source material from the original sound novels, and sometimes include original songs from dai's albums. The main eight sound novel arcs have been adapted into a total of eleven CD releases, published by HOBiRECORDS and distributed by Wayuta and Geneon Entertainment, between May 27, 2005 and March 9, 2012; ''Minagoroshi-hen'' and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' have been split into two and three separate releases respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/onikakushi.html|title=''Onikakushi-hen'' drama CD outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061522/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/onikakushi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/matsuribayashi.html|title=''Matsuribayashi-hen'' drama CD outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830130502/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/matsuribayashi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Each chapter is 200–300 minutes long and contains 3-6 discs. The CDs feature remixes of the games' music and sound effects and the voice cast members have been chosen by Ryūkishi07 himself, though some of them have been changed for the anime and PS2 release due to scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/blog/index.html#0808|title=Drama CD ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' production notes|date=August 8, 2006|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=May 14, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111121226/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/blog/index.html#0808|url-status=live}}</ref> The booklets included with the CDs contained passwords that, if entered on the official site, unlocked downloads to audio files that adapted the TIPS for each of the arcs. In response to fan requests, audio TIPS for the first five arcs later became available on drama CDs named ''Append Disc 01'', released on December 29, 2005 at [[Comiket|Comiket 69]], and ''Append Disc 02'', released on October 26, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/apend.html|title=''Append Disc 01'' drama CD outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903024929/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/apend.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/apend02.html|title=''Append Disc 02'' drama CD outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514094931/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/apend02.html|url-status=live}}</ref> HOBiRECORDS has also released three drama CDs that adapted several fan-submitted stories from the ''Kataribanashi-hen'' novel/manga anthology arc. The first CD was released on April 25, 2007, the second on May 9, 2008, and the third on April 24, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/katari.html|title=''Kataribanashi-hen'' drama CD 1 official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514094931/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/katari.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/katari2.html|title=''Kataribanashi-hen'' drama CD 2 outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110192607/http://www.hobirecords.com/higurashi-cd/outline/katari2.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hobirecords.com/katari3/|title=''Kataribanashi-hen'' drama CD 3 outline|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429062159/http://www.hobirecords.com/katari3/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Frontier Works released several CDs, starting with an [[anthology]] piece called ''Anthology Drama CD 1'' on December 22, 2005, followed by a second CD titled ''Anthology Drama CD 2'' on March 24, 2006, and a third CD titled ''Anthology Drama CD Higurashi no Naku Koro ni featuring Umineko no Naku Koro ni'' on May 27, 2009. In addition to the anthologies, there have also been numerous character song CDs and DJCDs released during special events such as at Comiket, magazine subscriptions, and anime/film/game pre-orders.

===Manga===
{{see also|List of Higurashi When They Cry chapters{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' chapters}}
There are eight main titles in the ''Higurashi'' [[manga]] series, spanning the four question arcs and the four answer arcs. Each question arc manga are compiled into two [[Tankōbon|bound volumes]]. The first two answer arc manga are compiled into four volumes, meanwhile ''Minagoroshi-hen'' is compiled into six volumes, and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' into eight. The manga uses multiple artists between the various arcs. [[Karin Suzuragi]] drew ''Onikakushi-hen'', ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'', and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'', Yutori Hōjō drew ''Watanagashi-hen'' and ''Meakashi-hen'', [[Jirō Suzuki]] drew ''Tatarigoroshi-hen'', [[Yoshiki Tonogai]] drew ''Himatsubushi-hen'', and Hinase Momoyama drew ''Minagoroshi-hen''. Another manga entitled {{Nihongo|''Kokoroiyashi-hen''|心癒し編|Heart Healing Chapter}} is drawn by [[Yuna Kagesaki]] and began in [[Kadokawa Shoten]]'s magazine ''[[Comp Ace]]'' on August 26, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-05/new-gurren-lagann-higurashi-manga-to-start-this-month|title=New ''Gurren Lagann'', ''Higurashi'' Manga to Start This Month|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 5, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=August 6, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806084627/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-05/new-gurren-lagann-higurashi-manga-to-start-this-month|url-status=live}}</ref> The manga series was licensed by [[Yen Press]] for English distribution in North America under the title ''Higurashi: When They Cry''. The manga was initially serialized in Yen Press' ''[[Yen Plus]]'' anthology magazine, the first issue of which went on sale on July 29, 2008. The first English volume of the manga was originally planned to be sold in early 2009,<ref>{{cite web|last=Koulikov|first=Mikhail|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-19/yen-announces-titles-to-run-in-anthology-magazine|title=Yen Press Announces Titles to Run in Anthology Mag|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 19, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215044907/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-19/yen-announces-titles-to-run-in-anthology-magazine|url-status=live}}</ref> but was released in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yenpress.com/series-search/?series=higurashi&supapress_order=publishdate-asc|title=''Higurashi When They Cry'' English manga volumes|publisher=[[Yen Press]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502150932/https://yenpress.com/series-search/?series=higurashi&supapress_order=publishdate-asc|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are three side stories related to the main ''Higurashi'' story, but with new characters. The first, named {{Nihongo|''Onisarashi-hen''|鬼曝し編|Demon Exposing Chapter}}, is drawn by [[En Kitō]] and was serialized between March 2005 and July 2006 in ''Comp Ace''. The next, entitled {{Nihongo|''Yoigoshi-hen''|宵越し編|Overnight Chapter}}, is drawn by Mimori and was serialized between in ''GFantasy'' between 2006 and 2007. The last side story is known as {{Nihongo|''Utsutsukowashi-hen''|現壊し編|Reality Breaking Chapter}} is also drawn by En Kitō and was serialized in ''Comp Ace'' between 2006 and 2007. A manga adaptation of ''Higurashi''{{'}}s precursor ''Hinamizawa Teiryūjo'' began serialization in the debut issue of Square Enix's ''Big Gangan'' magazine, sold on October 25, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-08-24/square-enix-starts-big-gangan-mag-with-higurashi-precursor|title=Square Enix Starts ''Big Gangan'' Mag with ''Higurashi'' Precursor|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 24, 2011|access-date=August 24, 2011|archive-date=September 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919192917/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-08-24/square-enix-starts-big-gangan-mag-with-higurashi-precursor|url-status=live}}</ref>

A manga spin-off illustrated by Asahi, titled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni'', began serialization in [[Futabasha]]'s ''[[Monthly Action]]'' magazine on February 25, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pineda|first1=Rafael Antonio|title=Higurashi: When They Cry Gets New Manga on February 25|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-25/higurashi-when-they-cry-gets-new-manga-on-february-25/.181868|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 25, 2022|date=January 25, 2022|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819163236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-25/higurashi-when-they-cry-gets-new-manga-on-february-25/.181868|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Novels===
{{see also|List of Higurashi When They Cry novels{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' novels}}
There are four [[light novel]]s which contain additional illustrations by five different artists, and seventeen novelizations of the separate visual novel [[Story arc|arcs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc/kodansha-box/topics/higurashi_q/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331054440/http://shop.kodansha.jp/bc/kodansha-box/topics/higurashi_q/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 31, 2010|title=講談社BOX：ひぐらしのなく頃に|date=March 31, 2010|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/kodansha-box/topics/higurashi/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225051525/http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/kodansha-box/topics/higurashi/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2013|title=講談社BOX：ひぐらしのなく頃に 解|date=February 25, 2013|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Each novel is written by Ryukishi07. The light novels were all released as limited editions not sold in stores. The first one, ''Nekogoroshi-hen'', was illustrated by [[Karin Suzuragi]], Yutori Hōjō, and [[Jirō Suzuki]], and was sent out to those who bought the first volume of the manga versions of ''Onikakushi-hen'', ''Watanagashi-hen'', and ''Tatarigoroshi-hen''. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all three of these manga by the deadline to receive this special short story. The second light novel, ''Kuradashi-hen'', was illustrated by Yoshiki Tonogai, Karin Suzuki, Yutori Hōjō, and Mimori. This novel was sent out to those who bought the second volume of the manga version of ''Himatsubushi-hen'', and the first volumes of the manga ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'', ''Meakashi-hen'', and ''Yoigoshi-hen''. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all four of these manga by a certain deadline to receive this special short story. The third light novel, ''Hajisarashi-hen'', contained illustrations by Rato, and was included with the limited edition of the PlayStation 2 game ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri''.  The fourth novel, ''Kuradashi-hen Zoku'' is a sequel to ''Kuradashi-hen'' and was sent out to those who bought the second volumes of the manga ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'', ''Meakashi-hen'', and ''Yoigoshi-hen''. One needed to send the cutout stamps in all four of these manga by a certain deadline to receive this special short story. The light novels were published by [[Square Enix]] and released in 2006 and 2007.

[[Kodansha Box]] released 17 novelizations of the visual novel arcs with illustrations by Tomohi between August 2007 and March 2009, starting with ''Onikakushi-hen'' and ending with ''Saikoroshi-hen''. Most of the story arcs are divided into two volumes, except for ''Himatsubushi-hen'' and ''Saikoroshi-hen'' which are compiled into one volume each, and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' which is compiled into three volumes. In September 2010, editor [[Katsushi Ōta]] confirmed on [[Twitter]] that the novelizations would be re-released in [[bunkobon]] editions.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=someru|number=24384083423|date=September 13, 2020|access-date=March 20, 2023|title=@someru 皆さん、お待たせしました！ この冬発進する「星海社文庫」は、『ひぐらしのなく頃に』（竜騎士07・Illustration／ともひ）の文庫化を開始いたします！！ #TwiTaidan}}</ref> The re-releases were published by Seikaisha with new cover art by Tomohi from January 12, 2011 to June 8, 2012. In 2020, the series received new bunkobon editions illustrated by Sato Yoshimi, published by [[Futabasha]] under the Futabasha Junior Bunko label, starting with ''Onikakushi-hen'' on October 23.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=satoyoshimi|number=1319600871148142598|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=March 20, 2023|title=挿絵を描かせていただいた、双葉社ジュニア文庫『ひぐらしのなく頃に』鬼隠し編が発売されました。ぜひぜひ雛見沢へ来てくださいまし。よろしくおねがいします。}}</ref>

===Anime===
{{stack|[[File:Higurashi When They Cry English Logo.svg|thumb|Logo frequently used in Western releases]]}}
{{see also|List of Higurashi When They Cry episodes{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' episodes}}
The first [[anime]] television series was animated by [[Studio Deen]] and produced by [[Frontier Works]], [[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan|Geneon Entertainment]] and [[Sotsu]]. It is directed by [[Chiaki Kon]], with Toshifumi Kawase handling series composition, Kyūta Sakai designing the characters and [[Kenji Kawai]] composing the music. The season covers the four question arcs and the first two answer arcs, and aired in Japan between April 4 and September 26, 2006, comprising 26 episodes. Most of the characters were played by the same voice actors as the drama CD series. The series is available on DVD in Japan, France and North America (following Geneon Entertainment's licensing of the series).<ref>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-05/geneon-licenses-when-they-cry|title=Geneon to Release When They Cry - Higurashi|date=March 5, 2007|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625003446/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-05/geneon-licenses-when-they-cry|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Geneon's U.S. division announced that it discontinued all ongoing anime projects in September 2007, including ''Higurashi'' on November 6, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-26/geneon-usa-to-cancel-dvd-sales-distribution-by-friday|title=Geneon USA to Cancel DVD Sales, Distribution by Friday|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 26, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=June 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623032042/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-26/geneon-usa-to-cancel-dvd-sales-distribution-by-friday|url-status=live}}</ref> Only three of a planned six DVDs of ''Higurashi'' were released, under the title ''When They Cry: Higurashi''. On July 3, 2008, Geneon and [[Funimation]] announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon still retained the license, Funimation assumed exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. ''Higurashi'' was one of the several titles involved in the deal.<ref name="Fun-Gen">{{cite press release|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-07-03/funimation-entertainment-and-geneon-entertainment-sign-exclusive-distribution-agreement-for-north-america|title=FUNimation Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment Sign Exclusive Distribution Agreement for North America|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 3, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729095535/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-07-03/funimation-entertainment-and-geneon-entertainment-sign-exclusive-distribution-agreement-for-north-america|url-status=live}}</ref> Funimation released a complete box set of the series in August 2009. However, in August 2011, the rights to the series expired due to low sales.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lyenzee|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-11/funimation-higurashi-familiar-of-zero-licenses-expire|title=Funimation's ''Higurashi'', ''Familiar of Zero'' Licenses Expire|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=June 11, 2011|access-date=August 20, 2011|archive-date=June 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624085940/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-11/funimation-higurashi-familiar-of-zero-licenses-expire|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015 [[Sentai Filmworks]] licensed both anime series.<ref name="ann-89987">{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-07-02/sentai-filmworks-adds-legend-of-the-galactic-heroes-higurashi-anime/.89987|title=Sentai Filmworks Adds Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Higurashi Anime|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 2, 2015|access-date=July 9, 2015|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104021200/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-07-02/sentai-filmworks-adds-legend-of-the-galactic-heroes-higurashi-anime/.89987|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, [[Discotek Media]] acquired the streaming rights to the series after Sentai Filmworks lost the rights.<ref>{{cite web|title= Discotek Licenses Urotsukidoji, Higurashi, DearS, More|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-01-20/discotek-licenses-urotsukidoji-higurashi-dears-more/.220273|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|date=January 20, 2025|access-date=January 21, 2025}}</ref>

People in Japan, who had bought all nine of the DVDs of the first season, had the chance to receive a special anime DVD entitled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gaiden Nekogoroshi-hen'', based on the short story that was given to those who had bought the manga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oyashirosama.com/web/news/index.htm|title=Oyashirosama.com on the special DVD|language=ja|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104054745/http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/news/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite being a bonus for the first season (and having the first season's opening and closing sequences), ''Nekogoroshi-hen'' featured Sakai's updated character designs from the second season.

A continuation of the series produced by the same core staff,<ref name="kai">{{cite web|url=http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/kai/caststaff/index.htm|title=Second anime series staff|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221231042/http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/kai/caststaff/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and based on one new story arc and the final two original answer arcs of the franchise, entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai''|ひぐらしのなく頃に解|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: Solution''}}, aired in Japan between July 6 and December 17, 2007, containing twenty-four episodes. Sentai Filmworks has licensed the second anime series.<ref name="ann-89987"/> As the result of a murder case in September 2007 in Japan involving the murder of a police officer by his sixteen-year-old daughter with an axe,<ref name="japantimes">{{cite web |title=Teenage girl admits killing dad with ax {{!}} The Japan Times Online |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20070919a6.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122084332/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20070919a6.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=March 20, 2023|date=November 22, 2012}}</ref> as well as the Japanese media relating the case to anime such as ''Higurashi'', the latest episode screenings of both ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'' and another anime at the time, ''[[School Days (visual novel)|School Days]]'', were [[Censorship in Japan|canceled]] by a number of stations, due to excessive violence. However, [[AT-X (company)|AT-X]], [[TV Saitama]] and [[Sun Television|Sun TV]] announced that they would be airing the episodes as planned. Later, TV Saitama announced that they had ceased broadcasting of ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'' from episode thirteen onwards. Additionally, ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'' had its opening altered when it re-aired. Originally, a bloody bill hook cleaver (as used by Rena) was shown halfway through (at [[timestamp]] 0:55) the opening; it was replaced with an image of a van from the series' fictional junk yard.

An [[original video animation]] (OVA) series, entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei''|ひぐらしのなく頃に礼|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: Gratitude''}}, was released on February 25, 2009,<ref name="higurashirei">{{cite web|url=http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/rei/index.htm|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' OVA series official website|publisher=[[Studio Deen]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=November 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105052535/http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/rei/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> and is directed and written by Toshifumi Kawase, with [[Kazuya Kuroda]] taking over Sakai's role as character designer.<ref name="ANN-anime-3">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-17/third-higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-season-announced|title=Third Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Season Announced|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=December 17, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=December 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219123945/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-17/third-higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-season-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ANN-Rei-news">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-30/3rd-higurashi-tentatively-slated-as-rei-video-series|title=3rd ''Higurashi'' Tentatively Slated as Rei Video Series|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 30, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819163236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-30/3rd-higurashi-tentatively-slated-as-rei-video-series|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rei-news-2">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-05-08/3rd-higurashi-series-planned-as-rei-ova-this-winter|title=3rd ''Higurashi'' Series Planned as ''Rei'' OVA This Winter|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 8, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511074643/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-05-08/3rd-higurashi-series-planned-as-rei-ova-this-winter|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-23/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-rei-video-details-announced|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' Video Details Announced|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 23, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=January 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102193500/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-23/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-rei-video-details-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> The series also started a limited broadcasting in Bandai Channel prior to DVD release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/rei/news/index.htm|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' News Page|date=January 28, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=March 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309155918/http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/rei/news/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Sentai Filmworks has licensed the ''Rei'' OVAs.<ref name="ann-89987"/> The OVA contains three story arcs, ''Hajisarashi-hen'', ''Saikoroshi-hen'' and ''Hirukowashi-hen'', with ''Saikoroshi-hen'' concluding in three episodes, and the other two arcs concluding in one episode each. ''Hajisarashi-hen'' was originally a [[light novel]] included with the limited edition of the [[PlayStation 2]] game ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri'', and took the place of ''Batsukoishi-hen'' from the ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' fandisc. Frontier Works announced another original video anime series, {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira''|ひぐらしのなく頃に煌|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: Glitter''}} in March 2011, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-24/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kira-video-anime-launches|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira'' Video Anime Launches|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 24, 2011|access-date=March 24, 2011|archive-date=March 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325181016/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-24/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kira-video-anime-launches|url-status=live}}</ref> It is directed and storyboarded by [[Hideki Tachibana]] and written by Kawase, with Tomoyuki Abe taking over Kuroda's role as character designer and [[Tomoki Kikuya]] serving as additional music composer. An OVA film titled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak''|ひぐらしのなく頃に拡〜アウトブレイク〜|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku ~Autobureiku~|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: Expansion ~Outbreak~''}}, adapted from Ryukishi07's short story "Higurashi Outbreak", was announced in December 2012 and was later released in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-05/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kaku-outbreak-trailer-posted|title=''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku ~Outbreak~'' Trailer Posted|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 5, 2013|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308014653/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-05/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kaku-outbreak-trailer-posted|url-status=live}}</ref> Sakai returned as a character designer for ''Outbreak''.

====Gou and Sotsu====
On January 6, 2020, 07th Expansion and [[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]] announced that a new anime project by [[Passione (company)|Passione]] was in production. [[Akio Watanabe]] served as a character designer and Infinite served as a producer.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-06/higurashi-when-they-cry-gets-new-anime-project-at-studio-passione/.155074|title= Higurashi: When They Cry Gets New Anime Project at Studio Passione|date= January 6, 2020|access-date= March 20, 2023|work= [[Anime News Network]]|archive-date= January 28, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128170142/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-06/higurashi-when-they-cry-gets-new-anime-project-at-studio-passione/.155074|url-status= live}}</ref> [[Keiichiro Kawaguchi]] directed the series, with Naoki Hayashi handling series composition and Kenji Kawai returning as music composer.<ref name="staff">{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-21/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-video-unveils-returning-cast-staff-july-tv-premiere/.157765|title=New Higurashi: When They Cry Anime's Video Unveils Returning Cast, Staff, July TV Premiere|work= [[Anime News Network]]|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=March 21, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321071324/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-21/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-video-unveils-returning-cast-staff-july-tv-premiere/.157765|url-status=live}}</ref> The main cast reprised their roles.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-27/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-project-brings-back-cast/.155819|title= New Higurashi: When They Cry Anime Project Brings Back Cast|date= January 27, 2019|access-date= January 27, 2019|work= [[Anime News Network]]|archive-date= January 28, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128153748/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-27/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-project-brings-back-cast/.155819|url-status= live}}</ref> The series was set to premiere in July 2020,<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-21/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-delayed-due-to-covid-19/.159788|title=New Higurashi: When They Cry Anime Delayed Due to COVID-19|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529010812/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-21/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-delayed-due-to-covid-19/.159788|url-status=live}}</ref> but was delayed to October 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-06/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-debuts-in-october-after-covid-19-delay/.161523|title=New Higurashi: When They Cry Anime Debuts in October After COVID-19 Delay|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 6, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807160336/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-06/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-debuts-in-october-after-covid-19-delay/.161523|url-status=live}}</ref> The series aired from October 1, 2020 to March 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-08-20/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-2nd-video-reveals-episode-1-october-1-debut-episode-14-january-7-debut/.163125|title=New Higurashi: When They Cry Anime's 2nd Video Reveals Episode 1's October 1 Debut, Episode 14's January 7 Debut|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 20, 2020|access-date=August 20, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821205832/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-08-20/new-higurashi-when-they-cry-anime-2nd-video-reveals-episode-1-october-1-debut-episode-14-january-7-debut/.163125|url-status=live}}</ref> The series, entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou''|ひぐらしのなく頃に業|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gō|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: Karma''}}, was acquired by [[Funimation]] and streamed on its website in North America and the British Isles, and on [[AnimeLab]] in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/07/03/a-dark-secret-higurashi-when-they-cry-new-arrives-on-funimation-this-fall/|title=A Dark Secret? Higurashi: When They Cry – New Arrives on Funimation this Fall|last=Friedman|first=Nicholas|date=July 3, 2020|publisher=[[Funimation]]|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703173509/https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/07/03/a-dark-secret-higurashi-when-they-cry-new-arrives-on-funimation-this-fall/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following [[Sony]]'s acquisition of [[Crunchyroll]], the series was moved to Crunchyroll.<ref name="CR-Funimation">{{cite web|title=UPDATE: Funimation Titles Now Available on Crunchyroll (5/24)|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/03/01/funimation-titles-now-available-on-crunchyroll|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=March 1, 2022|access-date=May 28, 2022|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322050729/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/03/01/funimation-titles-now-available-on-crunchyroll|url-status=live}}</ref> In Southeast Asia and South Asia, [[Medialink]] has acquired the series, and are streaming the series on its [[YouTube]] channel Ani-One.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-21/ani-one-simulcasts-higurashi-when-they-cry-new-anime/.164266|title=Ani-One Simulcasts Higurashi: When They Cry - NEW Anime|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 21, 2020|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102170154/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-21/ani-one-simulcasts-higurashi-when-they-cry-new-anime/.164266|url-status=live}}</ref> Before episode 2 aired, the title of the anime was ''Higurashi: When They Cry – New'' and it was marketed as a remake to the original anime series. When episode 2 aired, the subtitle was changed to {{Nihongo|''Gou''|業|Gō|lit. ''Karma''}} and it was revealed that the anime is not actually a direct remake as it was previously marketed to be.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/10/08/higurashi-when-they-cry-scores-special-commissioned-key-visual-true-anime-title|title= Higurashi: When They Cry Scores Special Commissioned Key Visual, "True" Anime Title|website= [[Funimation]]|author= Friedman, Nicholas|date= October 8, 2020|access-date= October 8, 2020|archive-date= May 5, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210505185741/https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/10/08/higurashi-when-they-cry-scores-special-commissioned-key-visual-true-anime-title/|url-status= live}}</ref> The new series ran for 24 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-10/4-more-fall-season-anime-reveal-episode-counts/.165052|title=4 More Fall Season Anime Reveal Episode Counts|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013120247/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-10/4-more-fall-season-anime-reveal-episode-counts/.165052|url-status=live}}</ref>

After ''Gou'' finished airing, a sequel, entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi: When They Cry – Sotsu''|ひぐらしのなく頃に卒|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry: (Finishing, Graduation or Death)''}}, was announced. The series aired from July 1 to September 30, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-18/higurashi-when-they-cry-franchise-continues-with-sotsu-tv-anime-in-july/.170781|title=Higurashi: When They Cry Franchise Continues With SOTSU TV Anime in July|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 18, 2021|access-date=March 18, 2021|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318173705/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-18/higurashi-when-they-cry-franchise-continues-with-sotsu-tv-anime-in-july/.170781|url-status=live}}</ref> Funimation will stream the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mystery Continues With Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU, Coming This Summer|url=https://www.funimation.com/blog/2021/03/18/the-mystery-continues-with-higurashi-when-they-cry-sotsu-coming-this-summer/|website=[[Funimation]]|date=March 18, 2021|access-date=March 18, 2021|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318174612/https://www.funimation.com/blog/2021/03/18/the-mystery-continues-with-higurashi-when-they-cry-sotsu-coming-this-summer/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.<ref name="CR-Funimation"/> In Southeast Asia and South Asia, [[Medialink]] has acquired the series, and are streaming the series on its YouTube channel Ani-One.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ani-One July New Anime Release!!《Higurashi: When They Cry SOTSU》will be streaming on Ani-One this July! Welcome back to the village Hinamizawa~ Double episodes premiere on 1st July, one episode will be updated each week afterward! Streaming at 23:30 (Hong Kong/Taiwan Time, UTC+8) on Ani-One YouTube|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CQaoQWEnkwr/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CQaoQWEnkwr |archive-date=December 26, 2020|url-access=registration|date=June 22, 2021|access-date=June 22, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Live-action films===
A [[live-action]] film adaptation of the series entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''|ひぐらしのなく頃に||also known as ''Shrill Cries of Summer'' internationally}}, directed and written by [[Ataru Oikawa]], premiered in Japanese theaters on May 10, 2008.<ref name="film">{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/cinema/f-et-tp1-20070813-240910.html|title=''Higurashi'' Gets a Film Adaptation|publisher=NikkanSports|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=August 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820231955/http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/cinema/f-et-tp1-20070813-240910.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-13/higurashi-no-naku-koroni-live-action-film-in-2008|title=Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Live-Action Film in 2008|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 13, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=November 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117172121/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-13/higurashi-no-naku-koroni-live-action-film-in-2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The film is an adaptation of the first [[story arc]], ''Onikakushi-hen''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/27/103,1188216468,77091,0,0.html|title=Higurashi live action film production photos and information|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211165808/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/27/103,1188216468,77091,0,0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gōki Maeda]] plays Keiichi, Airi Matsuyama plays Rena, [[Rin Asuka]] plays Mion, Aika plays Rika, and [[Erena Ono]] plays Satoko.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/13/103,1186987182,76685,0,0.html|title=Higurashi no Naku Koro ni film information|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122182038/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/13/103,1186987182,76685,0,0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released in 60 theaters and earned over {{¥|200 million}} at the box office.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=実写映画『ひぐらしのなく頃に 誓』アニメショップ限定特典付き劇場前売り券第3弾の内容が判明 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/1222602_1558.html |access-date=February 27, 2019 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |date=March 6, 2009 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074542/https://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/1222602_1558.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A sequel, also live action,<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-28/live-action-higurashi-film-sequel-in-the-works|title=Live-Action ''Higurashi'' Film Sequel in the Works|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 28, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=July 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703181645/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-28/live-action-higurashi-film-sequel-in-the-works|url-status=live}}</ref> was released in Japanese theaters on April 18, 2009 and is entitled {{Nihongo|''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Chikai''|ひぐらしのなく頃に誓|When the Cicadas Cry: Oath|also known as ''Shrill Cries: Reshuffle'' internationally}}. The sequel is based on the ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'' arc, but it incorporates elements from other arcs and has a slightly different ending. The cast, including Maeda as Keiichi, is almost the same as in the previous film, but the role of Ōishi has been changed from [[Tetta Sugimoto]] to [[Ren Osugi]].

===Live-action series===
A live-action television series adaptation directed by Tōru Ōtsuka and starring [[Yu Inaba]] as Keiichi premiered in Japan on May 20, 2016 on [[Cable television|cable channel]] [[SKY PerfecTV!|BS SKY PerfecTV!]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bs-sptv.com/program/2125/ |title=BSスカパー！オリジナル連続ドラマ 「ひぐらしのなく頃に」 |publisher=[[SKY PerfecTV!]] |access-date=May 22, 2016 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526215206/http://www.bs-sptv.com/program/2125 |archive-date=May 26, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chapman|first=Paul|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/04/13-1/live-action-higurashi-tv-drama-unveils-key-visual-additional-cast-story-details|title=Live-Action "Higurashi" TV Drama Unveils Key Visual, Additional Cast & Story Details|publisher=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=April 13, 2016|access-date=May 27, 2016|archive-date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513135749/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/04/13-1/live-action-higurashi-tv-drama-unveils-key-visual-additional-cast-story-details|url-status=live}}</ref> The cast includes the members of [[NGT48]].<ref name=ngt48liveaction>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-10/ngt48-idols-star-in-live-action-when-they-cry-higurashi-horror-show/.97423|title= NGT48 Idols Star in Live-Action When They Cry - Higurashi Horror Show|date= January 10, 2016|access-date= January 11, 2016|work= [[Anime News Network]]|archive-date= January 11, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160111145715/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-01-10/ngt48-idols-star-in-live-action-when-they-cry-higurashi-horror-show/.97423|url-status= live}}</ref> A four-episode sequel premiered on November 25, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-25/live-action-higurashi-show-gets-sequel-in-november/.103616|title=Live-Action Higurashi Show Gets Sequel in November|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=June 25, 2016|access-date=August 9, 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731030205/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-06-25/live-action-higurashi-show-gets-sequel-in-november/.103616|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Music==
{{main|List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks{{!}}List of ''Higurashi When They Cry'' soundtracks}}
Unlike visual novels created by established companies, 07th Expansion did not create the music found in the ''Higurashi'' games. The music for the question arcs consists of license free songs found on the Internet while the music for the answer arcs was provided by [[dōjin music]] artists that were fans of ''Higurashi''. Later, a CD album called ''[[List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks#Thanks/you|Thanks/you]]'' was released by the dōjin music artist, Dai; many of his tracks were used in the answer arcs. Fans initially referred to this album as the official soundtrack. However, the actual [[List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai Original Soundtrack|official soundtrack]] has since been released for the series, featuring a majority of the songs featured in the answer arcs. This two-disc set is, to date, the most complete collection of songs from the games.

The first season anime's opening theme is "[[List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks#Higurashi no Naku Koro ni|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]" sung by [[Eiko Shimamiya]]; it went on sale in Japan on May 24, 2006. The ending theme is "[[List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks#Why, or Why Not|Why, or Why Not]]" sung by [[Rekka Katakiri]]; it was released on June 28, 2006. They were released as two [[List of Higurashi When They Cry soundtracks#Original soundtracks|original soundtracks]]. The series is composed by [[Kenji Kawai]] and the albums were produced by [[Frontier Works]]. Volume 1 was released on July 21, 2006, and volume 2 was released on October 6, 2006, in Japan. Three character song CDs were also released, sung by [[seiyū|voice actors]] from the anime adaptation, between March 28 and July 25, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000N3SW7C/|title=''Higurashi'' character CD Vol. 1 listing|publisher=[[Amazon.com|Amazon.co.jp]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628225059/http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000N3SW7C/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000PWQQCY/|title=''Higurashi'' character CD Vol. 3 listing|publisher=[[Amazon.com|Amazon.co.jp]]|access-date=March 20, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819163236/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000PWQQCY/|url-status=live}}</ref> The second season anime's opening theme is "Naraku no Hana" also sung by Shimamiya. The first season's opening theme includes a [[Backmasking|hidden message]] : the unintelligible lyrics at the beginning ("hange hara harei") were generated by reversing the phrase {{Nihongo|''nigerarenain da''|逃げられないんだ||"there's no escape"}}. The second season's opening theme also includes a reversed part at the end ("ie hanann") which was made by playing backwards the reversed bit from the first opening theme. The ending theme is "Taishō a" performed by anNina. The first OVA season's opening theme is "Super scription of data" by Shimamiya, and the ending theme is {{Nihongo|"Manazashi"|まなざし}} by anNina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fwinc.boxerblog.com/production_diary/2008/10/ova20081023-652.html|title=OVA ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' Theme Song Information Revealed|date=October 23, 2008|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206022646/http://fwinc.boxerblog.com/production_diary/2008/10/ova20081023-652.html|archive-date=February 6, 2009|url-status=usurped|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The opening theme for the OVA ''Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kira'' is "Happy! Lucky! Dochy!" by [[Yukari Tamura]], [[Mika Kanai]], and [[Yui Horie]]—the voice actors for Rika, Satoko, and Hanyū, respectively. The ending theme, {{Nihongo|"Zendai Mimon Miracle Change"|前代未聞☆ミラクルチェンジ|Unprecedented Miracle Change}}, had four separate versions: one by [[Mai Nakahara]], Rena's voice actor and the others are sung by Yukari Tamura and Mika Kanai, [[Satsuki Yukino]], Mion and Shion's voice actor, and Yui Horie. The opening theme for ''Gou'' is "I Believe What You Said" by [[Asaka (musician)|Asaka]]. Except for the first episode that uses "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" by Shimamiya as its ending theme, the ending themes for ''Gou'' are "Kamisama no Syndrome" for episodes 2–17 and "Fukisokusei Entropy" for episodes 18–23 by [[Ayane (singer)|Ayane]].
For the first live-action film, a short version of the film's theme song was released on December 22, 2007, in Japan. Once again, Shimamiya sang the song, entitled {{Nihongo|"Wheel of Fortune"|運命の輪|Unmei no Wa}}. Shimamiya also performed the ending theme entitled {{Nihongo|"Diorama"|ディオラマ}}.

==Reception==
===Visual novels===
{{stack|{{Video game reviews
| Fam = 31/40<ref name="Fam"/>
| align = left
| rev1 = APGNation
| rev1Score = 8.5/10<ref name="apgnation">{{cite web|url=http://apgnation.com/articles/2015/05/29/17237/higurashi-onikakushi-review|title=Higurashi Onikakushi Review|publisher=APGNation|date=May 29, 2015|access-date=October 22, 2015|archive-date=December 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225172755/http://apgnation.com/articles/2015/05/29/17237/higurashi-onikakushi-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''Hardcore Gamer''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="hg1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-1-onikakushi/149971/|title=Review: Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Ch.1 Onikakushi|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=October 22, 2015|archive-date=November 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126071532/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/05/22/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-1-onikakushi/149971/|url-status=live}}</ref> <br> {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="hg2">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/18/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-2-watanagashi/177932/|title=Review: Higurashi When They Cry Hou – Ch. 2 Watanagashi|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=December 25, 2015|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630214435/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/11/18/review-higurashi-when-they-cry-hou-ch-2-watanagashi/177932/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}}}
Over 100,000 copies of the original games were sold in Japan by 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eg.nttpub.co.jp/news/20061130_07.html|title=Article about Higurashi no Naku Koro ni from eg|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926233447/http://eg.nttpub.co.jp/news/20061130_07.html|archive-date=September 26, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> a feat not attained by a [[Dōjin soft|dōjin game]] since [[Type-Moon]] released ''[[Tsukihime]]''. Many fans attribute the game's success to the suspense and horror the novel portrays. Fan-based community boards emerged where fans began discussing their own theories. The popularity of the games grew exponentially as many took interest in their well-outlined script and story, which eventually led the game to be showcased in large gaming magazines with positive reviews. With the announcement of the live-action film adaptation of ''Onikakushi-hen'' came the news that over 500,000 copies of the games had been sold, by August 13, 2007.<ref name="film"/> The enhanced PlayStation 2 port, ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri'', had sold 140,397 copies by October 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=ひぐらしのなく頃に祭 |url=http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/index_main.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011034626/http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/index_main.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |publisher=[[Alchemist (company)|Alchemist]] |access-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> Later console releases in the series, between December 2007 and January 2019, have sold 408,391 copies in Japan, as of February 2019,<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Search |url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search |website=Game Data Library |publisher=[[Famitsu]] |access-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035430/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search |url-status=live }}</ref> bringing total software sales to {{formatnum:{{#expr:500000+408391}}|}} copies in Japan.

The PS2 version received a total review score of 31/40 (out of the four individual review scores of 9, 8, 8 and 6) from the Japanese gaming magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''.<ref name="Fam">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/kotaku-magu/kotaku-magu-this-weeks-famitsu-scores-237248.php |title=Famitsu scores for the PS2 version |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |date=February 16, 2007|access-date=March 20, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408041507/http://kotaku.com/gaming/kotaku-magu/kotaku-magu-this-weeks-famitsu-scores-237248.php |archive-date=April 8, 2009}}</ref> The game was voted the tenth most interesting [[bishōjo game]] by readers of ''[[Dengeki G's Magazine]]'' in an August 2007 survey.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://gs.dengekinet.com/ranking/index.html | title = 読者が選ぶ MY BEST ギャルゲーランキング |trans-title=Readers Choose My Best Galge Rankings | access-date =February 15, 2013 | publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]]| work= [[Dengeki G's Magazine]] | language = ja | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011213916/http://gs.dengekinet.com/ranking/index.html|archive-date = October 11, 2007}}</ref> Its English-language release also received a positive reception from critics. ''Hardcore Gamer'' stated that the "writing is incredibly eerie, and amazingly effective"<ref name="hg1"/> and concluded that "few video games make it anywhere near the skillful story weaving present within the ''Higurashi'' series."<ref name="hg2"/> ''APGNation'' stated the "Excellent writing and music make for an evocative reading experience."<ref name="apgnation"/>

===Manga===
In Japan, the third volume of the manga adaptation ranked as the 19th weekly best-selling book on January 16, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2008_116/|title=Weekly Bestsellers (Comprehensive List) 2008-01-16 Investigation|publisher=Tohan|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513234936/http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2008_116/|archive-date=May 13, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The first volume ranked as the 18th weekly bestseller on June 10, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2008_610/|title=Weekly Bestsellers (Comprehensive List) 2008-06-10 Investigation|publisher=Tohan|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515154127/http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2008_610/|archive-date=May 15, 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> The fourth volume ranked as the 19th bestseller on January 14, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2009114/|title=Weekly Bestsellers (Comprehensive List) 2009-01-14 Investigation|publisher=Tohan|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224022644/http://www.tohan.jp/cat2/detail/_2009114/|archive-date=February 24, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> In the United States, the first volume was ranked 253rd in the top 300 graphic novels sold in November 2008 and ranked as 25th in the top 25 Manga sold in the first quarter of 2009 release of [[ICv2]] Retailers Guide to Anime/Manga.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/13916.html |title=Top 300 Graphic Novels Actual--November 2008 |publisher=[[ICv2]] |date=December 20, 2008|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308142538/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/13916.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/15120.html |title='ICv2 Insider's Guide' #65: Top 25 Manga Properties Q1 2009 |publisher=[[ICv2]]|date=June 10, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222013429/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/15120.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The manga series had over 8 million copies in circulation by 2009;<ref>{{cite journal |title=2009年12月号 |journal=[[Monthly ASCII]] |date=December 2009 |issue=2009年12月 |page=47}}</ref> and over 10 million copies in circulation by 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=アニメ「ひぐらしのなく頃に卒」の内部情報が放送前に漏洩 - アニメ・ゲーム : 日刊スポーツ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202108030000618.html |access-date=March 20, 2023|website=nikkansports.com |language=ja |archive-date=April 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404181315/https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202108030000618.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Debi Aoki of ''About.com'' stated that reading the chapters in succession as they were presented in its serialization in ''Yen Plus'' made the story "easier to follow" and built the suspense better.<ref name=Aoki>{{cite web |url=http://manga.about.com/od/yenpress/gr/Higurashi1.htm |last=Aoki |first=Debi |title=Review Higurashi: When They Cry Volume 1 |work=About.com Entertainment |publisher=About.com |access-date=June 29, 2009|archive-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403021445/http://manga.about.com/od/yenpress/gr/Higurashi1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Justin Colussy-Estes of ''Comic Village'' praised the setting for hinting at something "much darker". He also praised the structure stating that the "mystery develops slowly" to immerse the reader in the characters and then later force the reader to "confront the possibility that one or more of them may be [the] murderer"; a decision he described as "clever".<ref name="Colussy-Estes">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsvillage.com/review.aspx?reviewID=614|title=Review - Higurashi When They Cry: Abducted by Demons Arc Volume 1 (Ryukishi07 and Karen Suzuragi)|last=Colussy-Estes|first=Justin|publisher=Comics Village|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920024902/http://comicsvillage.com/review.aspx?reviewID=614|archive-date=September 20, 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> Phil Guie of ''Popcultureshock'' expressed that this characterization "is brushed aside" for the horror as it gave the friendship between characters "real depth" adding to the surprise of the plot twists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/manga/index.php/reviews/manga-reviews/manga-minis-42709/|title=Review Higurashi When They Cry: Abducted by Demons Arc, Vol. 2|last=Guie|first=Phil|date=April 27, 2009|publisher=Popcultureshock|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308062400/http://www.popcultureshock.com/manga/index.php/reviews/manga-reviews/manga-minis-42709/|archive-date=March 8, 2012|url-status=usurped|access-date=March 20, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Anime News Network]]'''s Casey Brienza praised the manga for being an "effective" horror story, as it follows a harem manga plot, which "becomes terrifying" producing an effect that is "trashy horror at its absolute greatest".<ref name="Brienza 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi/when-they-cry/gn-1 |last=Brienza |first=Casey |title=Review Higurashi: When They Cry GN 1 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=April 1, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=April 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428023619/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi/when-they-cry/gn-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> She expressed being surprised by the end of the second volume as the central question remains unanswered though still felt the manga is "wholly enjoyable and satisfying" nonetheless.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi/when-they-cry/gn-2 |last=Brienza |first=Casey |title=Review Higurashi: When They Cry GN 2 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |date=February 19, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611094329/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi/when-they-cry/gn-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brienza stated that although the artwork is "average", the illustrator "seems to know exactly how to transition between the adorable and the abominable—and does so with dramatic, nightmarish effect."<ref name="Brienza 1"/> Aoki described the artwork as although "pander[ing] to otaku fetishes" containing and awkward character designs, providing "overbearing cutesiness [that] makes the secrets that the girls are hiding behind their smiles just that much creepier."<ref name=Aoki/>

===Anime===
[[File:Higurashi When They Cry cosplayers 20060813.jpg|thumb|Fans cosplaying as ''Higurashi When They Cry'' characters in 2006]]
Rebecca Silverman from ''Anime News Network'' praised the anime series for its storytelling, atmosphere, characters and horror feeling, giving it an overall rating of "A-", and stated "Despite some dated artwork, ''When They Cry'' holds up really well as a horror title. It has mystery, gore, and an interesting conceit that keeps it interesting from arc to arc, and we're given just enough new information each time the story resets to keep us hooked. It isn't as gruesome as other series, which actually is a plus for squeamish viewers, and this season ends with just enough answers to make us want to know what's really going on. Even if you've seen it before, it's worth rewatching ''When They Cry'' because knowing what's coming only makes the story more interesting. Improves on rewatching, builds on itself very well and generally good voices for both languages, scary without being too gross. So come take a trip to Hinamizawa and find out another reason why the devil is in charge of small towns."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silverman |first=Rebecca |date=April 15, 2016 |title=When They Cry Blu-Ray Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/when-they-cry/blu-ray-season-1/.101058 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207023225/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/when-they-cry/blu-ray-season-1/.101058 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A review by ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' gave the anime television series a highly positive review. James Henley praised the story, saying that each arc is interesting in its own way, but said that watching ''Kai'' was necessary to fully understand the story. He also praised the cast of characters, and how, despite having only one main male character, it never falls into harem genre, and how each one has a unique back story, revealed in different arcs. He criticized the dub as poor quality, but recommended the anime, mainly subbed, if one "can stomach the brutality."<ref>{{cite web|author=Henley, James|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/anime/6503-Anime-Review-Higurashi-When-They-Cry|title=Anime Review: ''Higurashi: When They Cry''|publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=September 8, 2009|access-date=April 15, 2022|archive-date=October 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009192235/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/anime/6503-Anime-Review-Higurashi-When-They-Cry|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Anime Almanac'' similarly praised the story, as a unique method of storytelling and the art of the characters, and went to add that the "[[Moe (slang)|moe]]" design on the girls made the scary scenes special. He ultimately recommended the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://animealmanac.com/2009/09/02/anime-review-higurashi-when-they-cry/|title=Anime Review: Higurashi – When They Cry|publisher=The Anime Almanac|date=September 2, 2009|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=February 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213211716/http://animealmanac.com/2009/09/02/anime-review-higurashi-when-they-cry/|url-status=live}}</ref> Another review, from ''[[THEM Anime Reviews]]'', giving it 3 out of 5 stars, praising the story, but panning the sorrow of the characters and the violence, saying "''Higurashi'' is a hard show to watch; while it's interesting, each chapter is progressively soul-sucking and depressing, as the characters struggle desperately to avoid grisly fates, often to no avail, multiple times." He finished the review by saying "...''Higurashi'' is interesting and visceral enough to be worth viewing by the more adventurous."<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=Carlos Giancarla|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1001|title=When They Cry - Higurashi|publisher=[[THEM Anime Reviews]]|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-date=March 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328065444/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1001|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{wiktionary|Appendix:When They Cry}}
{{wikiquote}}
*{{Official website|https://07th-expansion.net/hig_gensaku}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://www.mangagamer.com/product_list.php?page=1&goods_type=1&company=07th+Expansion ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''] at [[MangaGamer]]
*[http://blog.jp.square-enix.com/magazine/nakukoroni/ Manga official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328210827/http://blog.jp.square-enix.com/magazine/nakukoroni/ |date=March 28, 2023 }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/ Anime official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://sai-zen-sen.jp/sa/higurashi/ Novel official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://www.futabasha.co.jp/introduction/jr_higurashi/index.html Novel official website (Futabasha)] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://higurashianime.com/ ''Higurashi When They Cry - Gou'' official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401144217/https://higurashianime.com/ |date=April 1, 2020 }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://www.higurashi-mei.com/ ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Mei'' official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060831011652/http://www.alchemist-net.co.jp/products/higurashi_matsuri/ ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri'' official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150906194549/http://www.kaga-create.co.jp/higurashisui/ ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sui'' official website] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.entergram.co.jp/higurashihou/ ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Hō'' official website (Entergram)] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{Vndb|67}}
*{{Vndb|68|title=Higurashi When They Cry Kai}}
*{{Anime News Network|anime|6134}}

{{07th Expansion|state=expanded}}
{{Monthly Shōnen Gangan}}
{{Ataru Oikawa}}
{{Studio Deen}}
{{Studio Deen films}}
{{Passione}}
{{Monthly Action}}

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