View source for Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

{{italic title}}[[File:HiguLogo.png|thumb|<nomobile>The English logo for ''Higurashi When They Cry''</nomobile>]]
{{nihongo|'''''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'''''|ひぐらしのなく頃に|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni|lit. ''When the Cicadas Cry''}}, known in English as '''''Higurashi When They Cry''''', is a Japanese [[w:media mix|media mix]] franchise created by [[07th Expansion]]. It is a part of 07th Expansion's wider [[When They Cry (franchise)|''When They Cry'' franchise]]. The story focuses on the inhabitants of [[Hinamizawa]], a remote village shrouded in mystery and and fraught with a dark history. Each story arc is self-contained, telling differing versions of the same span of time. 

The story was originally conceived while author [[Ryukishi07]] was in college under the working title [[Hinamizawa Bus Stop]]. The story was later expanded on and reworked into the first major story arc of the original ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' [[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (sound novel)|sound novel]], {{onikakushi}}, released in 2002. The series continued for a total of eight sound novels, all of which were written by [[Ryukishi07]] and published by [[07th Expansion]]. Square Enix, Ichijinsha, Kadokawa Shoten, and ASCII Media Works have all published manga adaptations of the series, all written by Ryukishi07. Kodansha Box published a series of light novels also written by Ryukishi07. The series has also been adapted to [[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (anime)|anime]], [[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (2016 TV series)|live-action television]] and [[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (2008 film)|live-action film]]. A [[Higurashi Daybreak|third person shooter]] based on the franchise was developed by Twilight Frontier and released on August 13 2006.

== Story ==
''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' takes place during June 1983 in a fictional rural village called {{nihongo|Hinamizawa|雛見沢}} which is based on the village of [[Wikipedia:Shirakawa, Gifu (village)|Shirakawa, Gifu]], and has a population of approximately 2,000. [[Keiichi Maebara]] moves to [[Hinamizawa]] and befriends his new classmates [[Rena Ryuuguu]], [[Mion Sonozaki]], [[Rika Furude]], and [[Satoko Houjou]]. Keiichi joins their after-school club activities, which consist mostly of card and board games (and punishment games for the loser – usually him). Hinamizawa appears to be a normal, peaceful, rural village to Keiichi. However, the tranquility abruptly ends after the annual [[Watanagashi Festival]], a celebration to commemorate and give thanks to the local god, [[Oyashiro]]. Keiichi learns that every year for the past four years, one person has been murdered and another has gone missing on the evening of the Watanagashi Festival. Keiichi himself soon becomes drawn into the strange events surrounding the Watanagashi Festival and Oyashiro. In each story arc, he or one of his friends becomes paranoid, and a crime is committed. Usually, the crime involves the murder of one of their own friends. While it seems impossible to tell their delusions apart from the mystery of Hinamizawa, slowly the truth is revealed.

== List of sound novels ==
{{Timeline of release years
| title = Release timeline

| range1 = 2002-2014
| range1_color  = #17AE54 #A7EDB4

| 2002a = {{onikakushi}}
| 2002b = {{watanagashi}}
| 2003  = {{tatarigoroshi}}
| 2004a = {{himatsubushi}}
| 2004b = {{meakashi}}
| 2005a = {{tsumihoroboshi}}
| 2005b = {{minagoroshi}}
| 2006a = {{matsuribayashi}}
| 2006b = {{rei}}
| 2007a = {{matsuri}}
| 2008a = ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna: Dai Ichi Kan "Tatari"]]''
| 2008c = ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna: Dai Ni Kan "Sō"]]''
| 2009b = ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna: Dai San Kan "Rasen"]]''
| 2010a = ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna: Dai Yon Kan "Kizuna"]]''
| 2014a = {{hou}}
}}
=== List of ''When They Cry'' visual novels ===
*''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (sound novel)|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]
**{{onikakushi}}
**{{watanagashi}}
**{{tatarigoroshi}}
**{{himatsubushi}}
*{{kai}}
**{{meakashi}}
**{{tsumihoroboshi}}
**{{minagoroshi}}
**{{matsuribayashi}}
*{{rei}}
*{{kizuna}}
*{{matsuri}}
*{{hou}} (compilation)

== In other media ==
=== Anime series ===
{{Series overview
| color1     = #74E387
| link1      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (anime)
| linkT1     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''
| episodes1  = 26
| start1     = {{Start date|2006|4|4}}
| end1       = {{End date|2006|9|26}}

| color2     = #74E387
| link2      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (anime)
| linkT2     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai''
| episodes2  = 24
| start2     = {{Start date|2007|7|6}}
| end2       = {{End date|2007|12|17}}

| color3     = #74E387
| link3      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei (anime)
| linkT3     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei''
| episodes3  = 5
| start3     = {{Start date|2009|2|15}}
| end3       = {{End date|2009|8|21}}

| color5     = #74E387
| link5      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira
| linkT5     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira''
| episodes5  = 4
| start5     = {{Start date|2011|7|21}}
| end5       = {{End date|2012|1|25}}


| color6     = #74E387
| link6      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku
| linkT6     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku''
| episodes6  = 1
| start6     = {{Start date|2013|8|15}}
| end6       = {{Start date|2013|8|15}}

| color7     = #74E387
| link7      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou
| linkT7     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou''
| episodes7  = 24
| start7     = {{Start date|2020|10|1}}
| end7       = {{End date|2021|03|18}}

| color8     = #74E387
| link8      = Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu
| linkT8     = ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu''
| episodes8  = 15
| start8     = {{Start date|2021|07|1}}
| end8       = {{End date|2021|09|30}}
}}
The first anime series produced by [[w:Studio Deen|Studio Deen]] and directed by [[w:Chiaki Kon|Chiaki Kon]], covers the four question arcs and the first two answer arcs. The original ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni'' anime adaptation aired in Japan between April 4 and September 26, 2006, comprising twenty-six episodes. Most of the characters were used by the same voice actors for the drama CD series. The series is available on DVD in Japan, France and North America (following [[w:Geneon Entertainment|Geneon Entertainment]]'s licensing of the series).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-05/geneon-licenses-when-they-cry|title=Geneon to Release When They Cry - Higurashi|date=2007-03-05|publisher=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2009-03-22}}</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|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2007-12-16}}</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 [[w:Funimation|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= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-07-03|accessdate=2008-07-22}}</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|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-11/funimation-higurashi-familiar-of-zero-licenses-expire|title=Funimation's ''Higurashi'', ''Familiar of Zero'' Licenses Expire|publisher=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=June 11, 2011|accessdate=August 20, 2011}}</ref> [[w:Sentai Filmworks|Sentai Filmworks]] has licensed both anime series.<ref name="ann-89987">{{cite web|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=July 2, 2015|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</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://bb.oyashirosama.com/web/news/index.htm|title=Oyashirosama.com on the special DVD|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621204917/http://bb.oyashirosama.com/web/news/index.htm|archive-date=2008-06-21|accessdate=2016-10-18}}</ref> Despite being a bonus for the first season (and having the first season's opening and closing sequences), ''Nekogoroshi-hen'' featured the updated animation style as seen in the second season.

A continuation of the series, based on one new story arc and the final two original answer arcs of the franchise, entitled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai'', 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"/> The second season featured slightly different character designs than the first season and better animation.<ref name="kai">{{cite web|url=http://www.oyashirosama.com/web/news/kai.htm|title=Oyashirosama.com on the second anime series release date|accessdate=2007-03-22|language=Japanese}}</ref> 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|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20070919a6.html|title=Teenage girl admits killing dad with ax|publisher=[[w:The Japan Times|The Japan Times]]|date=September 19, 2007|accessdate=May 7, 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, ''[[w:School Days (visual novel)|School Days]]'', were [[w:Censorship in Japan|canceled]] by a number of stations, due to excessive violence. However, [[w:AT-X (company)|AT-X]], [[w:TV Saitama|TV Saitama]] and [[w:Sun Television (Japan)|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 the opening; it was replaced with an image of a van from the series' fictional junk yard.

An [[w:original video animation|original video animation]] series, entitled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'', 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=[[w:Studio Deen|Studio Deen]]|accessdate=2008-11-04|language=Japanese}}</ref> and is directed by Toshifumi Kawase.<ref name="ANN-anime-3">{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|accessdate=2007-12-17}}</ref><ref name="ANN-Rei-news">{{cite web|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-04-30|accessdate=2008-04-30}}</ref><ref name="Rei-news-2">{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-05-08|accessdate=2008-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-07-23|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</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=2009-01-28|accessdate=2009-03-04|language=Japanese}}</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 [[w:light novel|light novel]] included with the limited edition of the [[w:PlayStation 2|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, ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira'' in March 2011, which marks the tenth anniversary of ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=March 24, 2011|accessdate=March 24, 2011}}</ref> An anime titled ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kaku: Outbreak'', adapted from Ryukishi 07's short story "Higurashi Outbreak", was announced in December 2012 and was later released in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=March 5, 2013|accessdate=March 9, 2013}}</ref>

On January 6, 2020, 07th Expansion and [[w:Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]] announced that a new anime project by [[w:Passione (company)|Passione]] is in production. [[w:Akio Watanabe|Akio Watanabe]] served as a character designer, and Infinite served as a producer.<ref>{{cite web |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, 2019|accessdate= January 6, 2019|work= [[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]}}</ref> [[w:Keiichiro Kawaguchi|Keiichiro Kawaguchi]] directed the series, with Naoki Hayashi handling series composition and Kenji Kawai returning as music composer.<ref name="staff">{{cite web|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|date=March 21, 2020|accessdate=March 21, 2020}}</ref> The main cast all reprised their original roles.<ref>{{cite web |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|accessdate= January 27, 2019|work= [[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]}}</ref> The series was set premiere in July 2020 but was delayed to October 2020 due to COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=May 21, 2020|accessdate=May 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=July 6, 2020|accessdate=July 6, 2020}}</ref> [[w:Funimation|Funimation]] acquired the series under the title ''Higurashi: When They Cry - New'', and streamed the series on its website in North America and the British Isles, and on [[w:AnimeLab|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=[[w:Funimation|Funimation]]|accessdate=July 3, 2020}}</ref> A second season, {{sotsu}}, was announced shortly after the conclusion of ''Higurashi: When They Cry - New''. ''Sotsu'' will begin airing in July 2021<ref>https://mobile.twitter.com/higu_anime/status/1372577799907643397</ref>.

=== Manga ===
;Manga released in English
*''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (manga)|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]''
**{{onikakushi}} ([[Volume 1 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 2 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]])
**{{watanagashi}} ([[Volume 3 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 4 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]])
**{{tatarigoroshi}} ([[Volume 5 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 6 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]])
**{{himatsubushi}} ([[Volume 7 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 8 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]])
**{{meakashi}} ([[Volume 11 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 12 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]], [[Volume 13 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|3]], [[Volume 14 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|4]])
**{{tsumihoroboshi}} ([[Volume 15 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 16 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]], [[Volume 17 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|3]], [[Volume 18 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|4]])
**{{minagoroshi}} ([[Volume 19 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 20 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]], [[Volume 21 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|3]], [[Volume 22 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|4]], [[Volume 23 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|5]], [[Volume 24 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|6]], [[Volume 25 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|7]])
**{{matsuribayashi}} ([[Volume 26 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 27 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]], [[Volume 28 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|3]], [[Volume 29 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|4]], [[Volume 30 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|5]], [[Volume 31 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|6]], [[Volume 32 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|7]], [[Volume 33 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|8]])
*''[[Yoigoshi-hen|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Yoigoshi-hen]]'' ([[Volume 9 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|1]], [[Volume 10 (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)|2]])
*''[[Onisarashi-hen|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Onisarashi-hen]]'' ([[Volume 1 (Onisarashi-hen)|1]], [[Volume 2 (Onisarashi-hen)|2]])
;Manga not released in English
*''[[Hinamizawa Teiryuujo]]''
*''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jan]]''
*''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jan (manga)|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Jan: Tsubamegaeshi-hen]]''
*''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kizuna]]''
*''[[Umineko no Naku Koro ni Episode X]]''

There are eight main titles in the ''Higurashi'' [[w:manga|manga]] series, spanning the four question arcs and the four answer arcs. Each question arc manga are compiled into two [[w: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. [[w:Karin Suzuragi|Karin Suzuragi]] drew ''Onikakushi-hen'', ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'', and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'', Yutori Hōjō drew ''Watanagashi-hen'' and ''Meakashi-hen'', [[w:Jirō Suzuki|Jirō Suzuki]] drew ''Tatarigoroshi-hen'', [[w:Yoshiki Tonogai|Yoshiki Tonogai]] drew ''Himatsubushi-hen'', and Hanase Momoyama drew ''Minagoroshi-hen''. Another manga entitled {{Nihongo|''Kokoroiyashi-hen''|心癒し編|Heart Healing Chapter}} is drawn by [[w:Yuna Kagesaki|Yuna Kagesaki]] and began in [[w:Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Shoten]]'s ''[[w:Comp Ace|Comp Ace]]'' on August 26, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-08-05|accessdate=2008-08-05}}</ref> The manga series was licensed by [[w:Yen Press|Yen Press]] for English distribution in North America under the title ''Higurashi: When They Cry''. The manga was initially serialized in Yen Press' ''[[w:Yen Plus|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|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=April 19, 2008|accessdate=2008-04-19}}</ref> but was released in November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yenpress.us/?page_id=454|title=''Higurashi When They Cry'' English manga volumes|publisher= [[w:Yen Press|Yen Press]]|accessdate=2008-06-22}}</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 [[w:En Kitō|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|url=http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=August 24, 2011|accessdate=August 24, 2011}}</ref>

===Drama CDs===
There were two official sets of [[w:drama CD|drama CD]]s released, one by Wayuta,<ref name="wayuta-drama-CDs">{{cite web|url=http://higurashi-cd.com/|title=''Higurashi'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2006-12-27|language=Japanese}}</ref> and the other by [[w:Frontier Works|Frontier Works]]. Wayuta has released seven CDs since May 27, 2005 starting with ''Onikakushi-ken'' and going through the main story arcs from the visual novel series to ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'' on February 22, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/onikakushi.html|title=''Onikakushi-hen'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612100743/http://higurashi-cd.com/outline/onikakushi.html|archive-date=2008-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/tsumihoroboshi.html|title=''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224160553/http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/tsumihoroboshi.html|archive-date=2007-12-24}}</ref> Two more drama CDs will be released by Wayuta to cover ''Minagoroshi-hen'' and ''Matsuribayashi-hen''. Wayuta has already released two bonus drama CDs named ''Append Disc 01'' released on December 29, 2005 at [[w:Comiket|Comiket 69]], and ''Append Disc 02'' released on October 26, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/apend.html|title=''Append Disc 01'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128040229/http://higurashi-cd.com/outline/apend.html|archive-date=2007-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/apend02.html|title=''Append Disc 02'' drama CD official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128041542/http://higurashi-cd.com/outline/apend02.html|archive-date=2007-11-28}}</ref> Wayuta also released two drama CDs covering a new arc named {{Nihongo|''Kataribanashi-hen''|語咄し編}}, the first on April 25, 2007, and the second on May 9, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/katari.html|title=''Kataribanashi-hen'' drama CD 1 official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128074203/http://higurashi-cd.com/outline/katari.html|archive-date=2007-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.higurashi-cd.com/outline/katari2.html|title=''Kataribanashi-hen'' drama CD 2 official website|publisher=[[07th Expansion]]|accessdate=2008-05-17|language=Japanese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710101530/http://higurashi-cd.com/outline/katari2.html|archive-date=2008-07-10}}</ref> Frontier Works released two CDs, starting with an [[w:anthology|anthology]] piece called ''Anthology Drama CD 1'' on December 22, 2005, followed by a sequel entitled ''Anthology Drama CD 2'' on March 24, 2006. There have also been numerous drama CDs released during special events such as at Comiket or through magazine subscription.

===Novels===
{{see also|Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (novels)}}
There are four [[w:light novel|light novel]]s which contain additional illustrations by five different artists, and seventeen novelizations of the separate visual novel [[w: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/|archive-date=2010-03-31|title=講談社BOX：ひぐらしのなく頃に|date=2010-03-31|access-date=2019-07-29}}</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/|archive-date=2013-02-25|title=講談社BOX：ひぐらしのなく頃に 解|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2019-07-29}}</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 [[w:Karin Suzuragi|Karin Suzuragi]], Yutori Hōjō, and [[w:Jirō Suzuki|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 [[w:Square Enix|Square Enix]] and released in 2006 and 2007.

[[w:Kodansha Box|Kodansha Box]] released seventeen novelizations of the visual novel arcs between August 2007 and March 2009, starting with ''Onikakushi-hen'' and ending with ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei''. Most of the story arcs are divided into two volumes, except for ''Himatsubushi-hen'' and ''Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei'' which are compiled into one volume each, and ''Matsuribayashi-hen'' which is compiled into three volumes. The novels included illustrations by Tomohi.

===Live action===
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 by Ataru Oikawa, premiered in Japanese theaters on May 10, 2008.<ref name="film">{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/cinema/f-et-tp1-20070813-240910.html|title=''Higurashi'' Gets a Film Adaptation|publisher=NikkanSports|accessdate=2007-08-13|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2007-08-13|accessdate=2007-08-13}}</ref> The film is an adaptation of the first [[w:story arc|story arc]], ''Onikakushi-hen''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/27/103,1188216468,77091,0,0.html|title=Higurashi live action film production photos and information|publisher=[[w:Famitsu|Famitsu]]|accessdate=2007-09-02|language=Japanese}}</ref> Gōki Maeda plays Keiichi, Airi Matsuyama plays Rena, [[w:Rin Asuka|Rin Asuka]] plays Mion, Aika plays Rika, and [[w:Erena Ono|Erena Ono]] plays Satoko.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/08/13/103,1186987182,76685,0,0.html|title=Higurashi no Naku Koro ni film information|publisher =[[w:Famitsu|Famitsu]]|accessdate=2007-08-27|language=Japanese}}</ref> The film grossed {{¥|200 million}} at the Japanese box office.<ref>{{cite news |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 |accessdate=February 27, 2019 |work=[[w:Famitsu|Famitsu]] |date=March 6, 2009}}</ref>

A sequel, also live action,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=2008-04-28|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</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||also known as ''Shrill Cries: Reshuffle'' internationally}}. The sequel is based on the ''Tsumihoroboshi-hen'' arc.

A live-action television series adaptation premiered in Japan on May 20, 2016 on [[w:Cable television|cable channel]] [[w: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=[[w:SKY PerfecTV!|SKY PerfecTV!]] |accessdate=May 22, 2016 |language=Japanese  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526215206/http://www.bs-sptv.com/program/2125 |archivedate=May 26, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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=[[w:Crunchyroll|Crunchyroll]]|date=April 13, 2016|accessdate=May 27, 2016}}</ref> The cast includes the members of [[w:NGT48|NGT48]].<ref name=ngt48liveaction>{{cite web |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|accessdate= January 11, 2016|work= [[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]}}</ref> A four-episode sequel premiered on November 25, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|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=[[w:Anime News Network|Anime News Network]]|date=June 25, 2016|accessdate=August 9, 2016}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
{{see also|Higurashi Daybreak}}
A [[w:Dōjin soft|dōjin game]] named ''[[Higurashi Daybreak]]'', based on the ''Higurashi'' series and featuring an original scenario by Ryukishi 07, was developed by [[w:Twilight Frontier|Twilight Frontier]], the creators of ''[[w:Immaterial and Missing Power|Immaterial and Missing Power]]'' and ''[[w:Eternal Fighter Zero|Eternal Fighter Zero]]''. The gameplay is that of a versus [[w:third-person shooter|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.

== See also ==
*[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Characters|Characters]]
*[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Locations|Locations]]
*[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni TIPS|TIPS]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{higurashi no naku koro ni}}
[[Category:Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]