Good news for fans of mystery and horror! After a four-month hiatus, Asahi’s manga adaptation of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni has resumed publication. The 22nd chapter was released on Tuesday, marking the return of this chilling prequel story.
What is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni?
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni (ひぐらしのなく頃に鬼) is a manga written by Ryukishi07 and illustrated by Asahi. It is a prequel to the main Higurashi When They Cry series, diving into the early life of Oryo Sonozaki. Oryo is the head of the Sonozaki family, one of the Three Great Families of Hinamizawa, who is later feared and known as Empress Sonozaki. The manga explores the tragedies that occur in Hinamizawa and how they change the fate of Oryo and her friends.
The Oni manga is set in the Taisho Era (specifically, 1923) and aims to reveal missing links in the Higurashi backstory. It explores the turbulent early life of Oryo, who becomes the fearsome Empress Sonozaki.
What Caused the Hiatus?
The exact reason for the four-month hiatus hasn’t been officially revealed. It’s not uncommon for manga artists to take breaks for various reasons, including:
- Health concerns: Mangaka work long hours under intense pressure, which can take a toll on their health.
- Creative reasons: Artists may need time to develop the story or overcome writer’s block.
- Assisting with other projects: Sometimes, manga artists are involved in anime adaptations or other related projects.
Where Can You Read Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni?
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni was originally serialized in Futabasha’s Monthly Action magazine, starting in February 2022. However, after Monthly Action ceased publication on February 24, 2024, the manga moved to Futabasha’s Web Action manga website.
The Higurashi Universe: A Deep Dive
Higurashi When They Cry (ひぐらしのなく頃に, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, lit. “When the Cicadas Cry”) is a Japanese murder mystery dōjin soft visual novel series produced by 07th Expansion. 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.
A Multi-Media Franchise
The Higurashi series has spawned numerous adaptations and spin-offs, including:
- Visual Novels: The original source material, consisting of eight main chapters released between 2002 and 2006.
- Manga: Multiple manga adaptations of the various story arcs, drawn by different artists.
- Anime: Several anime series and OVAs, including the original 2006 series, Higurashi Kai, Gou, and Sotsu.
- Live-Action Films: Two live-action films released in 2008 and 2009.
- TV Drama: A Japanese TV drama series that aired in 2016.
Key Story Arcs
The original Higurashi visual novels are divided into question arcs and answer arcs:
Question Arcs (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni):
- Onikakushi-hen (Abducted by Demons Arc): Introduces Keiichi Maebara and the mysteries of Hinamizawa.
- Watanagashi-hen (Cotton Drifting Arc): Focuses on Mion and Shion Sonozaki and the Watanagashi festival.
- Tatarigoroshi-hen (Curse Killing Arc): Explores Keiichi’s relationship with Satoko Hojo and the consequences of his actions.
- Himatsubushi-hen (Time Killing Arc): A prequel story that reveals more about the history of Hinamizawa and the Furude family.
Answer Arcs (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai):
- Meakashi-hen (Eye Opening Arc): Tells the story of Watanagashi-hen from Shion’s perspective, revealing the truth behind the events.
- Tsumihoroboshi-hen (Atonement Arc): Explores Rena Ryuugu’s past and her struggle with guilt and paranoia.
- Minagoroshi-hen (Massacre Arc): Reveals the truth about the Hinamizawa Syndrome and the conspiracies surrounding the village.
- Matsuribayashi-hen (Festival Accompanying Arc): The final arc, which brings together all the previous arcs and provides a resolution to the story.
Other Notable Works
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei: A fan disc released after the main series, featuring new stories and scenarios.
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou & Sotsu: A new anime series that aired in 2020 and 2021, serving as a sequel/reboot of the original story.
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Meguri: A manga-exclusive answer arc for the Gou anime series.
Why is Higurashi So Popular?
Higurashi has gained a dedicated following due to its unique blend of:
- Mystery: The intricate plot and numerous unanswered questions keep viewers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
- Horror: The series features graphic violence, psychological horror, and supernatural elements that create a sense of unease and dread.
- Character Development: Despite the dark themes, Higurashi features well-developed characters with complex motivations and relationships.
- Time Loops: The non-linear storytelling and time loop mechanics add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the series.
- The “Moefication” of Horror: Its contrast between cute character designs and brutal, disturbing events is particularly notable.
Is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni Canon?
The canon status of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni is a topic of discussion among fans. While it is marketed as a prequel that reveals missing links in the Higurashi backstory, it hasn’t been explicitly referenced in other Higurashi works. However, it is written by Ryukishi07, the original creator of the series, which lends it some credibility.
The Legacy of Higurashi
Higurashi When They Cry remains a beloved and influential series in the horror and mystery genres. Its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and disturbing themes have captivated audiences for years, and the return of the Oni manga is a welcome addition to the franchise. The Higurashi series is a testament to the power of visual novels and their ability to create immersive and unforgettable experiences. Its success has paved the way for other visual novel adaptations and has solidified Ryukishi07’s place as a master of the horror genre.
