Get ready, fans! The official team behind "Higurashi When They Cry" (ひぐらしのなく頃に), the iconic dōjin game by 07th Expansion that later spawned a hit TV anime, just dropped some massive news. To celebrate the anime's 20th anniversary, a brand-new anime project is officially in the works, and they've even released the first promotional video!
The first key visual features none other than Rena Ryugu, and it's confirmed that the original voice cast is making a triumphant return to their beloved roles.
"Higurashi When They Cry" first debuted as a dōjin game in 2002, quickly earning critical acclaim for its intricate, multi-layered plot and interconnected story arcs across different chapters. Its first TV anime adaptation premiered in 2006, followed by various OVA projects, with the most recent being "Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU" in 2021.
The newly released PV not only gives us a glimpse of the teaser visual but also confirms the main voice cast, including:
Keiichi Maebara: Soichiro Hoshi
Rena Ryugu: Mai Nakahara
Mion Sonozaki / Shion Sonozaki: Satsuki Yukino
Satoko Hojo: Mika Kanai
Rika Furude: Yukari Tamura
These legendary voice actors are all set to reprise their classic characters. Plus, the PV features newly recorded lines from Rena, sending waves of nostalgia through long-time fans!
On the production side, Studio DEEN, the same studio responsible for the very first "Higurashi When They Cry" anime two decades ago, is back at the helm. It's truly a reunion of the original dream team! The newly revealed teaser visual comes with the heartwarming tagline, "Everyone, welcome back," featuring a beaming Rena Ryugu – a perfect blend of commemoration and homecoming.
The official team also unveiled a special logo commemorating the TV anime's 20th anniversary. Designed with the concept of "calendar tear-offs" symbolizing the passage of time, the logo cleverly incorporates Rena's iconic hatchet, creating a distinctly "Higurashi"-style commemorative mark.
The official statement confirms that preparations for the new anime are in full swing. Original creator Ryukishi07 / 07th Expansion assured fans that they won't be disappointed, emphasizing that the series' enduring popularity is thanks to everyone's love and support. They are committed to delivering an outstanding new anime project.
As of now, the premiere date for the new "Higurashi When They Cry" anime has not been announced, so stay tuned for more official updates!
via： X@TVアニメ「ひぐらしのなく頃に」