A New Anime Adaptation of Higurashi When They Cry Series from Studio DEEN
One of the cult works of the horror and psychological thriller genre, Higurashi When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni), is returning with a brand-new television anime. The announcement confirmed that Studio DEEN, which also produced the series' first adaptation, will be involved as the producer. There is no official release date or staff details for the new adaptation yet, but the studio's return to the project came as a big surprise for fans.
Created by Ryukishi07, Higurashi When They Cry first appeared as a visual novel in 2002. The story is set in the fictional village of Hinamizawa and features time loops and paranoia-themed horror elements, with the same summer days told from different perspectives in each arc. The original anime series was broadcast in 2006 by Studio DEEN, and together with its sequel series Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, it exceeded 50 episodes. The series later continued with the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kira OVAs and the 2020 reboot Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU.
The new anime announcement has raised questions about whether it will be a completely original adaptation or a more faithful remake of the original visual novel. Some sources suggest the project might be independent of the previous series and tell a new story. However, Studio DEEN's return of this kind also brings a nostalgia factor, especially for the generation that grew up with the 2006 anime. Additionally, the Higurashi Mei mobile game released in 2022 and the recent increase in visual novel sales show that the series' popularity is still alive.
This new adaptation is expected to appeal to both old fans of the original series and new viewers. While details such as how involved Ryukishi07 will be in this project and how faithful the script will be to the original material are eagerly awaited, the studio's past experience and commitment to the series inspire confidence. Fans can expect more information in the coming months regarding the official announcement and release date.
