One of the best murder mystery anime to grace anime fans alike, Higurashi: When They Cry, has proved itself to be a hard-hitting titan in the genre. From its visual novel days to now being an anime both classic and modern fans can enjoy thanks to the 2020 remake, there's no telling what else its creator, Ryukishi07, has in store for his fanbase.
Although fans may notice some changes in the 2020 anime, there is one answerable question being who is the fan-favorite character amongst the Higurashi: When They Cry cast, according to MyAnimeList's userbase.
10 10. Mamoru akasaka (member favorites: 103)
Mamoru Akasaka is one of the most humble and honorable characters in the series. He doesn't end up killing any of the children nor does he show any ill will toward them either. He also served as the main protagonist in arguably one of Higurashi's best horror arcs and is in some cases Rika's hero she can depend on besides her friends and Hanyuu.
Rika's decision to let Akasaka know of his wife and unborn child will die is the reason why he's willing to defend Rika so much. His decision to be the knight in shining armor for Rika -- a character viewers know has suffered a lot -- possibly explains why he's highly regarded amongst the cast.
9 9. Satoshi hojo (member favorites: 113)
Practically Higurashi When They Cry's MacGuffin, Satoshi Houjou is a kind-hearted, noble individual who was willing to do everything it took to protect his sister from his abusive family, specifically his aunt. Satoshi even sacrificed his own mental and physical prowess to save his sister, despite everyone but Shion Sonozaki understanding how much this took a toll on him.
Although his aunt does pass away, Satoshi's inner conscious follows the same fate that's shown during Higurashi When They Cry's second season Kai where he lays unconscious and sedated in the Irie Clinic's underground facility.
8 8. Kuraudo oishi (member favorites: 171)
Kuraudo Oishi is a detective who has a strong connection to solving the mysteries and different murders that occur in Hinamizawa. Although he may not be one of the best detectives in anime history, Oishi takes a critical and somewhat dangerous approach toward his occupation that can sometimes lead to him becoming susceptible to the Hinamizawa syndrome.
For example, he prevented starving people from attaining food during a food shortage in WWII, using selfish, manipulative tactics toward a mentally wounded Keiichi during the Wataganashi-hen arc, and many others. Regardless, Oishi tries to stay true to his detective nature whether or not he's hated or loved by anyone.
7 7. Miyo Takano (member favorites: 446)
Essentially the series's main antagonist, Miyo Takano is a cunning, sociopathic individual who orchestrated the entire Hinamizawa facade concerning the syndrome and the mysterious deaths. At first, she appears as a calm and pleasant worker at the Irie Clinic, but deep within her lies a woman who's suffered child-abuse, verbal bullying, and betrayal.
Not only does the death of her real parents and her foster father inspire Miyo to follow this dark path, but her willingness to overthrow Hinamizawa's god-like deity Oyashiro adds to the complexities of her character.
6 6. Satoko hojo (member favorites: 547)
Satoko Hojo is the prankster amongst her friends who carries a depressing backstory. She was skeptical toward her mother's marrying and divorcing antics, endured child abuse at the hands of her aunt and uncle, and lost her older brother Satoshi.
Not only that, but Shion Sonozaki, a girl who adored her older brother, would later shun and brutally murder Satoko as she believes she was the root cause for his mysterious departure from the village in one of Higurashi's arcs. In any case, Satoko's uncle continues to torture her until the series's end.
5 5. Keiichi Maebara (member favorites: 1,154)
Keiichi Maebara is the carefree, determined male protagonist from Higurashi When They Cry's cast -- the key that helps Rika and her friends defeat a grueling and brutal fate in the show's second season. Although Keiichi committed brutal acts in the series regarding killing his friends and making rash decisions without thinking it through, he's often seen as a motivational symbol that cheers his friends on when they need it most.
Fans adore the loveable goofball so much that some fans are fighting over which girl Keiichi should end up with -- a close debate between Rena Ryugu or Mion Sonozaki.
4 4. Mion sonozaki (member favorites: 1,925)
Mion Sonozaki is more tomboyish, robust, and active compared to her sister Shion Sonozaki when she's around her friends and family. Although she's not great at the games she suggests her club to play, her determination and leadership during difficult situations make her a reliable character amongst the others. However, with these great qualities come her downsides, making her female side seem more apparent.
Furthermore, her lack of showcasing her love for girly things to her friends results in her undergoing extreme jealously and the Hinamizawa syndrome. These events play out during the series's second arc in season one where Keiichi gives Rena a girly doll because he feels it's not a gift suitable for Mion.
3 3. Shion sonozaki (member favorites: 2,316)
Shion Sonozaki is a lot more girly and refined compared to her sister Mion. However, that's just how she portrays herself outwardly because inside her lies a person who's rebellious, manipulative, and crafty. Shion's devious attitude and ways may have stemmed from her time as a student at St. Lucia -- where they must comply with the principles they feel a woman should follow.
Shion demonstrates these characteristics further in future arcs. Some examples include manipulating Keiichi, damaging Mion's self-esteem, and exploiting Rika, Satoko, and Kimiyoshi's mysterious departures, only to gather and murder more people for a boy she doesn't know she'll ever see again.
2 2. Rika furude (member favorites: 5,235)
Rika Furude is an adorable, kind-hearted, and intelligent individual and is regarded as the real main protagonist of Higurashi When They Cry which is revealed later in the series. Not only is Rika Hinamizawa's sole ticket to survival, but she also carries with her the power to travel to different timelines thanks to her godlike friend, Hanyuu.
Alongside this timeline-hopping ability, Rika's also known for carrying a more adult-oriented vessel within herself that shows itself whenever Rika's voice becomes calmer, and in some cases spooky. Some of this anime's scariest scenes involve Rika and her demise, and all these aspects about her character make it obvious why she's well-beloved by the series's fanbase.
1 1. Rena ryugu (member favorites: 5,515)
Rena Ryugu is Higurashi: When They Cry's poster-girl, which is apparent in the promotional material for Higurashi's latest season, Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Gou. Rena's also known for being a character who looks innocent but can be deadly when pushed too far -- a trope commonly used for yanderes. One example being in season one's final question arc where Rena slaughters her father's new spouse, Ritsuko, after learning that Ritusko's only after her father's money.
Regardless of her hidden feelings and heinous actions in Higurashi When They Cry, Rena is a bubbly, caring, and respectful individual toward her friends and will do whatever it takes to protect them.