Fourteen-years after the original Higurashi anime aired, fans of the beloved horror series are ready to experience the adventure all over again with Higurashi: When They Cry – New. Announced out of nowhere, the retelling of the classic story first introduced to the world in Ryukishi07’s sound novel series of the same name is a welcome surprise.

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As fans of the original series eagerly await what the new one has in store, Higurashi will undoubtedly reach new audiences when it premiers on October 1st. Coming in just in time for Halloween, the anime’s development hasn’t gotten all that much attention. There’s a lot to catch-up on, and some surprises along the way as well.

10 It’s A Reboot Of The 2006 Anime

As the New in the name implies, this will be a reboot of the original series. Fans will once again watch as Keiichi and friends are put through the ringer as the horrors of the Watanagashi Festival, and the string of mysterious deaths surrounding it are revealed.

While the original series certainly has amassed a cult following over the years, it suffered from some adaptation issues like many other visual novel to anime adaptations. Fans of the sound novel will have to wait and see how things go this time around.

9 It Was Delayed

Like many anime this year, Higurashi: When They Cry – New’s production ran into issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The anime was initially set to air in July. But after a considerable period of inactivity, was delayed and rescheduled for a Fall 2020 debut. How the delay affected the production remains to be seen, but fans are hopeful that the three-month delay was adequate.

8 It’s Being Animated By Studio Passione

The original series was animated by veterans Studio Deen. This time around, the reins have been handed over to a much smaller and relatively newer studio.

Founded in 2011, Studio Passione hasn’t worked on that many series. Their most notable work being 2018’s High School DxD Hero and Citrus. How the studio will handle the adaptation will be interesting to watch, and might very well propel them to new heights should it be received well.

7 Funimation Will Stream It In North America

Every season, both Crunchyroll and Funimation get their hands on some interesting exclusive licenses. Funimation has long ties to the original series, so them getting the licensing rights to the new anime is no surprise.

While the Japanese airdate is listed on October 1st, Funimation’s schedule hasn’t been released yet. Though it’s probably safe to assume that the episodes will come out not too long after they air in Japan.

6 It’ll Continue Into The Winter Season

Considering all that takes place in the narrative, the various story threads as well as the elaborate nature of Higurashi’s mystery, a short 12-13 episode anime simply wouldn’t’ be enough to properly do it justice.

Fans will be relieved to hear that the anime will immediately continue into the Winter 2020 season. There shouldn’t be any breaks in between seasons either, so fans can expect to be in it for the long haul.

5 It’s Getting A Manga Adaptation

The original sound novel received multiple adaptations and spin-offs, with the 2006 anime being one of the most famous and serving as an introduction to the series for many. So it’s only natural that this new adaptation get an accompanying manga adaptation.

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Not much is known about it except that it will launch in Kadokawa's Young Ace Up on October 2nd, and that it will be drawn by a fresh face in Tomato Akase. This is Akase’s first major project. Fans will have to wait and see how it compares to the original manga adaptation.

4 Kenji Kawai Will Return As Composer

The original Higurashi’s music played an integral part in creating the ominous and tense atmosphere that sold its horror elements so well. The man behind the music, Kenji Kawai will be returning for the new series as well.

Kawai is a well known composer in Japan, and has worked on numerous anime, films and video games over the course of his career. Kawai’s anime resume includes 1995’s Ghost In The Shell, Ranma ½ and Maison Ikkoku.

3 Keiichiro Kawaguchi Is Directing

Though Kawai is returning as composer, director Chiaki Kon will not be. Instead, Keiichiro Kawaguchi will be taking over.

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Kawaguchi has been directing since 2005. While he’s worked on more niche series throughout his career, he’s worked on some notable series over the years, such as Island, Mr. Tonegawa: Middle Management Blues and Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission.

2 Akio Watanabe Is The Character Designer

One of the biggest differences this new series has that fans have already picked up on is the art style. Studio Passione got one of the biggest names in the industry with Akio Watanabe.

Watanabe is a veteran in the industry and has worked on a number of notable anime over the years, but he’s best known for having handled the Monogatari Series character designs. The story might be the same, but things will certainly look noticeably different.

1 The Main Cast Will Reprise Their Roles

The original cast from the 2006 anime have become synonymous with the characters they voiced. Each has a distinct voice that perfectly fits the role they play, so it’s only natural that they return to reprise their roles.

Aside from reprising their roles, both Mai Nakahara (Rena) and Soichirou Hoshi (Keiichi) will be featured in a new radio show airing late in September.

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