The world of Higurashi: When They Cry is once again expanding, as the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni manga has resumed publication after a four-month hiatus. Fans of the iconic horror mystery series can rejoice as the “missing link” in the Higurashi story is once again being explored.
What is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni?
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni is a manga series by Asahi that serves as a prequel to the original Higurashi: When They Cry story. Launched in February 2022, the manga delves into the early life of Oryou Sonozaki, the head of the Sonozaki family, one of Hinamizawa’s Three Great Families. Oryou is a figure feared as “Empress Sonozaki,” and Oni explores her turbulent past and how it shapes the events of the main series.
The manga is set in 1923, during the Taisho Era, and a central tragedy in Hinamizawa sets the stage for the events that follow, impacting the lives of Oryou and her friends. The tagline for the series is “The final demon awakens. A new Higurashi toward the truth.”
Hiatus and Return
The Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni manga went on hiatus for four months, leaving fans eager for its return. The 21st chapter was released on January 28, and the 22nd chapter was released on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, marking the resumption of the series. The reason for the hiatus was not specified.
Story and Canon
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni focuses on the early years of Oryou Sonozaki and events that predate the main Higurashi story. The manga is considered a prequel that reveals the missing links in Higurashi‘s backstory.
Where to Read
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni is serialized in Futabasha’s Monthly Action magazine.
The Enduring Appeal of Higurashi: When They Cry
Higurashi: When They Cry remains a beloved and influential series in the horror and mystery genres. Its complex narrative, memorable characters, and shocking twists have captivated audiences for years. The series has spawned numerous adaptations, including anime series, manga, visual novels, and live-action films.
- Visual Novels: The original Higurashi series began as a series of visual novels created by 07th Expansion. These games present the story through text, character art, and sound, allowing players to experience the mystery firsthand.
- Anime: The Higurashi anime adaptation, produced by Studio Deen, brought the story to a wider audience. The anime is known for its unsettling atmosphere and graphic violence.
- Manga: In addition to Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni, there are numerous manga adaptations of the Higurashi story, each offering a unique perspective on the events in Hinamizawa.
- Other Media: Higurashi has also been adapted into live-action films, drama CDs, and other forms of media, further expanding the reach of the franchise.
Exploring the World of Higurashi
For those new to the world of Higurashi: When They Cry, there are several ways to dive into the series.
- Start with the original visual novels: The visual novels offer the most complete and immersive experience of the Higurashi story.
- Watch the anime: The anime is a good starting point for those who prefer a more visual medium.
- Read the manga: The various manga adaptations offer different perspectives on the story and can be a good way to explore the world of Higurashi.
The Significance of Hiatuses in Manga
The Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni manga’s recent hiatus raises the broader topic of hiatuses in the manga industry. It is not uncommon for manga series to go on hiatus for various reasons.
Reasons for Manga Hiatuses
- Author’s Health: One of the most common reasons for a manga hiatus is the author’s health. Creating a manga series is a demanding task that requires long hours and intense focus. Many manga artists suffer from health problems due to overwork, stress, and lack of sleep.
- Creative Burnout: Manga artists, like any creative professionals, can experience burnout. Coming up with new ideas and maintaining the quality of a series can be challenging, and sometimes an author needs a break to recharge their creative batteries.
- Research and Planning: Some manga series require extensive research or planning. An author may take a hiatus to gather information, develop new plotlines, or refine their characters.
- Personal Reasons: Like anyone else, manga artists may need to take time off for personal reasons, such as family matters or other commitments.
- Editorial Decisions: In some cases, a manga hiatus may be due to editorial decisions. The publisher may want to change the direction of the series, give the author time to work on a new project, or adjust the release schedule for other reasons.
Examples of Manga Hiatuses
- Hunter x Hunter: Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is famous for its frequent and lengthy hiatuses. Togashi has suffered from chronic back pain and other health problems, which have forced him to take extended breaks from the series.
- Berserk: Kentaro Miura’s Berserk was another series that experienced hiatuses, though often due to Miura’s meticulous attention to detail and the complexity of the story. Sadly, Miura passed away in 2021, leaving the series unfinished, though it has since been continued by his assistants.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Oni manga is welcome news for fans of the series. This prequel promises to shed new light on the events of Higurashi: When They Cry and delve into the complex history of Hinamizawa and the Sonozaki family. As the story unfolds, readers can expect more of the mystery, horror, and suspense that have made Higurashi a classic in the genre.
