Higurashi Kai Episode 4 Discussion / Poll

[kj1980]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Higurashi no Naku Koroni Kai, Episode 4.

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ADDITIONAL RULES FOR Higurashi no Naku Koroni Kai

If you want, feel free to utilize the info on the English wikipedia article for Higurashi no Naku Koroni (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni), TIPS section (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=31732), Frederica Bernkastel's Poems (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=31811), Your Qs Answered (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=36602) and Putting the Pieces Together Thread (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=36807) as a complement to this series.

If you know what's going to happen because you read the above said info, please post in the Higurashi Discussion (for people who have read the clues) (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=37159) thread.

Otherwise, feel free to share your theories and speculations. In fact, I encourage you to do so as this is what makes this series interesting.

[Klashikari]

Episode 4 Finished.


The Watanagashi festival has started ! Keiichi is late, and get powned with a direct coton candy missile in the face. The group is finally complete (Shion is in the crew, while Rika is of course not here, due the preparations) As usual, Mion will declare the beginning of the competition around the stands.
Rika prepares herself with the Miko outfit, with the help of some women. Rika is really depressed and thinks that nothing will change. However, one of the women suddenly takes a pair of scissors, and cut slightly an ornement of her Ceremonial Hoe. Rika is really surprised of this change, and this might be the consequence of her wish. Rika tries to leave, but the women ask her to stay
The gang are on a stand, but Keiichi isn't able to keep the pace with the rest, and can't stand much the spicy food. However, keiichi get a power up and is ready for the rest : Ice => Coton Candy => ... => ...
It is night, and unfortunately for Keiichi, he is completely defeated (stomach full huh?). Mion and Shion will inflct the Batsu Game to Keiichi, but he spots something afar. Mion doesn't buy it, but Keiichi insists : he points to Rika, who is still accompagned by the women. Rena is in her Omochikaeri mode, while Mion calls Rika, but it makes her sad. Satoko notices it.
Rika's Ceremony. Everyone are really impressed by her performance. Once done, Rika runs quickly, and tries to flee. While running, she desperately try to find a "place". Rika bumps on Tomitake who is kinda surprised to find her there. Rika then grabs his arm and yell at him (surely something that Tomitake was supposed to hide). Rika then releases him and warns him that takano and he will be killed. Tomitake is speechless then laughs, but Rika raises her voice, and insist she is serious. Tomitake then understands and since it is rika-chama who says this, it should be the true. (since he is using the "chama", it is obvious he doesn't believe her) Rika is completely desesperate and try to hold her sadness. Tomitake greets her a good night and leaves.
Rika collapses, and says that "after all, it is useless", and cries. However, Satoko is around and was hiding behind a tree...
A very few moments later, Tomitake struggles and scratches his throat. His screams pretty much indicate he dies...
Next day, Keiichi is completely shocked what happened, while mion tries to calm him. However, Rena says that everyone knows the case already, and various gossip are flying in the class...
Chie-sensei calls Rika, she has a visitor. It is Ooishi who wants to interrogate her about Tomitake and Takano.
Satoko still follow Rika, and knows that Rika lied to Ooishi. Then she realizes that every "black rika" scene she saw before were really the reality.
Back at home, Rika is cleaning the dishes, but spaces out, and the water still flowing. Satoko stops it, and confronts her. Satoko cries, talking about her brother, and insists that Rika must believe in her precious friends. Rika confirms they are her precious friends, then satoko asks her why she lied and still do so. Rika still say she doesn't, but that makes satoko crying further. then Rika, in her thoughts, ask satoko for forgiveness but she still can involve anyone in this. Suddenly, both of them hear a footstep. Satoko believe there was someone, but Rika things it is a cat. A man is hiding himself behind a tree...


It is morning. Satoko and Rika are going to school, but the atmosphere is pretty gloomy, and Satoko believes that someone is stalking them. Indeed, a Man is staring at them, while hidding himself. At school, Satoko senses a presence outside, but is cut short by Chie-Sensei. After school, Mion apologizes and must go to her part job, Shion accompagnes her. Keiichi is okay, and will go back home with Rena. Satoko is looking left and righ, trying to spot the "presence". Rika asks if there is a problem, but satoko assures there isn't. They are almost arrived, and Rika asks once again if there is a problem. She then says satoko is her precious friend and if she has a problem, she can tell to her, which comfort a lot satoko.
Satoko thinks there is a strange man following them. Satoko isn't sure if it is a man, but she says there is something following them. Rika tells her that she didn't sense anything and Satoko was imagining things, then plays with satoko's mouth, she does the same on herself, which relaxe the mood.
Satoko and Rika are buying some stuff. Satoko suddenly sees the man stalking them, who withdraw from her line of sight. Satoko panics and asks if Rika also sees that strange shadow, but Rika was checking the list, and tells her to not worry about this.
It is night. Rika is alone in her "black rika mode",She drops her glass of wine and says she will die again, and everyone will, She gives up and says she is tired. Nothing can be done. Satoko is back from the bath, but rika is already sleeping. She then remembers of the 3 times she saw that man, and is sure it wasn't her imagination.
At school, Satoko talks again with Keiichi, Rena and Mion about someone following Rika. Everyone understand and will be careful.
Mion and Rena talks about satoko and are worried. They didn't believe her, but Satoko was evesdropping them.
Back at home, Satoko lies in her bed,. she knows that nobody believes her, but she says it is the truth. Then, she wonders who is this man, and what is his objective. Her? or .. Rika? Suddenly, Rika enters, and Satoko feigns sleeping. Then "Black Rika" says she is scared. Satoko understand she effectively heard Rika acting like this, then remembers what she said to Tomitake at the night of the festival. But, Rika didn't tell this fact to the police, she is wondering why. Then, Rika cries, Satoko swears she will protect Rika
It is morning, and Satoko has a rope, attaches it around the house. Rika leaves the house and was wondering where satoko was, and they are in hurry. Satoko apologizes and says she was doing something to prevent the cat lurking around. She then closes the door, while putting a Leaf inbetween. Satoko then suggest another path to go school, as a shortcut. While running, Satoko then remembers she forgot something at home, and asks Rika to go ahead without her. Rika then thinks that she cannot do anything.
At the Irie's institute, some police vehicles are stationned around. Kumatani (Ooishi's Partner) is there, and makes his report to Ooishi. Irie Kyousuke was found dead. Kumatani says that Irie has most likely suicide, which surprises Ooishi, believing it isn't really his style.
Satoko heard this, and can't believe at this. Kumatani notices her, and orders her to leave. However, Satoko says she had a promise with Irie, and then is completely stunned about that he could suicide. Kumatani was wondering what kind of promise, then satoko says she could say anything to him, and was referring that someone was stalking Rika. no one believes her, but she knows it is the truth, so she came to see Irie. Kumatani understand and will send some help for them, this reassures satoko. They leave apart.
Kumatani is in his car, and sees a weird Man doing something fishy around. he stops the car, lowering the glass, asking what he is doing there, but Kumatani then bears a fearsome expression. The man has a gun, and shoots at him. Then several men, with the same clothes come. There is no doubt Kumatani is dead.
At night, Satoko is awake at midnight, and was wondering when Rika will wake up as usual. Then suddenly, she hears the "alarm" she set this morning. A man stomped on the rope, and tries to carefully withdraw.The pace of this episode, and by this extent this chapter, is really neat. The events were really not expected (at least to me, especially PART B).
The stress and urgency were really persistent, and the fact that it isn't following the usual "scenario" of higurashi is really a huge plus.

Definitely waiting for the episode 5, which will be probably the end of Yakusamashi-hen. (the preview is really self explanatory)

[Shiosai]

Interesting episode. The pacing of this arc is so much different than the other animated arcs. I can't tell whether this is a question arc or an answer arc but I'm assuming the former...

So Satoko has been spying on Rika while Rika sort of prophesies events to people in danger? Was it already too late for Rika to help Tomitake, or is Rika alone just not capable of it?

[Klashikari]

Interesting episode. The pacing of this arc is so much different than the other animated arcs. I can't tell whether this is a question arc or an answer arc but I'm assuming the former...
So Satoko has been spying on Rika while Rika sort of prophesies events to people in danger? Was it already too late for Rika to help Tomitake, or is Rika alone just not capable of it?
I believe this chapter is kinda "both". Considering some events and the preview, this will answer Tatarigoroshi.
Satoko was most likely spying on Rika about her weird and depressive behaviour. The fact she evesdropped the discussion between rika and tomitake is rather pure luck i believe.
There is no hint if things would go differently if Rika told to Tomitake before this day. It is probably because she was so pessimistic that she didn't think that would do anything. Nevertherless, she tried to warn Tommy, but nothing as you can see.

there are not enough information to determine if Rika could handle everything alone with other factors


The raw is now available.

[Shiosai]

I see! Or rather I don't see which I suppose is the point :D

The raw is now available.
Someone needs to get working on a gif of Shion from the first scene. You know what I'm talking about

[Klashikari]

*very tired* geh... 2:45AM...

Well, this time, i've done the opposite: flood of pictures, the text will follow later :heh:

Episode 4 : Summary, Screencaps and thoughts (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/07/27/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kai-episode-4-yakusamashi-hen-3-yoteichouwa/)

The summary and thoughts will follow very soon !

EDIT: the summary is finally up!

[Rias]

I guess it's alright that since this arc was mainly to put back some of the missed plot lines, that this epsiode is a roller coaster ride.
Unless Satoko has stopped her medication, this arc would be the first that no one goes paranoid...

Poor Kuma-chan...seems that the great disaster flag has been triggered. Perhaps Satoko would be the one to survive this time?

It's really too bad that the club memebers didn't pay more attention to Satoko. Although it is understandable in their positions, Satoko should really have just gone to Shion for help. Shion wouldn't be someone to take Satoko's words lightly, since she did promise to help Satoko.

Is it just me, or is that Yamainu guy that Satoko saw while they were going to school looks like Taniguchi from Haruhi?

[Shion's Sanity]

I have a gif idea from this episode, from what little of the RAW I watched, but I am no good at those things.

My theory about Rika and why she was running turned out to be right.

I knew she was running to try and warn Tomitake. I'm saddened that he both did not have a bigger part from what I've seen and that he did not seem to believe her. Or did he?O_O No one listens to poor Rika!;-; When you think about it, Tomitake is a lot like her. He has yet to be shown snapping, killing, or acting mean, he always suffers a brutal death, and he never gets to live and have a future.

I wish they would animate the manga/game scene of Tomitake hanging out with Keiichi and co. at the festival. That was such a great scene! And Rena trying to win that bear was hilarious!XD

[harukamae]

Oh man, the episodes get better and better. I have high hopes for the last two arcs as well!

Poor Satoko. Even though we all know what's coming and things aren't so in the dark as they were for the first four arcs, that "mystery man" definately adds some nice tension!

And I like the fact that they're actually SHOWING Rika's efforts to change things this season and shed some light on why, by herself, Rika cannot change the future.

Can't wait for next week. I'll just have to immerse myself in Potter and the Life drama til then! ^^

[Deathkillz]

gah satoko really is going to become insane if the stress carries on building up O.O
rika has really gone into deep despair this arc...*sigh* i guess even our cheerful princess is loosing her spark getting killed over and over :/

the end was WTF as expected from this series ~ its those kidnappers again! @_@

[MarthX]

The preview for episode 5 is full of spoilers.

[Chewy]

I think this episode was the first time I've actually laughed out loud watching the Higurashi anime... 笑うといいのです ! にぱ~~

[Sushi-Y]

Very interesting episode. It seems like they are using this as some sort of bridge for Minagoroshi-hen and Matsuribayashi-hen. The portrayal of Rika's internal monologues is excellently done.

For now, it looks like Satoko is the only one operating with a right set of mind (reaching Matsuribayashi-hen level). Unfortunately, nobody is paying attention to her. But this is a great hint at what will be happening in the future.

A lot of people died in this episode... Tomi, Iri, and Kuma-chan...
With Tomi dead, things will only go downhill from here. We'll probably see the end of Yakusamashi-hen by next week (the preview looks like it too).

So in the end, Irie only got to drop from the sky, go into Maid in Heaven mode, then die :heh:
As far as an anime original go, I think they did a pretty good job with Yakusamashi-hen, using it to portray and hint at what will be coming in the future. For us gamers, it's a nice way to build up our anticipation since we know what will be coming next.

Keiichi has been pretty clueless in Yakusamashi-hen, but that'll change...

[Klashikari]

Keiichi has been pretty clueless in Yakusamashi-hen, but that'll change...
something like "俺が前原圭一だ!!!" ? :heh:
Hope we will see enough K moments later on (but considering how keiichi was in Yakusamashi, DEEN won't screw his shiny moment ^__^ )

there is something weird though : i'm concerned is Rika's mindset which is... huh well...not brillant.

[Exilon]

I'm a fan of the series and had been reading the forums alot, and I just couldn't hold myself from registering and posting anymore. ^_^; So, hi, everyone!

This episode ended up to prove better than I was expecting. Poor Satoko!

I thought that the plot would take a different direction (Satoko going mad and being the "villain"), but by the looks of it, though it seems that she'll still go mad, it doesn't seem like she's going to kill anyone (well, at least not anyone from the "main cast"), but rather get desperate and depressed over Rika's (and probably everyone else's) atitude.
I think this episode revealed some new information (that we hadn't seen before in the other arcs (supposedly these are the "covered holes"?)), like Kumatani's death (I'm guessing he also dies like this in some other arcs, like tatarigoroshi-hen).
Apart from that, I noticed some little things I'd like to clear: when Satoko tells everyone she's being stalked, Shion isn't present. I'm pretty much sure that, having sworn she'd protect Satoko, Shion would believe her, and thus help them. (though I'm not really sure wether that would change anything.)The question is, where's Shion? At the part-time job?
I also noticed that there's no mention to whether if Keichi believed Satoko or not. Looking at the way he is, I doubt he didn't, though he didn't believe it the first time Satoko told them about her worries. (Speaking of which, Shion didn't believe her either then).
And finnaly, I'm curious as to what that padlock was. It was in a door to a building, but just what building is that? Some sort of broadcasting station?... Or maybe, a place to hide some "secret" files or documents?... I'm not really sure...
I'm looking forward to the next episode, which seems to be the conclusion of this arc. Let's see what destiny awaits Satoko, Rika and the gang. (Though I'm certain of what it is...)

Overall, this episode was great. Though the comic moments were still present, one could feel the tension rising and the stress and almost desperation rising at alarming speed. Here's my theory of what'll happen next (I didn't watch the preview so I don't know):

I think Satoko will go "mad mode" trying to protect Rika. One of the two, she'll run in the middle of the night to ask for help to the other characters, or she'll simply stay put (according to her personality, I'd find it surprising she hasn't put up other traps around the house. Dangerous ones, at that.) and face that man. I still have some questions in my head (does Rika always get watanagashi'ed in the same place?) but everything is pretty much cleared up. I'm betting she probably won't ask anyone for help, because she knows they don't believe her, but, at the same time, I believe she will because they'll have no choice but to believe someone is after her (or Rika?) after all. I'm not sure about anything, but, whatever the plan, I'm with you, Satoko, because you're the only character that has actually been thinking logically and strategically about these tragic events. By the way, I think stalker is after Rika, but why, I can only guess. I'm assuming he has been sent by someone that wants to see Rika dead? But, will we finnaly see her death?

Oh, I just can't wait! ^_^ The dark episodes have arrived!

~Exilon

[Davidj]

And finnaly, I'm curious as to what that padlock was. It was in a door to a building, but just what building is that? Some sort of broadcasting station?... Or maybe, a place to hide some "secret" files or documents?... I'm not really sure...


Although I haven't seen it I assume it's the Furude storehouse containing their "ceremonial objects" (torture tools). Bear in mind that Rika is going to be killed with them so they do have to be stolen.

[Klashikari]

err... watch the episode, he isn't talking about the padlock of the storage.
but another padlock on a broadcast building next to irie institute. rather something not expected by the gamers/spoiled persons.


I thought that the plot would take a different direction (Satoko going mad and being the "villain"), but by the looks of it, though it seems that she'll still go mad, it doesn't seem like she's going to kill anyone (well, at least not anyone from the "main cast"), but rather get desperate and depressed over Rika's (and probably everyone else's) atitude.
I think this episode revealed some new information (that we hadn't seen before in the other arcs (supposedly these are the "covered holes"?)), like Kumatani's death (I'm guessing he also dies like this in some other arcs, like tatarigoroshi-hen).
Apart from that, I noticed some little things I'd like to clear: when Satoko tells everyone she's being stalked, Shion isn't present. I'm pretty much sure that, having sworn she'd protect Satoko, Shion would believe her, and thus help them. (though I'm not really sure wether that would change anything.)The question is, where's Shion? At the part-time job?
I also noticed that there's no mention to whether if Keichi believed Satoko or not. Looking at the way he is, I doubt he didn't, though he didn't believe it the first time Satoko told them about her worries. (Speaking of which, Shion didn't believe her either then).
And finnaly, I'm curious as to what that padlock was. It was in a door to a building, but just what building is that? Some sort of broadcasting station?... Or maybe, a place to hide some "secret" files or documents?... I'm not really sure...
I'm looking forward to the next episode, which seems to be the conclusion of this arc. Let's see what destiny awaits Satoko, Rika and the gang. (Though I'm certain of what it is...)

Satoko is really far from having killing spree. her paranoia isn't even one, considering everything is rather solid true.
There is absolutely no hint of Shion whereabouts, and this is rather weird indeed. OTOH, the fact shion didn't really believe satoko before was most likely because the case was much more weird and hard to believe (while drowsy, you can mistake various things), while she said that someone stalk them, during bright day time.

Keiichi definitely believed Satoko, that's for sure. But considering his path and habits, it will be hard for him to notice the stalker.

as for the padlock, it is extremely fishy, and is most likely related to why they killed Irie

I think Satoko will go "mad mode" trying to protect Rika. One of the two, she'll run in the middle of the night to ask for help to the other characters, or she'll simply stay put (according to her personality, I'd find it surprising she hasn't put up other traps around the house. Dangerous ones, at that.) and face that man. I still have some questions in my head (does Rika always get watanagashi'ed in the same place?) but everything is pretty much cleared up. I'm betting she probably won't ask anyone for help, because she knows they don't believe her, but, at the same time, I believe she will because they'll have no choice but to believe someone is after her (or Rika?) after all. I'm not sure about anything, but, whatever the plan, I'm with you, Satoko, because you're the only character that has actually been thinking logically and strategically about these tragic events. By the way, I think stalker is after Rika, but why, I can only guess. I'm assuming he has been sent by someone that wants to see Rika dead? But, will we finnaly see her death?

As we can see, Satoko will have to bear the duty to protect Rika alone. However, it appears Rika decided to give up and ask Satoko to survive.

This is where i believe it is another answer for Tatagoroshi, since it shows that Satoko was hiding herself under the bridge. Most likely, she will see Rika's corpse in front of the Shrine, and then, the SDF soldiers, who are dispatched to evacuate the corpse.

[Exilon]

Although I haven't seen it I assume it's the Furude storehouse containing their "ceremonial objects" (torture tools). Bear in mind that Rika is going to be killed with them so they do have to be stolen.

Which brings me yet another question...

why does Rika have to be watanagashi'ed by those objects? Why not just kill her? That's one of the real mysteries I still haven't figured out, although I believe I have a very small clue.

[Klashikari]

Which brings me yet another question...

why does Rika have to be watanagashi'ed by those objects? Why not just kill her? That's one of the real mysteries I still haven't figured out, although I believe I have a very small clue.


basically, the "culprit(s)" know that the Watanagashi has a backstory as a punishment and "sacred ceremony" for Oyashiro-sama. Thus, killing in this manner will create a lot of ruckus, and will be harder to track, since the villagers will be in a disarray, not to mention it will join the 5 others incident of the watanagashi.

[Sushi-Y]

err... watch the episode, he isn't talking about the padlock of the storage.
but another padlock on a broadcast building next to irie institute. rather something not expected by the gamers/spoiled persons.
Actually, I know exactly what he's doing. You'll know what it's about in Minagoroshi-hen.
think back on what happened to Oishi in the end.
Which brings me yet another question...

why does Rika have to be watanagashi'ed by those objects? Why not just kill her? That's one of the real mysteries I still haven't figured out, although I believe I have a very small clue.
That'll be answered eventually as well.

[Level E]

So far I'm enjoying Yakusamashi-hen

DEEN is really careful with most details.
I like how the emphasis the calendar (to Rika this is her death counter), how Hanyuu is portrayed, and all the little tidbits from the various chapters.

I really like how Satoko stand out, especially her traps. It'll make the future episodes better.

But, my counter is broken. Tommy died. Okay cool, but instead of being 1/2 done with Yakusamashi-hen, they're jumping right to Iri's death! Shame on you DEEN, you've broken tradition! :heh:

Satoko is really portraying X really well, Rika is portraying Y very well, and Z is implied here and there. Initially I thought this original arc will tie back to the first episode this season, but I don't see Rena going crazy-go-nuts anytime soon for that to happen - especially now that Miyocchi is "dead."

The thing that's driving me crazy is, will Satoko loose it or not? I hope they don't steel the thunder from the next arc (already some things from that arc leaked into this one), but yea... The "end" is imminent, and I don't see how Rule Breaker is going to fit in.


Although both Nii-Nii (part 2) and Nee-Nee haven't done active parts yet, so... maybe, they'll bring it in for the closure to break and bring hope. The "new wind" has to spark hope back into Rika. Otherwise, Minagoroshi-hen going to start really weird...

Maybe, They'll convince Rena to hide Rika in the van?　I'm really lost what miracle will fuel Rika's spirit later at this point.



もしかして猫殺し編の「間違い」の場所に行くのかな？
山狗の誰かさんを見かけて、追いかけて、バン！ジ・エンド
あの「臭い」だけでもかなりのヒントになるけどなぁ

[Exilon]

Although both Nii-Nii (part 2) and Nee-Nee haven't done active parts yet, so... maybe, they'll bring it in for the closure to break and bring hope. The "new wind" has to spark hope back into Rika. Otherwise, Minagoroshi-hen going to start really weird...

Maybe, They'll convince Rena to hide Rika in the van?　I'm really lost what miracle will fuel Rika's spirit later at this point.


In my opinion, what'll "fuel" Rika's hope and determiantion is Satoko's determination on protecting her. Seeing her try so hard to avoid the unavoidable destiny will probably light up a fire inside of her. We'll just have to wait and see...

[Level E]

In my opinion, what'll "fuel" Rika's hope and determiantion is Satoko's determination on protecting her. Seeing her try so hard to avoid the unavoidable destiny will probably light up a fire inside of her. We'll just have to wait and see...


Oh, I don't doubt Satoko's determination is going to be a part. But the "new wind" refers to a specific character in the series. If Satoko is the one who fuels Rika with hope that may make Minagoroshi-hen start off a bit awkward (and will lessen the "new wind's" importance a little in the puzzle) - although it may make the latter parts of Minagoroshi-hen a bit more exciting.

I'm kinda up in the air about that, but as a game player, I just hope the least amount of changes to the latter chapters. I guess I'm just stubborn with the importance of the Rule Breaker.

[JokerD]

Oh, I don't doubt Satoko's determination is going to be a part. But the "new wind" refers to a specific character in the series. If Satoko is the one who fuels Rika with hope that may make Minagoroshi-hen start off a bit awkward (and will lessen the "new wind's" importance a little in the puzzle) - although it may make the latter parts of Minagoroshi-hen a bit more exciting.

I'm kinda up in the air about that, but as a game player, I just hope the least amount of changes to the latter chapters. I guess I'm just stubborn with the importance of the Rule Breaker.


Well Satoko's determination doesn't meant that Mr 'New Wind' is not gonna play a role. So far we know that Mion and Rena thinks that Satoko is paranoid, so I'm thinking the Kei will be the hero here and save Satoko (for a while at least) This leading Rika to relearn that fate and the 3 rules can be overcome.
But, man, I was hopping for a rather calm arc here, looks like the sh*t's about to hit the fan. Next week or two should be exciting.

BTW anyone know how any episodes this will be. If this arc ends in 2 weeks, making it ep 6. A 13 episode season would mean that 7 episodes left for the last 2 arcs which IMO is too short for the conclusions. While a 26 episode season would mean a staggering 10 episodes for the 2 arcs.

[alphastickmania]

Actually, there is 24 episodes this time. The first season had 26. I wonder if the information I found was correct.

So we are going into the guessing of what is going to happen again? I feel that if this arc ends without someone dying in a violent manner, I probably end up real bored and fed up at the same time.

[MrZombie]

There's at least one person that's getting a violent death for sure, besides this has been the most I've enjoyed an anime series in a long time. This anime exclusive arc has been excellent so far and I don't think they'll disappoint us.

Poor Satoko though, she seams to be in the early stages of losing it.

[Zero Shinohara]

Phew... Okay, that was a very hard episode to go through because of all the suspense and the multiple possible "Oh-snap" moments. But it was a good episode nonetheless - we see that even if Rika just can't take it anymore, she is still trying to get that last bit of determination to try and change her future.
Unfortunately it fails and Tomitake dies like always.


But personally, I just couldn't tell where where this arc was headed to until the last bits of the episode - I thought Rika would be suspicious of Satoko when Ooishi showed up, and I also thought Satoko would lose faith in her friends and snap like the other characters did in previous arcs. Thankfully, none of that happened, which makes things even more complicated.

But I have to say that... DAMN, I wish the anime would stop making me feel like crap :heh: Seriously, Satoko asks for Kuma-chan's help and then bang, before he can help her out, he gets killed by the 4chan party van. That got me really shaken, because now there's one more reason why Satoko might completely lose faith in everyone.

And YAY for Shion fanservice - She needs more attention! And more Rika + Satoko fun moments are requested as well. A Gif of Rika-chan forcing herself to put up a gigantic smile is 100% required. Cookies for whoever does it!


Okay, so things start getting serious from this point on. There were very few moments in which Rika was shown - which gives me a bad feeling. Satoko was doing fairly bad as well, being pushed around by Ooishi and having to witness a lot of horrible things.

But I'm definitely looking forward to next week's episode. Ganbatte, Rika-chan, Satoko-chan!

[FlareKnight]

Oh boy another week which I feel terrible for Rika and Satoko. We're seeing even more clearly the despair and sorrow Rika is living with. I'm really worried with her reaching the point that she doesn't want to do anything. We could probably get some insight on Satoko if she was a bit more hopeful, or maybe just dealing with such a heavy burden she doesn't really think about Satoko's fears. Really sad to see her falling down and crying after failing to stop Tomitake.

Satoko is in a tough spot as well right now. Unlike Rika she doesn't have much information and is only working with bits and pieces. Talk by Rika about how she will die, telling Tomitake that he'd die which he did. I wasn't sure if the stalker was her just losing it like Keiichi or something more sinister. But of course with Kuma getting killed like that something is going on. Just who the heck are those guys anyways? They've shown up a few times and I just can't figure out their agenda. Killing someone just because they drove up?

For some reason next week is making me think about something. If anyone remembers those Home Alone movies. Started thinking that this could be what would've gone down if the crooks weren't morons or it wasn't supposed to be a funny movie. Satoko is one trap master so if she wanted to get deadly it would be possible. Something needs to happen since right now it's not looking good for Satoko and Rika now and with her current despair Rika can't have much success in the future.

[ferthepoet]

I think the stalker is real because Satoko has been taking injections and because this episode is from Rika's point of view not Satoko's

[Shion's Sanity]

There's at least one person that's getting a violent death for sure

Oh, how easily poor Tomitake is forgotten.;-;

[Exilon]

Satoko is one trap master so if she wanted to get deadly it would be possible.

IT is referenced at a point in the story (don't remember where) that Satoko's traps are almost deadly and that she could kill people like that if she wanted, especially if she snaps like it seems she will. So, I think it's a given that we'll see some massive trap action in the next episode. Ike Satoko!

About those guys of the van,

I'm guessing they are the organization that's behind some of the strange events in Hinamizawa? Like Tomitake and Takano's death?... I'm totally clueless about their objective though.

I really can't wait for next week - the preview shows some very interesting bits.

I'm pretty sure this'll be the end of yakusamashi-hen. First, I can say I'm almost 100% sure Satoko will snap (not really sure when or why, but I'm guessing that it'll be because of the tragic events that'll unfold) and try to protect Rika at all costs. I'm guessing she'll fail while trying, but some very important information about Rika's death will be revealed (yay! Finnaly!) (Unless that bloody body was someone else's). As for the later scenes, I'm guessing Oishii will try to take information out of Satoko (presumably about Rika's and kumatani's death, because she was the last one to see them). Also, seeing her hospitalized makes me think that she'll be the lone survivor of the "Hinamizawa disatser" this time. That, or she'll see Shion pop out of the bed with a bloody face and some nails and hammer, like Keichii in Watanagashi-hen... (hey, everyone noticed Shion disappeared, right? So, it's always a possibilty!)

[hirahira]

This episode was much better than the previous ones because I actually learned something new. Poor Rika. I wonder what Satoko will do

[dspr8_rugged]

Another win episode, as always. And after this episode, I really like Satoko more now.

[myopius]

Good story... I'm not too tense about how it will wrap up, however. Likely because made this story from the POV of both Satoko and Rika, unlike season 1 where it was almost entirely one person's POV per chapter so I felt sort of taken through that person's experience. I don't feel quite as much dramatic suspense when this storyline is split between two people's issues and features their concern for one another.

I loved the scene where Rika cheered up Satoko. Ah, they're quite awesome.... Also when Rika spoke to Ooishi, that whole exchange was really well-done I think.

[Klashikari]

I'm pretty sure this'll be the end of yakusamashi-hen. First, I can say I'm almost 100% sure Satoko will snap (not really sure when or why, but I'm guessing that it'll be because of the tragic events that'll unfold) and try to protect Rika at all costs. I'm guessing she'll fail while trying, but some very important information about Rika's death will be revealed (yay! Finnaly!) (Unless that bloody body was someone else's). As for the later scenes, I'm guessing Oishii will try to take information out of Satoko (presumably about Rika's and kumatani's death, because she was the last one to see them). Also, seeing her hospitalized makes me think that she'll be the lone survivor of the "Hinamizawa disatser" this time. That, or she'll see Shion pop out of the bed with a bloody face and some nails and hammer, like Keichii in Watanagashi-hen... (hey, everyone noticed Shion disappeared, right? So, it's always a possibilty!)

Considering how was Satoko during her struggle, she won't snap until she will see the horror already set.
Also, since Minagoroshi will answer most questions, chances that they will show how Rika is killed are near to none. as i can see with the preview, looks like Rika is already dead when Satoko arrives.

as for Shion, it doesn't look like her absence is so critical. sure it would help satoko, but the result won't really change, it appears

well then, a rather hardcore episode, and so is the analysis. not too sure this time, considering the sheer amount of hints and various "bordeline" spoilers. nevertherless, nothing foretelling, rest assured.
Episode 4 : Analysis (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kai-episode-4-analysis-thoughts-and-random-comments/)

nothing really peculiar, and no random things this time...

[kitedragon]

I've always thought that this would happen to somebody for some reason, but to my lack of surprise, it actually happens.
The mysterious guys that have been doing almost nothing serious (except maybe in Himatsubushi-hen) finally show up and kill "people" with firearms. Except the method of Rika's Watanagashi (according to Oishi) made me doubt that these shady individuals were responsible for any of the actual killings.
Poor Kuma kuma. And when will we finally learn about what happened to Irie?

I loved the Rika smile. It hit harder than ni-pah and desu~ combined.

Oh yeah, was this the first time that Rika didn't meet up with the crew at the beginning of the festival?

[Sinestra]

Using spoiler tag since the subs only just came out.We all can sense it things are going to get rather serious from now on. What I enjoyed was that Rika said that nothing had changed the same outfit the same accessories. Till one of the woman said they needed to fix the strings. Suddenly she realizes that past times the strings were not fixed.

To me it looked like she got a ray of hope something which she has had given up on. I would suspect that is why she rushed to the forest so quickly to see if Tomitake and Takano had already entered the shrine. Unfortunately they already had which only reaffirms to her that nothing will change IT can not be stopped. I was a little sad when she said "Im too tired, If i cant do anything then i dont want to do anything" I think her death will be as hard on me as it was the first time.

Satoko is quite the little trap maker but i would have done exactly the same thing. I did not expect for Satoko to start losing it this early on. She is sure they are being followed but i think its the injections. Either way someone is going to meet with a very painful death soon.

Our good gray clothed guys return but WTF this time they are carrying silencers that was kind weird and through me for a loop but they too also serve a purpose i just have no freakin clue what.

I highly doubt we are going to see anymore fun times with the gang like the first 2 episodes. Iv already put my mind in bad shit is going to happen to everyone mode, doing this saved me going nuts in the first arc. In Higurashi never EVER get your hopes u

[MonkeyDude]

Without the heavy spoilers of the next episode, doesn't it look like Rika is the victim of Rule X, right now anyway? Maybe Satoko next episode...

Dunno if this is considered spoiler but...
isn't Rika being all paranoid about her friends suffering a horrible fate preventing her from asking for their help, which falls in line with the dogma of rule X?


Since the supposed rules were explained in Minagoroshi-hen and I believe Rika was oblivious to them before that time, isn't it possible that she fell victim to the own rules she figured out later on?

With the final episode (or should be the final episode) of Yakusamashi-hen airing next week, I wonder how they will do Minagoroshi-hen? Mixed feelings on Rika's monologue in the game...will be awesome to see...but kind of boring all animated I guess...

And I wonder how they will get away with killing a police officer/investigator...I mean they do have perks, but thats going a bit too far o-O

[Shion's Sanity]

In regards to the gray guys...isn't this thread getting a little spoilerish? I mean, I'm getting the feeling that the things people are saying about them aren't supposed to be known for a good while yet...

[Aisling]

Fantastic episode, as usual. Things are finally starting to get creepy again and it was interesting to see a scene with Tomitake that WASN'T the usual "Tomitake says Hi, explains he's a photographer, etc." we usually see.

The preview for the next episode looks like it has a pretty not-good-condition Satoko in it...complete with Ooishi badgering her while she's in hospital bed. I'm excited to see this since I always thought it was a lot of powerful scenes in the TIPS. Poor Satoko.

Nice to see the return of the Men In Grey, too.

[Skyfall]

Another episode that reminds me why i love Higurashi so much. The mood is absorbing and eerie, mystery is high as usual and you can feel Satoko's fear and Rika's depression. Humor in the beginning is very nice as well - i love the "club activities" :heh: (*cough* Yay for bouncy Shion *cough*).

People seem to be dropping really fast ... i have to wonder what type of resolution are we going to get next week. (At least i assume it will be the resolution ... and no - i don't watch previews). I wonder how those mysterious men tie in to all of this, seeing it has been a good while since their last appearance. Over i felt this episode to be perfectly done, and Higurashi definitely remains as one of my favorite animes. Eagerly looking towards the next episode.

[Akabane_Kun]

Wow what a really nice epi it makes us think even harder about the usual higurashi questions"who is the killer that is making this no end cycle" ,and even confuse ppl like me that had a high suspition about another individual being the killer and making us center our suspitions on the "4chan van ppl:D".
Its sad to see rika giving up on everything even on herself,do to probably all the failed attempts to save herself and the others, and really nice to see satoko doing something to protect others not being protect by others :D.

[Shion's Sanity]

I still haven't seen it with subtitles, since no one seems to be release avi formats anymore.@_@

[FlareKnight]

Hmm. Well for me it wasn't running all so smoothly on VLC player. Though media player classic allowed the episode to run smoothly for me without issues. Maybe you should try a different player for the episodes?

Anyways while these things always seem to end badly. I'm just hoping they can do something to at least not make it such a tragic defeat. If Rika and Satoko are just killed it won't change Rika's outlook and she's going to be stuck like that which won't help anything. So just hope those two can bring down the pain on whoever is coming near the house.

[Miko Miko]

I still haven't seen it with subtitles, since no one seems to be release avi formats anymore.@_@

you can watch at Crunchyroll.com although the quality isn't that great it has subs.

Anyways i watched the episode and Feel bad for Satoko and Rika :(

[MarthX]

You shouldn't have problems with mkv if you use the CCCP pack and watch the videos in Media Player Classic.

Yakusamashi definitely ends on the next episode; That leaves 19 episodes for Minagoroshi and Matsuribayashi. People just watching Higurashi for the craziness and violence will probably be disappointed with the slower pace.

[Aisling]

Whoever scripted and/or directed this episode did a really good job, especially on the Rika and Tomitake scene...they made the whole scene even more tense and desperate feeling through the speed of certain actions...like Tomitake's super-fast nervous head rubbing. Very nicely done.

[Shion's Sanity]

I just wish he had listened to her. He must have known it was possible for him to die that night of all nights.@_@

[Katsu Koneko]

This was an awesome episode, it was really intense with Satoko and Rika. :O the MIG are back and I was really surprised when one of them pulled the trigger on Kuma, he didn't have a chance. ;o;

I wonder what would have happened if Tomitake listen to Rika..*shrugs*

I really loved how Satoko cheered Rika up. So cuute~ ^^

With the whole stalker thing, I thought Satoko was going to be the one to crack in this arc. :o

Man I can't wait till episode 5~ The preview makes it sooo exciting and intense!

[Shion's Sanity]

Rika really didn't say much though. All she really said was, "Oh, by the way, you're going to die". She didn't tell him how to avoid his death, because she does not even know the details behind it. She should have tailed him. Not like she wasn't going to die anyway.O_O

[Exilon]

Following him could be a solution, but remember: she can't leave the festival... which means, the only one that could supposedly find the truth about tomitake's death is unable to do so. If she could have followed him, I think she would have already done it. Remember that even Rika doesn't know all the details about the chain of events: she simply knows more than the other characters, but not enough to make a solid story that everyone will believe.

[JokerD]

There's some talk of Satoko being the one to crack this time, but personally I don't think so. There should be more than the injections Satoko takes than just vitamins...

Could be the psycho prevention drug that Rika keeps trying to give people in the previous arcs.

[MrZombie]

It seems she's already started to though. There is no reason why the perpetrator would need to have Rika watched.

[Shion's Sanity]

Rika had already left the festival to chase after him. Besides, you never know if you don't keep taking chances.

I think the guy following her is Akasaka. True, he is a LOT less creepy than the guy, but there is a rough resemblance, and it would certainly be a twist. Maybe he remembered what she told him and returned to try and prevent her death?

[Klashikari]

1) Not really. it has been seen numerous times on other arcs she doesn't have the possibility. furthmore, people thinking she was going to the toilet is self explanatory for the time she can spend just after the ceremony. this is much more obvious in Onikakushi and Watanagashi

2) This is clearly not possible, especially with Himatsubushi and Reunion that Akasaka doesn't go back in this chapter most likely.

[Shion's Sanity]

We're never clearly shown she can't leave the festival. If she was able to for that long, there was nothing to prevent her from doing so longer. It's not like she had anything else to fear.

There's no proof it's not possible. All the previous chapters are "connected". but they are not the same. Reunion was not part of this arc, so much as an intro to the second season and a continuation/epilogue of the second answer arc. Himastsubushi is also just connected. Just because he never tried to help in that Hinamizawa, doesn't mean it will always be that way. He could very well make an effort to help her in the current one.

[FlareKnight]

I do think Rika should take a chance on tailing Tomitake. Really with the amount of deaths she's had why not? Who cares if you get in trouble for leaving, what are they going to do? Kill you? Doubt that scares her much since she feels she'll be killed anyways. Be useful to get the truth and make use of it in the future. Though if this is your one chance at breaking this I can understand not wanting to take the risk.

Do feel bad for Rika's despair after she fails to stop him though. Really just gives up at that point and feels she can't change what's about to go down. Satoko is one interesting person this time around. Did feel she had the most potential for a crazy killing spree. Certainly hearing that Rika is going to be killed and then not having her confirm it later would be a concern to her. Plus not having people believe her fears could foster a me against the world kind've thing.

Though right now it seems she'll do everything in her power (which of course is limited) to save Rika from the threat that's coming. Have to work under the assumption that Satoko is right about the stalker. I mean someone killed that cop, this wasn't in Satoko's viewpoint.

[Shion's Sanity]

We are showed who killed the cop though. No proof that it was the stalker. If the stalker was busy following Satoko and Rika, he hardly would have had the time to go and try to break into some place and kill a passerby who caught him.

[Klashikari]

We're never clearly shown she can't leave the festival. If she was able to for that long, there was nothing to prevent her from doing so longer. It's not like she had anything else to fear.
to be more accurate, the time she spent with tomitake was rather short. however, there was no indication when he died. therefor, there isn't any guarantee she would have the time either, and she was struck again in her hopelessness.

There's no proof it's not possible. All the previous chapters are "connected". but they are not the same. Reunion was not part of this arc, so much as an intro to the second season and a continuation/epilogue of the second answer arc. Himastsubushi is also just connected. Just because he never tried to help in that Hinamizawa, doesn't mean it will always be that way. He could very well make an effort to help her in the current one.It is true there isn't anything which prevent him to come back, (actually, that might be like Teppei : depends on the situaiton). however, what i meant with Reunion and Himatsubushi is rather his "faction" : chances that he "switch" his side is near to none.
also, as a comparaison :

Clear picture of the stalker :
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/th_HigurashiKAIepi04079.jpg (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/HigurashiKAIepi04079.jpg)

Akasaka : Old and from himatsubushi
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/th_HigurashiKAIepi0102.jpg (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/HigurashiKAIepi0102.jpg)http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/th_HigurashiKAIepi0154.jpg (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb271/klashikari/HigurashiKAIepi0154.jpg)

the ressemblance is not really existant.



We are showed who killed the cop though. No proof that it was the stalker. If the stalker was busy following Satoko and Rika, he hardly would have had the time to go and try to break into some place and kill a passerby who caught him.
The culprit of Kumatani's incident isn't alone, as shown shortly after his deed.

[Shion's Sanity]

Akasaka could have always gotten a tan! Besides that, I do see a bit of a resemblance between them.

I know he wasn't alone, but it was still just that one guy who actually did it.

And given the usual rough estimate of Tomitake's death, it would seem he died soon after talking to Rika. Because she had just finished her dance, and the festival was about over. is another reason. In the first arc, it was at the end of the festival that Keiichi met with Tomitake and Takano, and according to Oishi, Tomitake was found dead shortly after talking with him.

[Klashikari]

Akasaka could have always gotten a tan! Besides that, I do see a bit of a resemblance between them.
the problem isn't really the Tan, but the face proportion, and the eyes ^^"


And given the usual rough estimate of Tomitake's death, it would seem he died soon after talking to Rika. Because she had just finished her dance, and the festival was about over. is another reason. In the first arc, it was at the end of the festival that Keiichi met with Tomitake and Takano, and according to Oishi, Tomitake was found dead shortly after talking with him.
There is a problem in this : in Onikakushi, Keiichi met with Tomitake and Takano after the cotton drifting. (well the watanagashi).
Also, tomitake was present during Rika's performance. That means they intruded in the storage room either before her performance, or after their meeting with keiichi.

In watanagashi, Tomitake and Takano are lockpicking the storage room during Rika's performance.

in this chapter, They already did when Rika finished her performance.

thus, their intrusion isn't set in stone, so is the problem with the time of their death.
As an example, in Onikakushi, tomitake's corpse was found around midnight, and his estimated time of death is between 9 and 11 PM.

Thus, it is really not possible to determine when they were doing their business, thus Rika's question.

[Exilon]

Yes, with Rika knowing that she has nothing to lose, not risking everything seems like a weird option. On the other hand, she's utterly desperate and doesn't seem to be able to think so clearly.

Other possibilty is that she has already tried to follow him but it didn't work. Remember that Rika has lived through much more Hinamizawas than those we are presented with.

[Shion's Sanity]

I still say they look similiar.

And if Tomitake chooses to attend the festival ceremony where Rika dances, I do not believe he also breaks into the storage shed. I believe he does one or the other. The three times he does this, it's always finished as the ceremony is ending, thus why she bumped into him. Either way, it seems more likely that the time of his death remains the same, given that that's how it seems to be so far.

[Exilon]

If it is Akasaka, why is he stalking Rika? Why did he try to enter her house and then go back? If he is Akasaka, he shouldn't really be afraid of her... then, why does he have that attitude?

It is a good theory (that the stalker is Akasaka), and it makes some sense, and it would also fuel Rika's hope about something major changing. But then his actions don't make any sense at all...

[Shion's Sanity]

If it was Akasake, maybe he's not stalking her, so much as watching over her. He knows that she has predicted her death. If he looked up the village's history, he'd know all of her other predictions came true. Maybe he's waiting for someone to try and harm her to jump out from the shadows and kick some butt!

[Cheezy]

Does season 2 have anything to do with season 1?

This endless chain thing.. I don't quite get it. How can Rika predict everything?

Long time ago i watched season one, and i'm quite a newbie at this :P

[Shion's Sanity]

Yes, they are connected. Season 2 should clear up all the mysteries left behind by Season 1. However, if it has really been that long since you've watched the first season, I'd suggest you watch it again before moving on to Kai. Even the smallest things can be important later.

And as for the question about Rika, better to learn for yourself by watching the series.^^

[MezzoDragon]

This is a creepy episode with a cute Rika/Satoko scene. It is a shame Rika cannot do anything to change her destiny. The preview for the next episode was... a bit lame. Hanyuu's laugh is worst than Satoko's. And that is saying something.

[Cheezy]

Yes, they are connected. Season 2 should clear up all the mysteries left behind by Season 1. However, if it has really been that long since you've watched the first season, I'd suggest you watch it again before moving on to Kai. Even the smallest things can be important later.

And as for the question about Rika, better to learn for yourself by watching the series.^^

Gee, and i didn't even think the different arcs were connected with each other..

Ah well :heh:

[Shion's Sanity]

The little sound Hanyuu makes is kind of cute.^^

[Exilon]

Auauau~~~

Yes, it's "kai!!".

Bah, why watch Rika over the shadows if he can just come in, say "I'm Akasaka, I'll protect Rika!" instead of standing on the shadows? What does he want, surprise the people that want to kill Rika?...

IT doesn't make any sense at all....

[FlareKnight]

Yeah I'm just not sure that it would be Akasaka. If he really came around to help Rika (which always left me wondering why the hell he didn't in other arcs) he would probably let her know about it. He knows first hand how dangerous things can be there so he'd probably at least want to stop by the police station and get that knife proof vest.

[Exilon]

I don't really know why he didn't come in the other arcs (my memory is fialing me) but, either that is explained in Himatsubushi-hen or one of the last two answer arcs. I don't think the question is, "Why doesn't he come?", I think the question is "Why would he come?". I think there are several possibilities, being some: he doesn't want to go back to that "cursed" place ; he works for the police and he's not just a policeman, he is a special agent - one of the best. So he can't really control what he does (he doesn't have a family, therefore, he has nothing to lose, and dedicates his life to his work) or what he's ordered to do.

But, there are some things that point him as being Akasaka as well. For one, it would explain why Rika doesn't feel like being stalked - it's not an evil presence (for her.). But for Satoko, that never met Akasaka, it's a stranger that's after them. Also, if he is indeed Akasaka, that'd make for a fantastic and inteligent twist, besides giving Rika new hope about how things could change.

But I still believe he's just a stalker...

[Echoes]

I don't really believe the stalker to be Akasaka either. He hardly seems to be the kind of guy who'd take that approach, even if he worked undercover and had to deceive people, I don't think he would stalk Rika and Satoko. It seems very out of character, so I'm with the random-nut-stalker hypothesis until we get more information :)

I do believe it's likely that he'd come back at some point or another, though, since he's a nice guy and all, so anything's possible.

[FlashCE]

Was it explained who killed Rika in that episode back in season 1 where her body was cut open? The one where Keiichi survives the disaster, I think.

[Exilon]

You mean tatagoroshi-hen. No, I don't believe there's really any hint about who killed Rika in that episode. She's just found dead by Keichi.

In fact, you don't know who actually killed Rika until Minagoroshi-hen (if I'm not wrong). It's one of the biggest mysteries of the series - Rika's death and what it means.

[Shion's Sanity]

Akasaka approaching the matter of protecting Rika in that matter actually makes a lot of sense. It would be unwise to let people know he's back and trying to protect Rika, since he does not know who the killer(s) are/is. And if the killer is also following Rika, any conversations they have could be overheard. He's a cop-he's got to think of this stuff.

[Klashikari]

That doesn't make sense until the said akasaka can tail rika 100% of the time. (thus access in various places, especially INDOORS.)
Without that factor, tailing someone secretely isn't effective, since there is a lack of reaction and the needed distance between the follower and its target. Any distraction, any moment like this will turn into an opening to any aggressor.
A "secret" bodyguard should at least be in contact with its client/target, which can provide a backup plan, if the target is in crisis. (X rally point if Y situation happen at Z moment, and so forth) Such protection on a whim is so random that it isn't effective at all.
Oh and yes, it is possible to get a bodyguard with enough preparation without being spotted by said enemy.

That said, it isn't even required to do this : as a tokyo investigator, if he was aware of this case, he could dispatch some policemen (just like what Kumatani was going to do), and even some special reinforcements if needed. This isn't really similar to his mission in Himatsubushi.

Either way, making sense or not, it isn't him considering the physical traits, and the way how the man is tailing Rika. (only focusing on the target instead of the surroundings included, which doesn't make sense if it is to protect).

[Shion's Sanity]

I didn't say he was a good protector.>_>; But you should never just push the possibility asside.

[Exilon]

Aksaka is a _very_ competent agent. So, if he was to protect Rika, he'd do a pretty good job. I already said that Akasaka is one of the best agents out there (in the Higurashi universe). So, considering everything, I don't think he doesn't know how to act correctly in these situations...

[Klashikari]

^ yes, it is indeed confirmed in Himatsubushi, and kinda hinted with Reunion (Sawada comments about his senpai)
No wonder why Akasaka was sent alone to investigate the kidnapping case.

[Shion's Sanity]

You would not know how he is thinking though. It was hardly an ordinary situation.

[Exilon]

mmh? Of course it wasn't an ordinary situation, but what kind of action course is that?... it makes it even a more weird situation...

[Shion's Sanity]

This is Higurashi.O_O Since when are anybody's actions normal?

[FatPianoBoy]

You know, there's also the possibility that the guy isn't even there in the first place :heh:
Higurashi loves to mess with your head (see Onikakushi-hen). We see something because the viewpoint-character-of-the-moment sees it, so if their perception is skewed or tainted, so is ours.

[Shion's Sanity]

I dunno. Satoko actually sees his face. If it were like a shadow or something, then it would seem possible it was just an illusion.

[MarthX]

Ooishi's assistant was killed and that wasn't Satoko's viewpoint.

[FatPianoBoy]

Ooishi's assistant was killed and that wasn't Satoko's viewpoint.

Not everything is from Satoko's viewpoint. That scene was from the viewpoint of the Man in Green trying to break into the *censored*.

And yes, the fact that she saw his face was odd, but with Rika's feigned obliviousness it's tough to tell. Strange that Chie didn't notice him, though, as he'd be in her field of vision standing right next to the window.

There may really be someone following Satoko and Rika around, but I don't think we should discount Satoko's overactive imagination just yet. That's all I'm saying.

[Shion's Sanity]

Perhaps this person, if not Akasaka, has something to do with her murder and has thus followed her in most of the Hinamizawas. We know she does not wish to get her friends involved, so just like with when Satoko overheard her talking about upcoming death, she pretended to know nothing.

[MrZombie]

Look, I really doubt that the perpetrator would bother having Rika followed. She's a kid without any adults in her life. Where is she going to run? That's also not Akaksaka, why would he be skulking around like that?

[MarthX]

That also begs the question: Why stalk her? They're just two little kids. They could easily kill or capture her if that was their objective.

[Shion's Sanity]

Just because you "really doubt" it, doesn't mean it's not true, so please stop being like that.>_<

Rika is nearly always with Satoko. Perhaps, the person following her is a villian, they are waiting until she is alone, spying to see what does does/says, or are just trying to memorize her daily routine in order to effectively decide when is the best time to snatch her.

[Exilon]

There's a very high chance that it is so. But I don't think the stalker, if he is a villain, is waiting for her to be alone (he can take care of two little kids, supposedly). I don't think he's memorizing her routine either, although it's possible. I think he's waiting for orders from above to strike. He's just keeping her under watch case she disappears or they lose her sight.

Though that's very hard to happen, considering Rika won't leave Hinamizawa...

[Echoes]

It's all a big mystery to me, but that's why I love the show, so it's all good. :)

[Shion's Sanity]

Sure, he "could" take care of two little kids, but most professionals prefer not to get other people involved, since it just complicates things for them. And if he is planning to snatch her without someone seeing, Satoko being there, or her screams being heard, he'd want to know her routine to decide the best time.

[Exilon]

If he's that professional, he shouldn't have any problem in hiding two peoples' deaths instead of one. Besides, I doubt many people of Hinamizawa would worry about Houjou Satoko, since she is "houjou" after all.

I have no doubts that if he wanted he could make it so that Satoko killed Rika and then killed herself, because, as already referred, these people have training far beyond the normal, and are specialists in their area. (or so it seems)

[Shion's Sanity]

You're missing the point, though. Again, yes, he probably "could" do those things. But a professional asassin and the like usually try to take out their target quickly and accurately. The death of an unneccessary person would be very unprofessional.

[Mappy]

You're missing the point, though. Again, yes, he probably "could" do those things. But a professional asassin and the like usually try to take out their target quickly and accurately. The death of an unneccessary person would be very unprofessional.

In this situation, though, "any means necessary" is probably order of the day. If Satoko gets in the way of taking out Rika, then there is no alternative. And, to be frank, we all know that is likely to happen.... Or something along those messy, painful to watch lines....

The alternative would be to have Satoko running around, telling everyone that Rika has been kidnapped and/or killed by someone. And whilst a large number of people are unlikely to want to listen to her because she is a Houjou, her friends most definitely will, and they include the next head of the Sonozaki clan. Some stink is likely to be raised before the inevitable disaster occurs. Indeed, things going pear-shaped in Hinamizawa over Rika's disappearance/death might just be what someone wants to happen....

[Ishikawa Minoru]

I can almost guarantee the man stalking Rika and Satoko isn't Tomitake.

I've read the TIPS and the clues and as a result have a good clue as to who those men really are. The fact Kuma-chan got killed means the stalker isn't Tomitake or anyone friendly to Rika/Satoko.

One good way to look at it would be to take what happened right after Kuma was killed...where was he headed to? And why was he going there?

[Klashikari]

^ akasaka you mean? :heh:

yes, that's most of us believe, and kuma-chan incident proves that the stalker is most likely real (not a delusion), and it is pretty much fitting fitting "role" how rika is killed.

as for the last statement, that should be answered tomorrow, or in minagoroshi, though it has something to do with irie's death

[Shion's Sanity]

Tomitake would never do that! He's way too nice!O_O

Why does everyone seem to think that the stalker killed Kuma? We are never even close to told that.

And again, just because the stalker "can" do things, doesn't mean he would. If he's a lackey, he's probably got his orders.

[Rias]

Perhaps the stalker killed Kuma-chan, perhaps he didn't. Once Jihou-san dies, things can only go downhill...look at all the other arcs we have seen.

[Shion's Sanity]

Yes, but with someone like Tomitake gone, how could it go anywhere but downhill?;-;

[Exilon]

Great. Honestly, I understood the "ultimate spoiler" above, without even knowing what it was about. I feel bad. ><

Really now, why should tomitake be a clock? Gee, I think the real clock is Rika, but oh well.

Also, the stalker didn't kill Kuma-chan. For once, we get to see kuma-chan's killer, and I'm pretty much sure you can say that wasn't the stalker. He had different clothes, and a different face.

Also, the stalker has been following Rika and Satoko all day long, so where did he get the spare time to change clothes, go jack a padlock, kill Kuma-chan, make him "magically" "disappear", change back to his old clothes and go back to stalking Satoko and Rika? So, the stalker didn't kill Kuma-chan.

[Shion's Sanity]

I watched the WinD release of episode 4. He really looks like Akasaka to me. A more tan Akasaka.@_@

And in this series, "magically disappearing" people is really in. Everyone wants to be hip.

Tomitake is called a clock, because after meeting him, it's a countdown to the festival, his death( ;-; ), and the utter chaos that usually ensues and ends in bloodshed.

[Finalsun]

Great episode, and with a major cliffhanger. Tomorrow episode 5 is coming on Japanese TV. I cant wait to see it.

I think when Rika asked if Tomitake ''entered'' that she meant if they entered the forbidden shrine

[Shion's Sanity]

Ah! Please stop "suggesting" spoilers like that, Ishi!@_@

[Mappy]

That's like telling everyone about You-Know-Who's plan to become ***, don't you think? If people go nuts over Rika's death YKW will get permission to do away with everyone in you know where! That's the ultimate spoiler.

Well, I'll try to avoid mentioning it again at some stage before the end of the next arc, which will blow that spoiler wide open.

Why does everyone seem to think that the stalker killed Kuma? We are never even close to told that.

Considering we don't actually know how many people are part of the party van crowd, I think it would be safe to assume that the man who killed Kuma and the stalker are probably two different individuals who have been given different tasks to carry out. I really don't see how the same man could be involved in both events and not have a really tough schedule to follow. ;)

[Exilon]

Really, Ishi. That's bad enough already. It's not even under a spoiler tag. We already got that you read the clues and you know the answers. But we don't. And I certainly don't want to discover like that. ><
-----

Yes, Finalsun, that is correct.

When Rika says "enter it", she is referring to the shrine, no doub about that. Which reveals to us, that, in her eyes, the trigger to tomitake's death is him entering the shrine, or at least that's what you can squish out of their conversation. But you enver know...
-----

I watched the WinD release of episode 4. He really looks like Akasaka to me. A more tan Akasaka.@_@

And in this series, "magically disappearing" people is really in. Everyone wants to be hip.

Tomitake is called a clock, because after meeting him, it's a countdown to the festival, his death( ;-; ), and the utter chaos that usually ensues and ends in bloodshed.

Bah, I wonder if Rika ever tried to prevent Tomitake's death before the festival. Probably not. I guess that even if she tried, she would fail.
But then, there are MANY clocks! In my opinion, there shouldn't exist such a thing as a "clock". Either way, they all die in the end. xD

Also, I was reading some TIPS in the TIPS section a while back, and found myself reading one for the end of Tatarigoroshi-hen, about the night of the Hinamizawa Disaster, and, though it's semi-obvious that it isn't gases (as stated in Reunion), I think I can start to guess what happens in the night of the hinamizawa disaster. And, through the preview for episode 5, I am secure that what we'll see is by far a most valuable information.

We might not see Rika's death, but have you noticed that we've never been told what happened in the night of the Hinamizawa disaster? I think we'll finnaly see what those "gases" really are!

[Klashikari]

1) Without the reasons, the act itself doesn't make sense. As you can "craft" theories about the possible "conspiracy" behind the GHD, without the reasoning and motives, the means don't really make sense. Thus, further informations are required. It is much like guessing that it was Shion the culprit in watanagashi, without her motives : that doesn't make sense, even if someone is twisted enough to guess it was her without meakashi-hen

you can see the facts without the reasons, but without the later, their meaning become extremely void...

2) basically enough, when someone claim something as "not true" or "true", that doesn't mean this person is correct or wrong without the the proofs behind it. and even if they show it, that might be uncorrect (until the reasoning/analysis is solid enough).
This is the main reason why these threads allow this kind of "theories", since it is done to discuss about it. Even if someone believes it is the solid truth, one might perceive it differently. (Theories aren't that far for "statement of facts'. They lack "proofs" but differently. Facts are however rock solid truth, which are aknowledged so far, due their nature)
I don't think it is really "that spoiler" to claim something which proofs have been already stated in the older arcs. Heck, if some persons didn't get it before, they certainly won't get it until the truth hit them hard.

Thus, i believe what Ishikawa said wasn't really "spoilers" per se, since they are just statement that anyone can find. If it is allowed to craft theories, i don't see why it isn't allowed to break them, with pure facts.

saying "it is not XXXXX is the same as "it is not akasaka". both aren't really similar in their reasoning, but it is still the same way to appose facts, that can be found.
so not really a spoiler at all, more a correction than anything else. The proofs aren't hidden like mad (since, yes, in some arcs, there are foreshadowing hints, but these CANNOT be said without the late information, since they have no meaning in their own chapter. THAT would be a spoiled). To be more accurate, various proofs on at least 2 different arcs were present, and BLATANT, so no, it isn't a "weak spoilerish statement" but truely a conclusion you can get.

[Shion's Sanity]

Why are we talking about that though? It was a pretty big spoilers, and it got deleted, so we should just move on and stay on-topic.O_O

[Klashikari]

^ this is because both you and exilon didn't simply ignore this and report this... no need to scream "SPOILERS" while a report or a PM to this person is enough heh... (no wonder if it goes downhill off topic if people begins that matter openly)

that aside, as for the earlier topic :
@exilon
Tomitake is the "clock", since his death trigger the "panic" state.
Of course, Tomitake isn't the source of the problem.
But once he is dead, the all "oyashiro-sama" thing emerge in the paranoid character, and things go drastically downhill.
It is also considered as "clock" since his death is constant in each arc so far, while the rest is not, and different depending of the arc itself.

as for the Disaster, no chance to see what happen in hinamizawa, otherwise, it will blatantly explain the truth. but more likely, considering the preview :

Satoko will see Rika corpse, and the SFD operation. High chances are villagers are already dead, and this sigh just make her break

Episode 5 should have finished airing now, so probably a summary available in 2-3 hours (waiting for raw, moonstreaming, etc)

[kj1980]

But then, there are MANY clocks! In my opinion, there shouldn't exist such a thing as a "clock". Either way, they all die in the end.

What was consistent out of all the arcs so far? Tommy dying. And once Tommy dies, shit starts to happen. Therefore Tommy is the "clock" and when he dies, his "alarm" goes off which signals the tragedies into motion.

[Shion's Sanity]

Klash, I'm not sure what the heck you're talking about, but just take it to IM or PM or something. I am not going to get in trouble because you feel the need to drag things off-topic and try to bring me into it.

Someone should make a Tomitake clock.O_O It would probably have a scary alarm though, like the screams.;-;

[BakaOnna]

I saw the episode a few days ago but never posted it.

Anyway, this episode went back to the creepy mood of Higurashi, and I thought it was really well done. It may have also been the fact that I was watching at 12 in the morning. :heh: After all, it's the best time to watch the series.

I don't think the man was Akasaka or else he would've just asked for Rika, right? I don't know... he seemed too stalkerish for Akasaka.

[Shion's Sanity]

Wonder if episode five will reveal who it is...

[Davidj]

What was consistent out of all the arcs so far? Tommy dying. And once Tommy dies, shit starts to happen. Therefore Tommy is the "clock" and when he dies, his "alarm" goes off which signals the tragedies into motion.

What's more, we can easily see the cause and effect relationship without getting into secrets associated with him. Oishi visits the school because of the deaths of Tomitake. He talks to whichever of the kids talked to Tomitake that night. Every time he visits the school he makes someone paranoid. Paranoia is baaaaad. The only way to keep him from visiting the school is to save Tomitake.

[Shion's Sanity]

Ha ha. Everything seems to make these kids paranoid. Guess you really can't blame them in most cases, though.^^;

But why are they NEVER paranoid while talking to Takano? If I were alone in a dark shrine with someone who was gleefully talking about people getting tortured and eaten, I'd be hightailing it outta there.@_@

[Mappy]

But why are they NEVER paranoid while talking to Takano? If I were alone in a dark shrine with someone who was gleefully talking about people getting tortured and eaten, I'd be hightailing it outta there.@_@

I dunno.... I think I'd be willing to talk about anything if it meant spending time with Takano in a quiet, dark place.... ;)

[Shion's Sanity]

And we never got to know what he said after the "...", because he disappeared shortly after uttering those words, sometime in June.

[Mappy]

I don't think I'd mind disappearing for her, either. ;)

[Shion's Sanity]

O_O;;;

We took you in her place, but she remembers nothing now. She's walking around like a zombie now and creeping people out.

In other words, nothing has changed.

[Guido]

The third episode to Yakusamashi-hen was quite human in detail and immersive.

Human, because I was able to cope with Rika's fear and insecurity knowing that resistance is not possible. She feels the anguish of death coming step by step, and filling every cell of her body with a depth sense of fear for the unknown killer.

Immersive, because it is interesting that as Satoko played the witness to Rika's sense of fear and sorrow at last she plays the main role for this arc halfway into the episode.

Yakusamashi-hen would likely become the first of the Hinamizawa worlds at the present timeline of the year 1983 that nobody turns paranoid or schizophrenic due to the Oyashiro curse, a.k.a. as the... Sorry, but I cannot tell more since some of you might be newbies to Higurashi visit the TIPS and Answers thread for spoilers at your own discretion.

Satoko's frustration and despair is empathetic because seriously the adults won't believe that someone has been recently spying upon her and Rika every movements day by day, and she felt more dismayed eavesdropping her batsu-club friends that they think she's paranoid; since no one is going to lend a hand, then it's up to Satoko to protect Rika, but as Rika points out is useless to stop the gears of fate; everyone dies out eventually.

I gladly appreciate that in this Hinamizawa more or less we were witness to the moment that Tomitake scratche his throat to death, as well as Rika's dance interpretation. I think those events were some quite of a commodity to give insight as to the scope that this game of who-did-it goes on.

[Wanderer]

Firstly, when someone who knows what happens in future arcs says that when Tomitake dies that it is "all downhill from here", that IS a spoiler. You can't take anything for granted in this series.

Secondly, in response to Klashikari's comment, I surmised the villain of Watanagashi-hen and her motive for killing Satoko (though not the others) well before I saw Meakashi-hen. It was in the first episode of Tatarigoroshi-hen when Shion got frighteningly upset about the whole "tenkou" cover for Satoshi's disappearance (and we already knew the evil twin's motive for killing Satoko from the ladder shaking scene).

Thirdly, the stalker. For all the talk of him being a "professional", he sucks. He's been spotted several times by Satoko, and was in broad daylight when he was spying at her/them at the school. Very UNprofessional if you ask me. It makes me think he isn't real, though that would go against the theme of this arc that none of the mains go crazy.