Higurashi Kai Episode 24 Discussion / Poll [END]

[Klashikari]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, Episode 24 (Final Episode).

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[SirusRiddler]

Only about 3 hours and half on my end till the grand finale! Provided...I had the right channel and I bothered to stay up till 1:30. Can't wait till tomorrow! xD

[Kristen]

Last episode of a great series... It's saddening in a way, but at least the resolution will finally come out.

I'm expecting a Season 1 episode 26 kind of finale here, something huge and epic. :)

[Trogdor Jube]

This is gonna be a big one.

I still remember Teppai constantly getting killed and Rika's stabbing herself in the head bit.

It seems so long ago.

[Neaco]

So it's come down to this. Our journey with Rika and friends in Hinamizawa comes to a conclusion.

Would be lying if I said it won't be a bit sad after wards but no matter what happens, Higurashi will always be one of my top favorite shows :) nipa 4ever~

[USCPharmacist]

Don't know if I want adult Rika looking like she is on drug lol

[Farplaner]

For those that have watched the episode as it aired, what this event (http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6851/jotaroqt1.jpg) included in the anime? I don't want anything else spoiled, but my curiosity is killing me.

I haven't watched it yet but following the futaba thread....


http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4300/1197912607844sqo2.jpg

I think Hanyuu "deflected" the bullet instead of stopping time?


Oh, and...


http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/1650/1197913035062scj3.jpg

[Dark Wing]

OMG! OMG! It's the finally here the climax!...Also Season 3!?:twitch:

[Sterling01]

I haven't watched it yet but following the futaba thread....


http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/4300/1197912607844sqo2.jpg

I think Hanyuu "deflected" the bullet instead of stopping time?


Oh, and...


http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/1650/1197913035062scj3.jpg

Hanyuu looks... evil?
and if that's Rika all I have to say is What the Fuck?

[SidVicious]

So...no RAWs yet?

[Sterling01]

So...no RAWs yet?
Check back in a few hours

[Dark Wing]

So...no RAWs yet?

You'll have to wait a day or so before that happens...:rolleyes:

[snipegunner]

just watched the raw, the great conclusion, epilogue confuses me a bit

[MarthX]

Finishing watching the raw.

Wow... this episode far exceeded my expectations. I loved it. I really like the part after the credits. Nobody saw that coming.

Then at the very very end it announces the third season.

Not giving this episode a 10 would be a sin.

[Dark Wing]

Not giving this episode a 10 would be a sin.

I agree completely! Then seeing Rika go back in time as an adult was surprise for me didn't see it coming...:heh:

[Shiroth]

Dark Wing: Watch the spoilers!

[SiRence~]

ARGH I've voted too early!!!! T0T"""".. I was disappointed because Satoshi wasn't mentioned, haven't watched part c till now and yeah. :upset: but since there's a third season .. D:""" I feel so guilty for giving an 8. I'm going to visit Shion in Mekaeshi-hen now. so yeah. bye.

:(

[bkg9990]

oh wow... 24 was great and to add to that there is a 3rd season!

definately must watch.

[Dark Wing]

Dark Wing: Watch the spoilers!

Yea sorry about that...:heh:

[Klashikari]

Thread of the third season has been created over here (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=59596)

Well, then, as for this episode:

Episode 24 [END] : Bullet summary and screencaps
(http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kai-episode-24-matsuribatashi-hen-11-oshimai-end/)

[harukamae]

That episode wasn't really as climactic as I expected but seeing Hanyuu and Rika change the calendar made me tear up a little.
Wait a third season?! All I saw was something about a special for the movie in this time slot next week...but my Japanese isn't that great so I coulda missed it.

And was the epilogue thing from a game, or is that anime original?

[Klashikari]

for your quick question: yes it is from the original game.

And yes, there will be a special episode, N°25 next week.

[Neko Haruko]

I sobbed like a little girl. When the ending music started I just bursted into tears. Finally. FINALLY! My favorite part was seeing Takano cry. I know it sounds harsh... but it is hard to feel sorry for her! For 100 years Rika had to see her friends die over and over and over! In the end having her guts ripped out! I have a question though. Why did Tomitake support her?! I know he doesn't remember, but still!

[HigurashiNeze1231]

Anything less than a 10 is just wrong. That episode was amazing.

I loved watching her cry and scream like a little baby, after all of the crap Rika has gone through, it's about time Takano got some of her own medicine.

Also, another thing I really loved;

Adult Rika. That was just freakin' awesome, if a little creepy. Too bad she still hasn't uh "developed" like she wanted to yet. :heh:

[Phoenix14]

It was great, I was just disappointed that it didn't show what happened to Keiichi, Rena, Mion, Shion, or Satoko in the future...Can't believe it's finally over...

[kyokii]

What exactly happened in the epilogue?

Basically there are 3 scenes. The first one shows Miyoko bumping into Big Rika and then she runs back into the house. In the second scene, during the midday we see Miyoko and her parents get on to the bus, which crashes because the driver has a heart attack. Lastly, we cut to the third scene, which occurs at night and we see Miyoko putting the French flag into a box.

So what exactly happened? Did Rika basically "send" Miyoko to die with her parents OR did she actually avert Miyoko's parents' deaths and save Miyoko's whole family?

[Shiosai]

What exactly happened in the epilogue?

Basically there are 3 scenes. The first one shows Miyoko bumping into Big Rika and then she runs back into the house. In the second scene, during the midday we see Miyoko and her parents get into the bus, which crashes because the driver has a heart attack. Lastly, we cut to the third scene, which occurs at night and we see Miyoko putting the French flag into a box.

So what exactly happened? Did Rika basically "send" Miyoko to die with her parents OR did she actually avert Miyoko's parents' deaths and save Miyoko's whole family?

Basically in that world, Takano ended up going with her parents to the department store despite the warning she could get killed by the accident. I guess since they were all together this time they all survived.

[kyokii]

@Shiosai

That's a fascinating concept. You would expect them all to die in the accident, but the opposite happens, ne.


I felt really bad for Big Miyo up until the end... her life is so screwed up; she really did not stand a chance to accomplish her goals at all, it seems.

Not that I support her acts of sin, but it's a shame that she could not realize her dreams in a positive way.

[hcl4]

I don't get how Rika appears in what seems to be another world and this time before she is even born.

[Shiosai]

@Shiosai

That's a fascinating concept. You would expect them all to die in the accident, but the opposite happens, ne.

BEHOLD THE POWER TO CHANGE FATE


That's what I got from it, anyway

[Doraneko]

Does anyone find Hanyuu cunningly similar to Lucy & friends in Elfen Lied...

Right from her horns to the apparent ability to deflect bullets? On top of that the Elfen manga also mentions how the diclonii found their own village in ancient Japan, ruled by terror and regarded as "oni" by the other people (Hinamizawa?) :eyespin:

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/7295/hanyuuvl5.gif

Not that I am complaining anyway as Hanyuu is godly. I don't want to have wicked Rika-baba sending me to a traffic accident. :heh:

[kyokii]

BEHOLD THE POWER TO CHANGE FATE


That's what I got from it, anyway

Given that Miyoko and her family survived the accident... I guess this is what it means to stick together always and live through anything; this kinda' reiterates the theme of forming strong bonds with each other and you can survive all difficulties like the main characters did in this arc.

OR maybe I'm over-analyzing. OTL

[Kazuki_Kun]

Yay for season 3.

And wow, was I the only one who thought the latter half of 24 seemed to have really nice art and animation?~

[Flame-X]

all i have to say is..
ownage

[FireChick]

I guess Studio DEEN's really improved, huh? Oh! For those who are talking about the 3rd season, I get the feeling that will tell us what really happens and who's responsible for the FIRST Hinamizawa murder that started it all.

[kyokii]

I really doubt there will be a third season. If anything, there will more likely be OAVs that elaborate on the fine details.

If there is a third season, I'd be very surprised. The only reason why there may be a third season is if they decide to milk the franchise to death, which will make me a sad panda.

Edit: Then again, there are many arcs remaining, so they can make something of it...

We still have Natsumi... maybe they will do her story? I dunno... I just don't like the idea of a 3rd season to be honest. I'm a bit apprehensive, but I certainly feel if they're up to it, the 3rd season will turn out great.

[Rayneing]

I guess Studio DEEN's really improved, huh? Oh! For those who are talking about the 3rd season, I get the feeling that will tell us what really happens and who's responsible for the FIRST Hinamizawa murder that started it all.

Don't... don't we already know this?

[Kang Seung Jae]

I guess Studio DEEN's really improved, huh? Oh! For those who are talking about the 3rd season, I get the feeling that will tell us what really happens and who's responsible for the FIRST Hinamizawa murder that started it all.

The modern murder, or the FIRST murder, the one in the last Piece?

[SirusRiddler]

I loved the calendar bit. It was a moment where we could all go "YESSSSSSS!" xD

Awesome ending to the whole story I must say. I'm at lost for words really...just glad to finally see some closure.

Now onto the surprising 3rd Season! :D

[Rias]

The art quality actually went up...I was afraid that it would've went down like the 1st season. Generally it's pretty well done, considering what they have been taking out, some of the stuff wouldn't make sense if they put it in anyway.

Too bad the following were cut:
-Mion vs Okonogi.
-Hinamiza.warudo...well considering what has happened to the scene in Minagoroshi-hen, it not that suprising, I guess.
-Yukie vs Akasaka :heh:


About part C...it feels like it's hinting that season 3 will start with Saikoroshi-hen, since it had Miyoko with all the flags. Fredricka showing up is definitely weird in a sense that they never mentioned about her at all in the anime series, and considering what Saikoroshi-hen is like, it would've made more sense if Hanyuu was there instead.

[Sterling01]

Even though it may be weird for Fredricka to show up it's great to see her in animated form.

Though I wished they used her Umineko design/appearance instead

[DizzyRoro]

Oh man... Throughout all of the Watanagashi festival, I was practically grinning. But in all honesty, my favourite part of the episode was watching them all drift the cotton along the river.
Rika? Frederica? Regardless, now we can feel bad for Rika... there's one "bad end" in Matsuribayashi, and that is the story of her never-developing breasts.
Edit: Oh, and the fact that she never really develops a sense of style.

[Deathkillz]

Tears of joy ;___;
Finally! I am happy for her...really touched...she has been through a lot of sh*t to get to here and she deserves it.

Takano...oh takano ;___; I still love her though. I rarely see someone as defeated as she was...and when she started to scratch her next I was like: sh*t O.O

But tomitake is always there for her - that was another one of the many emotional scenes in this ep...

The final end I had a mix feeling of happy and sadness...happy that everything has finally finished but sad because we have to say goodbye (well after ep 25 but in a sense it is goodbye...).

Loved this series to bits - would be a crime worthy of being smited to not give this 10/10 ^^

[theacefrehley]

What exactly happened in the epilogue?

Basically there are 3 scenes. The first one shows Miyoko bumping into Big Rika and then she runs back into the house. In the second scene, during the midday we see Miyoko and her parents get on to the bus, which crashes because the driver has a heart attack. Lastly, we cut to the third scene, which occurs at night and we see Miyoko putting the French flag into a box.

So what exactly happened? Did Rika basically "send" Miyoko to die with her parents OR did she actually avert Miyoko's parents' deaths and save Miyoko's whole family?

I didn't watch it yet

but it looks like an altered piece 52

[Shiroth]

I loved watching her cry and scream like a little baby, after all of the crap Rika has gone through, it's about time Takano got some of her own medicine.
Seeing Takano most of the time in this episode, and i just couldn't help but feel sorry for her. It was very upsetting to see such a proud character being destroyed like this, especially with the main force pushing her to do all this, was to prove her Grandfather's research. She truly is such a wonderful character, a human --- which was shown in this episode.

The epilogue was not only brilliant, it's exactly what i wanted to see. A life for Takano with her parents --- adult Rika was quite interesting to see.

Gotta love the wonderful animation in the second half. It made the FINAL EPISODE IMPACT all the more brilliant.

[SirusRiddler]

Too bad this episode didn't really shine any light on Satoshi's situation.

However...there is a great album out that reveals how it all turns out. It's called "yours" and it'll have to do. The last line in the final song...says it all. :D

[Klashikari]

However...there is a great album out that reveals how it all turns out. It's called "yours" and it'll have to do. The last line in the final song...says it all. :D
Last song...? Isn't it "hello" ?
I guess you are talking about "Thanks" vocal ver by Yuzuki? ^^
おはよう...そして...お帰りなさい.

It sure says everything ^^

[Shiroth]

Too bad this episode didn't really shine any light on Satoshi's situation.
We always have this 'third season' for that.

[kingsky123]

Even though it may be weird for Fredricka to show up it's great to see her in animated form.

Though I wished they used her Umineko design/appearance instead

eh? i thought frederica was dark rika/evil rika/ the kickass one

[Sterling01]

Fredricka Bernkastel is not Rika as it says in this Message (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=619582&postcount=10)

She's hinted to be a Witch. Along with Beatrice and Lambdadelta

[kingsky123]

i thought that message just meant she wasnt the cute little rika, but the dark one that sometimes rika exhibits

[Sterling01]

No that's just Rika's dark voice

[Proto]

I would like to ask for people to stop including Umineko tidbits on a Higurashi thread though. My Umineko copy is on shipping and I don't want to read anymore that may remotely resemble a spoiler :p

[theacefrehley]

Fredricka Bernkastel is not Rika as it says in this Message (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=619582&postcount=10)

She's hinted to be a Witch. Along with Beatrice and Lambdadelta

I wouldn't take that so seriously. If you pay attention to that secret tea party, lambdadelta's strongly hinted to be Takano, and it would be too much to group Takano with Bernkastel, Beatrice an such. From what I undestood Frederika is a Rika born out of those world reboots. In a way, she's Rika. Saikoroshi-hen gives a huge hint of where the name Bernkastel comes from.

[Sterling01]

I wouldn't take that so seriously. If you pay attention to that secret tea party, lambdadelta's strongly hinted to be Takano, and it would be too much to group Takano with Bernkastel, Beatrice an such. From what I undestood Frederika is a Rika born out of those world reboots. In a way, she's Rika. Saikoroshi-hen gives a huge hint of where the name Bernkastel comes from.
Haven't played Saikoroshi-hen yet so...

but maybe...

Is a Version of Takano that actually became a god/witch (don't ask how) as Beatrice could also be considered the same as Oyashiro-sama. Don't the workers even add -sama to her name

[kyokii]

I didn't watch it yet

but it looks like an altered piece 52

Now... is altered piece 52 from the original doujin game? Kinda' curious.

[theacefrehley]

Now... is altered piece 52 from the original doujin game? Kinda' curious.

Well
I can post a half ass translation of it later, if our official translators, (Sushi-Y, kj1980 and lostblue) are not with spirits to do the task
later, when I watch the ep. 24

it works like a prelude to saikoroshi-hen

[kyokii]

Well
I can post a half ass translation of it later, if our official translators, (Sushi-Y, kj1980 and lostblue) are not with spirits to do the task
later, when I watch the ep. 24

it works like a prelude to saikoroshi-hen

Hey... that would be great. If you plan on doing it, thanks in advance for your time. :)

It would be nice to find out more about the mini-epilogue at the end.

[theacefrehley]

Hey... that would be great. If you plan on doing it, thanks in advance for your time. :)

It would be nice to find out more about the mini-epilogue at the end.

Well
it's rather half assed
so forgive-me any mistake


「I'm going out to play---!!!」

The energetic voice of the girl resounds all over the house.　

It is a poor tenement, so the walls are thin.　

That energetic voice resounded even to the next door but, no one would be an inelegant person to complain about the pleasant and energetic voice of a child.


「Miyoko.
I think we'll go to the department store but...」


That voice doesn't reach the girl who created a new secret base in the field and wants a lot to play there with everyone as soon as possible.

The father making the girl going to the department store with the family turns out to be enjoyable and he knew that if he goes out only with his wife, she would be sulky, so he called out to her.　
　
... And the girl has a hobby of collecting the flags of the child lunch and it seems with 1 more flag, she will have 20 flags.

The girl made wishes of happiness to the flags of the child lunch. 　

If she gathers 20 flags, she is sure that some miracle will happen and she can be happy,

...She believed that.

It can't be helped.

He'll get the flags of the child lunch back as souvenirs to her.

It's no big deal.

If she asks to the people of the restaurant she'll get even more flags.
　
That day, ......the schedule of the railroad was a chaos because of a trifling semaphore trouble.

In order make up for the delay and gain time, the driver stepped a bit slowly in the place you usually brake and a bit more quickly than in the place you usually accelerate, .... he was making those moves.

The Tanashi family does not have a private automobile.

They'll go to the department store by electric train.

A woman alone with whom she's not familiar call the girl to a halt,........ the girl who looks at the house of a friend while skipping.

With a glance, the girl thought that was not a person from this neighborhood.　

This neighborhood is made of very poor tenements of acquaintances of the neighborhood.

Everyone knows the faces f the neighbours.　

So, if people they don't know were here, ... they'd be or a new mailman.... or a stranger who wrong guessed his shortcut and lost his way.

The woman said to the girl.

「......Do you want to live?

.........Or do you want to die?」


Having asked just that, a normal person would suspect she is a strange person.　

However, the girl still had the innocence to take that seriously. 　

So, the girl immediately replies.

「I want to live!」

「I see. Then go.

At any rate, even if you go, your friends won't be there but, even so, go.」

「............Won't be there?」

The girl strangely thought why would this strange woman know such a thing.

She calls the woman who tries to leave to a halt.

If this is the answer she gave to her "I want to live",... it is a bit strange but, with her childish innocence, she was curious to know what would be the answer she would get if her answer was the other option.


「Then, what if I'd like to die?」

「You'd get one more flag of the child lunch.」
　
「.....Eh!!

Aah, not fair, that's my reason to go the department store!!

Not fair, not fair!」


The girl is already at full speed.

Now, she tries to run back the way she came.


「Nice isn't it....?

........You don't regret it,....right...?」


The strange woman says that to call her attention.


「Why should I regret?」

「.........I won't tell you. ...Because it'd be unkind.」

「.....Huum....」

The girl thinks she is being tested with some enigma and ponders about that but, .... but she is clueless.

And then, ....what is that, she clapped her hands indifferent to it and said.


「It's alright, Onee-chan.」

「Why is it alright?」

「Whatever happens, my father and my mother will be with me.」

「...............................」


Hearing that, the woman makes her way.

The girl quickly nodded and ran back to her family.

Right after the doors unlock, there were her parents trying to depart.

The girl jumps at that and they hurried her to go

...... The girl managed to go to the department store with her family.

And the three people of the family went to the station, ... took the train,... and boarded on it.

The driver was in a hurry for falling behind the schedule that he couldn't recover and, ...it seemed that it was implictly transmitted even to the passengers by the way he drives.

Today it is shaking.

The girl says that while kneeled in the seat looking outside.　

Her mother warns her to seat down properly because it is dangerous.

But the girl puts out her tongue.

..........And then, ......the train, .......approaches a very very big,.... and ver very steep,...curve.

Inside the train, they incline to that direction and many people are pushed to the other side and pressed into a manjuu.

In that narrow space, moans can be heard....

And then, ... everyone in the train is pressed tightly again.........

...................

The girl and her parents returned home under a whole starry sky holding with both hands full paper bags they bought.

They open the lock and turn on the lights inside the completely dark house,... after the girl placed the load in the entrance, she rushed to her room.

And then, ...... she opens the drawer of the writing desk, .... and takes what she had put inside her pocket.

......She opens the closed drawer a bit more and spreads all those flags,.... on top of the folded clothes.

Those were flags of the child lunch, .... that were copies of flags of many countries.

The Japanese flag, America, England, and, eerh, where is this one from...

This three coloured flag is hard to identify...

After that, she lines them up in order to count them.

And then, she placed them while counting with her mouth.　

And then, the girl begins to dance happily.　

Because she gathered 20 flags like she desired.　

How much time did it take for her to gather these?　

The girl had big hardships to surmount that and for a short while she jumped in delight for her great achievement.

Since she had lots of trouble to gather these, certainly, there might be something good in it.　

If you gather 20 flags, you will certainly be able to be happy, so said the prayer.

So, she is sure that from now on something wonderful will happen...

The girl waits excited but,... the magical light doesn't appear and it's not that any devil appeared and granted her something.　

Maybe it won't be tonight and something good will happen tomorrow.

The girl patiently waits.　
　
She accomplished a great achievement of gathering 20 flags anyway.

Surely, a wonderful good fortune will come.　

Surely, a wonderful miracle will come.　

Or maybe it will become an amulet to chase away sad misfortunes.　

The girl puts the 20 flags back again in the drawer.

And then, upon hearing her mother's voice telling her to to brush her teeth and go to sleep, she rushed to the bathroom....

Nice, isn't it?

To say it like this.

That she received an advance of the miracle.　

Very well, I wonder what will I play next.

Because there are as many fragments as I want that I can play with.　

What ?

You wanna play too?

*giggle*, it's interesting.

It gives you the feeling you became god.　

Like a world where Satoshi is together with them or a world where the Sonozaki twins don't change places　

I wonder how would be a world where Satoko's parents and Rika's parents are well.　
　
Aah, how would it be?

If Akasaka was seduced by Takano and went to the enemy side.

Ahaha, it seems interesting.　

Personally, I have interest in seeing a world where that Takano is madly in love with Tomitake.　

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

I love fighting scenes.

*Giggle*

Well, I wonder what will I play next. There are as many pieces as I want.

Hey, do you have some more?

What do you want to play?

:heh::twitch:

[Kaisos Erranon]

Well
it's rather half assed
so forgive-me any mistake


「I'm going out to play---!!!」

The energetic voice of the girl resounds all over the house.　

It is a poor tenement, so the walls are thin.　

That energetic voice resounded even to the next door but, no one would be an inelegant person to complain about the pleasant and energetic voice of a child.


「Miyoko.
I think we'll go to the department store but...」


That voice doesn't reach the girl who created a new secret base in the field and wants a lot to play there with everyone as soon as possible.

The father making the girl going to the department store with the family turns out to be enjoyable and he knew that if he goes out only with his wife, she would be sulky, so he called out to her.　
　
... And the girl has a hobby of collecting the flags of the child lunch and it seems with 1 more flag, she will have 20 flags.

The girl made wishes of happiness to the flags of the child lunch. 　

If she gathers 20 flags, she is sure that some miracle will happen and she can be happy,

...She believed that.

It can't be helped.

He'll get the flags of the child lunch back as souvenirs to her.

It's no big deal.

If she asks to the people of the restaurant she'll get even more flags.
　
That day, ......the schedule of the railroad was a chaos because of a trifling semaphore trouble.

In order make up for the delay and gain time, the driver stepped a bit slowly in the place you usually brake and a bit more quickly than in the place you usually accelerate, .... he was making those moves.

The Tanashi family does not have a private automobile.

They'll go to the department store by electric train.

A woman alone with whom she's not familiar call the girl to a halt,........ the girl who looks at the house of a friend while skipping.

With a glance, the girl thought that was not a person from this neighborhood.　

This neighborhood is made of very poor tenements of acquaintances of the neighborhood.

Everyone knows the faces f the neighbours.　

So, if people they don't know were here, ... they'd be or a new mailman.... or a stranger who wrong guessed his shortcut and lost his way.

The woman said to the girl.

「......Do you want to live?

.........Or do you want to die?」


Having asked just that, a normal person would suspect she is a strange person.　

However, the girl still had the innocence to take that seriously. 　

So, the girl immediately replies.

「I want to live!」

「I see. Then go.

At any rate, even if you go, your friends won't be there but, even so, go.」

「............Won't be there?」

The girl strangely thought why would this strange woman know such a thing.

She calls the woman who tries to leave to a halt.

If this is the answer she gave to her "I want to live",... it is a bit strange but, with her childish innocence, she was curious to know what would be the answer she would get if her answer was the other option.


「Then, what if I'd like to die?」

「You'd get one more flag of the child lunch.」
　
「.....Eh!!

Aah, not fair, that's my reason to go the department store!!

Not fair, not fair!」


The girl is already at full speed.

Now, she tries to run back the way she came.


「Nice isn't it....?

........You don't regret it,....right...?」


The strange woman says that to call her attention.


「Why should I regret?」

「.........I won't tell you. ...Because it'd be unkind.」

「.....Huum....」

The girl thinks she is being tested with some enigma and ponders about that but, .... but she is clueless.

And then, ....what is that, she clapped her hands indifferent to it and said.


「It's alright, Onee-chan.」

「Why is it alright?」

「Whatever happens, my father and my mother will be with me.」

「...............................」


Hearing that, the woman makes her way.

The girl quickly nodded and ran back to her family.

Right after the doors unlock, there were her parents trying to depart.

The girl jumps at that and they hurried her to go

...... The girl managed to go to the department store with her family.

And the three people of the family went to the station, ... took the train,... and boarded on it.

The driver was in a hurry for falling behind the schedule that he couldn't recover and, ...it seemed that it was implictly transmitted even to the passengers by the way he drives.

Today it is shaking.

The girl says that while kneeled in the seat looking outside.　

Her mother warns her to seat down properly because it is dangerous.

But the girl puts out her tongue.

..........And then, ......the train, .......approaches a very very big,.... and ver very steep,...curve.

Inside the train, they incline to that direction and many people are pushed to the other side and pressed into a manjuu.

In that narrow space, moans can be heard....

And then, ... everyone in the train is pressed tightly again.........

...................

The girl and her parents returned home under a whole starry sky holding with both hands full paper bags they bought.

They open the lock and turn on the lights inside the completely dark house,... after the girl placed the load in the entrance, she rushed to her room.

And then, ...... she opens the drawer of the writing desk, .... and takes what she had put inside her pocket.

......She opens the closed drawer a bit more and spreads all those flags,.... on top of the folded clothes.

Those were flags of the child lunch, .... that were copies of flags of many countries.

The Japanese flag, America, England, and, eerh, where is this one from...

This three coloured flag is hard to identify...

After that, she lines them up in order to count them.

And then, she placed them while counting with her mouth.　

And then, the girl begins to dance happily.　

Because she gathered 20 flags like she desired.　

How much time did it take for her to gather these?　

The girl had big hardships to surmount that and for a short while she jumped in delight for her great achievement.

Since she had lots of trouble to gather these, certainly, there might be something good in it.　

If you gather 20 flags, you will certainly be able to be happy, so said the prayer.

So, she is sure that from now on something wonderful will happen...

The girl waits excited but,... the magical light doesn't appear and it's not that any devil appeared and granted her something.　

Maybe it won't be tonight and something good will happen tomorrow.

The girl patiently waits.　
　
She accomplished a great achievement of gathering 20 flags anyway.

Surely, a wonderful good fortune will come.　

Surely, a wonderful miracle will come.　

Or maybe it will become an amulet to chase away sad misfortunes.　

The girl puts the 20 flags back again in the drawer.

And then, upon hearing her mother's voice telling her to to brush her teeth and go to sleep, she rushed to the bathroom....

Nice, isn't it?

To say it like this.

That she received an advance of the miracle.　

Very well, I wonder what will I play next.

Because there are as many fragments as I want that I can play with.　

What ?

You wanna play too?

*giggle*, it's interesting.

It gives you the feeling you became god.　

Like a world where Satoshi is together with them or a world where the Sonozaki twins don't change places　

I wonder how would be a world where Satoko's parents and Rika's parents are well.　
　
Aah, how would it be?

If Akasaka was seduced by Takano and went to the enemy side.

Ahaha, it seems interesting.　

Personally, I have interest in seeing a world where that Takano is madly in love with Tomitake.　

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

I love fighting scenes.

*Giggle*

Well, I wonder what will I play next. There are as many pieces as I want.

Hey, do you have some more?

What do you want to play?

:heh::twitch:

Whoever that is that's "playing" with the universe seems rather twisted and evil.

[Sterling01]

She's really reminding me of Beatrice

[theacefrehley]

Whoever that is that's "playing" with the universe seems rather twisted and evil.

it's just bernkastel and the "reader"

[kyokii]

Well
it's rather half assed
so forgive-me any mistake


「I'm going out to play---!!!」

The energetic voice of the girl resounds all over the house.　

It is a poor tenement, so the walls are thin.　

That energetic voice resounded even to the next door but, no one would be an inelegant person to complain about the pleasant and energetic voice of a child.


「Miyoko.
I think we'll go to the department store but...」


That voice doesn't reach the girl who created a new secret base in the field and wants a lot to play there with everyone as soon as possible.

The father making the girl going to the department store with the family turns out to be enjoyable and he knew that if he goes out only with his wife, she would be sulky, so he called out to her.　
　
... And the girl has a hobby of collecting the flags of the child lunch and it seems with 1 more flag, she will have 20 flags.

The girl made wishes of happiness to the flags of the child lunch. 　

If she gathers 20 flags, she is sure that some miracle will happen and she can be happy,

...She believed that.

It can't be helped.

He'll get the flags of the child lunch back as souvenirs to her.

It's no big deal.

If she asks to the people of the restaurant she'll get even more flags.
　
That day, ......the schedule of the railroad was a chaos because of a trifling semaphore trouble.

In order make up for the delay and gain time, the driver stepped a bit slowly in the place you usually brake and a bit more quickly than in the place you usually accelerate, .... he was making those moves.

The Tanashi family does not have a private automobile.

They'll go to the department store by electric train.

A woman alone with whom she's not familiar call the girl to a halt,........ the girl who looks at the house of a friend while skipping.

With a glance, the girl thought that was not a person from this neighborhood.　

This neighborhood is made of very poor tenements of acquaintances of the neighborhood.

Everyone knows the faces f the neighbours.　

So, if people they don't know were here, ... they'd be or a new mailman.... or a stranger who wrong guessed his shortcut and lost his way.

The woman said to the girl.

「......Do you want to live?

.........Or do you want to die?」


Having asked just that, a normal person would suspect she is a strange person.　

However, the girl still had the innocence to take that seriously. 　

So, the girl immediately replies.

「I want to live!」

「I see. Then go.

At any rate, even if you go, your friends won't be there but, even so, go.」

「............Won't be there?」

The girl strangely thought why would this strange woman know such a thing.

She calls the woman who tries to leave to a halt.

If this is the answer she gave to her "I want to live",... it is a bit strange but, with her childish innocence, she was curious to know what would be the answer she would get if her answer was the other option.


「Then, what if I'd like to die?」

「You'd get one more flag of the child lunch.」
　
「.....Eh!!

Aah, not fair, that's my reason to go the department store!!

Not fair, not fair!」


The girl is already at full speed.

Now, she tries to run back the way she came.


「Nice isn't it....?

........You don't regret it,....right...?」


The strange woman says that to call her attention.


「Why should I regret?」

「.........I won't tell you. ...Because it'd be unkind.」

「.....Huum....」

The girl thinks she is being tested with some enigma and ponders about that but, .... but she is clueless.

And then, ....what is that, she clapped her hands indifferent to it and said.


「It's alright, Onee-chan.」

「Why is it alright?」

「Whatever happens, my father and my mother will be with me.」

「...............................」


Hearing that, the woman makes her way.

The girl quickly nodded and ran back to her family.

Right after the doors unlock, there were her parents trying to depart.

The girl jumps at that and they hurried her to go

...... The girl managed to go to the department store with her family.

And the three people of the family went to the station, ... took the train,... and boarded on it.

The driver was in a hurry for falling behind the schedule that he couldn't recover and, ...it seemed that it was implictly transmitted even to the passengers by the way he drives.

Today it is shaking.

The girl says that while kneeled in the seat looking outside.　

Her mother warns her to seat down properly because it is dangerous.

But the girl puts out her tongue.

..........And then, ......the train, .......approaches a very very big,.... and ver very steep,...curve.

Inside the train, they incline to that direction and many people are pushed to the other side and pressed into a manjuu.

In that narrow space, moans can be heard....

And then, ... everyone in the train is pressed tightly again.........

...................

The girl and her parents returned home under a whole starry sky holding with both hands full paper bags they bought.

They open the lock and turn on the lights inside the completely dark house,... after the girl placed the load in the entrance, she rushed to her room.

And then, ...... she opens the drawer of the writing desk, .... and takes what she had put inside her pocket.

......She opens the closed drawer a bit more and spreads all those flags,.... on top of the folded clothes.

Those were flags of the child lunch, .... that were copies of flags of many countries.

The Japanese flag, America, England, and, eerh, where is this one from...

This three coloured flag is hard to identify...

After that, she lines them up in order to count them.

And then, she placed them while counting with her mouth.　

And then, the girl begins to dance happily.　

Because she gathered 20 flags like she desired.　

How much time did it take for her to gather these?　

The girl had big hardships to surmount that and for a short while she jumped in delight for her great achievement.

Since she had lots of trouble to gather these, certainly, there might be something good in it.　

If you gather 20 flags, you will certainly be able to be happy, so said the prayer.

So, she is sure that from now on something wonderful will happen...

The girl waits excited but,... the magical light doesn't appear and it's not that any devil appeared and granted her something.　

Maybe it won't be tonight and something good will happen tomorrow.

The girl patiently waits.　
　
She accomplished a great achievement of gathering 20 flags anyway.

Surely, a wonderful good fortune will come.　

Surely, a wonderful miracle will come.　

Or maybe it will become an amulet to chase away sad misfortunes.　

The girl puts the 20 flags back again in the drawer.

And then, upon hearing her mother's voice telling her to to brush her teeth and go to sleep, she rushed to the bathroom....

Nice, isn't it?

To say it like this.

That she received an advance of the miracle.　

Very well, I wonder what will I play next.

Because there are as many fragments as I want that I can play with.　

What ?

You wanna play too?

*giggle*, it's interesting.

It gives you the feeling you became god.　

Like a world where Satoshi is together with them or a world where the Sonozaki twins don't change places　

I wonder how would be a world where Satoko's parents and Rika's parents are well.　
　
Aah, how would it be?

If Akasaka was seduced by Takano and went to the enemy side.

Ahaha, it seems interesting.　

Personally, I have interest in seeing a world where that Takano is madly in love with Tomitake.　

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

I love fighting scenes.

*Giggle*

Well, I wonder what will I play next. There are as many pieces as I want.

Hey, do you have some more?

What do you want to play?

:heh::twitch:

Nice... thanks.

This offers more continuity than the 3 scene epilogue of the anime, which was just a bit confusing, but still done well.

[theacefrehley]

Nice... thanks.

This offers more continuity than the 3 scene epilogue of the anime, which was just a bit confusing, but still done well.

And many of those IF's at the end happen at saikoroshi-hen

[kyokii]

And many of those IF's at the end happen at saikoroshi-hen

Argh!! This makes me want to play through Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Rei...! (...even though I can't understand Japanese aside from very basics)

I'm burning with curiosity.

[MarthX]

Now that I know that scene was piece 52, I'm positive the third season will show Saikoroshi-hen but it won't be the only one.

Saikoroshi = 180KB

It's not very big. 2 or 3 episodes.

[theacefrehley]

Now that I know that scene was piece 52, I'm positive the third season will show Saikoroshi-hen but it won't be the only one.



It's not very big. 2 or 3 episodes.

there's daybreak-chapter included in it and other comedic chapter I forgot the name
2 or 3 eps. would be only saikoroshi-hen

[kyokii]

there's daybreak-chapter included in it and other comedic chapter I forgot the name
2 or 3 eps. would be only saikoroshi-hen

lmao.

It would be sweet if they did the Daybreak chapter. Fight for the Magatama!!

I wonder which pair of characters would win. :p

Edit: I guess I should put a spoiler tag just in case.

[Sinestra]

Having only watch the RAW all i can say is WOW and everything that needs to be said has already been said very nicely no reason to repeat it. 10 all the way.



I am happy about the third season as i will continue to get my Higurashi fix. I do have 2 questions for the more experiences guys.

1.Do we know what happens to the rest of the group afterwards? Nothing is shown about Mion,Shion, Keiichi, and Satako. any info on that.

2.ANyone know the premise as to waht the 3rd season will be about? New characters or will we see the whole gang combined with some new ones?

[Trogdor Jube]

Wow.

Nothing really GROUNDBREAKING but it was a good ending. I was expecting K1 to do something extremely badass and awesome in this episode.

What I have to say about after the credits
BACK IN TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME!

[BakaOnna]

Awesome season finale. It was better than I expected. I thought DEEN would mess it up, but it turned out great. I'm glad they made it seem like Hanyuu deflected the bullet instead of stopping time.

I'm so excited about season 3. I hope, and it seems like, it'll start with Saikoroshi-hen. Does anyone else think season 3 may be like 'Fumoffu' and be more like a side story thing with all the extra chapters? That'll be so awesome. :D

[kyokii]

Awesome season finale. It was better than I expected. I thought DEEN would mess it up, but it turned out great. I'm glad they made it seem like Hanyuu deflected the bullet instead of stopping time.

I'm so excited about season 3. I hope, and it seems like, it'll start with Saikoroshi-hen. Does anyone else think season 3 may be like 'Fumoffu' and be more like a side story thing with all the extra chapters? That'll be so awesome. :D

It will probably have some comedy, judging by some of the arcs that have yet to be animated...

...but I still expect a lot of Serious Business, also because of the content of the remaining arcs.

If it is a full season, I expect something about Natsumi... but I can't say for sure.

[Sterling01]

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

Bernkastel wants to play cupid. :heh::twitch:

[changeup]

Any one agrees with me?

I think Rika and Hanyu really make a nice couple...

http://img01.xoyo.com/p/client/2007121811476742a4878f0.jpg

And why Tamura's characters, after they won Saimoe, have to grow up? Some kind of a curse?

http://img01.xoyo.com/p/client/2007121811476742b25d54e.jpg

[Shadow Miko]

The first season end was much better...
This was so anti-climatic.
Although the end with Takano was very nice and redeeming.

[Rayneing]

The first season end was much better...
This was so anti-climatic.
Although the end with Takano was very nice and redeeming.

I haven't seen this ending yet, but the first season had a horrible ending, what are you talking about?

[HigurashiNeze1231]

The first season end was much better...
This was so anti-climatic.
Although the end with Takano was very nice and redeeming.

The first season end was much better...

much better...

Wait...what? Personally I thought the first season ending was even more anti-climatic.

[Proto]

Maybe because the first season ending wasn't an ending at all, but a to be continued. This is the real ending, bar the epilogue :p

[BakaOnna]

First season ending was ruined by the atrocious animation and art. At least this ending had very good art.
The first season end was much better...
This was so anti-climatic.
Although the end with Takano was very nice and redeeming.
What more do you really expect from an ending with how things were coming together? The club members duking it out with Takano? :twitch: Guess you'll like the Miotsukushi-hen ending more.

[Sterling01]

In a sense this is end is a "to be continued" too as Part C sets up the "Sinless World" and "Canal Drying"

[Rias]

They could've done better at the end of Part B tho. At least the original game explained what happened to the various characters. In this epsiode, the existence of Keiichi and Rena was almost as thin as air. (Rena only has like 1 line in the festival scene in the whole epsiode, if I recall correctly)

[DizzyRoro]

They could've done better at the end of Part B tho. At least the original game explained what happened to the various characters. In this epsiode, the existence of Keiichi and Rena was almost as thin as air. (Rena only has like 1 line in the festival scene in the whole epsiode, if I recall correctly)
I definitely have to agree. With Mion standing up against Okonogi and even Takano... the most we got out of Rena was a "Mion--!" and "Where is Hanyuu? =O??" I believe and for Keiichi was probably a laugh and a few encouraging words. I mean, of course, Keiichi had a huge role throughout the series, and Rena was portrayed as the super-detective in every arc, but to suddenly degrade their characters to where they put them... it's kind of upsetting given Rena is one of my favourite characters.

[SirusRiddler]

Rena is a favorite of many...and many are indeed upset. :(

No mineuchi *coughHimuraKenshincough* action from her this time. xD

[Cytrus]

Well, the only ending which would satisfy me entirely is one in which both Takano and Rika win. That would have to be choke-full of symbolism though.

A quickie question, since I avoided spoilers for this earlier. Was there anything specific behind "Rena's hat message" in the first arc? Satoko did seem as if she had understood something other than "I'm in danger".

[Bernkastel]

Wow.

I guess my expectations were way too low. Well, considering what DEEN did for the last episode of the first season (I'm saying it was bad, just that it wasn't as epic as it should have been in my opinion), it's understandable, and I feared that the end was going to turn into a huge mess.
Guess it was the opposite.
I loved part B. The art was splendid compared to other episodes. The whole Hanyuu-deflecting-the-bullet scene was very well done. And, of course, the calendar scene, which made me a bit teary.

Good job, Rika. You defeated fate :).

Oh, and...
Just when I thought that I had cleared up most of Higurashi's mysteries, this damn part C had to show up and make my mind all blurry again. Damn, now I'm really confused. Damn you, Frederica/Furederica/Rika/Bernkastel/whatever.

[beamknight87]

Just watched the cap. It was really good but yeah, the ending left me in WTF?! O_o mode.


Guess the only plausible explanation I could come up with was...


Timedivers lol
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7307/1197439321513tn6.jpg

[harukamae]

Well
it's rather half assed
so forgive-me any mistake


「I'm going out to play---!!!」

The energetic voice of the girl resounds all over the house.　

It is a poor tenement, so the walls are thin.　

That energetic voice resounded even to the next door but, no one would be an inelegant person to complain about the pleasant and energetic voice of a child.


「Miyoko.
I think we'll go to the department store but...」


That voice doesn't reach the girl who created a new secret base in the field and wants a lot to play there with everyone as soon as possible.

The father making the girl going to the department store with the family turns out to be enjoyable and he knew that if he goes out only with his wife, she would be sulky, so he called out to her.　
　
... And the girl has a hobby of collecting the flags of the child lunch and it seems with 1 more flag, she will have 20 flags.

The girl made wishes of happiness to the flags of the child lunch. 　

If she gathers 20 flags, she is sure that some miracle will happen and she can be happy,

...She believed that.

It can't be helped.

He'll get the flags of the child lunch back as souvenirs to her.

It's no big deal.

If she asks to the people of the restaurant she'll get even more flags.
　
That day, ......the schedule of the railroad was a chaos because of a trifling semaphore trouble.

In order make up for the delay and gain time, the driver stepped a bit slowly in the place you usually brake and a bit more quickly than in the place you usually accelerate, .... he was making those moves.

The Tanashi family does not have a private automobile.

They'll go to the department store by electric train.

A woman alone with whom she's not familiar call the girl to a halt,........ the girl who looks at the house of a friend while skipping.

With a glance, the girl thought that was not a person from this neighborhood.　

This neighborhood is made of very poor tenements of acquaintances of the neighborhood.

Everyone knows the faces f the neighbours.　

So, if people they don't know were here, ... they'd be or a new mailman.... or a stranger who wrong guessed his shortcut and lost his way.

The woman said to the girl.

「......Do you want to live?

.........Or do you want to die?」


Having asked just that, a normal person would suspect she is a strange person.　

However, the girl still had the innocence to take that seriously. 　

So, the girl immediately replies.

「I want to live!」

「I see. Then go.

At any rate, even if you go, your friends won't be there but, even so, go.」

「............Won't be there?」

The girl strangely thought why would this strange woman know such a thing.

She calls the woman who tries to leave to a halt.

If this is the answer she gave to her "I want to live",... it is a bit strange but, with her childish innocence, she was curious to know what would be the answer she would get if her answer was the other option.


「Then, what if I'd like to die?」

「You'd get one more flag of the child lunch.」
　
「.....Eh!!

Aah, not fair, that's my reason to go the department store!!

Not fair, not fair!」


The girl is already at full speed.

Now, she tries to run back the way she came.


「Nice isn't it....?

........You don't regret it,....right...?」


The strange woman says that to call her attention.


「Why should I regret?」

「.........I won't tell you. ...Because it'd be unkind.」

「.....Huum....」

The girl thinks she is being tested with some enigma and ponders about that but, .... but she is clueless.

And then, ....what is that, she clapped her hands indifferent to it and said.


「It's alright, Onee-chan.」

「Why is it alright?」

「Whatever happens, my father and my mother will be with me.」

「...............................」


Hearing that, the woman makes her way.

The girl quickly nodded and ran back to her family.

Right after the doors unlock, there were her parents trying to depart.

The girl jumps at that and they hurried her to go

...... The girl managed to go to the department store with her family.

And the three people of the family went to the station, ... took the train,... and boarded on it.

The driver was in a hurry for falling behind the schedule that he couldn't recover and, ...it seemed that it was implictly transmitted even to the passengers by the way he drives.

Today it is shaking.

The girl says that while kneeled in the seat looking outside.　

Her mother warns her to seat down properly because it is dangerous.

But the girl puts out her tongue.

..........And then, ......the train, .......approaches a very very big,.... and ver very steep,...curve.

Inside the train, they incline to that direction and many people are pushed to the other side and pressed into a manjuu.

In that narrow space, moans can be heard....

And then, ... everyone in the train is pressed tightly again.........

...................

The girl and her parents returned home under a whole starry sky holding with both hands full paper bags they bought.

They open the lock and turn on the lights inside the completely dark house,... after the girl placed the load in the entrance, she rushed to her room.

And then, ...... she opens the drawer of the writing desk, .... and takes what she had put inside her pocket.

......She opens the closed drawer a bit more and spreads all those flags,.... on top of the folded clothes.

Those were flags of the child lunch, .... that were copies of flags of many countries.

The Japanese flag, America, England, and, eerh, where is this one from...

This three coloured flag is hard to identify...

After that, she lines them up in order to count them.

And then, she placed them while counting with her mouth.　

And then, the girl begins to dance happily.　

Because she gathered 20 flags like she desired.　

How much time did it take for her to gather these?　

The girl had big hardships to surmount that and for a short while she jumped in delight for her great achievement.

Since she had lots of trouble to gather these, certainly, there might be something good in it.　

If you gather 20 flags, you will certainly be able to be happy, so said the prayer.

So, she is sure that from now on something wonderful will happen...

The girl waits excited but,... the magical light doesn't appear and it's not that any devil appeared and granted her something.　

Maybe it won't be tonight and something good will happen tomorrow.

The girl patiently waits.　
　
She accomplished a great achievement of gathering 20 flags anyway.

Surely, a wonderful good fortune will come.　

Surely, a wonderful miracle will come.　

Or maybe it will become an amulet to chase away sad misfortunes.　

The girl puts the 20 flags back again in the drawer.

And then, upon hearing her mother's voice telling her to to brush her teeth and go to sleep, she rushed to the bathroom....

Nice, isn't it?

To say it like this.

That she received an advance of the miracle.　

Very well, I wonder what will I play next.

Because there are as many fragments as I want that I can play with.　

What ?

You wanna play too?

*giggle*, it's interesting.

It gives you the feeling you became god.　

Like a world where Satoshi is together with them or a world where the Sonozaki twins don't change places　

I wonder how would be a world where Satoko's parents and Rika's parents are well.　
　
Aah, how would it be?

If Akasaka was seduced by Takano and went to the enemy side.

Ahaha, it seems interesting.　

Personally, I have interest in seeing a world where that Takano is madly in love with Tomitake.　

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

I love fighting scenes.

*Giggle*

Well, I wonder what will I play next. There are as many pieces as I want.

Hey, do you have some more?

What do you want to play?

:heh::twitch:

Wow, thanks so much for translating that - it makes me feel more comfortable with the concept of a season three, as I felt really skeptical - at least this tid-bit, especially the latter lines, gives us something to connect possible arcs they may animate.

[Klashikari]

A quickie question, since I avoided spoilers for this earlier. Was there anything specific behind "Rena's hat message" in the first arc? Satoko did seem as if she had understood something other than "I'm in danger".

Well, I invite you to read the article (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/08/03/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kai-episode-5-analysis-thoughts-and-random-comments/)i did about that, the third point.
Basically, Rena didn't exactly try to give a message (as it is most likely the fact she was killed a bit too recklessly). That said, the hat is a big thing to actually point that something is "wrong" with the disaster

[Sterling01]

Well, the only ending which would satisfy me entirely is one in which both Takano and Rika win. That would have to be choke-full of symbolism though.

Well Part C technically has Takano winning

[Trogdor Jube]

Will ep 25 be longer then the rest?

I was half expecting Takano to say "I would have gotten away with it if it werent for those meddling kids and thier ghost"

[slackerz]

watch the raw version,a bit disappointed that k1 doesn't have much role in the final episode.now waiting for the subs.

[cereal_killerxx]

-_- I can't help right now but get really impatient for the subs! I need them now! :upset:

[ImpulseRAven]

2 more days till subs roughfully

[Solitary Shadow]

Rena's existance dwindled to almost zero in this epsode. Meh. But Takano was amazing. ;P

A quickie question, since I avoided spoilers for this earlier. Was there anything specific behind "Rena's hat message" in the first arc? Satoko did seem as if she had understood something other than "I'm in danger".


Rena's body was never found. There was blood on the hat. If it were a gas disaster, there wouldn't be any blood (as seen in the episode, Satoko saw them lying in piles but never saw blood). Rena might not have been trying to prove that the disaster was fake, but Satoko understood this.

I think in the PS2 game Rena tried to prove this with a hamster.

[SnEptUne]

Definitely a 10. Unlike in many other stereotypical anime where the "villian" is punished, this epilogue is at another level. Like the card game where the burden of sin is passed on person by person, with one more card, no one becomes a loser. Just like how Takano is forgiven...

[MarthX]

Subs.

http://rapidshare.com/files/78246720/tt.higurashi_kai_24_x264_AAC.ass.html

Not Hauu's so I'm unsure how good they are.

[Sterling01]

It might just be the Raw I have but the subs aren't timed well and are in a very ugly color and the OP is not subbed

[Eryops]

It might just be the Raw I have but the subs aren't timed well and are in a very ugly color and the OP is not subbed
It is timed for another raw; one that has the same file name as the ASS file. Apparently it's not as good as Hauu~'s as it contains a number of mistakes. Personally I'll wait for Hauu~; his subs should be out quite soon.

[Annannith]

Hauu~'s subs are now out!

http://rapidshare.com/files/78328296/Higurashi.no.Naku.Koro.ni.Kai.24.ass.html

[Eryops]

Awesome season finale. It was better than I expected. I thought DEEN would mess it up, but it turned out great. I'm glad they made it seem like Hanyuu deflected the bullet instead of stopping time.
The only issue I have with that is that by resolving the situation in this way, rather than having Rika save her, it makes it seem like Hanyuu wasn't truly willing to sacrifice herself for her friends.

[Deathkillz]

*meh* Even gods lie sometimes ^^

Not that I've watched with the subs the ending seems more clear to me that rika saved takano from that awful future - yay!
Yet again I have to say that this is an awesome ep...what a way to finish things (and its good that noone died, even takano ^^).

[Sterling01]

*meh* Even gods lie sometimes ^^

Not that I've watched with the subs the ending seems more clear to me that rika saved takano from that awful future - yay!
Yet again I have to say that this is an awesome ep...what a way to finish things (and its good that noone died, even takano ^^).
That wasn't Rika

[FlareKnight]

Well damn that really was a great episode to finish things. Just happy to see that Rika finally made it. After all the tough worlds, the dangers, and sadness they finally broke through fate to a brighter future. Being able to live in a time that you have never experienced and finally get to grow and live your life fully.

Things were getting close near the end. Sure Takano only had one shot, but one is enough to ruin that world and lose an important friend. Mion really showed her stuff by standing strong in that situation. I don't doubt that Hanyuu would have died for her friends. They all care about each other so much and have strong bonds.

Maybe I'm just a little off, but after everything that has happened was glad to have things fall apart for Takano. No matter if I can understand her or any of it just nice to finally have things turn out like this for her. Just glad she is out of the picture and everyone made it out alright.

Just really a great episode and glad for all the characters.

[Sterling01]

I don't doubt that Hanyuu would have died for her friends.

You know Hanyuu was planning to deflect the bullet

Maybe I'm just a little off, but after everything that has happened was glad to have things fall apart for Takano. No matter if I can understand her or any of it just nice to finally have things turn out like this for her. Just glad she is out of the picture and everyone made it out alright.

Also Takano isn't out of the picture because she escapes from the clinic

[Proto]

Stop throwing spoilers left and right Sterling. Let people discover things by themselves. :p

[MarthX]

That's not a spoiler. It was told at the end of Matsuribayashi. It's just info that wasn't shown in the anime.

[Sterling01]

Stop throwing spoilers left and right Sterling. Let people discover things by themselves. :p
Both things I've said aren't spoilers just things the anime left out

[Proto]

What if they are planning to introduce them in some obscure way in the third season? (ala season 1 conclusion in the first episode of season 2). You never know. Hence why don't adopt a wait and see attitude :nod:

edit: the smilie collection of this board never ceases to amuse me...

[Sterling01]

Well if DEEN does I would be amazed

[Kristen]

So, it's finally over. I felt like it was an appropriate ending for a wonderful series. To me, this is the end of the actual storyline. 3rd season will just be like an OVA that airs on television. Though I do want to see the true end to the story.

I think the only thing I really regret is that I knew the ending to this before it aired, which was that Hanyuu averts the bullet, and that Tomitake saves Takano's life because of the Hinimizawa syndrome. Stupid wikipedia had so many spoilers. Everything else in this entire series was new to me, and it was a fun ride.

This episode succeeded in making me feel sorry for Takano. Sure, I know that she would go on a mass murder if they didn't do all of that, but I still kind of pitied her.

Only questions I still have are how Satoko died in the 1st arc, Irie died in most of the arcs, and Rika's father died in Matsuribiyashi. It's like, I can understand how someone claws out their throat and dies, but I cannot understand how these people just randomly died/committed suicide.

Overall, Meakashi-hen still wins as the best arc.

This episode gets a 9/10. Great way to end a great series. Just a little slow at times, it felt.

[Sterling01]

Only questions I still have are how Satoko died in the 1st arc, Irie died in most of the arcs, and Rika's father died in Matsuribiyashi. It's like, I can understand how someone claws out their throat and dies, but I cannot understand how these people just randomly died/committed suicide.


They didn't just randomly die, Takano killed them/had them killed

[Kristen]

They didn't just randomly die, Takano killed them/had them killed

I know. I just don't know how. Like, she injected Tomitake with some drug to make him L5. What did she do to them?

[Eryops]

Only questions I still have are how Satoko died in the 1st arc, Irie died in most of the arcs, and Rika's father died in Matsuribiyashi. It's like, I can understand how someone claws out their throat and dies, but I cannot understand how these people just randomly died/committed suicide.
A Yamainu was shown sneaking into her room in Yakusamashi-hen. Putting 2 and 2 together isn't that hard. Irie is killed in every arc. He's the fall guy for Tomitake's and Takano's murders, so the Yamainu give him a drug overdose and make it seem like a suicide. Rika's father is poisoned and then rushed to the Irie clinic where Takano finishes him off.

[Kristen]

A Yamainu was shown sneaking into her room in Yakusamashi-hen. Putting 2 and 2 together isn't that hard. Irie is killed in every arc. He's the fall guy for Tomitake's and Takano's murders, so the Yamainu give him a drug overdose and make it seem like a suicide. Rika's father is poisoned and then rushed to the Irie clinic where Takano finishes him off.

Ah, I get it! :) Thank you very much.

[Eryops]

Here's a matroska release (http://tracker.anirena.com/details.php?id=3552) containing Hauu~'s subs, though it wasn't created by that group.

Edit: And here's the real release (http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=3555).

[Shiroth]

This episode succeeded in making me feel sorry for Takano. Sure, I know that she would go on a mass murder if they didn't do all of that, but I still kind of pitied her.
Takano was a very well told character --- it's very upsetting to think that the main drive that kept pushing her to do all this was her Grandfather/his work. Seeing her break-down in this episode completely destroyed me.

Takano living on, being given another chance so to say was a nice touch, a lovely touch to her story.

[Deathkillz]

That wasn't Rika
Well technically it is rika but her "other, older self who traveled through time". But it is too confusing to think what kind of entity she really is so I'll just stick to rika due to my ignorance XD

[Eryops]

Well technically it is rika but her "other, older self who traveled through time". But it is too confusing to think what kind of entity she really is so I'll just stick to rika due to my ignorance XD
Bernkastel seems quite different from Rika. She's able to manipulate the fragments at will in order to alter the development of new worlds for her personal amusement and generally seems to view humans as if they were her toys. Even if you discount what's said in the Tea Party in Legend of the Golden Witch, she still considers herself a completely separate entity (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=619582#post619582) from Rika. Her origins are admittedly unknown, but even if she is some future version of Rika her knowledge, attitude and abilities are sufficiently different that she shouldn't be lumped together with her.

[FlareKnight]

You know Hanyuu was planning to deflect the bulletWell obviously. I don't think it suddenly came to her in that small moment that a bullet was hurtling towards her head. Was talking about if she didn't have the ability to deflect a bullet whether she would have still gone in there.

[sasuke13]

Well obviously. I don't think it suddenly came to her in that small moment that a bullet was hurtling towards her head. Was talking about if she didn't have the ability to deflect a bullet whether she would have still gone in there.

We all know that if she didn't have that ability, and if that was just by luck, inside, she was prolly going, " TT__TT AUAUAUAUAUAUAU~ "

Other than that, great ending...if season 3 won't use the extra arcs in it, I'd like to see ALL of the characters older like Rena (first epi,) and Rika. :heh:

[Deathwing]

I liked that ending everyone ended up happy

[FateAnomaly]

So its not over yet?

[slidingk1]

It would be nice if season 3 would tie off the loose ends about all the "missing" people. Maybe a continuation of things instead of a reset. As much as I like this anime another reset would be a little bit tough to stomach. After all they went through so much already to reach the "happy" ending.

[Sterling01]

It would be nice if season 3 would tie off the loose ends about all the "missing" people. Maybe a continuation of things instead of a reset. As much as I like this anime another reset would be a little bit tough to stomach. After all they went through so much already to reach the "happy" ending.
What "missing" People?

[MrZombie]

Yeah, there are no real mysteries left guys. Just stuff the anime didn't show.

[Arcwave]

Well, I just finished watching it on shitty YouTube quality, but it didn't hinder my experience too badly enough to enjoy every second of it. I give this episode nothing short from a solid, and well deserved 10/10. Although some new questions have risen, I am quite content with what was presented despite its prequel which left us on a dour note IMO. It's hard to believe it's all over... I'm actually not too excited for a third season, as it could possibly ruin the already positive nostalgia and closure of the series.

Now I'm curious about the games and manga, as I've never played nor seen either. I was introduced to Higurashi via the anime, and exploring the story much more vividly has interested me. Are the games available on US consoles and/or PC? I do not speak Japanese, so if it's strictly from Japan, I'll just have to wait. And is the manga available in English?

All in all, what a wonderful show. I could count this as one of my Christmas presents, easily! Thanks Santa--- oops, Studio DEEN and crew!

[coroloro]

10/10 ... an INCREDIBLE end to an incredible series. Of course, the tag at the very end implies more to come, but I think that (as I have learned with previous anime series that end rather well and then give 'more' later) watching any more from this series would end a VERY perfect thing. This truly is a masterpiece, especially combining this and its predecessor. Part one is Despair, Part two is Hope. The endless loop and trap of death and despair that comes when you mistrust and alienate those around you and live by your own strength- compared to the chance for 'everyone to win' if you rely on those around you and see the best in them.

Never in my life has an anime pounded so deeply into the depths of the negative realm of the human spirit, and yet ended with such hope and power. I used to think "wow, some of these anime series are so powerful- if only they wouldn't always end ripping your heart out every time... like the only way in 'real life' to go is an unhappy ending or otherwise its just fiction". This anime is, to me, the 'ultimate anime'. At points in the first season I almost just stopped watching it because it was so heavy, so horrid at times- yet it intrigued you and kept tugging you on.

I really had tears in my eyes a lot, and it was so powerful how at the last episode... I expected to have them for the 'good guys', but ended up crying for the 'worst baddy of them all'. Well played, well played!! On Anime News Network, this is a rare one I have rated as "Masterpiece".

-Pat

[nikorai]

Hello. managed to watch ep.24. Thanks for the subs, they somehow help understand things.
You know to tell the truth I didn't expect a happy ending. No casualties at all and Hanyuu is bulletproof.
Still the the ending somehow puzzles me even though some explanation is given here.
Apparently season 3 is needed though it will make things more complicated.
As for the next week, we have this
来週のこの時間は、映画「ひぐらしのなく頃に」のスペシャル特番を放送！
( a special program aired at the usual time). I think it was mentioned as well.

Lastly I wanted to point out about russian weapory at sonozakis'. I know the yakuza thing and the fact that Shion looks really cool with kalashnikov but in truth it would be easier for them to get american or european guns because russian guns could only be bought from 3 parties (china?).

Also, Hanyuu living happily with Rika. Is she really fine this way (=living in the material world)

[Cheezy]

Such a great series. I wonder what's going to happen in season 3.

The bit at the end where Hanyuu and Rika changed the calendar and smiled was a great addition.

[Hareoic]

I don't know if this is an inconsistency or not, but Rika said she'd waited 1000 years to beat fate, yet she said before she'd been in the loop for 100 years.

Can somebody explain why this is?

[kingsky123]

I don't know if this is an inconsistency or not, but Rika said she'd waited 1000 years to beat fate, yet she said before she'd been in the loop for 100 years.

Can somebody explain why this is?

i think you read it wrongly, the quote is (for you , a 1000 years , i think it meant hanyuu)

[Vicke]

Im glad that Takano didnt die and was saved by Tomitake. Im satisfied with the ending, it provided the closure needed for this series. Overall this arc was kind of weak compared to the other.

[kj1980]

Lastly I wanted to point out about russian weapory at sonozakis'. I know the yakuza thing and the fact that Shion looks really cool with kalashnikov but in truth it would be easier for them to get american or european guns because russian guns could only be bought from 3 parties (china?).

Due to the nature of underground dealings, most Japanese yakuzas use Russian made guns - if not copies of them made by China or North Korea. One famous example is how yakuza's preferred type of handgun is...a Tokarev.

[Captain Spyro]

I must say, when an episode makes me cry, it does something right. Just such a powerful ending.:)

Though, I do have one question.

Did Rika go back in time again? I thought she said she wanted to experience a full life and not go back. Or am I missing something?

[Sterling01]

I must say, when an episode makes me cry, it does something right. Just such a powerful ending.:)

Though, I do have one question.

Did Rika go back in time again? I thought she said she wanted to experience a full life and not go back. Or am I missing something?
Do people read the other posts before posting I really wonder...

For hopefully the last Time...

The lady in Part C was not Rika.

[MarthX]

They don't. It would too much of a hassle to read every post.

[Captain Spyro]

Do people read the other posts before posting I really wonder...

For hopefully the last Time...

The lady in Part C was not Rika.

My bad. I read through most of the thread before watching the episode, but I didn't want to spoil myself, so I tried to avoid the small details and possible spoilers.

In the end, I offer my apologies. I just forgot to look through the thread. Simple human mistake.:)

End the end though, thanks.:)

[Sterling01]

They don't. It would too much of a hassle to read every post.

Lazy Bastards :heh:

[Eryops]

i think you read it wrongly, the quote is (for you , a 1000 years , i think it meant hanyuu)
Isn't Bernkastel's age said to be over 1000 years in Umineko? Perhaps it's a reference to her. After all, I don't think that Hanyuu is that old. Since Rika is the 8th female generation of House Furude, this would put Hanyuu's age from 340 years (8x30 assuming they were all female +100 for the time she spent with Rika) to say 580 years (if only half of them were women). Furthermore, the flashback to Hanyuu's living days in Katautsuchi-hen shows a house (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5899/13vn0.jpg) that closely resembles the Gassho style houses still present in Shirakawa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Villages_of_Shirakawa-g%C5%8D_and_Gokayama), which date back to the 19th century (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/734/video). This probably puts Hanyuu's life in a time frame much closer to the present than an entire millennium. I suppose there is a possibility that since Hanyuu arrives in each world before Rika, she has ended up being considerably older than her, but even that would probably be insufficient to stretch out to an entire millennium.

[Sterling01]

Yeah in Umineko it's said Bernkastel's age is 1000 years old

[Proto]

I'm still wondering why does this thread has Umineko spoilers :rolleyes:

Should we ask for a Higurashi-Umineko bridge thread so that all extra tibdits can be covered without spoilering the people who don't want to be spoilered?

[Sterling01]

I'm still wondering why does this thread has Umineko spoilers :rolleyes:

Should we ask for a Higurashi-Umineko bridge thread so that all extra tibdits can be covered without spoilering the people who don't want to be spoilered?

Just so you know I haven't spolied anything that has to do with the main story of Umineko

[Proto]

I know that, I already have an idea myself of Umineko story (and I am waiting for my shipped CD...). I am just of the 100% anti spoiler group. I cringe in terror whenever a single vowel is spoiled for me. So expect me to overreact at every hint of an unlabeled spoiler. Hence I think that for people like me an specific thread for this topic should be created.

[GreatTeacherKen]

Great ending to a great series.

I have to admit I felt sorry for Takano even though she deserved what happened to her. I think it was largely because the seiyuu's (Miki Itou's) performance was so good, I couldn't help but feel pity for her.

So I guess I'm glad Tomitake saved her. :p

[Klashikari]

Just as ProtoMan asked, please do not discuss any further of Umineko no Naku Koro ni in this thread.
This thread is solely destined for the 24th and final episode of Higurashi no Naku koro ni Kai.

While the subject is quite interesting, it is sidetracking the discussion. Please use preferrably Umineko no Naku Koroni - Ep. 1 Legend of the Golden Witch (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=53070) thread, or Higurashi Discussion (for people who have read the clues) (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=37159) thread (I believe the later is well better suited for this in most cases).

A "cross" thread between higurashi and umineko might be created in the future. That said, please use the proper thread to discuss about these points involving both universes on their specific locations, especially that some spoiler tags titles used weren't helping much to allow pertinent information, or overboard ones etc.

Also, I should remind people that we still don't know the content of season 3, which might answer the questions/gives proper explanations either from Rei or Umineko. Therefore, it is preferrably better to "tell the flat out truth" only on the spoiler threads, not on the "anime safe haven" ones.

[RWBladewing]

This episode more than made up for the issues I had with 23, I couldn't have asked for anything better. A great ending and it even made me feel sorry for Takano who I absolutely hated throughout the rest of the series. 10/10.

[champbaka]

At last its all over...for now. Despite being happy for the Rika's gang, Takano's breakdown actually made me "feel" sorry for her *smashes head on wall*. Its kinda sad for me that the main arcs anime is over, but now we can wait for season 3, live action movie, and perhaps Umineko if its get animated. Oh, and the manga as well ^^.

Btw: There's episode 25 right? What is it exactly?

[Sterling01]

EP 25 has something to do with the live action movie

[Hareoic]

At last its all over...for now. Despite being happy for the Rika's gang, Takano's breakdown actually made me "feel" sorry for her *smashes head on wall*. Its kinda sad for me that the main arcs anime is over, but now we can wait for season 3, live action movie, and perhaps Umineko if its get animated. Oh, and the manga as well ^^.
Don't forget the novelizations, although that may take a long long time.

[KaneDragon]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8263/rikagrowingdisappointmela6.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rikagrowingdisappointmela6.jpg)
Heh.

[CrisisDarkerXIV]

Nice ending!

HAIL THE BANKEN!

GAWD, adult Rika is so hawt :3... in a freaky kinda way.

I gotta a question: What were so strange about the dates? And what did it mean when Rika and Hanyuu tore off a paper to read 1893, 1?

WOOT! Can't wait for Season 3!

[MarthX]

It was July 1st.

Rika has been unable to live past June.

[Sorrow-K]

An incredibly fitting ending to an amazing epic.

I shed a few manly tears when I realized the thing was over. I even felt sympathy for Takano, even despite all that she's done. The characterization in this is every bit as good as the plot. What else can I say? Just an amazing series.

Edit: Actually, just an amazing story is a better way to put it, since it just doesn't work without considering both series.

[fict_ticious]

Felt like an ending worthy of an eternal struggle. Job well done, Higurashi. From a first season shrouded with mystery, to a second season where it is gradually unveiled, and then to a finale where one's faith and to move forward is rewarded.
It's been quite a ride.

I had a huge grin when Rika was peeling off the calendar. Also, Happy Canada Day 1983.

[Kanzaki Urumi]

very nice end, i laughed when okonogi complimented them tat mion could make it big in SAS, delta force XD

when rika tore the calender to reveal the day's date, i can help but to smile. Hanyuu and Rika together is so cute....

[Davidj]

Felt like an ending worthy of an eternal struggle. Job well done, Higurashi. From a first season shrouded with mystery, to a second season where it is gradually unveiled, and then to a finale where one's faith and to move forward is rewarded.
It's been quite a ride.

I had a huge grin when Rika was peeling off the calendar. Also, Happy Canada Day 1983.

Come to think of it, that was the very first Canada Day.

[Sinestra]

Glaces at stockpile of flamming pitchforks and wonders why anyone would rate this episode a 2

[raikage]

Do people read the other posts before posting I really wonder...

I do, but I probably shouldn't. :eyespin:

I've seen a few random spoilers here and there, not just in this thread but in others over the course of the season.

<--- *also confused about the random timeskip ending*

[Archuka]

I was a little worried Deen would do something stupid again, but I was pleasantly surprised by this episode.

The animation was above series average and I had trouble finding any stupid scenes. And in addition to the lack of bad scenes we got a whole load of things I really liked, such as the broken Takano, who I couldn't help but feel sorry for despite her horrible sins. It's like her intentions were pure but her methods were everything but!

Thumbs up and a 9 for studio Deen for this episode. :)

[Killer Loli]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8263/rikagrowingdisappointmela6.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rikagrowingdisappointmela6.jpg)
Heh.

I LOLD so much
epic episode is epic

[Neko Haruko]

What was that Spedcial that was supposed to air today?

[Deathkillz]

*points*

http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=59706 <--- here it is...

[Liddo-kun]

Right on Christmas Eve I finish watching Episode 24:
So good....

It was a happy ending after all.
Rika finally get what she wants and no one dies.
But the two persons I like most on the ending are Mion and Hanyu, they're so cool.

[furix]

The ending was amazing!~

I haven't seen such a good ending for an anime series for what seems to be 5 years! :clap:

Now, I am sure a 3rd season is on it's way though, with the new higurashi game being out and all.

[SirusRiddler]

The ending was amazing!~

I haven't seen such a good ending for an anime series for what seems to be 5 years! :clap:

Now, I am sure a 3rd season is on it's way though, with the new higurashi game being out and all.

The new Higurashi game is just a remake of Matsuri with added content and scenarios. If that's what you're talking about anyways.

[way2slow]

The ending was great, just finished the 24th episode. I'd have to agree that the ending episode was far beyond my expectations.

Also, I was not expecting a 3rd season, best to have left it the way it was.

[Fychan]

It looks like I'm the only one who always felt sorry for Takano... I was really hoping that she would end well... And if she's with Tommy it's only better~

But why would she escape from the clinic? I think she's afraid of syringes...

[TigerII]

Yay she got to experience life! Rika got older! Woo!

Wanted to see the others older. I wonder if Satoshi was ever saved.

Awsome ending to an awsome show. One of the best of 06-07.

[Eryops]

Yay she got to experience life! Rika got older! Woo!

Wanted to see the others older. I wonder if Satoshi was ever saved.

She got 8 days older. That was Bernkastel at the end of the episode. Though Satoshi did wake up a few years later.

[TigerII]

She got 8 days older. That was Bernkastel at the end of the episode. Though Satoshi did wake up a few years later.

Damn, I watched this all stretched out, I have no idea who that is. O well, don't feel like watching the entire thing again.

[June 1983]

Bernkastel was never mentioned in the anime. You need to read the TIPS and Frederica Bernkastel's poems from the games, which are translated in these forums.

[Solafighter]

Well well, i just manged to finish watching the last episodes. :)

Great ending.

[TigerII]

Eh, if I have time. But does it basically mean the cast is never going to get to live a nomral life? They will always be played with?

[Davidj]

Eh, if I have time. But does it basically mean the cast is never going to get to live a nomral life? They will always be played with?

They will live many normal and many abnormal lifes. These are actually parallel universes and they continue onward after Rika is killed or saved or is never in danger in the first place.

[TigerII]

But I mean Rika, she is the one that keeps getting set back. Since she lived past the date, will she be left alne in that one universe or will she continue to be pulled into new ones if the gods continue to 'play' with the worlds?

[Davidj]

But I mean Rika, she is the one that keeps getting set back. Since she lived past the date, will she be left alne in that one universe or will she continue to be pulled into new ones if the gods continue to 'play' with the worlds?

The Rika who won will stay in the universe where she won I think.

[MarthX]

Anybody that voted a 2 should be ashamed of yourselves. There is no justification for that.

[Makahari2000]

Anybody that voted a 2 should be ashamed of yourselves. There is no justification for that.

It was probably to spite the person saying noone should vote a 2 a few pages back.

[TigerII]

Ah okay David.


But if people keep saying there will be a third season, then RIka won't be left alone will she? Unless it uses new characters, I guess we will get to watch 20+ more episodes of the kids getting killed...kinda boring.

[June 1983]

Ah okay David.


But if people keep saying there will be a third season, then RIka won't be left alone will she? Unless it uses new characters, I guess we will get to watch 20+ more episodes of the kids getting killed...kinda boring.

You know ... if you read all of this thread you'd notice people were talking about what is likely to happen to season 3. Most likely it will contain Saikoroshi-hen and maybe some kind of crossover with Umineko no Naku Koro ni ... maybe. Plus filler, I'm sure.

[TigerII]

And I never played the games so I have no idea what arcs those are. I have only ever watched the first and second season.

So I have no idea who the witches are, why they enjoy doing this, etc. To me a third season is just another set of kids getting killed and it seems that they will never be at peace. Which sounds boring to me for a third season.

[June 1983]

Well, there are plenty of resources here that could fill you in on what goes on. There's also Wikipedia. Look up Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei.

It's very unlikely that's what the third season is going to be about, as you will find out if you ... read!

[grey_moon]

I just marathoned S1 and S2, great dango what a great series. I would go back and vote 10's all around if I could be bothered to :p

Great end to this absolutely brilliant work of art. I was so happy for everyone including Tokano at the end of it.

In general the way they unfolded the story with little changes was so well done. Satako's arc was heart breaking... The way their faces contorted with madness was frightening. Each time they overcame an obstacle and became better people, it was heart warming. Higurashi I think shows what the word humanity should mean. Too many people use the phrase to err is human, but I think especially how everyone overcame this overly exaggerated dark side in them to be the real meaning of humanity.

[Mitsu Aoi]

Well
it's rather half assed
so forgive-me any mistake


「I'm going out to play---!!!」

The energetic voice of the girl resounds all over the house.　

It is a poor tenement, so the walls are thin.　

That energetic voice resounded even to the next door but, no one would be an inelegant person to complain about the pleasant and energetic voice of a child.


「Miyoko.
I think we'll go to the department store but...」


That voice doesn't reach the girl who created a new secret base in the field and wants a lot to play there with everyone as soon as possible.

The father making the girl going to the department store with the family turns out to be enjoyable and he knew that if he goes out only with his wife, she would be sulky, so he called out to her.　
　
... And the girl has a hobby of collecting the flags of the child lunch and it seems with 1 more flag, she will have 20 flags.

The girl made wishes of happiness to the flags of the child lunch. 　

If she gathers 20 flags, she is sure that some miracle will happen and she can be happy,

...She believed that.

It can't be helped.

He'll get the flags of the child lunch back as souvenirs to her.

It's no big deal.

If she asks to the people of the restaurant she'll get even more flags.
　
That day, ......the schedule of the railroad was a chaos because of a trifling semaphore trouble.

In order make up for the delay and gain time, the driver stepped a bit slowly in the place you usually brake and a bit more quickly than in the place you usually accelerate, .... he was making those moves.

The Tanashi family does not have a private automobile.

They'll go to the department store by electric train.

A woman alone with whom she's not familiar call the girl to a halt,........ the girl who looks at the house of a friend while skipping.

With a glance, the girl thought that was not a person from this neighborhood.　

This neighborhood is made of very poor tenements of acquaintances of the neighborhood.

Everyone knows the faces f the neighbours.　

So, if people they don't know were here, ... they'd be or a new mailman.... or a stranger who wrong guessed his shortcut and lost his way.

The woman said to the girl.

「......Do you want to live?

.........Or do you want to die?」


Having asked just that, a normal person would suspect she is a strange person.　

However, the girl still had the innocence to take that seriously. 　

So, the girl immediately replies.

「I want to live!」

「I see. Then go.

At any rate, even if you go, your friends won't be there but, even so, go.」

「............Won't be there?」

The girl strangely thought why would this strange woman know such a thing.

She calls the woman who tries to leave to a halt.

If this is the answer she gave to her "I want to live",... it is a bit strange but, with her childish innocence, she was curious to know what would be the answer she would get if her answer was the other option.


「Then, what if I'd like to die?」

「You'd get one more flag of the child lunch.」
　
「.....Eh!!

Aah, not fair, that's my reason to go the department store!!

Not fair, not fair!」


The girl is already at full speed.

Now, she tries to run back the way she came.


「Nice isn't it....?

........You don't regret it,....right...?」


The strange woman says that to call her attention.


「Why should I regret?」

「.........I won't tell you. ...Because it'd be unkind.」

「.....Huum....」

The girl thinks she is being tested with some enigma and ponders about that but, .... but she is clueless.

And then, ....what is that, she clapped her hands indifferent to it and said.


「It's alright, Onee-chan.」

「Why is it alright?」

「Whatever happens, my father and my mother will be with me.」

「...............................」


Hearing that, the woman makes her way.

The girl quickly nodded and ran back to her family.

Right after the doors unlock, there were her parents trying to depart.

The girl jumps at that and they hurried her to go

...... The girl managed to go to the department store with her family.

And the three people of the family went to the station, ... took the train,... and boarded on it.

The driver was in a hurry for falling behind the schedule that he couldn't recover and, ...it seemed that it was implictly transmitted even to the passengers by the way he drives.

Today it is shaking.

The girl says that while kneeled in the seat looking outside.　

Her mother warns her to seat down properly because it is dangerous.

But the girl puts out her tongue.

..........And then, ......the train, .......approaches a very very big,.... and ver very steep,...curve.

Inside the train, they incline to that direction and many people are pushed to the other side and pressed into a manjuu.

In that narrow space, moans can be heard....

And then, ... everyone in the train is pressed tightly again.........

...................

The girl and her parents returned home under a whole starry sky holding with both hands full paper bags they bought.

They open the lock and turn on the lights inside the completely dark house,... after the girl placed the load in the entrance, she rushed to her room.

And then, ...... she opens the drawer of the writing desk, .... and takes what she had put inside her pocket.

......She opens the closed drawer a bit more and spreads all those flags,.... on top of the folded clothes.

Those were flags of the child lunch, .... that were copies of flags of many countries.

The Japanese flag, America, England, and, eerh, where is this one from...

This three coloured flag is hard to identify...

After that, she lines them up in order to count them.

And then, she placed them while counting with her mouth.　

And then, the girl begins to dance happily.　

Because she gathered 20 flags like she desired.　

How much time did it take for her to gather these?　

The girl had big hardships to surmount that and for a short while she jumped in delight for her great achievement.

Since she had lots of trouble to gather these, certainly, there might be something good in it.　

If you gather 20 flags, you will certainly be able to be happy, so said the prayer.

So, she is sure that from now on something wonderful will happen...

The girl waits excited but,... the magical light doesn't appear and it's not that any devil appeared and granted her something.　

Maybe it won't be tonight and something good will happen tomorrow.

The girl patiently waits.　
　
She accomplished a great achievement of gathering 20 flags anyway.

Surely, a wonderful good fortune will come.　

Surely, a wonderful miracle will come.　

Or maybe it will become an amulet to chase away sad misfortunes.　

The girl puts the 20 flags back again in the drawer.

And then, upon hearing her mother's voice telling her to to brush her teeth and go to sleep, she rushed to the bathroom....

Nice, isn't it?

To say it like this.

That she received an advance of the miracle.　

Very well, I wonder what will I play next.

Because there are as many fragments as I want that I can play with.　

What ?

You wanna play too?

*giggle*, it's interesting.

It gives you the feeling you became god.　

Like a world where Satoshi is together with them or a world where the Sonozaki twins don't change places　

I wonder how would be a world where Satoko's parents and Rika's parents are well.　
　
Aah, how would it be?

If Akasaka was seduced by Takano and went to the enemy side.

Ahaha, it seems interesting.　

Personally, I have interest in seeing a world where that Takano is madly in love with Tomitake.　

It seems to be interesting to try and play pairing Keiichi with many girls.

I love fighting scenes.

*Giggle*

Well, I wonder what will I play next. There are as many pieces as I want.

Hey, do you have some more?

What do you want to play?

:heh::twitch:


Just to add the note...


Message from Frederica Bernkastel

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am who I am; Frederica Bernkastel.
Furude Rika and Frederica are different. Shame on you if you thought so.
My age? I've gotten bored with it, so I've quit counting.

Huh? Are you speculating that the real identity of the Oyashiro-sama is me?
Giggle giggle. You are so insolent.
The Oyashiro-sama is the Oyashiro-sama. You want me to introduce it to you? It's rather shy.
It gets frightened easily so don't scare it, okay? However, it seems that you are the one that's scared.

Giggle giggle giggle...


The last EP was great but I keep hearin other people that KAI isnt as gore as the 1st season.... But anyways i'ts fun to see a happy ending (IMO).

Hmm about the Season 3 I hope they'll include Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni_Rei) and the Manga Arcs like Onisarashi-hen, Yoigoshi-hen and Utsutsukowashi-hen.
After I saw the Last ep I was frenzy playing Higurashi Daybreak Kai sorta kind of a possesion xD

[grey_moon]

The last EP was great but I keep hearin other people that KAI isnt as gore as the 1st season.... But anyways i'ts fun to see a happy ending (IMO).


I watched S1 and S2 back to back. I really needed the happy ending for my own sanity :heh:

[Guardian Enzo]

Nice ending - but I guess I'm just a hard-hearted bastard, because I have no sympathy for Takano at all. I would have been much happier seeing her suffer for everything she'd done. Seemed like Tommy's compassion and the epilogue were a tug at the heartstrings that was misplaced, at least IMO. Other than that, nice to see a well-deserved happy ending for a change (even without a Satoshi epilogue).

[FlareKnight]

Yeah getting that happy ending was appreciated. Pulled the whole first season off a few months before this second season got started. Was glad they managed to survive and could finally move forward out of that repeating tragedy.

Just after seeing how hard things were on everyone wasn't much pity left for Takano. If she didn't make it through the last episode I wouldn't have been that upset.

[Ottocycle]

Ahh coming back here is kind of a relief. My friends kept going on about Kai was bad and all since they lost their loli gore fix or something like that and they won't listen when I tell them they're losing the point of the whole show.

I half-blame Onikakushi and Tatarigoroshi for that.

Pfft.

EDIT: Crap, the moment I post this I see an Overall Impressions thread up. *Sigh*

[June 1983]

Ahh coming back here is kind of a relief. My friends kept going on about Kai was bad and all since they lost their loli gore fix or something like that and they won't listen when I tell them they're losing the point of the whole show.

I half-blame Onikakushi and Tatarigoroshi for that.

Pfft.

EDIT: Crap, the moment I post this I see an Overall Impressions thread up. *Sigh*

That really seems to be a big issue with some people, I notice. I guess some people really can't handle a story that actually has depth. Not everything has to be about fan service!

[grey_moon]

Yeah getting that happy ending was appreciated. Pulled the whole first season off a few months before this second season got started. Was glad they managed to survive and could finally move forward out of that repeating tragedy.


Hee hee but did they survive? They actually died countless times :twitch: My head hurts if I think about it too much

[angel.shade]

That really seems to be a big issue with some people, I notice. I guess some people really can't handle a story that actually has depth. Not everything has to be about fan service!

I lol'd so hard at the fact that you're calling the scary parts fan service, but you conveniently leave out any incidents of moe-blob "auauauau" bullshit in season 2.

Higurashi Kai was good. There's no doubt about that. But it was a HUGE departure from the genre the first season had already established. I went into the second season expecting to have my brain exploded a second time. I ended up having it pickled in sugar instead.

I really don't get how you think Season 2 is deeper than Season 1. Season 2 just out and tells you almost everything. The story is very linear and focused; it's a very neat, clean progression from point A to point B.

Season 1 though... it took me until the end of the season to figure out what was going on, which is exactly how it should be. Higurashi Kai? I predicted the ending way in advance. #24 was not even remotely a surprise. The dark, brooding, suspenseful "oh god they're all going to die please help ;_;" of Season 1 was replaced with bad action sequences and a heaping helping of "club activities" slice-of-life nonsense.

The focus on mind-bending horror in season 1 may be different from the stories of the original games, but I could care less. There's a terrible shortage of good horror stories out there and I for one am glad Higurashi adds to the pool.

[June 1983]

Oh, the moe is definitely fan service. No kidding!

I really don't get how you think Season 2 is deeper than Season 1. Season 2 just out and tells you almost everything. The story is very linear and focused; it's a very neat, clean progression from point A to point B.

The name of the series is When Cicadas Cry: Solutions though, so what do you expect? The story was always a mystery, and the horror was just a side effect of it. This should have been obvious from the second or third chapter. The horror in season 1 is just a red herring, leading you in the wrong direction from what is really going on.

If the show had continued with the same gimmick it had in the first season the story not only would have never progressed, but it would have just been ... BAD. Because it was always clear there was a lot more going on than gore, and it would never have delivered on the deeper meaning.

Furthermore, Kai was not that linear. The last chapter takes up about half of the series, so it may seem linear. But there was plenty of mystery and confusion in the first half, before Takano was even revealed.

In any case, whether you like it or not, Higurashi was never just horror story. Unfortunately, if you want only horror, you're just going to have to look somewhere else ... that's just the way it is. Most people enjoy the fact that the story evolves and has many layers, but I can see why you'd be disappointed if you never wanted more than that to begin with.

[Klashikari]

Higurashi Kai was good. There's no doubt about that. But it was a HUGE departure from the genre the first season had already established. I went into the second season expecting to have my brain exploded a second time. I ended up having it pickled in sugar instead.
This definitely means you were expecting simply more creep fest. You can't possible expect a resolution of this mystery plot without a situation back to earth?
Higurashi was never meant to be "creep story" for the hell of it.I really don't get how you think Season 2 is deeper than Season 1. Season 2 just out and tells you almost everything. The story is very linear and focused; it's a very neat, clean progression from point A to point B.That is because it was needed for the mystery, and S2 was had hell more depth in terms of characters developments and resolution.
Questions arcs are nowhere near as developping characters and messages, while Minagoroshi and Matsuribayashi made their job neatly.Season 1 though... it took me until the end of the season to figure out what was going on, which is exactly how it should be. Higurashi Kai? I predicted the ending way in advance. #24 was not even remotely a surprise. The dark, brooding, suspenseful "oh god they're all going to die please help ;_;" of Season 1 was replaced with bad action sequences and a heaping helping of "club activities" slice-of-life nonsense.Everyone was expecting the good end, it is within the philosophy of such storytelling. The real thing Higurashi Kai had to show was the execution and how the characters struggle for it. Bad action is quite relative, but as for the "slice of life nonsense" i'm quite surprised you can label it, despite the facts characters were meant to have fun like this and S1 proved it for a good while.The focus on mind-bending horror in season 1 may be different from the stories of the original games, but I could care less. There's a terrible shortage of good horror stories out there and I for one am glad Higurashi adds to the pool.You basically watched Higurashi for its genre and not for its plot. That's good for you, but it isn't then surprising to see how you are "disappointed".
It is basically how people who care only for creeps reacted ever since Yakusamashi-hen.

[champbaka]

I say Higurashi Kai was excellent and it neatly answered most of my questions season 1 left me with. The animation dropped quite a few times during the entire airing, but still what I really cared was how did Studio handled the story. Kai really gave the series a completely different mood from season 1 and reveal the series's truth theme which I was expecting. I was only dissapointed about how some minor details were left out. Since I follow the manga which is more in detail I feel a bit dissapointed how the anime left those details unanswered. Well the manga will answer those questions anyway, so on with Season 3!

Still it dissapoints me how unappreciated Higurashi is to the Otaku world. I tried recommending Higurashi to my friends, but they are more interesting in Shonen stuff like One Piece and Naruto (ugh). Some of my friends who read the manga are only interested in the gore and killer lolis. While some of my other friends heard the rumors about the blood and especially the lolis and decided to never touch the series. It just saddens me how some people just don't see the true theme of Higurashi and its not just a guro-type horror with killer lolis. I guess people just rather take mindless action over a complex and quality plot.

[angel.shade]

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree then. I went into Higurashi believing it was a dark, mind-warping psychological horror. Season 1 mostly delivered, while Season 2 was more of a mildly supernatural character drama/fantasy.

I'm not saying this is bad; I'm just saying that after what S1 presented, S2 was a jarring genre-swap. Either S1 should have been more of an emotional character drama (but then I'd never have watched it to begin with, oh well) or S2 needed much more "WTF" moments.

Edit: And please effing explain to me why wanting a complex, intriguing psychological horror story is "mindless action without plot"? Why don't you go play Silent Hill, or System Shock 2, or Parasite Eve, and get back to me on that one, okay? Please don't lump me with the mindless Naruto/Bleach fanboy sheep.

I mean, seriously. Just because I'm not a fan of gushy happy emo crap and would rather see dark, brain-melting stories doesn't mean I'm an idiot.

[Klashikari]

I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree then. I went into Higurashi believing it was a dark, mind-warping psychological horror. Season 1 mostly delivered, while Season 2 was more of a mildly supernatural character drama/fantasy.
I'm wondering why you are considering that "fantasy". it has nothing to do with that, aside of the supernatural part of it.I'm not saying this is bad; I'm just saying that after what S1 presented, S2 was a jarring genre-swap. Either S1 should have been more of an emotional character drama (but then I'd never have watched it to begin with, oh well) or S2 needed much more "WTF" moments.... you are going in circle: how can you vastly expect "WTF" moments considering its plot? I think things would be much less complicated to develop if Reunion was added in S1 instead of being inserted ater, but well.
And before you ask, S1 was already driven in character drama, such like Tatarigoroshi and Meakashi. There is a reason why there are some complaints about the "yay gore killer loli". It wasn't aimed at you, but it reflects how it is actually misleading the franchise.Edit: And please effing explain to me why wanting a complex, intriguing psychological horror story is "mindless action without plot"? Why don't you go play Silent Hill, or System Shock 2, or Parasite Eve, and get back to me on that one, okay? Please don't lump me with the mindless Naruto/Bleach fanboy sheep.You didn't exactly get what chambaka meant: sadly the point is Higurashi get known only for its appearance and not for its substance. Horror and such are nowhere of mindless, it is rather a comparison of popularity with these mindless shounen, mind you.I mean, seriously. Just because I'm not a fan of gushy happy emo crap and would rather see dark, brain-melting stories doesn't mean I'm an idiot.No one meant that way I believe, it was rather points we showed that your expectations were completely sidetracked to what higurashi was in S1 and how it is in S2.

[Sauzer]

I guess some people excpected that Higurashi would be like Elfen Lied - gore with no end, but still has a good story to go with it.

[BakaOnna]

Most of the blame of why some fans disliked Kai for its lack of horror elements goes to DEEN. Although I've never played the game, based on what I've read from the manga, Higurashi is definitely not just horror, mystery and murder. There's a lot of time given to character interaction and development. Season 1 had a bit of those interactions but was severly lacking. If DEEN hadn't focused on only the mystery and horror elements in season 1, there wouldn't be as many complaints about it in Kai. But then again, seeing how some people don't like the "slice-of-life" character interaction moments, people might've never finished season 1 if that happened. :rolleyes:

[angel.shade]

If Higurashi had been made more true to the original sound novels, then no, I would have had absolutely no interest in it. As it was it took a lot of convincing for me to even watch it, and I almost threw it out during the three-episode test.

I can deal with a good psychological horror or thriller with a little comedy and school-day slice-of-life on the side. I can't really be interested in the reverse, though.

The horror genre is so devoid of anything good it just feels like the posters here, the fans of the "true" Higurashi story are blasting the horror genre as being shallow and nothing but a gore-fest.

But wait a minute... that's MY complaint with the genre! There are too many Saws, too many Hostels, too many Screams and I Know What You Did Last Summer, and not enough REALLY effed-up stories that are genuinely *scary* with the whole package, not just senseless violence and gore with no plot.

So Higurashi's anime succeeds at accidentally becoming a rather impressively brain-melting psych horror, and it seems like the only two responses are either "stupid horror elements, should have stayed closer to the games" or the Narutards spouting out things like "OMG KILLER LOLIS COVERED IN BLUUD!"

I don't see anyone really appreciating the "oh god what the F is THAT" part... I guess no one else really cares.

[Klashikari]

If Higurashi had been made more true to the original sound novels, then no, I would have had absolutely no interest in it. As it was it took a lot of convincing for me to even watch it, and I almost threw it out during the three-episode test.
That is actually funny because it would rather keep the same amount of "horror", but some counter balance with the fun and drama.The horror genre is so devoid of anything good it just feels like the posters here, the fans of the "true" Higurashi story are blasting the horror genre as being shallow and nothing but a gore-fest.Good thing if it is actually your point of view *cough*. As far as I can see, no one has ever complained about the horror itself, which was an innate part of Higurashi. What was baffling is the fact S1 was too focalised on it, or rather, they simply skipped most "non horror" part. Being true fans or not (as I don't think many people can boats having played the game), the major point is the fact the series was a bit unbalanced, because of the time contraints, which were the true core problem, obviously leading to the genre unbalance.
I don't see anyone really appreciating the "oh god what the F is THAT" part... I guess no one else really cares.If there wasn't many of them, why would they follow S2, while loving S1 in the same process (until they were spoiled, knowing it would be drama and stuff)? You are exaggerating the reactions here and there, pure and simple.

Unbalance issues are nowhere near as problematic as the quality and pacing issues of S1. And yet, the S1 still had high scores from "these true fans"... meh, whatever.


finally on another note:
Episode 24: Analysis (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/higurashi-no-naku-koro-ni-kai-episode-24-analysis-thoughts-and-random-comments/)
2 weeks late i gues *sigh* too much stuff to do, and toncrap things to upload :heh:
More BGM and stuff, as usual.

[Sterling01]

Good job on the last Analysis

[FlareKnight]

Hee hee but did they survive? They actually died countless times :twitch: My head hurts if I think about it too muchWell guess it depends on how you look at it. Many versions of the friends all died and the grand total of deaths could be nightmarish if you added them all together. This group managed to survive which is a nice thing.

[angel.shade]

The only thing I'm complaining about is that I come here and post my thoughts on the series, saying that Kai wasn't disturbing enough, and got pretty well jumped all over for it. For voicing the opinion that I felt there should be more brain-breaking in Higurashi Kai, I get people accusing me of asking for pointless gore?

I mean, I don't mind if people like the series for the moe, or for the characters, or for the club activities, or whatever. Whatever floats your boat. What floated my boat was the disturbing stuff, and all I was trying to convey is that I, me, an individual, thought that Higurashi Kai would have been more entertaining to me had it retained the erroneous focus of the first season.

I still don't get why that makes me a mouthbreathing, brainless equivalent of a DBZ or Naruto fan.

[grey_moon]

Well guess it depends on how you look at it. Many versions of the friends all died and the grand total of deaths could be nightmarish if you added them all together. This group managed to survive which is a nice thing.

That is very true and I'll stick to it too or my brain will start oozing out of my ears.

For me this series is the ultimate in onion suspense. The gore and horrific events were just a well used tool to really burn the horrible events into our minds so when I got to the end I really did appreciate how much everyone went through.

The way the story unfolded with each telling was masterful.

[tripperazn]

The only thing I'm complaining about is that I come here and post my thoughts on the series, saying that Kai wasn't disturbing enough, and got pretty well jumped all over for it. For voicing the opinion that I felt there should be more brain-breaking in Higurashi Kai, I get people accusing me of asking for pointless gore?

I mean, I don't mind if people like the series for the moe, or for the characters, or for the club activities, or whatever. Whatever floats your boat. What floated my boat was the disturbing stuff, and all I was trying to convey is that I, me, an individual, thought that Higurashi Kai would have been more entertaining to me had it retained the erroneous focus of the first season.

I still don't get why that makes me a mouthbreathing, brainless equivalent of a DBZ or Naruto fan.

When watching Higurashi, I was like you, the horror was what kept me coming back for more. Killer lolis was an awesome concept all on it's own which was showcased as the focus in both Onikakushi-hen and Watanagashi-hen. I'll admit those two arcs scared the crap out of me, and I loved it. However, as the first season progressed, the emphasis shifted off of graphic horror and moved on to repeatedly suggesting that there is a reason for all this violence and paranoia. It's their intention to have a small voice in your head asking "wtf is going on" when the characters start going L5. By the end of season one, it's more of a mystery than horror. A progression you should have noticed.

It's not your fault for not knowing Japanese, but 解 (kai) roughly means solution/explanation. To the show's target audience, it's clear what the contents of the show is going to focus on- answering that question. That's why I don't like to call it S2 or second season, because that isn't really correct. It's more like another aspect of Higurashi, some would argue the "true" Higurashi.

No one is bashing you. They're just trying to tell you that Higurashi really isn't about the horror, as well done as it was. You're not wrong for liking the show purely for that part, but that isn't what Higurashi is about at it's core and therefore not the fault of the anime for completely transitioning. Especially when the title (kai) made it clear.

[angel.shade]

I think my definition of horror is a bit different than what you're alluding to. Maybe I'm confused, but every horror story that has ever interested me has always had a greater mystery behind and/or surrounding the scary stuff, and the plot generally centers on discovering the cause of whatever is happening.

Maybe I'm misdefining horror and that's what's causing this, I'm not sure. I guess if you define the horror genre as a bunch of people doing dumb things and getting messily killed, then I would not be a fan of the genre.

I guess things like Silent Hill, Parasite Eve, System Shock 2, Jacob's Ladder, serial experiments lain and similar stories with mysterious and very disturbing, mind-bending plots aren't truly "horror" by the usual definition, but may be along different lines.

[Davidj]

I think my definition of horror is a bit different than what you're alluding to. Maybe I'm confused, but every horror story that has ever interested me has always had a greater mystery behind and/or surrounding the scary stuff, and the plot generally centers on discovering the cause of whatever is happening.

Maybe I'm misdefining horror and that's what's causing this, I'm not sure. I guess if you define the horror genre as a bunch of people doing dumb things and getting messily killed, then I would not be a fan of the genre.

I guess things like Silent Hill, Parasite Eve, System Shock 2, Jacob's Ladder, serial experiments lain and similar stories with mysterious and very disturbing, mind-bending plots aren't truly "horror" by the usual definition, but may be along different lines.

It's sometimes called the "No True Scotsman Fallacy". If your definition excludes all the lame-brained stuff you don't like, then your definition is flawed.

[angel.shade]

I don't quite understand the point of your post. I already pointed out several different media that fall into a specific subgenre of "intelligent" horror, stories that have complex and twisted plots and rely more on mood and ambience than cheap scares and monster closets to bring the scary.

The annoying thing is that I post about wishing Kai had more scary, people start ranting about how it's not supposed to be scary. Okay, yeah, I understand that. From what I've read about the original games, it's supposed to be a mystery-flavored character drama. That's fine.

But that still doesn't change the fact that 1) personally, I believe it would be more entertaining if Kai had retained the creepy from season one and 2) why does anyone else care? I don't get why people feel they have to "defend" Higurashi from the morons like me who think it should have been more disturbing through the second half.

I liked the second season, I'll probably keep it around and watch it again. I enjoyed it, despite the problems that I saw. Some of the problems everyone seems to agree on--the lackluster animation, the forgettable music (save the OP and end themes which were rather good) and the fairly out-of-place comedic "defeat" of the primary antagonists toward the end.

Other problems that I see people disagree with... I think the second season was too different from the first in terms of mood and atmosphere. It was jarring, almost like watching a completely different show with the same characters. I think they went a little crazy with the moe-blob fanservice; I swear Rika says "ni-pah" more times in individual episodes of Kai than she did in the entire first series. (Though the additional "dark" Rika dialogue was awesome.)

It's not perfect, I still think the first season was better (my opinion) and... well, it's just my opinion. No need to convince me it's wrong; an opinion by definition can't be wrong.

[Liddo-kun]

Anybody that voted a 2 should be ashamed of yourselves. There is no justification for that.

Even with three "2" and one "1" rating, the final episode still shines with 100+ "10" and 30+ "9"
Those people who gave rotten ratings are very much in the minority. :)

[angel.shade]

I actually voted 8/10, for all the show's faults it was definitely entertaining and kept me interested throughout.

[Liddo-kun]

To be honest, I'm also one of those people who consider season 1 to be better than season 2.

However, a good ending did patch up most of season 2's shortcomings. :)

[SkyDragon]

I found season two to be awesome. It explains the problem in season one with depth for those like me who are brainless and don't understand what happened and why it happened.

Anyways, I wonder what season three will be about. I don't think they can prolong it anymore...there is nothing else to show.

[Rayneing]

I found season two to be awesome. It explains the problem in season one with depth for those like me who are brainless and don't understand what happened and why it happened.

Anyways, I wonder what season three will be about. I don't think they can prolong it anymore...there is nothing else to show.

The Dice Killing Chapter, for one. Which they hinted at right at the very end.

[tripperazn]

Anyways, I wonder what season three will be about. I don't think they can prolong it anymore...there is nothing else to show.

There is Higurashi Rei, which includes "dice killing", also there are tons of PS2 and manga exclusive arcs.

[angel.shade]

My guess is Season 3 will start with Saikoroshi-hen and then spin off into follow-up original arcs that continue the story after the events of Saikoroshi-hen.

While many people will groan in displeasure at the thought of anime-original arcs, do remember how un-bad Yakusamashi-hen was, and consider that Ryukishi07 will likely be continually involved with the creation of the animation.

[Keiichi no Hibi]

To be honest, I'm also one of those people who consider season 1 to be better than season 2.

However, a good ending did patch up most of season 2's shortcomings. :)

Hoestly, if you ask me, the ending (and Takano's boringtastic flashbacks+magic remembering everything in minagoroshi) WERE the shortcomings of the series. I mean, a good end is one thing but... come on. There's such a thing as TOO good people. :heh:

Furthermore, after reading around here I understand who visited Takano after the credits rolled, but jumping on people who assume it's older!Rika (and that it's completely bull) is really dumb since... It came out of nowhere and all. That either needed more explanation or just to not have happened at all.

In any case, I'll give the last episode a 7, despite the fact I was more "... hahaha what" at most of it and 23 than "\o/ YAY GOOD END" because that's jut not gonna happen. XD

[June 1983]

I think people aren't jumping on people just because they think it's older Rika, but if they are a little testy it's more because it's been calmly explained by people a few times in this thread already, but a lot of new posters are coming in towards the end going ZOMGOLDERRIKA without having read the thread. Hell, some people seem to take offense at the mere suggestion that they read the thread they are posting in.

[Sterling01]

Exactly what June 1983 said and for people who still think it's older Rika...

Shame on you

[angel.shade]

People are assuming it's an adult Rika because there are absolutely no mentions of Frederica Bernkastel in the anime.

Studio DEEN doesn't get a free pass on this one; adding Bernkastel at the end of #24 was a stupid thing to do since they didn't work the poems into the story to begin with, and you know they really should have.

Again, DEEN misrepresented the series. I'm grateful they did though, because I still think season one turned out amazingly dark, scary and awesome. Kai just bugs me, the more and more I think about it. My favorite episode from Kai is episode 1, the epilogue to Tsumihoroboshi-hen. I personally (opinion here, don't bite my head off kthx) believe that the series could have easily ended there, with a few slight clarifications and tying up of loose ends in the "destroyed" future Hinamizawa.

What can I say? I hate happy endings. =P

[tripperazn]

My favorite episode from Kai is episode 1, the epilogue to Tsumihoroboshi-hen.

I liked it a lot as well. Not as an acceptable ending, but as an introduction to Kai, I think it was brilliant. The questions raised there was an amazing recap of the mysteries from season one. The sense of mystery was never greater than during that episode with Ooishi, Akasaka, and Rena speculating. Almost my favorite, after GAR Shion with an AK-47.

For everyone who thinks it's too happy, wait until Saikoroshi. I know that it's not related to Matsuribayashi, but it's the same happy scenario...with a twist. Whatever they do it season 3, I hope it's similar to Nekogoroshi, IMO that is the optimally balanced Higurashi.

I didn't like Bernkastel's appearance either since I don't know anything about her, but if it's as good a transition as ep 1 of Kai, I'm sold.

[Ishtar Dark]

I gave the episode a 9. I think it's a marvellously pulled off ending, and I would've given it a 10 (because a concise and well-organized anime ending like that is truly rare) were it not for Frederica's appearance at the end. Now, I find her interesting and everything, but her sudden appearance, having given no information whatsoever on her previously in the anime, isn't quite as intriguing as it is irritating.

And Takano's final scene (weeping in Tomitake's arms) made me cry. And not many things make me cry. So that's a most definite plus.

Higurashi is, and I'm sure will remain, one of my favorite anime series, for three reasons:
- the exceptional quality of the murder mystery-type story, and the likability of the villain (I have to mention this - isn't Takano's black suit just fabulous?)
- the presentation, however highly contrasted (cute on the surface, horrible below), is wonderful and doesn't feel 'wrong' at any point; quite the opposite
- the entirely constant level of quality, as opposed to some other animes (e.g., Death Note, however brilliant, unfortunately trips and tumbles later on...)

Well, my two cents. :)

[angel.shade]

Agree, Takano's breakdown at the end of the episode was a pure gold, Oscar-worthy performance! I gave the episode an 8 out of 10 primarily just for Takano's villain's expose. It was so believable and immersive, countering almost all the exasperation I felt resulting from Hanyuu's totally out-of-character behavior.

And yes, Takano's evil-mastermind outfit is totally metal.

[Sterling01]

Hanyuu wasn't out-of-character when she was talking to Takano. In a sense that's her "true" personality.

[angel.shade]

Hanyuu wasn't out-of-character when she was talking to Takano. In a sense that's her "true" personality.

From the perspective of someone who has never played the games, it's certainly not her true personality. I've never seen her act any other way besides demure, uncertain and under-confident.

A lot of the problems with the series are the fault of DEEN for leaving things out. =/

[Eryops]

From the perspective of someone who has never played the games, it's certainly not her true personality. I've never seen her act any other way besides demure, uncertain and under-confident.

A lot of the problems with the series are the fault of DEEN for leaving things out. =/
This isn't the first time she acted in a serious manner; don't forget her declaration of war to Takano in the end of episode 15.

[angel.shade]

Hm, I'd forgotten about that.

[June 1983]

I don't really think it's spelled out that this is Hanyuu's "true personality" in the games (then again, I haven't really played them, so I don't know), you're just expected to figure it out for yourself and use your imagination. I don't know -- I'm not sure where the TIPS which hint at Hanyuu's past are located in the game. They're at the very end of the thread, but I don't know what part of Matsuribayashi-hen they're in.

[combat kitten]

i never played the game, nor do i feel the anime's wellness must be justified to how closely it follows the game.

i watched the anime, loved it. from watching anime, it made me believe Hanyuu is a god, and the seriouse hanyuu with the red glowing is her true god self.

it always dissapoints me that hardcore fans always must compare every detail between the game and with the anime. many of us dont play games, but we still deserve to enjoy ( which i absolutely love higrashi ) and the anime was just perfect.

[combat kitten]

also i wanted to express my opinion to H2 isnt as scary or exciting as H1 yes that true, but i find no reason for H2 to be like H1 as ppl said the atmosphere is different.

as many of you know Kai = explained / solved in translation.

H1 for me, is like the part where roller coaster first took the LONGEST HIGHEST dive down.

H2 for me , is like the smaller, sharp turns, on a roller coaster ride, though not as horrifying as the highest dive, its refreshing and suspensfull till the end.

[Liddo-kun]

it always dissapoints me that hardcore fans always must compare every detail between the game and with the anime. many of us dont play games, but we still deserve to enjoy ( which i absolutely love higrashi ) and the anime was just perfect.

It's the sad reality, if an anime has a game or is derived from a game.
People would almost always complain if the anime does not follow exactly what happens in the game.

For my point of view, after watching the final episode.
I appreciate the anime for what it is and I don't care whether it followed the games or not. :)

[BaalChaamon]

I absolutely loved the ending. It moved my heart to see things finally working out for Rika and the gang after all these horrifying experiences she had to go through and finally find piece.

Frederica is HAWT :D She might look like a druggy(just a bit) but there is something seductive yet elusive about her and I think thats what the producers were aiming for.

[Velrok]

When watching Higurashi, I was like you, the horror was what kept me coming back for more. Killer lolis was an awesome concept all on it's own which was showcased as the focus in both Onikakushi-hen and Watanagashi-hen. I'll admit those two arcs scared the crap out of me, and I loved it. However, as the first season progressed, the emphasis shifted off of graphic horror and moved on to repeatedly suggesting that there is a reason for all this violence and paranoia. It's their intention to have a small voice in your head asking "wtf is going on" when the characters start going L5. By the end of season one, it's more of a mystery than horror. A progression you should have noticed.

It's not your fault for not knowing Japanese, but 解 (kai) roughly means solution/explanation. To the show's target audience, it's clear what the contents of the show is going to focus on- answering that question. That's why I don't like to call it S2 or second season, because that isn't really correct. It's more like another aspect of Higurashi, some would argue the "true" Higurashi.

No one is bashing you. They're just trying to tell you that Higurashi really isn't about the horror, as well done as it was. You're not wrong for liking the show purely for that part, but that isn't what Higurashi is about at it's core and therefore not the fault of the anime for completely transitioning. Especially when the title (kai) made it clear.

Awesome opinion that stole my heart. /agree

And so, I must say Higurashi was one of best serie/s (or two...) i ever seen. No it's not because i didn't see good anime series before, because i did. (Death Note / Cowboy Bebop or other stuff usually recognized as best series ever.) But in this one i found something more, not only original plot with great music and characters, but also some atmosphere that changed and manipulated my feelings as it wanted. (Like tripprazn said - first it was dark, scary and then became completely different.)

But hey, we're talking about end here aren't we? So about end - I think it was best possible i could imagine. There were enough scenes to make me cry. (I didn't though!) Still, I wish like many of you - to know how characters were growing and / or how exactly Rika was in different world.

By the way, my first post on this forum, Welcome AnimeSuki community!

[angel.shade]

higurashi was good, certainly, but not best.

gunslinger girl (season 1) and black lagoon are my top picks.

[AuditionEX]

Awesome plot..

from the season 1 up to season 2.

[ViewtifulAlchemist]

I just finished the final episode and I really enjoyed whole ride. For someone who hasn't played the games the epilogue kinda ruined the end for me but it's not so bad knowing that a third season will be made. This has become of my favorite series of all time.

[War_Lord]

Lol, Rikka's breast were still small in the end...

I liked the ending, this season put to a close alot of things that urked me from the first season. My only complaint is the lack of gore and romance.

I used to watch the first season with my bro and a couple relatives, but they dropped out halfway through since the lolis stopped killing each other. Can't really blame them though, that's what drew me in at first. But I don't like dropping out of a series due to some minor changes to the plot, so I stuck through it and I'm glad I did. It was really a great show.

[Miko Miko]

Lol, Rikka's breast were still small in the end...

It wasn't Rika, and you misspelled her name. :)

[The Real Nemo]

Wikipedia says about Frederica that "She claims that she has no relationship with Rika, even though she is Rika with the mentality of the several thousand reincarnations of Rika." If that's the case than calling her adult Rika wouldn't be completely inaccurate would it?

[Eryops]

Wikipedia says about Frederica that "She claims that she has no relationship with Rika, even though she is Rika with the mentality of the several thousand reincarnations of Rika." If that's the case than calling her adult Rika wouldn't be completely inaccurate would it?
Rika has an adult mind anyway considering the fact she's about 100 years old. And since Frederica looks more or less the same as Rika, stating that she's an 'adult Rika' seems rather misleading.

[The Real Nemo]

Rika has an adult mind anyway considering the fact she's about 100 years old. And since Frederica looks more or less the same as Rika, stating that she's an 'adult Rika' seems rather misleading.
She looks a lot older doesn't she? Or at least she did at the end of ep 24...

[Rayneing]

In the visual novels, she looks the same age as Rika. Or at least in Umineko, I don't think you ever got to see what she looked like in Higurashi.

[The Real Nemo]

In the visual novels, she looks the same age as Rika. Or at least in Umineko, I don't think you ever got to see what she looked like in Higurashi.
Eh, really? If that's the case then it makes her appearance at the end of the anime even more confusing...

[Eryops]

She looks a lot older doesn't she? Or at least she did at the end of ep 24...
Bernkastel can change her form at will and simply chooses to appear older when she visits Miyoko. However this (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4702/55ed1.jpg) is the shape she takes by default.

[The Real Nemo]

Bernkastel can change her form at will and simply chooses to appear older when she visits Miyoko. However this (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4702/55ed1.jpg) is the shape she takes by default.
Hm, I hope she plays a role in the third series so things like this get explained better to everyone...

[Hareoic]

Bernkastel can change her form at will and simply chooses to appear older when she visits Miyoko. However this (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4702/55ed1.jpg) is the shape she takes by default.
...She dresses as a french maid? Irie's gonna have a field day with this...

[Sterling01]

She also has a cat tail

[tyciol]

I just finished this! Totally great! Although... to be honest, the ending confused me. The woman looked a lot like a certain someone? The little girl was definately T but that doesn't make sense, it's like ages reversed. Does she get special time travel powers or something when she's older and visits the past to save her parents from what sent her on the sad path? Now I've read the thread and understand who it is, which is kind of a spoiler... but I don't why everyone thinkgs this detracts from the final episode. Everyone thinks its confusing, but is it? Isn't it better to look at her as suspenseful? You can end the season thinking it is Rika, and then get it clarified with mystery in the 3rd. I sort of wish I didn't read the spoilerso n this thread to find that out :(

I mean, it's like in the original season with the Watanagashi arc... if you knew that Miyon was actually Shion disguised as her doing all the crimes, it wold have ruined it right? In this case, you think Bern is Rik, so what's the problem with thinking that for a while?

But then... in that case, wouldn't it cause some kind of paradox? Like... then the neverending June would never need to be since there's no tragedy. Very confusing and eerie.

To be honest I think I like the episodes leading up to the conclusion more than the actual conclusion, though I still really liked it. There were a lot of suspenseful scenes and great action. Kai definately had a much different overall feel compared to the first season, I like each in its own way. I guess something did have to change, eventually matters did need to elucidate, if they kept on going that way without progress it might become strange. Like, I never got sick of it and it's hard to imagine it, but if it went on 100 eps like that who knows, could turn into how many feel about Naruto filler even though I liked it.

There's going to be a third series? But everything was all tied up and happy... I mean, what is left to do in the third series, something different, or are they going to go back further and try to fix all the murders or something?

With Hanyuu and the deflection... I admit, I was more surprised than I should have been. After all, there was foreshadowing with the coin at the altar when Miyo first arrives in the village in the beginning of the arc.

Then at the very very end it announces the third season.I didn't notice this, maybe the one I watched had that part cut off... I wouldn't expect them to announce that, did they announce S2 at the end of S1?

And yes, there will be a special episode, N°25 next week.Has this come out yet? This would have been in January... but it's not listed on Wikipedia for the series, sure it wasn't the movie? Maybe Ep 25 and series 3 aren't coming, maybe it's just a movie, where it'll be all abridged just like with Death Note :(

Too bad the following were cut:
-Mion vs Okonogi.
-Hinamiza.warudo...well considering what has happened to the scene in Minagoroshi-hen, it not that suprising, I guess.
-Yukie vs Akasaka :heh:
All this kind of stuff really makes me want to play the game... the only thing is, with different endings it's confusing to find out what happens and how to decide 'canon' for the series, which'd make it easier if it were a straight book to read.

Well, the only ending which would satisfy me entirely is one in which both Takano and Rika win. That would have to be choke-full of symbolism though.

A quickie question, since I avoided spoilers for this earlier. Was there anything specific behind "Rena's hat message" in the first arc? Satoko did seem as if she had understood something other than "I'm in danger".Now that you mention it, yeah. I figured it would be answered later in the series, but I forgot about it and it wasn't, I would like to know if this is clarified too. The whole story about Rena and some other villagers escaping the slaughter sounds to me very like how they escaped to the mountains through the tunnels and stuff. Since there are a lot of correlations between the happenings in arcs, it makes me wonder if something similar happened, only with Rena playing a bigger role. I didn't even see her do anything in the final battle. The previous arc was much better axe-ness.

Well, the only ending which would satisfy me entirely is one in which both Takano and Rika win. That would have to be choke-full of symbolism though.That would be tough to put together, but possible. I think it would be about getting through to Takano and having her find a way to validate her grandfather's research, and attacking the real enemy, the politicians behind it all. They could get put away and she could really cure it, get the theory validated and go on to do good.

In a way, with the epilogue, they might both win from that though... she's set on a better path. She could still meet the grandfather through her father right?

That said, the hat is a big thing to actually point that something is "wrong" with the disasterYeah, it did lead to Ooishi probing into it some, but usually when Ooishi reads into the hidden meanings about stuff (like the day-old corpse in barrel) he's usually right about it, so for him to offer a BS theory seems kind of strange, which makes me think there really was some kind of message?

Come to think of it, that was the very first Canada Day.I never noticed that, but I looked it up on Wikipedia and you're right, that's the first date it was officially celebrated even if people were calling it that prior.

I swear Rika says "ni-pah" more times in individual episodes of Kai than she did in the entire first series.That seems a bit embellished. The thing about 'Kai is that unlike the first season, now that you're more familiar with Dark Rika, you can see how the whole NiiPaa thing is a charade she puts on to relax people. This is what gives so much power to her final NiiPaa in the final episode, because you realize that out of the whole series so far, it is the first genuine carefree NiiPaa you've actually seen her give. It means something wholly different, she's relaxed and you know this is genuinely her, she's a person sighing, not a kid with a catch phrase like a cartoon cat which is what it seems like when she's introduced as a character in the beginning of the series.

[Dreamiel]

All this kind of stuff really makes me want to play the game... the only thing is, with different endings it's confusing to find out what happens and how to decide 'canon' for the series, which'd make it easier if it were a straight book to read.

It is a straight book to read, you don't make any choices, you just click and read. Same ending all the time. The only interaction is for the TIPs and Minigames.

[mikikoko]

I think it is very very perfect. >w<)~

And I fall in love with Rika and Hanyu lol

[bratchaman]

Bernkastel can change her form at will and simply chooses to appear older when she visits Miyoko. However this (http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/4702/55ed1.jpg) is the shape she takes by default.

Are you serious? I didn't realize she could take on different forms. That's... awesome.

I think it is very very perfect. >w<)~

And I fall in love with Rika and Hanyu lol

Hai nano desu!