Studio DEEN confirms new Higurashi anime with original voice cast

Twenty years after its original adaptation, Hinamizawa reopens its doors. During the special broadcast for the 20th anniversary of Higurashi: When They Cryit was revealed that Studio DEEN A new television anime project is already in production, with the confirmed return of the original voice cast.

What was announced about the new Higurashi anime?

During the commemorative broadcast for the 20 years of the franchise, it was confirmed that Studio DEEN is currently working on a new anime project Higurashi: When They Cry. The announcement came accompanied by a trailer and a teaser image that advance the tone of psychological horror characteristic of the series, with the message “Welcome back, everyone” as the central phrase of the promotion.

For now, no details have been confirmed about the release date or the exact nature of this new project, whether it is a direct continuation, a new adaptation, or something different within the universe of the franchise.

Who returns to the voice cast?

One of the most anticipated news by the fandom is the confirmation that the original voice cast will repeat their roles in this new production. Soichiro Hoshi come back as Keiichi, Mai Nakahara as Rena, Satsuki Yukino resumes the double role of Mion and Shion, Mika Kanai come back like Satokoand Yukari Tamura repeat like Rikathe same group of actors who brought these characters to life since the original 2006 adaptation.

What is the story behind Higurashi: When They Cry?

Studio DEEN was the studio responsible for the original 2006 animated adaptation, based on the visual novel by 07th Expansionin addition to its two sequels: When They Cry Kai and When They Cry Rei. Years later, a reboot version produced by the studio Passiontitled Higurashi: When They Cry — GOUpremiered in October 2020, followed by Higurashi: When They Cry — SOTSU in July 2021, both currently available at Crunchyroll.

The central premise of the franchise follows Keiichiwho moves to the quiet town of Hinamizawa and quickly finds friendship among his new classmates. However, as he prepares for the biggest festival of the year, he can't ignore a growing sense of unease about the dark secrets that could be hiding in his new home.

Why does this announcement matter to the psychological horror fandom?

Higurashi: When They Cry is considered one of the founding works of the psychological horror genre within anime and visual novels, known for its narrative structure of repeated arcs that progressively reveal the truth behind the mysterious events in Hinamizawa. That Studio DEEN —the original studio behind the first adaptation—returning specifically for this new project, instead of Passione, raises particular expectations within the fandom about what direction this new installment will take.

The full return of the original voice cast, twenty years after the series debut, also adds a significant emotional layer for fans who have followed the franchise since its inception.