The first installment of the Higurashi: When They Cry visual novel series was released by 07th Expansion.
The anime adaptation of Higurashi: When They Cry premiered in Japan, bringing wider popularity to the franchise.
A fan disc and sequel visual novel to the original Higurashi series was released.
The second season of the Higurashi anime series, continuing the story from the original, was aired.
The first live-action movie adaptation of the Higurashi series was released in Japan.
An additional visual novel installment with new story arcs was released.
The continuation and new direction of the Higurashi anime adaptation began airing in Japan.
Keiichi Maebara moves to the village of Hinamizawa and begins befriending local girls.
Hinamizawa prepares for the Watanagashi Festival, an annual event celebrating the local deity Oyashiro-sama.
The village experiences a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances linked to the curse of Oyashiro-sama, including the murder of Satoshi and others.
Keiichi grows paranoid about his friends and neighbors, believing some are conspiring against him as the Curse intensifies.
Detective Oishi investigates the strange incidents and the Yamainu, unveiling complex village secrets and the Hinamizawa Syndrome.
It is discovered that the Mion seen in the village is actually her twin sister Shion, complicating the relationships and events.
The violent incidents come to a tragic climax leading to multiple deaths, including the suicide of key characters and the collapse of the village peace.
Alternate realities are explored where different choices are made, revealing the causes behind the tragedies and seeking to break the curse.
Through cooperation and truth, the characters manage to end the cycle of violence and the curse of Oyashiro-sama ultimately ceases.
