New 'Higurashi: When They Cry' Anime Announced by Kadokawa

Kadokawa has officially announced a new television anime adaptation of the beloved visual novel franchise 'Higurashi no Naku Koro ni' (Higurashi: When They Cry). This announcement was made on June 21, 2026, and has generated excitement among fans of the series. Alongside the announcement, a teaser visual and an announcement video were revealed, providing a glimpse of what to expect from this new installment.

Studio Deen, known for its work on the original 2006 anime adaptation, will be returning to produce the new series. This is significant as the studio has a long history with the franchise, having established its visual style and character designs in the earlier adaptations. The return of Studio Deen suggests that the new anime will maintain the aesthetic and tone that fans have come to love.

In addition to the studio, the lead cast from previous installments will reprise their roles. This continuity in voice acting is crucial for maintaining the characters' identities and the emotional connections that fans have developed over the years. Notably, Soichiro Hoshi will return as Keiichi Maebara, and Mai Nakahara will reprise her role as Rena Ryuuguu. This casting decision is likely to reassure long-time fans that the new series will honor the legacy of its predecessors.

While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm, details about the plot and release date remain scarce. The teaser visual and announcement video do not provide much information about the storyline, leaving fans speculating about the direction the new adaptation will take. Given the franchise's history of complex narratives and psychological horror, there is much anticipation regarding how the new series will unfold.

The 'Higurashi' franchise has been influential in the horror and mystery genres within anime, and its return is expected to reignite interest among both new viewers and returning fans. The original series and its subsequent adaptations have garnered a dedicated following, and this new project could potentially expand that audience further.

As the release date approaches, fans should keep an eye out for more updates regarding the plot, additional cast members, and promotional materials. The excitement surrounding this announcement indicates that 'Higurashi: When They Cry' continues to hold a significant place in the anime community.

For the latest updates on this new adaptation and more anime news, be sure to check out MyAnimeList News.