The Season 1 of Higurashi is a story full of holes and questions. It is the introduction of characters and it gives an insights about what is the story all about. It is a hard Psychological, Mystery Drama that includes gore, violence and murders. No wonder it is one of my Most Disturbing Anime. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni also known as When They Cry or When the Cicadas Cry. It is truely underrated and people should know more about this.
In Season 1 they always talk about Oyashiro-sama's Curse. It is a phenomena they believed a punishment from Oyashiro for angering him. During their Cotton Drifting Festival, there is always an accident happen. 1 person will die and another 1 person disappear. It is happening every year within 5 years consecutively. Not just this mystery were introduced in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. There are the mystery of Hojo Satoko where her parents died and her brother disappeared. How Takano and Tomitake died in the festival. How and why Rika got killed and what is the cause of poisonous gas that wiped the village out. And so many more questions you need to solve. With this, it all makes sense that people get confused with this anime especially that season 1 ends without solving most of these mysteries.
Oyashiro-sama's Curse vs Hinamizawa Syndrome
This is a real change of events in this anime. In season 1, most of the topics revolve around Oyashiro-sama. They believe that the strange phenomena happening in their village was caused by their deity named Oyashiro. It makes the anime more historical because of their beliefs and traditions. It also add creepiness cause you will really think if there is unknown factors involved that may actually came from their gods. That's why Oyashiro-sama's Curse is more emphasized in season 1. It is needed in order to build up the story.
But in season 2, they changes historical into scientific. They explained that Oyashiro-sama's Curse is actually called Hinamizawa Syndrome. It is a kind of disease unique to their town. It may cause the infected person to be mentally unstable that results into violence and crimes. It is triggered if the person suffer from stress or if they leave their village. Hinamizawa Syndrome is a strange disease with no cure and the cause is still a mystery.
The difference between the two is very interesting. From history to science is a strange transition if you think about it. But still, it all makes sense and ironically their connection is quite good too.
The Answers Can be Found in this Season
Yes, all of the confusion in Season 1 will be cleared in this season. It is not bloody and scary as season 1 but the story in this season can be understood easily. They explained everything what really happened in season 1. All your questions will be solved and it will make you think all that happened in season 1 makes sense. They solve this problems in season 2.
Break the loop in Story
How did Takano and Tomitake Died During Festival
How did the Parents of Satoko Died
What Really Happened to Satoshi
Why There is a Poisonous Gas that Wiped the Village after Rika Died
How did the Murdering Started During the Dam War
Who is the Culprit all Along
Basically, all of your questions can be answered in season 2. So if you've finished season 1 and if you think it is confusing then all you need to do is continue and watch Season 2.
New Seasons, New Beginnings?
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou 2020 (When They Cry: New) is another set of Higurashi story. You can watch this after watching Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei (3rd season). It is entitled as "new" because it will bring us back to the beginning. It may be back from the start but it doesn't really mean that it is a reboot of season 1. It is basically a new set of story very similar to the original story of Higurashi.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu (When They Cry: Graduation). It is another season and sequel of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou. It will air this coming July 2021. Not much information provided but I'm sure that In this season the Onidamashi-hen arc in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou will be answered. As well as there will be new characters added. It will gonna be interesting.
Higurashi is a refreshing story that will really test your psychological strength. It is not perfect but still it is such an incredible experience. A well balance of Gore, Mystery and Horror that will put you into the Dark world of Higurashi.
