Higurashi Chapter Four is Not What it Seems (A Comprehensive Story Analysis)

[@iamlonely_404]

In the russian fan translation there are translator's notes which the reader can view after each day of the chapter, they usually explain some japanese and otaku terms from the chapter. He had to explain some mahjong teems from time to time. In this chapter he just gave up on explaining single terms and just explained the whole game. It was a several page read and the fact that Higurashi did this to the translator is hilarious to me

[@stagelights_]

its interesting how akasaka and ooishis message at the end of chapter 4 parallels keiichis note at the end of chapter 1. both are imploring the reader to find the truth. its definitely an interesting detail if nothing else

[@historymax5479]

It also parallels *******'s message at the end of Umineko Chapter 1. Ryukishi seems to like including these.

[@InquisitorThomas]

Agatha Christie was mentioned, Umineko confirmed.

[@eoghancampbell1772]

😂😂❤❤

[@eoghancampbell1772]

❤❤

[@eoghancampbell1772]

❤

[@eoghancampbell1772]

❤❤

[@wilhelmdietz4023]

Ooishi really launched himself into my top 5 favourite Higurashi characters after this chapter. Such a great well-written character.

[@Siahnette]

I would buy the hell out of a version of the game fully dubbed by you and your team. Great work to all the VAs here and in previous videos ! Thank you for giving life to long VN analysis, it definitely adds a lot to the content ❤

[@EmerathLizanEndilix]

It almost feels like the roller coaster decides to stop at the top of that giant hill before the drop and say, “Alright. This is your last chance. You get off now, or you’re here for the rest.” You can see the drop. You know what you’re in for and what the novel is asking for. But that doesn’t make it any less terrifying… or exciting.

[@Seecada]

I love how you finish each video with "make sure to get some sleep tonight". I watched the old anime when I was younger and higurashi is one of my pieces of comfort media. These videos are super great quality and for me at least, very comforting. I'm looking forward to your videos on the answer arcs.

[@superuniverse5974]

We finally meet Akasaka, the true CHAD of Higurashi.

[@l.g.s.1931]

I read this chapter recently and it was honestly a pretty fun read. Throughout the entirety of the chapter I expected something bad to happen to Akasaka. "Bad" in Hinamizawa way, like villagers getting all strange or Rika stabbing him with the knife or whatever. So getting this hit of tragedy in the very end was really unexpected and honestly welcome. Also it has one of the most interesting hints. I expecially loved the ones that were given at the end of the chapter. They really give this feeling that there is something wrong with Rika. Thanks for the video! The next chapter seems to be very long so good luck with making a video on it!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Oh believe me I'm... struggling. But I'm currently in the editing process so the release is less than two months away at the very least! Also I entirely agree. This chapter is such an interesting turn for Higurashi, and really shows that Ryukishi can also do more psychological and subtle horror in addition to the crazy stabbings and murder.

[@pairodox1255]

Thanks for the connection, I'm following the game's advice from the bonus scene and trying to finalize my solution to the mystery before answers are given. Still think there is supernatural stuff involved, but it's one solid point for the "human" side

[@scootie_scoot]

I can’t wait to see you and your team tackle the answer arcs. The next two games are some of my favorites in the series!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

It should be less than two months now for chapter 5. Well into the editing process and most everything is recorded. Just time to tackle the editing. It uhhh, might end up being three hours long tho... ugghghh

[@scootie_scoot]

@@hedgehogsnonsense oh wow…I’m so excited !! I love long videos, but they seem like a bit of a doozy to edit, so pls take care of urselves !!!!

[@unchartedknight0193]

This is still one of my favourite arcs in the anime. Akasaka is such a great character

[@andrewseverance1615]

Every chapter leaves me feeling like I need a drink. Now excuse me while I go binge the rest of your glorious videos hedgehog

[@mildlyupsetgerbil]

1:20:51 Oh no! Miyuki activated her stand: SPECTRAL HIGH FIVE! The only "five" more painful than this powerful stand is Higurashi Chapter Five, which I'm sure Hedgehog is gonna have fun with.

[@EmeraldRich]

1. The notification that you posted this popped up right as my grubhub order arrived. 2. I thought I could watch the anime since I knew about the first few chapters but literally in the first minute, some of the upcoming story was spoiled for me. I clicked off then and there. It made me mad, but I should have known better. 3. Thank you for covering this awesome story. I don't really like to read visual novels, so this series is great for me.

[@madamrsir]

another excellent video and totally no disturbing imagery, either! none. at all. god those eyes are creepy

[@anmanarrative]

Bit late getting to this one but it was another fantastic entry, god I love this series so much. I remember being incredibly confused by this chapter when I first started reading it due to the change in tone, but I actually love how many little things are explained and built upon. Plus getting to see Rika like this was so intriguing, revisiting it now knowing what happens with her really shows how cleverly Ryukishi set everything up. Looking forward to seeing you tackle the answer arcs.

[@TheLyokoWarriors]

Yes! Been waiting for this since discovering you last week and binging the previous chapters. I even caught up with finishing reading Tatarigoroshi and continued up to chapter 1 of Meakashi in preparation.

[@vivitheworld6059]

binged all of these in 2 nights and im probably gonna start playing the next chapter while i wait for the next video to come out! these are really good summaries, keep it up!

[@moss-finch]

I've been binging the series the past week, and I have to say; it's very well done! I love the dubbing work and the analysis sections, and I can't wait for the next video in the series!

[@socalop8600]

You’re the only person who makes such quality content giving a well explained summary for higurashi. Looking forward to the next chapter!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Working on it now, so it should be out sometime in the next two months 😭😭

[@socalop8600]

@@hedgehogsnonsense i couldnt imagine the workload of editing the video creating a script and organizing voice actors the way you’ve done. I think youve really struck gold.

[@Daniel-D-Teach]

This is my 4th or 5h binge of what has become my favorite KZbin Series. Thank you so much for the wonderful content, and hard work. Really looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@cocombi]

i'm enjoying these video soo so much!!! you can definitely tell how much love and passion you and the entire team put into this project 🥺,i can only imagine how much work it must be to cover a vn of this size with this level of detail , and , !! voic!e acting !!!!!!!

[@VeryBeby]

it's a non-stop rollercoaster of bangers from here on out. I can't wait to see your videos on the rest of the chapters

[@misstwila9421]

Been watching these in my free time for the past couple days, thank you for going through the story and keep doing what you do. Looking forward to the next chapter :D

[@DedDessod]

For the algorithm ; ) I recently found your channel and have been binging this series. Well worth a sub!

[@v0533]

Your videos are fantastic. Love to see new higurashi content. I can't wait to see your thoughts Maekashi-hen and Tsumiborohoshi-hen.

[@scumengel]

omg the rocky horror picture show refrence!! Also ive been binging the higurashi videos! Ur doing amazing!♡

[@imchaul1901]

I have never given visual novel a lot of time despite loving this genre of story telling. This is my second time I dropped playing Higurashi. Watching your videos to recap has been such a time saver compared to playing the games once again. Thank you so much for making such an elaborate series of explananation!

[@voidzero7824]

Very glad i binged through all your higurashi vids. been a year since ive read the vn and cold use the refresh

[@sunbeamseadream801]

I've been listening to these while I do other things since I discovered you the other day. Fantastic work!

[@tinyplays95]

Im so excited for your Chapter 5 analysis AAAAAGGGGGH!!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

It is in the final stages! Should hopefully be out within the next week

[@tinyplays95]

Waiting with bated breath, Hedgehog!

[@AnnoyinglyFunny-x2q]

I discovered you while wanting to watch someone do an analysis on higurashi and the voice acting is top-Tier I got chills!!! I hope I get to see more of your videos they are so entertaining :)

[@gwifa64]

Honestly, the best chapter out of all the question arcs for me. 1,2 and 3 of course are great in their own way, but the payoff and added mystery through 4 felt more adult and gritty. Hinamizawa as a character really shone through here. I absolutely think Ryukishi07 was entirely right in having this "side story" take its place right in the middle of the main canon. I could imagine cutscenes straight out of a Yakuza video-game whilst reading this. Himatsubushi-hen made the parts that dragged in 1, 2, and 3 entirely worth it. Onto chapter 5!!

[@shaandahar9091]

Been reading higurashi in a book club with some friends and these vids have held me over whenever i finish an arc and need stuff to do before our next meeting. Super excited for the meakashi vid

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

I’m currently editing it. It’s gonna be long, so it might still be about a month and a half yet, but I think it’ll be worth it!

[@Hentao]

Hey, I have been binge-watching your higurashi videos and I am loving it, probably gonna marathon your whole channel later as well Im' really glad the alghoritm recommended me your channel, keep up the good work!!

[@messygrl]

i'm looking so much forward to this series being finished so i can binge-watch all the videos!

[@mrmeteor64]

The book when they cry would have made them million USA dollar but they lost it all in Vegas.

[@tossashow]

Thanks so much for all the videos you made on Higurashi, I think they are super well polished and knowing how long those visual novels are, I can't help but congratulate you on such an amazing job! I played the whole game with the original version of the script (didn't installed the 7th Mod expansion) and I can't help but notice they slightly changed the ending here to support the extra arcs developed for the PS2 game (when they introduce Miyuki!).

[@flatwhitecanvas1658]

I tried watching somebody do a play through this, but it was too long so this is fantastic

[@elviciotpd786]

Alright. I just found this channel, wanting to know the story of Higurashi, and I can see that you still have 3 more answer chapters to cover, so I guess I'll take a break for the time being until you manage to cover all remaining chapters, but I love the work everyone put on making these videos. Hopefully they come out as good as these! Liked and subbed!

[@anjunell]

So this happened. You are in my workout background I sometimes get too invested I almost run over a toddler wanting to hug me, I saved the situation by side stepping last moment and just saying I'm too sweaty now. It was an enjoyable workout day 😂 thank you

[@giliathandtio]

As always, top notch video. Thanks for the upload ❤️

[@jamestran3613]

YOOOO WE NEED MOREEEE 😭

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Coming in the next couple of months! Currently hard at work on Chapter 5!

[@Mystic_Shiki]

This is the first video I watched of ur channel and I have to say I absolutely love it. I always love watching Higurashi related content and this concept is quite unique and entertaining. Looking forward to more.

[@ZombieSharky]

i marathoned your higurashi chapter videos and i love them so much 💕💕💕

[@garrettallen7427]

NEW HIGURASHI VIDOE LETS GO!

[@tired8922]

im so happy about these videos because ive watched all the animes but i dont have patience to read visual novels myself

[@loonyfox8942]

I love Ooishi 😂 he’s such a prick but I definitely respect him for his own personal resolve. He doesn’t apologize for the fact he does this for himself while so many people in IRL and fiction try to have some sort of moral compass when they are like everybody else. Just less honest 😂😂😂 been loving your videos. I played this game a million years ago and watched the anime so many times. Also watched the new one and at first I liked it but revisiting the OG anime after that DBZ battle between two midgets I down right hated it. The new story started so strong but the ending was very weak. Maybe that’s something you’ll make a video about in the future? Curious about your POV ❤

[@Wanderingcacti]

I paised at just the right time in the middle of you saying couple so i got to hear "We get a cup!"

[@hikupptheoverthinker]

I always appreciate any time Grimm is brought up. Yay 🎉

[@noranomics]

Wrapped up chapter 4 time for my regularly scheduled Hedgehog video

[@MindFlayeR57]

I found your channel last week and watched all 4 Higurashi videos so far, it's great seeing the series get the love it deserves. On a side note, I'd love to see you do an analysis of a little indie game called Outer Wilds. It's an on average 20 hours long (+15 for the DLC) space exploration/archeology/adventure game that I can only describe as a once in a lifetime experience. It has great physics to play with, a world filled to the brim with stuff to explore, SSS tier writing, a banger OST that will bring you to tears, a great mystery to solve, and a DLC that cranks things up to 11.

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

That one is totally on my radar. Haven’t played it though, but once I do I would absolutely consider covering it

[@MindFlayeR57]

@@hedgehogsnonsense great! Just don't confuse it with The Outer Worlds, the subpar AAA game that released on the same year.

[@bingo784]

1:19:26 *GODDAMMIT Ryukishi07!!!*

[@mthwr]

letttttttttttttssssssssssssssssssssssss fukkkkciiiiinnnnnggg goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@mthwr]

11/10 thank you so much for making this, honestly enjoyed this can't wait for the next ep!!

[@avoidinhabitant5414]

The list of the OGs 💯💯

[@Boneworm852]

I think "Sato" is essentially the equivalent of "Smith", that's a hilarious little detail for an informant

[@fawful9992]

Funny that a chapter which sets up so much wasn't meant to exist. Originally Meakashi was going to be right after Tatarigoroshi, but due to it taking too long the team decided to make this arc so people would have something to read while they were finishing up Meakashi.

[@technorave555]

Instant comment for algorithm purposes

[@ashcoolgirl8657]

It is so good! ❤

[@gendraconis7869]

Oh my god how did I miss this ahhhhh 2 weeks late DX

[@Eltipoquevisteayer]

Holding my breath for Meakashi

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Got two videos on the back burner first, but I should finally start work on Meakashi within the next couple of weeks!

[@Designated_loser]

"My body wont hold out like this" LMAO YOU DONT EVEN KNOW OLD MAN

[@flatwhitecanvas1658]

36:00 I had a good cackle

[@taz4359]

Stumbling on your higurashi videos pretty late but these have been such an excellent new comer's guide to a pretty bulky VN! The voice acting is also so top notch and has me so giddy for your up coming video on chapter 5! Do you have plans to cover any more visual novels in the future like this?

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Absolutely! Immediate plans after higurashi include more Ace Attorney, Steins;Gate and the House in Fata Morgana

[@T5poon]

Idk how algorithms work

[@Storymaker1316]

In Japan's case Russian Communism would mean a destruction of their culture, A colonization in a more literal sense. American capitalism was more of a crippling of their pride

[@bestbi3587]

Please, PLEASE tell me that more of this series is being made!!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Yep! I am currently done with the next script and am in the process of getting footage and recording the voice acting. That means it might still be a month or two, but it will come out in the near future!

[@bestbi3587]

@@hedgehogsnonsense so glad to hear it! if you need extra voices, totally reach out!

[@ProsperousKingFlorent]

This was a great video and a good look into Chapter 4. I wanted to ask your opinions on the console arcs though, in particular the Advanced Story arcs.

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Haven’t read them! I intend to maybe get around to it, but I’m not really someone who often reads side material unless it’s really good. It kind of ends up making the original a little lesser for me sometimes.

[@ProsperousKingFlorent]

@@hedgehogsnonsense That's why I wanted to hear your opinions on them, as someone who seems to greatly enjoy the franchise and knows a lot about it. The Advanced Story arcs are what I'm mostly interested in but it's hard to bring it up with people without them mentioning other console arcs.

[@NeoBocchi]

@@hedgehogsnonsense As someone who has gone through absolutely all Console Arcs, I can say with confidence that for me personally they turned out to be quite mediocre reading. But what I would definitely advise you to familiarize yourself with is certain 2 chapters, namely: Miotsukushi-hen (an alternative ending to the whole story, which for many, including me, is even better than the original. There are two versions of this ending, one was released on PS2, and the second was included in the Console Arcs. Personally, I would recommend the PS2 version) and Saikoroshi-hen (the official epilogue written by Ryukishi07, which takes 5-6 hours to read and which goes right after the main ending of Higurashi)

[@vineqar333]

Literally frothing rn good video

[@CrossTrash]

OH BOY MORE MURDER!

[@lemon-mulk801]

I don't know if you're a fan of umineko as well, but I love these videos and I would totally love to see a version of it!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Umineko would require I have... a lot of voice actors at my disposal. It's also waaayyy longer than Higurashi. The hope is to eventually have the resources to pull off something like that, but it might be a little while haha.

[@daftpunklover1022]

COLUMBO MENTION ‼️‼️‼️

[@genevievebeaupre4029]

Me, reading ch.3: They're giving Keiichi an alibi, how cool. Keiichi: I HAVE A DOPPELGÄNGER. REALITY IS BREAKING. Me: Keiichi, you dumb mf...

[@carcebe9622]

for the algorithm gods

[@writer4life724]

I've been binging through all your Higurashi videos in the last couple of days and thoroughly enjoying myself! Would you ever do Umineko as well, or do you need a break after Higurashi?

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

I would love to do Umineko at some point, however, I would need many more voice actors to pull it off. It will be something I do someday for sure, but probably not for a while haha

[@writer4life724]

@@hedgehogsnonsense I totally get that; the cast seems to increase each chapter! But I'm looking forward to the rest of Higurashi and seeing your thoughts retrospectively!

[@diglo123]

Im watching the anime rn but would you say the vn is worth reading afterwards? Wish id just read the vn first ): anyway great videos!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

I haven't actually seen the anime, but from what I'm aware the visual novel has a lot more going on, and Higurashi is by definition a story that benefits from multiple read throughs so I would absolutely recommend it!

[@SirArtanis7]

Strange, I thought his daughter died with his wife. Need to get to work on rereading this one

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

In the original version, yes. This is the 07th mod version, which has her live instead.

[@SirArtanis7]

@Hedgehog's Nonsense I guess some people considered it to sad for him to loose his whole family in one go. That makes sense

[@ultimategamer1840]

When are you going to do chapters 5,6,7 and 8?

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Very soon! Got two videos that I'm almost done with right now, but I should start working on Chapter five within the next week (which means it might not be done until like the end of August, but we try haha)

[@ultimategamer1840]

@@hedgehogsnonsense Awesome, so looking forward to watching it after you get it done.

[@n0es1sx]

"Daddy" 🤣

[@Mizutoka]

Damn I'll get the better of Akasaka in mahjong one day! Wait shit. . .

[@swampwench]

who up hinaing they mizawa

[@l4r1n3]

HAHHAA YESS!!

[@gerdacababat6258]

i

[@sylvianapalma958]

What's with the constant midrolls? I understand that you need money, but this is excessive as hell.

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

That's something that KZbin set up, not me. I can check about lowering them