Higurashi Chapter Seven Restored My Faith in Humanity (Kind of) (A Comprehensive Story Analysis)

[@StrawbyxMilk]

This new voice for Rika is really.... really fitting for her. Amanda knows just how to get across the apathy of Rika's character without making her sound stilted and monotonous. I don't normally make comments, but I had to for this exception just to applaud that talent.

[@SirArtanis7]

In summary, the power of friendship can overcome everything!... You just need to make sure ALL your friends are on board, especially the ones that you dont know about!

[@DoYouKnowOyashiro-Sama]

11:05 Rika actually does say Hanyuu's name in Meakashi during her fight with Shion, but that was so long ago most people probably forgot about it.

[@scootie_scoot]

it’s also an odd enough name that it could be mistaken on first read as just a noise like renas “hau” or hanyuus “au au”

[@LunDruid]

​@@scootie_scootI guarantee that's what I thought it was when I first read it.

[@shinkoryu14]

The titular "massacre" of this chapter is so damn effective. You wouldn't think it, after everything Higurashi has been and done up to this point- this is definitely a story that makes you start giving a very cynical "Ah, another grisly murder, yaaaay" at a certain point. Comparatively speaking, the single gunshot that takes out each member of the club is very tame, and even the scale of the deaths can be brushed off when we know by this point that in at least two timelines, very likely all of them, the Great Hinamizawa Gas Disaster takes out the whole village. And especially because the title GIVES THE GAME AWAY. By all rights this should not work. But it does anyway, because Tsumihoroboshi-hen and the leadup of Minagoroshi-hen do such a GOOD JOB of completely turning around the tone of the story. Everything before that point has primed the reader to expect tragedy. To fully anticipate that someone in the cast will murder someone else, probably several someones, in an extremely gorey manner. Even Tsumihoroboshi-hen starts off this way. But it does something very critical- it ends on a note of hope. It turns things around. It teaches the reader that hey- these character's doom is not certain. And Minagoroshi-hen hammers that point home, not by being unabashedly hopeful but by giving every chance for things to go horribly wrong, throwing obstacles out that previously made the characters stumble, and having them overcome them through grit and stubborn determination- or to use the story's terms, "will." This buildup is done with such care and finesse that despite everything, despite the entire story before this point training you as the reader to anticipate tragedy, it really makes part of you hope that just this once, the kids will be okay. Then the story pulls the rug. Not with a slow, horrifying build up of creeping dread and terror, but in an abrupt, coldly methodical, BRUTALLY unfair way. It makes you screech at the screen, "NO BS, THAT'S NOT FAIR" because even though you knew better, just like Rika part of you WANTED to believe that this time things would really be okay. They were doing so well. Just, aaaaaaagh, this story is so well written! XD

[@alyssa-star]

WE’RE MAKING IT OUTTA THE TIMELOOP WITH THIS ONE 🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@InquisitorThomas]

I feel like Higurashi jumped the shark introducing a near omnipotent god like figure in Chapter 7... I mean making the Big Bad's right hand man Okonogi, an ageless demigod seems a bit over the top... also Hanyu is there too I guess.

[@DoYouKnowOyashiro-Sama]

You had me there at the beginning

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

"It's gonna take 6 months for that video to come out" Boy did I choose a good time to accidentally stumble on this fantastic analysis playlist :P

[@zeroanonymity9736]

I'd never actually read Higurashi, only watched the anime years ago. So hearing the discussion of Will making a person's actions Certain between Fragments and Miracles being something you have to fight for, GOD that makes part of Umineko so much more vibrant. Seeing the corruption of one side and the redemption of the other in that equation makes me wanna tear up a little in hindsight.

[@lumi2965]

i JUST FINISHED CHAPTER 7 because i was tired of waiting.. i should’ve waited a day..

[@Diarrheavictim]

Same here

[@scaw-j]

Why would you not read it yourself first…? Thats the better experience

[@CoolguyC]

YES WAKE UP BABE, NEW HEDGEHOG VIDEO JUST DROPPED

[@justanotherredheadattheend955]

GIRL, A SPOTIFY HORROR CHANNEL WHILE WE WAIT? Our village will eat well all summer!

[@dorodoo3075]

WE'RE LEAVING THE TIMELOOP WITH THIS ONE

[@justcommoncurt]

One thing i wish they had done in the anime adaptation was make it more clear that Oishi was on the kids side the entire time. The translation and his characterization made him come across as genuinely messing with them for kicks up until the head of the Sonozaki's shows up.

[@vampirekingdarkness9076]

Finishin up the video, and all imma say is... im down to watch a 2-4 part breakdown of chapter 8, partially to get it a bit sooner, partially because i think that of all the chapters of higurashi: 8 would digest best in multiple segments that cover the phases of the amazing festival accompanying arc

[@desertdove]

I second this!

[@valhund2629]

Completely agree!

[@vanicherry2184]

this video series is the reason i got into higurashi in the first place and all the incredible voices in this project will always be their canon english voices in my head. My highest compliments to Keiichi, Ooishi and Rika's actors in particular because they convey their characters so incredibly and are so good i very much wish they could be their official dub actors/voices. thank you guys for all your incredible work and introducing me to a series i'll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life!

[@breathedarlingokay]

i greatly greatly appreciate you saying this, (if you intend to compliment rika in this video in particular). One of my dream roles is Rena , but I am forever grateful to hedgehog for giving me the opportunity to voice rika as rena was already cast. The opportunity to voice her as her other VO was away in europe came as a pleasant surprise. I love higurashi with all my heart, and believe me, if I had had the connections and resume when they were casting higurashi, or even gou/sotsu's dub, i would have loved to be a part of it :'> ~Amanda

[@namename.3.]

I wanted to take a second to appreciate all the voice actors. I could sing praises about each and everyone of them, so I’ll probably limit myself to the main cast so im not writing for hours. But everyone has done such an incredible job and has basically become my definitive version of the voices. Keiichi’s voice always hits every note. Like, you can really feel every emotion, no matter how subtle. It’s always clear and consistent with great cadence. Both Mion and Shion’s voices are distinct yet similar. In chapter 5 I was always a bit blown away seeing one of the twins change between them. It’s the same voice, but the way they talk is so distinct. Both voices are filled with so much emotion, it’s truly incredible. Special shout out to Shion’s delivery. It’s probably my favorite performance, just because it always feels so Shion. It’s such a fun performance, while capturing the complexity of Shion’s character. It’s always a delight when she shows up, just to hear her voice. Rena is also an amazing performance omg. Probably my second favorite. It’s incredible how much range the voice actress has. She captures all sides of Rena’s personality. It was insane to compare Rena’s voice at the beginning and end of chapter 6. The classroom scene of chapter 6 gives me chills omg. Satoko’s voice is also incredibly great. It captures her haughty side while also feeling very realistic. I really enjoy this take on Satoko. From the more haughty side, to her worries, and her pain, you can really hear every part of her. Again, always a treat to hear her. There's so much charm to this performance And both VA’s of Rika do an excellent job of capturing both sides of her personality. The happy side she presents to her friends, both cute and calm. And of course, her mysterious and depressed state. You can really just tell how tired Rika is from everything. Those moments really stand out to me, they’re really really well done. The end of this chapter, hearing everyone’s performance, it made me cry. You guys have always done such a great job capturing these characters and this story. To everyone, thank you for all the hard work you’ve put into these videos, it’s incredible.

[@krismccall5205]

These video essays are my favorite piece of media content on KZbin. I really appreciate that everyone has done !!!!!!

[@garrettallen7427]

Me watching this entire video: *HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT! ITS ALL COMING TOGETHER!*

[@sujal4078]

are you experiencing higurashi through her video series?

[@ZeoCrysis]

I don't normally comment, but great work! you all did amazing. I honestly cried. This was a helluva production, you all should be proud. Higurashi is truly something special. Thank you for this. This was a great listen for me while finishing up some editing work. Your passion for this series shines, and makes it a joy to listen to.

[@pollopollo5658]

You do such a fkn good job with these can’t wait for u to complete the series, praying you pick up Umineko after🙏

[@march16th]

I watched higurashi anime years ago back in middle school, now I randomly stepped upon your first video from this series and I can’t be grateful enough for all the amazing work you and all the other people have done. Now I’m much older and thanks to you I discovered how deep higurashi actually is and how many things 13 year old me missed back when I got introduced to this masterpiece for the first time. Higurashi brings so many emotions to me, especially its characters. After all these years I got reminded of how much I love Mion, she’s truly one of my favorite characters of all time. And it’s all thanks to you doing these recap series. Thank you again and pls take all the time you need for the next chapter, it’s gonna be really a crazy one🥹💞🫂

[@DeMon-px1yk]

The twelve hour binge of all of your higurashi vids is strong, but i am stronger. Its been a while since i was glued to my screen like that. Once in a millenia my youtube fy page blesses me with such brilliants of content creators. I can't wait too see how this story ends (even though i know already, its just your perspective really makes me feel like a dumbass for not noticing obvious in retrospective things ;p) Your content is amazing

[@Platformal]

I got food and drinks ready to watch this like it was a movie. I'm gonna be shaking from withdrawals when this is done😭 I've been really liking Rika's & Satoko's voice actor(s) a lot it, including the previous voice actor for Rika, it does really remind me of them in-game. But good god I love everyones voice acting

[@Dan-td7pj]

I've spent the last day and a half just watching these 7 videos, I'm genuinely obsessed. the quality has improved through the whole thing and I'm always so grateful for the effort you and your team put into each video. you're so underrated and i love your work! really hope to see chapter 8 soon

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

I’m in the editing stages and the aim is to get it out before the end of October!

[@graphite7898]

Honestly in awe with you quickly you were able to produce these last three chapter videos. You didn't just maintain the quality but improve on it, it's seriously impressive stuff. I've hardly watched this one yet but I am very excited to see how you cover this and the final arc considering how different they get. Easily some of my favorite content on the platform.

[@Moonbeanie]

I'm really excited to see you guys have Chapter 8 out! I have been planning to watch the rest of chapters from you guys (1-6) but I decided to see the latest one (aka this, 7) as an anime viewer. I know the VN has more to it than anime. This chapter in my opinion was done surprisingly well in the anime, and pretty much how it is like in the VN, despite of few details being cut (if I remember right) These readings and telling of the chapters (+ analysis) really help me to view the VN better than actually watching the actual playthrough. I have dyslexia so reading longer novellas (even visual ones) is really REALLY hard, so this is a perfect (and still very detailed) telling of the chapters. I am planning to watch Chapters 1-6 from you guys within the week (one per day so I have something for each day haha) so I am excited! Good luck in Chapter 8 for you guys!

[@animationlasi482]

I just finished this last night and I'm barreling towards chapter 8 already. I always try to keep these comments vague so no one would get spoiled by reading them, but i don't know how possible that is with this one. Rika and Rena might be tied for my favorites now. Both of their chapters just laid out some thought processes I've seen in myself. It was kinda theraputic seeing Rika and Rena's negative spirals get so thoroughly broken by their friends just being the best version of themselves. Speaking of best versions of themselves: Shion i am so proud of you this chapter. What a turn around- for everyone! Everyone did so good reaching out! Satoko standing up for herself was also so wonderful to see. At the end, when they speak about who believed and who doubted, there was a moment when Rena seems to be addressing the audience. And i swear I felt personally offended because I DID BELIEVE. I had convinced myself, somehow, that maybe chapter 8 would be like an epilogue or something. I fucking BELIEVED.

[@keichunyanthousend]

I haven't consumed higurashi content since i was a young teen and i am obsessed with these breakdown videos. I cant wait for the next one!

[@honeymeansmel]

the funniest thing happened and even though the series is almost coming to an end, makes me wanna play even more? Like I’ve grown so attached to these characters now I want to experience myself too!

[@Hentao]

And let's go for one more Higurashi drawing night This series is making my week, not gonna lie

[@Bigfourthing]

Getting home after a long day of work, seeing this was a huge pick me up. Thank you!

[@adammaureira3369]

i was having a horrible day because of uni being hard, you dont how excited this made me, thx

[@mar21863]

Re-watching this after watching the other videos and thank you so much for all the work you put into these! I've always loved Higurashi, but seeing break down all of the chapters has made my love for the franchise even stronger

[@Zur_a]

Dang, after somewhat binge watching all the analysis videos, I really love the voice acting your team put into it and the whole story behind Higurashi. The twists and gut-wrenching turns are so incredible. You have done an amazing job on these videos.

[@TheLyokoWarriors]

Six months for Chapter Eight? I guess that would make a good release for Thanksgiving, considering the themes of Higurashi.

[@DoodleNuudle69]

Me when it’s been 6 months since this video and I’m still waiting for chapter 8 🧍‍♀️

[@DoodleNuudle69]

Not trying to be a meanie I swear! I’ll wait as long as it takes and throw as much of my money at Hedge to make it happen!

[@muzykapatryka4369]

Yes! Thank you, you saved another night shift for me by uploding this! 🤗

[@surelylune]

god fucking damn it. i thought chapter seven was the final arc of higurashi. i was so ready for The End. i dont know if i can wait six months my brain is gonna BREAK

[@stylinsandwich]

Try reading the visual novel >:D

[@HallowPasta]

Thank you for this I’ve been clawing at my enclosure

[@amaracherry7958]

hey, just wanted to leave a comment letting you know that ive been binging this series over the past few days and i really appreciate all the work you guys have done! the effort you go through really shows in the quality of these videos and they deserve so much more attention. i love your style of videos and im looking forward to chapter 8 :DD

[@desertdove]

I've been looking forward to this for months!!

[@alucardzero660]

Excelent work, I was waiting for it ever since April fool's, it's gonna be worthwhile for this chapter

[@srobinson5080]

just binged every one of the videos in this series, its so good! i am so excited for the next entry! ❤

[@garris2046]

Really well done Hedgehog nice work, and to all the VA's

[@TheLyokoWarriors]

I was relistening to the Chapter 6 video this morning, wondering when Chapter 7 will come. Perfect timing!

[@icedcoffeecube]

Thank you so much for all of your incredible hard work!!!!

[@GigaByte171]

I just wanted to say I love these videos, Ive rewatched them a few times and the script, the voice acting, your narrative analysis, everything is simply incredible. I know that YT really sucks for series like these, and you got less and less views with each one, but thank you for doing these, I really really like them.

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Actually, the numbers lie quite a bit. The older ones have more views simply because... they've been out longer. The first one came out two years ago! Each episode release has actually been far more successful than the last one as the number of people waiting for the next one continues to grow, so no worries there haha! And thank you very much!! I really appreciate it!

[@stylinsandwich]

​@@hedgehogsnonsense ah thats great. I like to sometimes put these videos on the background while I sleep. I hope that helps atleast a tiny bit :)

[@leticiagurgel5943]

Hey Hedgehog. I just love your analysis. It's amazing. I feel like watching all over again hahaha. Not only Higurashi, but your other videos too. You're one of my favorite youtubers ever. I was wondering if you like Umineko as much as Higurashi. I love Higurashi, but Umineko is my passion. Great analysis as always.❤

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

I'm currently reading through Umineko at the moment! It's quite something! Not sure if I'm as big of a fan of it as Higurashi but I'm only on the third chapter so I'm reserving my judgement until the end. Love everything to do with the witches though for sure!

[@DeMon-px1yk]

Oh my god, your comment was a tipping point for me starting umineko and jesus chist it's so good. I'm only halfway (I think) through episode 1 and I already love it. Especially I love the grimoire and character sections and chicanery that gets added after (spoilers) in it. Idk if it's something relevant to the plot, but my interest is peaked and I am locked in for the summer on this novel

[@Seecada]

Higurashi video as a end of year gift or a new year gist! Can't wait to be there!

[@ace_the_pan8636]

Its literally midbight and I was hopelessly refreshing youtube to find something to watch…And then I found what I had been waiting forever for- Im so happy 😭

[@mthwr]

Lets fucking goooo finally! Great work form everyone as always!!!!! Cant wait to see it

[@tinyplays95]

Let's go!! I've been looking forward to this, Hedge! I can't wait to binge the entire series again! ❤ Much love, girl!

[@JetteSette139]

This is my favorite thing about hedgehog. I just finished a Tomie video and had the thought 'did hedgehog put up another higurashi video?' And without fail....yes, yes she did.

[@Stabbyhara]

23:57 me too hedgehog me too, Keimi 4 life I wish they were more popular as a ship so bad, they have the best chemistry in the entire friend group methinks I really like the new voice for Rika, I think they actually did a better job at walking the fine line between sounding like a kid and a depressed time looper than the original VA in a way. It was disorienting in the bad way when the girl suddenly sounded straight up 20 I think, no amount of time shenanigans will change that she's physically and mentally a tween at most, mentally battered but a kid. Makes it more tragic anyway when you hear what sounds like a girl saying these awful and depressing things. Genuine kudos >> so yo... Even with spoilers that twist hit me like a tonne of bricks, god >she< is so much more evil than I anticipated, need her, actually. The political stuff being kicked into HIGH gear was, aw man, it hits different today... Final Resolution you say? Takano??? We WENT there eh. Also, Massacre Chapter indeed. Those last scenes from Rika's POV were heavy. As usual good vid and VERY good chapter, it made me cry like 4 times during my read throug, I can't wait to watch the Matsuribayashi video when it comes out and I'm finished with the original series. It'll be emotional lol

[@Hentao]

Oh, I didn't realize this was last chapter so far I watched the Higurashi anime like more than 10 years ago when I was a teenager and I wasn't that big of a fan to be honest, lol. Then recently we got the Gou and Satsu animes that made me feel like I could get to like the series more now as an adult, but sadly those shows were kinda.... something I guess and I gave up on the idea on going back to higurashi. THAT SAID, I ended up finding your videos and, because I love giant videos to leave on background, I decided to start watching and that was SO FUN.Your commentaries, analysis and presentation were fantastic, congrats on the amazing job to everyone. Thanks for the series, you and the whole team did (and are doing) a fantastic job on everything, I got emotional a lot of times and, also a lot of times, I felt lke was experiencing for the first time, even though I remember a lot of stuff funny enough. Keep up the good work, I will be checking out your other stuff and channel as well.

[@BatmanKisser]

WAR IS OVER THE WAIT IS OVER LIFE HAS MEANING AGAIN

[@parkery371]

Much appreciation to the whole team! I still don't know how or why my algorithm gave me your chapter 1 video, but I'm so glad it did! These videos have me consistently entertained, and also have me reading Higurashi on my own, when I have time :) Edit: Just crying about Satoko now, it's fine

[@plentyoflulu4694]

See ya all in 3 months. Gosh i hope it's 3 months. i NEED TO SEE THE LAST CHAPTER!

[@DocterCoconut]

That was an amazing episode and I can't wait for the chapter 8 video!!! You guys put an amazing spin on the material with the analysis, voice acting and story telling. Keep up the great work!

[@Cinderwings_]

Thank you Thank you! Everyone did so well! I love all the voices! Rena's voice is as perfect as her last chapter!

[@olgaustuzhanina6395]

I finished reading Higurashi around a year ago and watching your videos is such an incredible way to relive that experience. The voice actors did an absolutely stellar job! Thank you all :)

[@misstwila9421]

OMG I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS TONIGHT! LETS GO!!

[@kentrl_z]

been bingeing these! probably some of my favorite long form videos on youtube, thanks so much for undertaking this project!

[@AsukaSwagleySoryu]

ive been binging these off and on while working and finally got to this one. haven't gotten all the way through but i wanted to say, as someone whose experience was through gou and sotsu (terrible entry way but its what ultimately got me on board besides obsessively listening to the music when i was 13 lol), this feels sooooo much more complete and interesting. i also adore the video format and everyone's voice work, its fantastic. youre going the full mile here for something most people wouldnt bother to do. so excited to see where this rollercoaster leads

[@takokola]

I've been watching your higurashi videos and I really enjoyed them a lot! 😊

[@DoodleNuudle69]

2 hour episode oh we eating GOOD TONIGHT! The next one will be 4 hours long?!….I will wait as long as it takes! This series has been such a treat!

[@Storymaker1316]

My mans is finally gettng his respect, next chapter i will be here !!1

[@GustavoHenrique-rg2dx]

IM SO MAD I STUMBLED ALONG THIS SERIES JUST NOW. I BINGED IT IN TWO DAYS, THATS A CRUEL FATE

[@deco1747]

Finally caught up, and will be looking forward to the final part, thanks for the amazing work throughout this channel good luck to you and your team have many great sleeps. ^^

[@v0533]

Been waiting months for this. Good job as always! You and your team put in so much effort and it shows!

[@OmynysFence]

I am crying waiting for the final part, this is all i have listened to at work for 2 days

[@dannguyen7800]

I'VE BEEN SOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS LETS GOOOOOO

[@technorave555]

Uh oh! My favorite KZbinr has uploaded again!

[@tomatonibbler]

revisiting higurashi feels like seeing old friends again.

[@TeaandSweets-hc2jc]

I used up hours of my life for this video, you have to do chapter 8! (Take your time though) (:

[@ashleyaphrodite]

I cannot wait for you to finish this series, these video essays help me process the information from the story much more easily. I will absolutely join your Patreon if you plan to do Umineko after this series!

[@hedgehogsnonsense]

Unfortunately, I think Umineko is a little out of the scope of what I'm capable of at the moment. However, I have a lot of other fun projects planned!

[@chester3449]

Thank you, Hedgehog. Love it. Along with other videos. You make great job with this series.

[@yourdailyrandom5434]

YESSSS I'VE WAITED RAAAAH I LOVE YOUR ANALYSIS!

[@abcdefg-jk7rd]

LOVE THIS SERIES ❤ looking forward to the final chapter! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put into this project!

[@Mygary]

Nice, now if you ever do one for Umineko hit me up for auditions because I’d be so down for that you’ve done a great job with these!

[@merryS42]

Thank you for the video queen.

[@Vi-ym6yb]

THANK YOU

[@ciaraMaeGatchalian]

Her speech kinda fit's with the judge's philosophy on human nature from Blood meridian by cormac Mccarthy. 39:01,"De only law man know's is the shiver down them spine when the bullet come's right between their Eye's,they ain't worried about what some sheriff think's,what's waiting for you after yander's sure as hell ain't no sheriff,it's the true law of man and mouse".

[@GustavoHenrique-rg2dx]

I loooove Hanyuu's dub with the delay here, such a good job

[@tct2090]

Thank you for introducing me to this series, I binged watched the last 7 entries in the last 2 days! I always thought Higurashi was just some edgy horror story that took itself way too seriously so I didnt bother to watch/read any of them; didnt know the series actually had this god tier writing (i was so hooked). Cant wait for the next/last entry to the series! Its been six months already so….

[@hikupptheoverthinker]

Oh tonight is bout to be spooky lit when the wife goes to sleep

[@socalop8600]

ANOTHER BANGER

[@chomik172]

Hanyuu's such an useless and pathetic goddess, and I mean that in the best way possible, I love her.

[@daedalus6796]

Well, time to cry I suppose.

[@ShahjahanMasood]

I love these so much

[@nikkile2784]

Hanyu was mentioned once by Rika during Shion's chapter

[@Eltipoquevisteayer]

Im pretty sure some genious solved Higurashi with only Onikakushi, and so on, yet their theories were brushed away as madness

[@superuniverse5974]

Haha, that would be me

[@Eltipoquevisteayer]

@superuniverse5974 what gave out the signs in Onikakushi?

[@superuniverse5974]

@@Eltipoquevisteayer I mean that depends on which mystery we're talking about? Is there a specific mystery you're curious about?

[@Eltipoquevisteayer]

@@superuniverse5974 i guess i could say why was rika the mc, why the sonozakis were innocent and takano sus

[@superuniverse5974]

@@Eltipoquevisteayer ​ @Eltipoquevisteayer I can't really go too in-depth since this is a comment, but I'll try to explain the specific ones you mentioned. If you're curious and want to see my entire thought process behind coming to these conclusions you can find my (extremely long) analysis where I tried to solve every mystery in ch1 here: docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRWPJMV6giHLRrtzG1mpUumVjvY3LBJ_cgJPbWVYTcaiv5PEHP24DyIpeRRuoZYuI57GBbzwvhCfsJM/pub 1. There were two main clues for Rika's importance. First off was the Bernkastel poem, I noticed that the name Frederica looked a lot like Furude Rika put together. And if you unscramble the text under her name it says: “Depicting him as a real good guy is important gotta make him into a very dirty criminal again huh.” Which not only is one of the clues that Keiichi is the culprit in ch1 it also ties Bernkastel, who I assumed was an alias for Rika, to the timeloop. The second clue is the mysterious presence Keiichi faces in the doorway. Even when I figured out that Keiichi wasn't sane and hallucinated some stuff this moment seemed out of place from the rest. The description he gives of the presence sounds a like Rika. I figured that if there is any kind of supernatural activity in Higurashi it'd probably be related to Oyashiro and if anyone was going to have a connection to Oyashiro it would be Rika, since she's a shrine maiden. I wasn't sure how much supernatural stuff there would be in Higurashi but the one thing that seemed probable was the timeloop. Combining these two points it wasn't a stretch to assume that Rika would be involved in the timeloop in some way. 2. Now the Sonozaki's aren't really mentioned in ch1 but, those ideas still broadly apply to the village conspiracy brought up in ch1. The main problem was that their method's and motive didn't work out. The main motive given was that they used the yearly incidents to eliminate their enemies and revive faith in Oyashiro. I found it a little dubious that a small village like Hinamizawa could so easily cover up so many deaths as disappearances and have access to a secret drug even the police didn't know about. But the main issue is with motive. If they really were the ones to inject Tomitake with the same thing that ended up killing Keiichi then they obviously knew about the insanity disease. (I guess I should explain how I came up with the theory of the insanity disease, it's pretty important.) At first I did think that Rena and Mion were insane, but I also noticed Keiichi's odd behaviour near the end of the chapter that seemed similar. This ruled out theories like possession by Oyashiro or some kind of demonic bloodline. There is no conceivable motive that could explain why Oyashiro would possess multiple teenagers for no clear reason, also I didn't think Rika would worship Oyashiro if they were so clearly evil. And the demon theory while seemingly backed up by Hinamizawa's legends doesn't explain Keiichi's insanity as he's not from Hinamizawa. That's how I settled on the theory of an airborne disease that caused people to gradually go insane if they experienced severe negative emotions. It would tie nicely with Hinamizawa's legends as well as connecting Keiichi's and Tomitake's deaths. A disease could be caught naturally or injected after all. Back to the village conspiracy. Hinamizawa's entire foundation was based off of communal trust and reducing suspicion, hence the limiting of moving in and out. Even the Watanagashi festival is all about purifying sins. So why would a village conspiracy that obviously would know all this purposefully create an environment totally against everything they stood for? All so they could dispose of a few enemies? Even if they where a group of radical religious fanatics that had a new interpretation on Oyashiro's will then there really is no reason that they wouldn't have just killed Keiichi when he was knocked out at the construction site. 3. It honestly was mostly a process of elimination. There definitely was some kind of conspiracy going on with the suicide drug and the people who knocked Keiichi out. And there where a lot of suspicious things going on with Tomitake and therefore by extension Takano. He has a fake name and supposedly comes to Hinamizawa to take pictures yet hasn't managed to publish anything? That's incredibly suspicious. And if I was right about the insanity disease then that makes Takano more suspicious since she's a nurse, and therefore would be more involved in something like that. That's how I eventually came up with the theory that Tomitake and Takano were government agents sent to Hinamizawa to monitor the village after the dam war as well as study the insanity disease. The first culprit and Satoshi had succumbed to insanity so they were taken away to study the effects of the disease on a live patient. The second year was just an accident. The third and fifth years would have been killed by Takano, with Tomitake's death specifically being a coverup to seize control of the secret organization for her and her supporters. Remember that in ch1 Takano only disappeared so that would have been pretty easy to fake. So yeah it was really cathartic for me when I found out how close to the truth I really got. I obviously didn't get a lot of smaller details correct but I managed to figure out the big mysteries.

[@starterk12]

I am farrrrr to lazy to play the VN thank you so much for this series

[@saranorah228]

Haha... It's like 11pm because I was watching this

[@hmm44523]

God im so excited when you release this it's legit like Christmas 😂 sadly i can't help out on the Patreon front yet but i definitely will when i have some spare change

[@shaandahar9091]

ITS HERE

[@SkittleGod0]

I just binged the whole series, after having watched the first couple like a year ago, and MY GOD I just experienced every single emotion all in a day. Love this series can’t wait to see the last one around the spooky month❤❤. Also I did all the deciphering after each video just kinda as a hint to myself for what to come and WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “Satoshi isn’t dead”, please I need to know now.

[@wizardgeek3722]

Two things, number one NEVER GOT THE NOTIFICATION FOR THIS VIDEO *EYEROLL* number two, I really hope that you make a video series for umineko bc I love umineko so so so much!!

[@DarknessDShadow]

"do you remember when x" no, no I don't 😭

[@YOOT_JJ]

OH SHIT, ITS REAL