Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai – 01
OP: Shimamiya Eiko – Naraku no Hana
“Reunion”
In 2007, Akasaka returns to Hinamizawa to meet up with Ooishi and an older Rena to discuss the Great Disaster.
The anime doesn’t jump right into Yakusamashi-hen (which will be the anime-exclusive arc), but instead animates one of the TIPs sections from the visual novel. Pretty surprising.. but a genius move, if I do say so myself! While you still can’t watch the series without having seen the original, this is a great refresher for people who haven’t rewatched the series. It also makes the last couple episodes of Tsumihoroboshi-hen clearer, as we’re given much more detailed and easier to understand explanations.
What excites me most about this is Rika finally getting the spotlight, as she should have much earlier in the original.. and the introduction of Hanyuu! I have super high hopes for this sequel, seeing as Studio Deen seems to have a larger budget this time around (thus the MUCH, much better animation visible already) and 24 episodes to correct the mistakes from season one.
I know a lot of hardcore fans of the games really disliked the anime, because it caused a lot of unnecessary confusion and left quite a few vital explanations out, but I know I’m definitely looking forward to the next 23 weeks.. especially the Minagoroshi-hen arc!
ED: anNina – Taisho.a
The new opening was really beautiful I think ive watched it over a hundred times.
Episode one wasn’t the best no action very much but Kai is great and does continuie to be great!