"Higurashi: When They Cry" 20th Anniversary Special to Stream Live on June 21, the "Cotton Drifting" Day, with Soichiro Hoshi and Mai Nakahara; Free Full Marathon Also Set

"Higurashi: When They Cry," the popular work originally created by Ryukishi07 / 07th Expansion, marks the 20th anniversary of its anime adaptation in 2026. To celebrate, a 20th anniversary special will stream live on June 21, 2026 (Sun)—the "Cotton Drifting" day within the story. Alongside it, a free full marathon broadcast of two anime series will be held.



<20th Anniversary Special>
TV Anime "Higurashi: When They Cry 20th Anniversary Special" Live Broadcast
Date: June 21, 2026 (Sun) from 20:30 (doors 20:15)
Cast: Keiichi Maebara: Soichiro Hoshi / Rena Ryugu: Mai Nakahara / MC: Amatsu Bantaro
The special will feature must-see content for fans, including a look back at the work's history.
Niconico Live: https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350671012
YouTube (KADOKAWAanimeCH): https://www.youtube.com/live/lpbOZFQ7rQw



<Free Full Marathon>
To celebrate the "Cotton Drifting" day, two "Higurashi: When They Cry" anime series will be marathon-broadcast in full for free on Niconico Live over two weekends: June 13 (Sat), 14 (Sun), 20 (Sat), and 21 (Sun).

- "Higurashi: When They Cry" Ep. 1-13: June 13 (Sat), start 19:00 — https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350656577
- "Higurashi: When They Cry" Ep. 14-26: June 14 (Sun), start 19:00 — https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350656591
- "Higurashi: When They Cry Kai" Ep. 1-12: June 20 (Sat), start 19:00 — https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350656606
- "Higurashi: When They Cry Kai" Ep. 13-24: June 21 (Sun), start 15:00 — https://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv350656618

Take this chance to dive into the world of "Higurashi" and celebrate the anime's 20th anniversary together.

©2006 Ryukishi07 / Higurashi When They Cry Production Committee
©2020 Ryukishi07 / Higurashi When They Cry Production Committee