Meakashi (目明し編 Meakashi-hen, lit. Eye Opening Chapter), also known as the Eye Opening Arc in the manga, is the first story arc of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai and the fifth story arc in the overall series. It was released at Comiket 67 on December 30, 2004 and is followed by Tsumihoroboshi.
Introduction
Meakashi
~Beloved Cutthroat~
- Eye Opening Chapter -
Welcome to the world of "Higurashi When They Cry Kai".
We've finally reached the halfway point.
From the viewpoint of the protagonist,
try to find the truth behind the tragedy that unfolds.
The difficulty is very high.
It won't be easy to comprehend the motive of the perpetrator.
Plot Summary
- Main article: Meakashi-hen/Plot Summary
After escaping from her boarding school, Shion Sonozaki hides out in Okinomiya from the rest of the Sonozaki Family and tries to live life as normal. She soon meets Satoshi Houjou and falls in love, and as time passes and Oyashiro-sama's curse claims more victims, Shion struggles to find answers.
Characters
Main Characters
New Characters
Adaptations
Anime
- First Love (aired: July 18, 2006)
- Responsibility (aired: July 25, 2006)
- Oni's Blood Line (aired: August 1, 2006)
- Revenge (aired: August 8, 2006)
- Cold Hands (aired: August 15, 2006)
- Condemnation (aired: August 22, 2006)
The anime version of Meakashi cuts out the reveal of Mion and Shion having switched places as children.
Manga
- Eye Opening Arc Manga Volume 1 (JP release: January 27, 2007. EN release: February 22, 2011)
- Eye Opening Arc Manga Volume 2 (JP release: July 27, 2007. EN release: April 26, 2011)
- Eye Opening Arc Manga Volume 3 (JP release: December 22, 2007. EN release: June 28, 2011)
- Eye Opening Arc Manga Volume 4 (JP release: June 21, 2008. EN release: August 16, 2011)
Comparisons to Similar Arcs
Meakashi seems like Watanagashi from Shion's perspective, but there are a few notable differences:
- Shion and Keiichi's first meeting is different. In Watanagashi, Keiichi first meets Shion at Angel Mort. In Meakashi, Shion first meets Keiichi out in Okinomiya after encountering some delinquents.
- As revealed in Minagoroshi, Rika's death is also different. In Watanagashi she was tortured and killed by Shion while in Meakashi she commits suicide.
Openings
External Links
- Buy Meakashi: MangaGamer, GOG, Steam
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