Manga Like Higurashi WHEN THEY CRY: Beyond Midnight Arc

Susumu Nakoshi, a middle-aged man living a double existence between a luxury hotel and a park where the homeless gather, meets a mysterious stranger who proposes trepanation—a surgical procedure that involves drilling a hole into the skull. The stranger insists Nakoshi is the ideal candidate for their experiment. Despite initial hesitation, Nakoshi agrees after his car is impounded, arranging for 22-year-old medical student Manabu Ito to perform the operation for 700,000 yen. At first, there seem to be no effects from the procedure, with Nakoshi showing no signs of abnormality. However, his world takes a strange turn when he begins seeing homunculi, tiny humanoid figures, inside every person he encounters. Transformed by this new perception, Nakoshi must confront the challenge of dealing with these homunculi.

Seon Jin endures constant bullying at school because of his reserved personality and weak physique. Yet his greatest terror originates from his own father. To outsiders, Jin's father seems like a prosperous entrepreneur, a committed charity worker, and a caring family man. In truth, he is a psychotic murderer, and Jin is compelled to assist him. They successfully avoid police suspicion. When the father sets his sights on the fresh arrival, Yoon Kyun, Jin faces a decision: remain a silent accessory or oppose his father and gamble everything to rescue her from sharing the destiny of earlier victims.

Kazuki Hoshino values his ordinary daily life above all else. His school days are filled with easygoing moments spent with friends—until the transfer student Aine Aya arrives and shatters that peace. The moment this cold, beautiful girl appears in his classroom, she speaks to him in baffling terms: "I've come to destroy you. This is my 13,118th transfer. After going through so many, I started getting bored, so this time I'll add some fun by making a formal declaration." With these enigmatic words, Kazuki's cherished everyday life descends into chaos and dread—Aya's sudden arrival hints at hidden secrets behind his seemingly ordinary friends, including the mysterious devices known as "boxes."

Every year, the Ushiromiya family gathers on Rokkenjima at the request of their eccentric patriarch, Kinzou, whose health is failing. Most relatives believe his time is running out. As a fierce typhoon batters the island, tensions over inheritance and succession escalate within the family. Battler, Kinzou’s grandson, returns after six years away, expecting a peaceful reunion. Instead, Kinzou devises a peculiar game, challenging the family to find his hidden treasure, with the winner gaining control of the family. The game takes a dark turn when participants are threatened as sacrifices to revive the legendary Millennial Witch, Beatrice. Despite being a staunch skeptic, Battler must confront the possibility of supernatural forces or a murderer among them as the body count rises.

In the summer of 1983, Keiichi Maebara moves from a busy city to the quiet rural village of Hinamizawa. As he adjusts to his new life, he becomes friends with several local girls, forming a close group that includes Satoko Houjou, Rika Furude, Rena Ryuuguu, and Mion Sonozaki. At first, everything seems peaceful and carefree, but Keiichi soon realizes there is more to Hinamizawa than what appears on the surface. During the Cotton Drifting Festival, he learns of a troubling pattern: murders and disappearances have occurred shortly after the event each year for the past few years. The villagers blame these tragedies on "Oyashiro's Curse," claiming that those who offend the village's guardian deity face death or disappearance. Keiichi initially dismisses this as mere superstition meant to keep people in line. However, after a murder and a disappearance happen following the festival, and his friends remain silent about the village's strange events, Keiichi begins to suspect that his new companions may be linked to the horrific incidents—and that he might be the next target.

In her final memory, Natsu Iwashimizu shares cherished meals with her family. However, upon waking, she discovers she's on a sinking ship, saved by three unfamiliar faces: Arashi Aota, whose kindness is matched only by his short fuse; Semimaru Asai, who teases Natsu's shy demeanor; and Botan Saotome, a skilled individual who grasps the gravity of their situation. Together, they manage to escape and navigate towards a deserted island. Unbeknownst to them, this enigmatic land is actually post-apocalyptic Japan. A meteorite impact has eradicated human life and transformed the planet's ecosystem. To repopulate the earth, the government initiated the "7 Seeds" program, sending five teams—Spring, Summer A, Summer B, Autumn, and Winter—each comprising seven resilient youth and a guide. Natsu and her crew belong to Summer B, deemed social outliers. Their survival hinges on finding one of seven government shelters for supplies. In a perilous, alien world devoid of familiar support, the quartet must learn to work together to endure.

L Change the WorLd takes place as a direct continuation of the Death Note film adaptation, focusing solely on L during his final 23 days after capturing Kira. The novel broadens the movie by adding numerous scenes and events that were left out of the film.

Keiichi Maebara moves to the quiet village of Hinamizawa, where he quickly becomes close friends with his new companions, making his days happy and carefree. One day, while passing by a maid café, he spots what seems to be his tomboyish friend Mion Sonozaki working there. His attempt to tease her is met with surprise when she reveals herself to be Shion, Mion's twin sister. The Cotton Drifting Festival approaches, and both sisters compete for Keiichi's attention. Tragedy strikes when Shion, breaking the village's sacred rules, enters a forbidden shrine during the festival, inadvertently bringing Keiichi along with her. Their transgression plunges them into fear of supernatural punishment. Keiichi and Shion must now find a way to make amends for their actions before they face dire consequences.

In "After School Nightmare," Mashiro Ichijou is a popular and handsome high school student who has always lived as male. But internally, Mashiro resents his partially female body, a secret he keeps hidden while struggling with his own insecurities. One day, a nurse he has never seen before directs Mashiro to a strange infirmary that has appeared in the school's basement. Unbeknownst to him, entering this mysterious room marks the start of an irreversible change. As Mashiro searches for his true identity, he wrestles with inner turmoil and keeps his secret from his classmates. Gradually, the harsh truths of a deceptive and nightmarish world are exposed, where darkness taints even the brightest moments.

In Umineko When They Cry Episode 2: Turn of the Golden Witch, Shannon works as a maid for the eccentric Ushiromiya family, led by Kinzou. She secretly harbors feelings for his grandson, George, even though she knows such a relationship is forbidden. Her emotions intensify despite her efforts to suppress them. One night, Beatrice, the Millennial Witch of the island, sympathizes with Shannon and offers a deal: by breaking a ritual mirror that weakens Beatrice’s power, Shannon can receive the witch’s help in winning George’s love. Shannon eventually agrees, and she sees a marked improvement in her bond with George. Meanwhile, Kanon, another servant, suspects that Beatrice may be manipulating Shannon. Believing that as mere “furniture,” they have no right to experience human emotions like love, Kanon is taken aback when Jessica, Kinzou’s granddaughter, confesses her affection for him. He begins to reflect on his own feelings toward her. However, the arrival of the rest of the Ushiromiya family for their annual gathering complicates matters. Beatrice sets up a contest to find Kinzou’s hidden gold, with the winner set to inherit control of the family. The competition escalates from a strange game into a terrifying ordeal where lives are at stake. Can Shannon and Kanon protect those they hold dear?

Since childhood, Eva Ushiromiya has been determined to claim her rightful place as the leader of the Ushiromiya clan. Despite facing discrimination due to her gender, she remains committed to outperforming her male elder sibling, Krauss, who holds the birthright position. Eva's opportunity to achieve this ambition arises during the yearly family reunion on Rokkenjima Island. With the revelation of the cryptic epitaph, she believes that uncovering the concealed treasure will finally earn her family's respect. However, as the adults attempt to decipher the clue, a string of inexplicable murders commences, hinting at the grim fate that looms over them. Concurrently, the rivalry between the Golden Witch Beatrice and Battler Ushiromiya restarts, bringing in new and surprising participants to join the contest.

After their fierce confrontation, Battler Ushiromiya reflects on the sudden resignation of the Golden Witch Beatrice, who now appears as little more than a faint echo of her former confident self. This dramatic shift compels Battler to reexamine every detail from the first four games. Though he wishes to remain by her side, he resolves to take back control of the current situation, where Lambdadelta and Frederica Bernkastel have taken charge of the fifth game board. Following Kinzou Ushiromiya's death, Krauss Ushiromiya becomes the family head, but he faces serious financial troubles from poor investments that could lead to creditors seizing the estate. His siblings may take legal action against him under these circumstances. Natsuhi Ushiromiya, supporting her husband, seeks Beatrice's help to revive the former head of the family, hoping to hide the truth until the debts are resolved. Erika Furudo, a self-proclaimed detective, arrives on Rokkenjima Island as the family reunion begins. Welcomed as a distinguished guest, Erika quickly becomes fascinated by the ongoing discussion about the epitaph riddle. However, her relentless investigation into uncovering the hidden treasure triggers a chain of events that threatens to disrupt the Ushiromiya family's stability.

In the village of Hinamizawa, the Sonozaki family has kept twin sisters Mion and Shion apart since childhood. Mion is designated to inherit the leadership of the Sonozaki household, while Shion is sent to the distant St. Lucia Academy. One day, Shion escapes from the academy and returns to Hinamizawa, unaware of the tragic fate that awaits her. After reuniting with Mion and taking a part-time job under her sister's identity, Shion meets Satoshi Houjou, a boy her age for whom she quickly develops strong feelings. Learning about Satoshi's harsh living conditions, she grows resentful toward the people in his household, especially his younger sister, Satoko. Tensions rise, and when Satoshi mysteriously disappears, Shion suspects her family may be responsible. A year later, Shion encounters Keiichi Maebara, who has caught Mion's attention. Seeing her sister's interest in Keiichi rekindles Shion's passion for Satoshi and strengthens her resolve to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. However, her relentless search for answers leads her into a spiral of despair and madness.

Ange Ushiromiya is the sole survivor of the 1986 Rokkenjima Mass Murder Incident, burdened by guilt for not being with her family during their final moments. Over the past twelve years, her relentless pursuit of the truth behind the tragedy has further alienated her from the world she once loved. At her lowest point, Frederica Bernkastel, known as the Witch of Miracles, appears and offers Ange a chance to uncover the events of Rokkenjima and seek revenge against those responsible for her family's murder. Though there is no guarantee of success, Ange accepts the offer, takes on the title of the Golden Witch, and gains the ability to travel back in time to assist her brother Battler. With this new alliance and the added resolve it brings, Battler finds renewed strength to continue his difficult battle, even as the game he plays takes unexpected turns.

At Mai Taniyama's school, there is an old, abandoned building rumored to be cursed. Every time attempts are made to tear it down, a series of unexplained deaths occur, halting the demolition. Determined to prove the building is truly haunted, Mai and her classmates try to summon a ghost by telling stories. Though no spirits appear, they instead meet Kazuya Shibuya, a new 17-year-old student. While her friends are drawn to his good looks and polite demeanor, Mai remains skeptical. After an incident, Mai learns that Kazuya leads Shibuya Psychic Research, a team hired by the school principal to investigate the alleged supernatural phenomena in the building. Because of her involvement, Mai is forced to temporarily assist Kazuya to avoid paying for the damage. Alongside other paranormal investigators—Houshou Takigawa, a former Buddhist monk; Ayako Matsusaki, a self-proclaimed Shinto priestess; renowned medium Masako Hara; and Catholic priest John Brown—Mai and Kazuya work to uncover the building's mystery before anyone else gets hurt.

In the quiet village of Hinamizawa, Keiichi Maebara and his friends enjoy a peaceful life following his recent move. He quickly forms strong bonds with his new acquaintances, including the lively Satoko Houjou, known for her playful pranks and cheerful attitude. However, behind her bright facade lies a dark past marked by personal tragedy. Despite her struggles, Satoko finds moments of happiness, which Keiichi, impressed by her resilience, cherishes. He sees himself as a protective figure in her life, like an older brother. The situation takes a turn when her uncle Teppei returns to the village, and signs of mistreatment begin to appear in Satoko. Determined to bring back the joyful friend he cares for, Keiichi considers drastic measures to ensure her safety.

At a Buddhist university, five students—three men and two women—struggle to apply their unique skills in practical ways within modern Tokyo. Their abilities, including channeling, dowsing, and extrasensory perception, which were once considered irrelevant in the professional world, become essential for connecting with the dead, especially those spirits tied to their physical bodies and unable to move on to the afterlife. These individuals form the Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. Whether the death is due to suicide, murder, accident, or natural causes, their goal is to transport the deceased's body to the specific location needed for the spirit to be freed.

In the sixth episode of Umineko WHEN THEY CRY, Battler takes command of the game, using his newly acquired golden truth to counter the logical attacks from the detective-witch, Erika Furudo. Battler's initial struggle revolved around the existence of magic, but it has shifted into a quest to bring back the lively and spirited Beatrice he met in earlier rounds of the game. Navigating the complex rules and challenging logic puzzles is tough enough, but as the game master, Battler must quickly learn to steer the unfolding events toward both his and Beatrice's ultimate goals, all while avoiding being trapped by Erika, the Witch of Truth.

In the peaceful village of Hinamizawa, detective Mamoru Akasaya arrives disguised as a tourist to investigate the kidnapping of a child. Accustomed to swift cases in Tokyo, Akasaya finds himself ill-prepared for the challenges this serene setting presents. A controversial dam project threatens Hinamizawa, prompting locals to kidnap the grandson of the Minister of Construction in an attempt to halt the development. Akasaya's goal is to find the boy before tensions rise. As he navigates the village, where any resident could be an opponent, Akasaya forms an unexpected alliance with Rika Furude, a young girl whose insight into the situation exceeds her age. Taking place a few years before the main events of Higurashi, this story follows Akasaya as he uncovers the secrets of Hinamizawa while keeping his cover.

In the summer of 1983, Rena Ryuuguu and her friends enjoy a tranquil life in Hinamizawa, spending their days playing and relaxing. However, a dark shadow begins to creep over Rena's heart, threatening the safety of those around her. Complicating matters further is Rena's estranged father, who has started dating a suspicious woman named Rina Mamiya. Rena's bitterness grows when she discovers that Rina and her actual boyfriend are planning to swindle Rena's father. After a fierce confrontation with Rina, Rena feels forced to take extreme measures to protect her father. Despite noticing Rena's strange behavior, her friends choose to support her rather than abandon her. As Rena delves deeper into her plan, she discovers a critical flaw, causing her to question the loyalty of her friends and the rest of the villagers. Her investigation into the village's tragic history—marked by numerous murders and disappearances—leads her to believe that only radical actions can prevent Hinamizawa from being destroyed.

Dowman Sayman's anthology presents a series of independent tales exploring varied subjects, including serial killers discovering romance, historical figures resurrecting, a fresh perspective on the 9/11 tragedy, yaoi fangirl ghosts dispensing guidance to the men they observe, and numerous other distinctive concepts.

In the town of Hinamizawa, Rika Furude is trapped in an endless cycle of June 1983, where each iteration ends in tragedy. Though the pattern repeats, the sequence of events leading to disaster changes with every loop. As summer approaches once more, Rika finds herself back in June 1983, with limited time to prevent the coming catastrophe. The Minagoroshi-hen arc delves deeper into Rika's struggle to escape her inevitable fate and save her friends from their own grim destinies. Yet each time she and her group overcome one crisis, another arises, pushing them closer to uncovering the mastermind behind the recurring tragedies that haunt Hinamizawa.

Miyoko Tanashi lived a happy life until a tragic train accident claimed her parents, leaving her shattered. She was subsequently sent to a remote orphanage in the mountains, where the caretakers treated her cruelly and escape was all but impossible due to severe penalties. Eventually, Miyoko manages to flee and finds shelter with her father's former mentor, the researcher Dr. Hifumi Takano. Under Hifumi's guidance, Miyoko assumes a new identity and starts anew. Driven by Hifumi's investigation into a mysterious illness affecting a nearby mountain village—a phenomenon dismissed by others—Miyoko dedicates herself to proving the disease's existence. Upon arriving in the village, her resolve hardens into a perilous obsession, leading her to take extreme actions to confirm the doctor's theories. The arc reaches its peak as conflicting destinies collide and unwavering resolve converges in the summer of 1983, setting the scene for the ultimate clash.

In the core of Gangnam, a complete blackout has taken over the area. A young man comes to consciousness inside a structure encircled by corpses, wondering whether he is the only one left alive and trying to understand what happened. There is no traffic on the roads, no electricity, and not even any light from the stars. It soon becomes apparent that this emptiness is not limited to just Gangnam but has spread throughout the whole city.