Umineko: When They Cry (2009)
A dark, supernatural mystery anime in which a family gathering on a remote island unravels into occult horror and deadly intrigue.
Umineko: When They Cry - Series Information
- Original Title: うみねこのなく頃に
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: July 2, 2009 (United States - TV-MA)
- Networks: Teletama, Sun TV, TV Aichi, KBS Kyoto
- Production Companies: Studio Deen
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: 海貓悲鳴之時 (TW), Umineko no Naku Koro ni (JP), 海猫鸣泣之时 (CN), When Seagulls Cry (US)
Umineko: When They Cry - Plot
As customary per year, the entire family is gathering on the island for a conference that discusses the current financial situations of each respective person. Because of the family head's poor health, this year involves the topic of the head of the family's inheritance and how it will be distributed.
However, the family is unaware that the distribution of his wealth is the least of Ushiromiya Kinzo's concerns for this year's family conference. After being told that his end was approaching by his longtime friend and physician, Kinzo is desperate to meet his life's true love one last time: the Golden Witch, Beatrice. Having immersed himself in black magic for many of the later years in his life, Kinzo instigates a ceremony to revive his beloved upon his family's arrival on Rokkenjima.
Umineko: When They Cry - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the supernatural terror awaiting on Rokkenjima:
Umineko: When They Cry - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Marina Inoue
- Daisuke Ono
- Emi Shinohara
- Akihiko Ishizumi
- Kenichi Suzumura
- Ami Koshimizu
- Yui Horie
- Rie Kugimiya
- Mugihito
- Atsuko Tanaka
Writers
- Fumihiko Shimo
Umineko: When They Cry - FAQs
What is Umineko: When They Cry based on?
Umineko: When They Cry is adapted from the visual novel series of the same name created by Ryukishi07 and released by 07th Expansion. The visual novel blends murder mystery with supernatural horror and philosophical puzzles, and the anime adaptation covers the first four arcs of the original story.
Does the anime adapt the full Umineko story?
The anime only covers the first half of the visual novel — the four 'Question Arcs' — leaving the 'Answer Arcs' unadapted. Fans who want the complete story, including its resolutions and deeper mysteries, are strongly encouraged to read the original visual novel or its manga adaptation.
Who are the main voice actors in Umineko: When They Cry?
The cast features Marina Inoue as Jessica Ushiromiya, Daisuke Ono as Battler Ushiromiya, Sayaka Ohara as the Golden Witch Beatrice, Emi Shinohara as Natsuhi Ushiromiya, Yui Horie as Maria Ushiromiya, Rie Kugimiya as Shannon, and Mugihito as the family patriarch Kinzou Ushiromiya.
Is Umineko: When They Cry worth watching?
For fans of psychological horror, dark mystery, and supernatural anime, it's a compelling watch — especially Sayaka Ohara's iconic performance as Beatrice. However, the anime ends without resolving its central mysteries, which frustrates many viewers. Going in with that expectation, or pairing it with the visual novel, makes the experience far more rewarding.
What genre is Umineko: When They Cry?
Umineko: When They Cry spans animation, mystery, psychological horror, dark fantasy, and crime. It combines a locked-room murder mystery structure with supernatural and occult elements, philosophical debates about the nature of truth, and deeply unsettling horror sequences — making it genuinely difficult to pin down to a single genre.
How many episodes does Umineko: When They Cry have?
The series runs for 26 episodes across a single season, which aired in Japan from July to December 2009. Each episode is approximately 23 minutes long. There is also a collection of special episodes catalogued separately, bringing the total episode count higher when including bonus content.
What are similar anime to Umineko: When They Cry?
If Umineko's blend of mystery and supernatural horror appeals to you, Higurashi: When They Cry — NEW is the most natural companion, sharing the same creative DNA. Death Note offers a similar battle-of-wits intensity, while The Witch and the Beast and Undead Murder Farce scratch that dark, occult mystery itch.
When did Umineko: When They Cry first air?
Umineko: When They Cry premiered on July 2, 2009, in Japan, airing across several regional networks including Teletama, Sun TV, TV Aichi, and KBS Kyoto. The series concluded its run in December 2009, completing its single 26-episode season within the same year.
More About Umineko: When They Cry
Explore further details about the series through these authoritative external resources: