How Much Do You Know About Umineko? Quiz

The story of "Umineko When They Cry" takes place on Rokkenjima, a secluded private island owned by the wealthy Ushiromiya family. The family gathers on this island for their annual conference to discuss the division of assets belonging to the ailing family head, Kinzo Ushiromiya. Over the course of two days, a series of mysterious and seemingly supernatural murders occur, making the island the central setting for the unfolding dark and intricate plot.

Kinzo Ushiromiya is the patriarch of the Ushiromiya family, a wealthy and powerful man who has fallen ill. He is known for his obsession with the occult and the legend of the "Golden Witch" Beatrice, who supposedly gave him ten tons of gold in the past to restore his family's fortune. Kinzo's vast wealth and the mansion on Rokkenjima Island are key elements of the family's gathering and the mysterious events that unfold.

Beatrice is the legendary "Golden Witch" who is central to the series' mysteries. According to the legend, she gave Kinzo ten tons of gold, which saved the Ushiromiya family from financial ruin. Beatrice's presence looms over the events on Rokkenjima, with her portrait and epitaph in the mansion hinting at the possibility of supernatural involvement in the murders. Throughout the series, Beatrice challenges Battler Ushiromiya in games of logic, where he must prove that the murders could have been committed by human means rather than magic.

The riddle known as the epitaph is inscribed beside Beatrice's portrait in the mansion on Rokkenjima. It is believed that whoever solves this riddle will gain access to the legendary ten tons of gold and will be named the successor to the headship of the Ushiromiya family. The epitaph serves as a central plot device, driving characters to unravel its mysteries and ultimately leading to the unfolding of the series' dark events.

After the traumatic events on Rokkenjima, Battler Ushiromiya suffers from memory loss and adopts a new identity, Toya Hachijo. Battler's attempts to rescue Sayo during the chaos result in him losing his memories and gaining fragmented recollections of the past. As Toya Hachijo, he tries to piece together the truth behind the tragic incidents on the island, ultimately leading him to write and explore the tales of subsequent games in the series.

The story of "Umineko When They Cry" begins on October 4, 1986. The Ushiromiya family members arrive on Rokkenjima Island to attend their annual conference. This specific date marks the beginning of the two-day period during which the mysterious and supernatural events, including a series of murders, take place. The setting in the mid-1980s adds to the nostalgic and isolated atmosphere of the series.

Genji, the head servant of the Ushiromiya household, plays a crucial role in assisting Sayo Yasuda (who also takes on the identities of Shannon and Kanon) in solving the epitaph. Genji is a loyal and trusted servant who helps Sayo uncover the secrets of the gold hidden on the island. His support is instrumental in Sayo's quest to understand their own identity and the legacy of the Ushiromiya family.

The anime adaptation of "Umineko When They Cry" was produced by Studio Deen, a prominent animation studio in Japan known for its work on various anime series. Studio Deen took on the challenge of adapting the intricate and suspenseful narrative of the visual novel, creating an anime that captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the original story.

The opening theme of the anime is "Katayoku no Tori," performed by Akiko Shikata. This haunting and dramatic song sets the tone for the series, reflecting its dark and mysterious themes. The powerful vocals and orchestral arrangement of "Katayoku no Tori" create an atmospheric introduction to each episode, drawing viewers into the world of Rokkenjima and its supernatural mysteries.

Chiaki Kon directed the anime adaptation of "Umineko When They Cry." Known for her work in the anime industry, Chiaki Kon ensured that the complex and multi-layered narrative of the original visual novel was effectively translated to the screen. Her direction helped bring the intricate plot, character dynamics, and eerie atmosphere of Rokkenjima to life.