Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Matsuribayashi-hen

Matsuribayashi-hen serves as the eighth and final main arc of the original Higurashi When They Cry sound novel series, created by the writer and artist Ryukishi07 and his circle, 07th Expansion. Initially released at Comiket 71 in December 2006, this volume was designed to resolve the central mystery of the series, shifting the narrative from the repeating tragedies of Hinamizawa toward a concrete conclusion. The structural pivot reflects Ryukishi07's effort to provide catharsis for the audience after the psychological intensity of the preceding arcs.

The development of the arc was deeply influenced by the collaborative nature of the dōjin community, with the visual style characterized by Ryukishi07’s distinct, idiosyncratic character sprites that have since become a signature of the franchise. Upon its release, the volume was highly regarded by fans for its focus on teamwork and the shift toward a more hopeful tone, solidifying the series' status as a cornerstone of the mystery-horror genre in visual novel history.