2005 · Horror · Visual novel

Higanjima

PlayStation exclusive

Japanese manga series

Released: 28 April 2005
Platforms: PlayStation Portable
Genres: Horror Visual novel
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Themes: Horror
Country: Japan
Age ratings: CERO C
Languages: Japanese

About

Higanjima (Japanese: 彼岸島; lit. 'Island of Paramita') is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kōji Matsumoto. It was serialized in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Magazine from 2002 to 2010, with its chapters collected in 33 tankōbon volumes. A second series, Higanjima: Saigo no 47 Nichikan, was serialized in the same magazine from 2010 to 2014; a third series, Higanjima 48 Nichigo… started in 2014.

The series has spawned two live-action films; Higanjima: Escape from Vampire Island, premiered on January 9, 2010, and Higanjima: Deluxe, premiered on October 15, 2016. The first film was licensed for a home video release in North America by Funimation. Two television drama adaptations were broadcast in 2013 and 2016, respectively.

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Story

When Akira Miyamoto learns that his older brother, Atsushi, is missing, his family begins to fall apart. The family business fails, and his father becomes an alcoholic. His two parents constantly compare Akira to Atsushi. Worse, Akira has a crush on a girl named Yuki, who already has a boyfriend, his friend Ken.

One day, Akira finds a girl unconscious in front of his house. The girl, Rei Aoyama, shows Akira Atsushi's ID card, claiming that Atsushi is alive. Rei explains that Atsushi is trapped on Higanjima Island, said to be inhabited by vampires. Akira invites his friends to help his brother, under the guise of a vacation to celebrate their graduation.

Reception

Mark Schilling of The Japan Times described the vampires as "not the sensitive heartthrobs of Twilight but vicious, ravenous types who revel in terror and torture." The film grossed $1,247,050 in Japan and $22,142 in Taiwan.