Umineko When They Cry

The Ushiromiya Family Builds Its Fortune in the Spinning Industry

The Ushiromiya family had prospered as wealthy industrialists — notably in the spinning trade — since the Meiji era, having already built substantial wealth and status before Kinzo's birth.

The Great Kantō Earthquake and Kinzo's Ascension as Family Head

The Great Kantō Earthquake devastates the main Ushiromiya branch. Kinzo — from a lesser branch based in Odawara — is installed as family head by the clan elders, initially serving in what is described as a largely nominal role under their influence.

Kinzo's Marriage and the Birth of His Four Children

Kinzo, married through arrangement by the family, has four children — eldest son Krauss, eldest daughter Eva, second son Rudolf, and second daughter Rosa — who later become the central figures of the family conferences.

Late in the Pacific War, Kinzo Spends Time Away from the Mainland

Late in the Pacific War, Kinzo is said to have spent a period away from mainland Japan. The details of this time remain unclear even within the family, and it later becomes the backdrop for a family legend.

— Details intentionally omitted, as they touch on the story's central mystery.

The Ushiromiya Family's Revival and the Legend of the 'Golden Witch Beatrice'

Shortly after the war, Kinzo comes into a vast fortune and revives the declining Ushiromiya family. Within the family, a legend persists that this wealth came from a pact with the 'Golden Witch Beatrice' — though its truth has never been confirmed even by the family itself.

— Presented in the story as a family legend/anecdote; the underlying truth is not addressed here.

The Family Mansion is Established on the Private Island of Rokkenjima

After its revival, the Ushiromiya family establishes its main residence on Rokkenjima, a private island in the Izu archipelago. From then on, Rokkenjima becomes the center of the family's assets and gatherings.

Beatrice's Portrait and the 'Witch's Epitaph'

A portrait of Beatrice hangs in the mansion alongside a cryptic inscription known as the 'Witch's Epitaph.' Legend holds that whoever solves it will be granted the gold and the family headship.

The Grandchildren Generation — Jessica, George, Battler, and Maria are Born

The grandchildren generation is born: Jessica, daughter of Krauss and his wife; George, son of Eva and her husband; Battler, son of Rudolf; and Maria, daughter of Rosa. They later form the next generation gathering at the Rokkenjima family conferences.

The Death of Battler's Mother Asumu and His Estrangement from the Family

Asumu, Rudolf's first wife and Battler's mother, passes away. Rudolf soon remarries Kyrie, and Battler subsequently stays away from the family and Rokkenjima for six years.

The Annual Family Conference on Rokkenjima

Every October, the Ushiromiya family gathers at the Rokkenjima mansion for its customary conference on business and family assets.

Kinzo's Declining Health and Rising Tension Over Succession

Family head Kinzo's health deteriorates, heightening tension among his children over the division of assets and succession. Eldest son Krauss takes the lead in running the conferences, though setbacks such as failed investments leave the siblings far from unified.

Eighteen Family Members and Servants Gather for the Conference on Rokkenjima

On October 4, 1986, eighteen people in total — the Ushiromiya family, their servants, and Kinzo's physician — gather on Rokkenjima. Battler, attending for the first time in six years, joins them.

Rokkenjima is Cut Off as a Typhoon Approaches

As the conference proceeds, an approaching typhoon halts boat access, cutting Rokkenjima off from the outside world. The family is forced to remain on the island for the time being.