Ouji Hiroi is a Japanese video game designer and director, best known for creating the popular visual novel series Higurashi When They Cry. He founded the game development company 07th Expansion, which focuses on producing narrative-driven games that often incorporate elements of horror and mystery. Hiroi's work is characterized by intricate storytelling, complex characters, and immersive gameplay. His games often explore themes of psychological tension and the nature of reality, making them popular among fans of the genre. His contributions have significantly influenced the visual novel landscape in Japan and beyond.