23 minSeason 3 • Episode 24
LatestTaichi has told Chihaya about the feelings he had kept secret for so long. Now he's left the karuta club, and Chihaya's regret over failing to notice how he felt leaves her unable to play. But some new members have joined Mizusawa's karuta club, and among them is Tamaru Midori, a Class A player. She is a promising new member, but also a troublemaker.
Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends. Now in high school, Chihaya still plays karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again.
Sound
The card-slaps are ASMR, the OPs are permanent brainworms.
Editing
Tournament matches feel like actual heart attacks, beautifully paced.
Acting
Miyano Mamoru makes Taichi's pining physically painful to witness.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Karuta is a real competitive sport with national tournaments; Chihayafuru single-handedly revived youth participation in Japan.
The manga's still ongoing, meaning anime-only fans have been screaming into the void about unresolved romantic tension since 2019.
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