Chihayafuru 3 Episode 21 Discussion

Raizel said:
That one little tear left with a really sorrowful feeling... ;-;

FMmatron said:
That New Year motivation.



Nobody has compassion for my man Retro, feels bad ;_;

Kipo0007 said:
Taichi's sleeping with a single tear in his eyes was really hurtful to watch, but he cant let himself down and only go on forward. Speaking of which he has found a new friend and mentor in suo i guess? Suo really has taken a interest in him.

Gab5 said:
Chihaya is as dense and idiotic as usual, you would think that someone who has such strong feelings for Arata would understand why the person who is the third wheel would go off on his own sometimes. How old are these people? Are people in Japan really as dense as we see in so many of these anime?

This is so true. A lot of anime people are tense, but I've never seen many as dense as Chihaya. I like her but she makes me really angry in those times.

Raizel said:
That one little tear left with a really sorrowful feeling... ;-;

axel360 said:
Screw it. Taichi x Arata

Gab5 said:
They are all young so deserve the benefit of the doubt.

But, really, Taichi, give it up, your endless struggling and usually losing should have given you a big hint, move on from there! OF course, all of this will lead to more and more crushing defeats for him. In every way possible.

Chihaya is as dense and idiotic as usual, you would think that someone who has such strong feelings for Arata would understand why the person who is the third wheel would go off on his own sometimes. How old are these people? Are people in Japan really as dense as we see in so many of these anime?

I'm going to disagree with this. If he gave up now, he'd only be doing the bad advice his mother gave him; give up on anything really difficult and focus on what he can win. He's not giving up on Chihaya and he shouldn't give up on trying to beat Arata in karuta. Even if he's destined to lose, he has to keep fighting and giving his all. It's what is making him grow as a person and he realizes this. It's why he knows he should have stood up to Suo for Harada Sensei and is ashamed he didn't but instead was hoping Suo would retire and he'd never have to face him for the title of Meijin. That really is a loser's track of thought and while Taichi doesn't want to lose but most of all, he doesn't want to be a coward. So he has to keep at it even if he's still losing. Plus he loves Chihaya that much and is willing to fight for her.

axel360 said:
Screw it. Taichi x Arata

Gab5 said:


Realistically, as many keep telling us on here, the game is up, she has chosen Arata and Arata has let her know that he has feelings for her too. So fighting at this point means going through heartache for a situation that might not be impossible but is close to it. I don't think there is anything cowardly about knowing when to quit, particularly when you have spent a lot of time and effort on something. He's on a loser here, as far as a relationship with Chihaya is concerned, and he is only going to hurt himself more if continues to pursue that. I think it is sometimes the braver thing to do, knowing when to call time on something, particularly when a potential relationship is at stake.

As for the Karuta, there may well be more reason for him to continue fighting there but considering the proximity of his rival and the target of his unrequited affection, that is probably going to suffer as well. Particularly as they are both better than him at the game. For the sake of the plot it makes sense that he hangs around and keeps fighting, but if he were my friend in real life I would tell him to move on. There are plenty of other pursuits which he can find just as rewarding without having his feelings dragged through the dirt by the other two and then losing countless matches against them. He's never beaten either of them once. This is probably a good time for him to be honest with himself and ask himself why he started to play and why he continues to play. Because if either of those reasons come back to Chihaya, that ship has now sailed. He can try hard and lose in lots of other places where he won't feel so humiliated or so useless.

masaba said:
Eh, I don't buy it. Taichi is pretty freaking good at this game. He's accomplished a lot after only being serious about it for a couple years. He beat Murao for Christ's sake. And almost beat Chihaya. All recently. So yes, Arata's the chosen one but he's not THAT much better than Taichi all things considered, who I think just based on what they've shown of his intellect and ability learn and grow as a player, is the exact kind of player that would be a threat to Arata if he sticks with it.

It sucks that his days are numbered, because if he had a 2-3 year window, he wouldn't feel so pressured.

As for Chihaya, who knows what she feels. Can you really base a relationship off a love for a game? Taichi loves it too, but there's a lot more to their relationship than just karuta. Chihaya just worships Arata for his skills. I don't ship it.

masaba said:
Eh, I don't buy it. Taichi is pretty freaking good at this game. He's accomplished a lot after only being serious about it for a couple years. He beat Murao for Christ's sake. And almost beat Chihaya. All recently. So yes, Arata's the chosen one but he's not THAT much better than Taichi all things considered, who I think just based on what they've shown of his intellect and ability learn and grow as a player, is the exact kind of player that would be a threat to Arata if he sticks with it.

It sucks that his days are numbered, because if he had a 2-3 year window, he wouldn't feel so pressured.

As for Chihaya, who knows what she feels. Can you really base a relationship off a love for a game? Taichi loves it too, but there's a lot more to their relationship than just karuta. Chihaya just worships Arata for his skills. I don't ship it.

Gab5 said:


Realistically, as many keep telling us on here, the game is up, she has chosen Arata and Arata has let her know that he has feelings for her too. So fighting at this point means going through heartache for a situation that might not be impossible but is close to it. I don't think there is anything cowardly about knowing when to quit, particularly when you have spent a lot of time and effort on something. He's on a loser here, as far as a relationship with Chihaya is concerned, and he is only going to hurt himself more if continues to pursue that. I think it is sometimes the braver thing to do, knowing when to call time on something, particularly when a potential relationship is at stake.

As for the Karuta, there may well be more reason for him to continue fighting there but considering the proximity of his rival and the target of his unrequited affection, that is probably going to suffer as well. Particularly as they are both better than him at the game. For the sake of the plot it makes sense that he hangs around and keeps fighting, but if he were my friend in real life I would tell him to move on. There are plenty of other pursuits which he can find just as rewarding without having his feelings dragged through the dirt by the other two and then losing countless matches against them. He's never beaten either of them once. This is probably a good time for him to be honest with himself and ask himself why he started to play and why he continues to play. Because if either of those reasons come back to Chihaya, that ship has now sailed. He can try hard and lose in lots of other places where he won't feel so humiliated or so useless.

Kipo0007 said:

First of all if Taichi can grow, so can Arata and dont forget Arata had dropped Karuta for a long time after his Grandfather died but still is able to keep his level of plays to that of the professionals. Taichi is a great player, which he has proved this season, but he has only recently started showing the like and passion towards karuta because earlier he only played karuta to get close to chihaya, he doesnt love the game in that retrospect which people like Chihaya, shinobu, Arata and other passionate players do.

And finally Chihaya doesn't just admire Arata just on based of Karuta, theres a whole lot of emotion and feelings she has towards him outside of the game especially for the fact how he changed her life. she is just too naive and an airhead to realize what it is yet, but after the confession you could see all over her face and mind. Its okay if you dont ship it, but what you are presenting on their relation is far from the truth.

Gab5 said:

Taichi is 'almost' in this world. He needs to find a better setting for himself and step out of other people's shadow.

As is the case in many stories like this, someone always seems to have to lose big. In this one it is Taichi.

MetaKite said:
No, Chihaya hasn't chosen anybody at this point. Arata is still her inspiration but it's obvious through her reactions when Taichi leaves on his own that he is the one she is most attached to. She has made no choice. If she had, there would be no love triangle. What are you smoking?

Have you ever fought for anything you ever truly despite all the heartache and set backs that made it seem impossible? I'm going to say no since you sound like a quitter.

Also, Taichi isn't playing karuta so hard just for Chihaya to notice him. He's playing for his own sake. His pride and his personal growth. I think you understand Taichi even less than Chihaya currently does. Taichi has always taken the coward's route; the easy routes but not this time. He has the talent and can still aim for Meijin or just impressing Chihaya (which I think he shouldn't bother with but should focus on his personal growth goals). Should Harada had given up playing karuta because his knees were in pain? Should he have never competed in the last tournament because of that? Seriously think about what you are saying when you say Taichi should quit even though he's still very young and has his whole life ahead of himself. Karuta is really not a game about age and you should already know that but you act like Taichi has no chance whatsoever. He has perseverance and determination. That's more than Arata had shown before who gave up playing for a couple years.

She's not in love with Arata. She loves him as a good friend which is how she feels towards Taichi but she hasn't figured out her feelings for either in a romantic sense.

You're wrong but you'll have to wait and see. I don't see this ending with any real losers and certainly not Taichi as the one to lose big. If anything, Taichi's efforts to better himself as a person (something I don't see Arata doing with his shortness with Yuu and even snide attitude towards Taichi) may just lead him to see beyond Chihaya and even eclipse going to medical school. Seriously, who do you think will lose here when Taichi finally steps out of the shadows and starts really living for himself? Think about it. Only place for him to go is up even if he doesn't achieve becoming Meijin. No, I haven't read the manga.

chiakimagoto said:

Just want to say I love this post! And you haven't even read the manga ! 👏👏👏
Couldn't have said it better.

MetaKite said:
No, Chihaya hasn't chosen anybody at this point. Arata is still her inspiration but it's obvious through her reactions when Taichi leaves on his own that he is the one she is most attached to. She has made no choice. If she had, there would be no love triangle. What are you smoking?

Have you ever fought for anything you ever truly despite all the heartache and set backs that made it seem impossible? I'm going to say no since you sound like a quitter.

Also, Taichi isn't playing karuta so hard just for Chihaya to notice him. He's playing for his own sake. His pride and his personal growth. I think you understand Taichi even less than Chihaya currently does. Taichi has always taken the coward's route; the easy routes but not this time. He has the talent and can still aim for Meijin or just impressing Chihaya (which I think he shouldn't bother with but should focus on his personal growth goals). Should Harada had given up playing karuta because his knees were in pain? Should he have never competed in the last tournament because of that? Seriously think about what you are saying when you say Taichi should quit even though he's still very young and has his whole life ahead of himself. Karuta is really not a game about age and you should already know that but you act like Taichi has no chance whatsoever. He has perseverance and determination. That's more than Arata had shown before who gave up playing for a couple years.

She's not in love with Arata. She loves him as a good friend which is how she feels towards Taichi but she hasn't figured out her feelings for either in a romantic sense.

You're wrong but you'll have to wait and see. I don't see this ending with any real losers and certainly not Taichi as the one to lose big. If anything, Taichi's efforts to better himself as a person (something I don't see Arata doing with his shortness with Yuu and even snide attitude towards Taichi) may just lead him to see beyond Chihaya and even eclipse going to medical school. Seriously, who do you think will lose here when Taichi finally steps out of the shadows and starts really living for himself? Think about it. Only place for him to go is up even if he doesn't achieve becoming Meijin. No, I haven't read the manga.

sweetangie said:
OMG, OMG This episode really brought Arata's cuteness into the highlights ( HIS CUTENESS CARRIES NO PRICE; HE'S SO ADORABLE BY NATURE). When Arata first arrived at the memorial tournament he felt embarrassed hearing the people about his determination with Suo: he's even covering his face while his face was red, SO CUTE!!!! Funny when Taichi first came Arata was turning around hoping to see Chihaya I bet ( then Taichi said he came alone) and here we have Arata vs Taichi reunion match at last ( seriously I really wish we get to see their entire match instead). I really enjoy the chemistry these two boys brought together; their bromance is so touching ( even though they both are rivals in romance and karuta: they both are very close friends). Seeing Arata blushing placing a match with Taichi is so adorable and they both had fun playing karuta together ( come on Taichi you too: just admit it). When Taichi told Arata what he said to Chihaya back in fall: OMG SEEING ARATA'S CUTEST EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE REALLY MADE MY DAY ( I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING FROM TEH CUTENESS THAT EVEN BROUGHT A GOOFY LOOK ON MY FACE, TOTALLY EPIC, DAISUKI!!!! <3

It's sad to see the moment Taichi placed the "chiha" card to Arata that's where the atmosphere of their match changed ( it's like he's declaring war to Arata this time: so there we have it, both boys already declared each other for Chihaya's heart) and sadly it brought their match to the end: seeing the overall results.
Stay tuned for the next episode

sweetangie said:
@Kipo0007 Seriously I really wanted to see the whole match of Arata vs Taichi: seinsei decided to cut their match short for a reason and yes later of the story we do get to see an expended version of their match ( sadly we won't get to see it in animated form unless the animators consider animated the entire concept of the story: now that we know the manga is reaching towards its end this possibility is still possible.

dragynfaerie said:
It feels like this episode set us up for too much for there to only be 3 episodes left. I hate that Taichi was beat by Arata again. That tear in his eye while he was sleeping...aw man! But it seems like Suo is going to help his play style if not by constructive criticism then by coaching. I felt so bad for Retro-kun. I guess he should be B-kun. We didn't find out about everyone else. I hope they leveled up, especially Desk-kun. If there's a 4, I'd like to see the departure of Sumire (is that her name.. I don't even know the character's name). She seems like background dressing. She likes Taichi so she joined the club. There's nothing else to her. It's time for her to get serious or get out the way.

That was meant for Kip regarding Arata fans. My debate with you was regarding you saying Taichi should quit. That hasn't changed. See my response above.

Gab5 said:


I've seen all the comments about foreshadowing, nothing's been decided, etc, etc, a few times before and, despite people saying the game isn't over, there have been plenty of hints that Taichi is set to lose out.

The only way Taichi wins the girl is if Arata screws up somehow. Whether the writer allows him to prevail ar karuta is anyone's guess but this wouldn't be the first anime or manga to leave a main character with nothing so confidence that this is all good for Taichi amounts to a guess and nothing else.

As I've said, we will see, wont we? But if I was his friend I'd tell Taichi to focus on other things. Only in anime or Hollywood does someone take an eternity to decide between two people. One has already confessed and the other has been around the whole time. What is there really to work out? The author is trying to crank up the suspense. Anything else now makes no sense. Chihaya makes a fuss about Taichi vanishing on his own cos she sees him as a friend and she is worried about him 'getting the jump on her', which see says every time he does it.

So let's see what happens. We can be as confident as we like but only time will tell who is right. If Chihaya ends with anyone its Arata. Dont know about Karuta but I suspect Arata wins there too. Maybe Taichi might beat him in 10 years or so, good for him.

chiakimagoto said:


I think Taichi still wants to follow his mentors advice: "Don't give up before you really tried". At this point he maybe hasn't tried enough. If you don't really try your best you'll have regrets........at least if you give it your all and lose, you know in your heart you gave everything you had. Otherwise you'll always think, "what if??" So that's why he needs to go all the way. This is more for himself than for Chihaya......

It's good he started "working" on stuff for himself, without Chihaya. Taichi really needs to do that!! Without pleasing his mother, Chihaya, the team or whatever. He needs to think about what he really wants and which path he wants to take.

About Chihaya ending with Arata..........well, indeed time will tell. Personally I'm not confident at all, but still there is my gut feeling about this..........lol, might be very wrong though.

chiakimagoto said:
Yes. It's been so good in such a compelling way.....

I think I'll let Sensei puzzle out the ending cause I'm lost. Tbh sometimes I want Taichi to end up with Chihaya and sometimes I don't know. I definitely think Chihaya has to do some serious growing up on her side as well. She leans way too much on Taichi's presence and only now is starting to feel jittery cause he's sort of starting to be out of her reach. She takes it very much for granted that he always is there.

It's definitely only a part of what made me love this story....there is so much more to it than that...well I hope to see more of you for these last 3 episodes.

Gab5 said:


I've seen all the comments about foreshadowing, nothing's been decided, etc, etc, a few times before and, despite people saying the game isn't over, there have been plenty of hints that Taichi is set to lose out.

The only way Taichi wins the girl is if Arata screws up somehow. Whether the writer allows him to prevail ar karuta is anyone's guess but this wouldn't be the first anime or manga to leave a main character with nothing so confidence that this is all good for Taichi amounts to a guess and nothing else.

As I've said, we will see, wont we? But if I was his friend I'd tell Taichi to focus on other things. Only in anime or Hollywood does someone take an eternity to decide between two people. One has already confessed and the other has been around the whole time. What is there really to work out? The author is trying to crank up the suspense. Anything else now makes no sense. Chihaya makes a fuss about Taichi vanishing on his own cos she sees him as a friend and she is worried about him 'getting the jump on her', which see says every time he does it.

So let's see what happens. We can be as confident as we like but only time will tell who is right. If Chihaya ends with anyone its Arata. Dont know about Karuta but I suspect Arata wins there too. Maybe Taichi might beat him in 10 years or so, good for him.

chiakimagoto said:
Yes that's probably what it will be all about in the end.... about their friendship.

I also think indeed that Chihaya isn't aware at all of the triangle....and isn't on the romance page at all...

As long as Chihaya doesn't see Taichi as he sees her, I don't think they ever will be right for eachother... Chihaya needs to find out about her true feelings first. She has already made a big step wanting to be a teacher to become a karuta advisor....so she is working on her own future path in her own way.