Chihayafuru is a series that kept me wanting more every time.
Story- 7/10
The female lead Chihaya is obsessed with an old game called karuta. After her encounter with Arata, (a boy in her elementary school) she becomes enchanted with karuta. The story isn't anything amazing, but the way it is presented is great. The first few episodes start off with flashbacks explaining many things, such as, "What is karuta?" and "Why does she play this game?" The real appeal of Chihayafuru doesn't lay in the story but in it's characters.
Characters- 9/10
The characters are what really stand out about Chihayafuru, the characters are all unique and colorful in their own ways. Chihaya with her strange antics and tomboyish mannerisms and her childhood friend Taichi and his over calculating mind. All characters have a problem they have to face and overcome throughout the course of the series.
Art- 9/10
The animation and art were really well done. The animation was fluid and the characters all looked different. The eyelashes that most shoujo anime/manga had were something that I personally never really liked, but the eyelashes here fit really well with the characters.
Sound- 8/10
The music fit well with the flow and mood every time they were put in. The openings and endings were also pleasant to listen to.
Enjoyment- 10/10
The show is interesting even when they aren't playing the game and when they are the outcome is usually unpredictable. Every time an episode ended I was eager to jump straight into the next episode.
Overall- 9/10
Chihayafuru is a must watch anime and will leave you wanting more. Luckily the second season is already complete as well and quite satisfying.
