The story revolves around karuta, a real-life competitive card game popular in Japan. The protagonist, sixteen-years old Ayase Chihaya and her classmates start a karuta club at their school and participate in various national tournaments, ultimately aiming for the championship titles of Master and Queen. Basically that's the essence of the plot.
However what makes this show interesting is the characterization of the protagonists. They are serious about the game they play, constantly trying to improve themselves and achieve perfection. The characters frequently get emotional about failures or successes. While such over-enthusiasm about a card game may seem slightly odd, the true beauty of the characters lie in the strength of their friendship and love; which is expressed through their shared passion for karuta. The touch of romance only adds to this delightful blend of adolescent emotions.
Finally, the creators must be commended for paying close attention to detail regarding the intricate rules of karuta as well as the detailed depiction of real-life playing venues, like the Omi Jingu shrine. The poetic history of karuta is also explored as well as beautifully interwoven into the story.
The story continues in the second season, which I am yet to watch. Chihaya and her friends have yet to fulfill all their dreams, but their journey through the world of karuta is still to teach them many valuable lessons, not only about karuta but about life itself.
Score : 8/10
Recommended.
