STORY
The anime starts with our protagonist Chihaya Ayase, who is an average girl , nothing special really, who has a dream of watching her sister the best model in the world! But when she met a new student named Wataya Arata, a transferred student from Fukui, she realised that it can't be her dream. Wataya ( A karuta genius) introduced her with Karuta (A Japanese traditional card game where when the poem is read you have to find that card before your opponent does). Chihaya realised that playing Karuta is fun and she had the talent for becoming a Queen, a female Karuta Champion.
They made a team along with Chihaya's childhoood friend Mashima Taichi. But as they went to middle school they got separated somehow! But destiny united Chihaya and Taichi again in high school where Chihaya tries to make a Karuta Club so that she could challenge Arata at the Nationals! But karuta is not liked much by the people of Tokyo! Would she be able to make a Karuta Club ? and would she be able to become a queen????
CHARACTER
Like the story, the characters are very unique and perfect. Their introduction was very smooth and even the side characters were introduced without disturbing the storyline!
Ayase is known as 'Beauty in vain'. She is very beautiful but the moment she speaks, it is broken by her tomboyish image. But its those very traits that reel you in. She is the joyous energy that keeps the group together, and despite her clear superiority in the game, genuinely cares for her friends, and helps aid them in their journey to pursue Karuta.
Taichi, Ayase's childhood friend. He is a true friend of Chihaya, is always along with her for her help. His mental forte is unmatched to most every player the game has ever known; even once reciting every card at random in the entire deck of 100, just because he could. His family is privileged, and he is pressured by his parents to keep at the highest tier in terms of sports and exams. His brains keep him on par with the purists that achieve their status merely due to athletic prowess. He acts as the groups motivator and leader, often amping everyone out of their slumps with "Just the right words" to turn them around.
Arata represents the reverse side to Taichi, being the poorer, lesser appreciated, segment to the story. As the story progresses, his darker past becomes realized, and he continues to become a shining beacon for Ayase.
Others are Nishida, another talented Karuta player after Arata and Desktomo-kun, a bookworm who finds a route to enjoy and make friends through Karuta and Kana-chan.
ANIMATION
It been a long after when i have seen a such a detailed animation. Every character has been made with pure detail. To be honest although animation is not that important but this anime has a perfects combo of animation character and story i have seen yet!
The character have perfect body design, face shapes and other details!!! Plus the comical backdrops and chibi moments are just great.
ENJOYMENT
Did i enjoyed the anime???
Yes!! I did. Even after rewatching I had the same fun in watching it as i did for the first time. Even watching Karuta is fun I sometime wonder how fun it would be playing it on a real Tatami Floor.
And most IMPORTANT
You will enjoy to hear those Poems and the meaning behind every poem. Each episode is dedicated to one poem and it has been related so beautifully that my excitation levels were at 100% to watch the next episode!!
The story has a quick pace so you won't get bored even for a second plus the comical backdrops and jokes keep the mood hilarious all the time.
SOUND
I am using this as a separate heading to appreciate the Opening song 'YOUTHFUL' and the ending song 'Soshite Ima'. Guys to be honest its been after some time when i have heard such a beautiful opening!! Along with the singer's voice, the lyrics are just great!!!
The whole story has been beautifully woven into the Opening song and ..............I have no words to explain the beauty of this song!!!
OVERALL
Long and short of it is that Chihayafuru is one of its kind. It's a masterpiece! You would regret if you have not seen this anime yet. It has all the elements in it , it has slice of life, comedy, romance , fun and yes!.......... you would love to see the Karuta tournaments for sure!!! Remarkable poetry and symbolism that will take your breath away. You will fall in love with karuta, that I can promise you.
I can't predict your mood right now but let me gear up your excitation that it also has a season 2 which is even better than this!!!
and yes i forgot mention i give it a 10 in all the categories above!
