The storytelling is simply fantastic. As previously mentioned, the karuta is a major part of the story, but Chihayafuru manages to use karuta not to alienate its viewers with an unfamiliar game, or to use the game itself to drive the story. Rather, karuta is used to drive the characters, and the characters drive the story. Karuta pushes the characters together. This is wonderfully executed – the way karuta fits in the story never seems forced or unnatural. Parallels are naturally created between karuta and everyday life, and this was used to the maximum advantage of the story.
While the plot may be predictable at first, later in the series I have found myself asking myself, “who would win this fight?” The winner is not always predictable, and that I believe makes the story better. Well-rounded characters are important, and Chihayafuru has plenty. This is also a factor which keeps Chihayafuru realistic, and not out-of-reach, which made it all the more easy to relate to.
Win and loss are two things that everyone experiences in life – and in Chihayafuru, the characters win and lose as well. I have found them easily relatable in feeling the crushing pain of loss and the joyous gladness of victory. I have related to their struggle to achieve their dreams, despite whatever barrier may lie in their way. I have experience the way that a sport can bring people together, and I have felt happy whenever their team was cooperating. And most of all, I have related to the way the characters grow, and become more mature throughout the series, as they grow up to face the challenges they must overcome.
The technical aspects work together to tie the story and characters together into a beautiful package. The art is fitting to story, light when it needs to poke fun at the characters, and realistic when it needs to be felt. The sound is wonderful for setting the tone, and the use of traditional instruments make it a perfect fit for Chihayafuru. Good art must be able to both draw attention to its beauty and relinquish attention to the content. Chihayafuru’s art style and sound does both – it draws attention to its beauty when needed, but the art and sound do not distract from the story, but add to it.
Chihayafuru is very satisfying to watch – anyone can relate to the joy of victory and the loss of defeat, whether it’s from a card game or not. Watching the characters grow and interact is extremely enjoyable to see. Overall, Chihayafuru is an excellent piece of work, and I believe that many people will enjoy the series for its well-written story and easily relatable characters.
