The story is very amazing from the start, at first they show you why Chihaya loves karuta and how does she bond the with other characters through karuta. What makes this show so exciting is how they manage to get you excited it into the matches, the atmosphere around the games is so good because that even though you are not there and don't know anything about karuta, you feel anxious by the plays they make, the cards that are read, the outcomes, and when the music comes into the scene you get goose bumps. The pace of the story is well conducted it does not rush neither is too slow, its perfect, it's not the typical history where the main character win everything at the first try but i will not say more to avoid spoilers
the main and supporting characters are all interesting, it has a real amazing antagonist the mighty karuta queen Wakamiya Shinobu :)
The development of the characters along the series is great you really will get hooked by them, and you will find Chihaya pretty captivating, she is really cheerful, i mean she is always happy,she is also a bit clumsy and yeah sure she only talks about karuta but let's face it, she manage to take you the karuta dark side with a smile xDD The story does not only centers in the main character, all of the characters are well developed and they contribute to make a exciting story.
The sound play a huge roll in the series, not only they make a great work into the music but also they accomplish to show the importance of the words, if you have seen the show or heard poetry reading you get what i say and if you don't, don't worry, you will understand me better when you watch it. You will learn about poems while the shows go on, so if you like poetry like me you have yet another reason to watch it.
also If you are like me, and give the director and studio some importance you should noticed that this series was directed by morio asaka, he is responsible for works like chobbits, Sakura cardcaptor ore monogatari and more, the studio is one called madhouse they are not that good(yeah right) xD so i don't need to tell more, this is not a beginners work, so don't feel insecure to watch it, and jump right at it
Like i said at the beginning i can't really express how amazing was for me to watch this show,you will laugh, cry, feel disappointed, get excited and get inspired by this story. Chihayafuru is one of the best shows i have seen is that helps, so don't doubt even for a second and join the Karuta club.
