Now, moving on to Karuta, a card game that is SO MUCH MORE than a card game. It is a sport, it is an art, it is an expression. I really have to credit Chihayafuru for unpacking the meaning behind Karuta so beautifully, because just when you think you know what Karuta is, you're introduced to a new character and you sink into their shoes and see what Karuta means to them, how they play it and what drives them to seek victory. We learn and grow together with Chihaya and the rest of the Karuta club members, and season 1 of this really was an enjoyable journey for me. Another thing I really liked was the animation of the series, because who knew swiping cards could look so darn cool?? The sound for the anime was alright, but not unique or significant enough for me to remember any specific tracks in the ost.
Every Karuta match is different from the next, the struggles that the characters go through is different, the strategies used are different, the circumstances are different. And just when you think you're able to predict the outcome, something happens and the tables are turned in a matter of seconds. And that's what kept the show so fresh and interesting.
