For weeks now, I’ve kept trying o find a reason why Karuta is interesting. With this, I’ve found it: the team matches. With the way this episode went down, there will be plenty of inspiration to fill an entire season.
Here’s the thing: throughout this episode we breezed through three different teams. That’s incredibly fast for a sports series’ standard, and yet the creators made all teams unique, and they did so in a completely non-formulaic way: the first got character because of their strongest player intimidating Desk-kun. Then the second used their scary faces, and the third actually had a pretty interesting tactic that you wouldn’t expect from an opposing team: one that puts a ton of emphasis on communication. And then the next math will be between some old acquaintances of Chihaya.
This was the same in the first time this series went to a tournament, when Arata, Taichi and Chihaya still were kids: the creators really put in a ton of details to make these matches varied and interesting.
On top of that, this was just really well delivered. Every single character here stood out and got some development. Everyone was growing more into their roles and stood out. Desk-kun had a very relatable reaction of being unable to do anything. Kanade stood out because of the outfits, Yuusei was surprisingly witty with his remarks, Chihaya showed some flaws in this episode, and Taichi was still on the roll as the team captain, trying to keep everyone together. He may not be comparable to Chihaya or Yuusei, but his leadership does make him un-rivaled.
I really like how this show combines hard work with talent here. I mean, if Yuusei and Taichi didn’t stop playing, they would probably be much better than Chihaya is right now. Chihaya’s skills stand out because she has been practicing non-stop since her childhood, and kept trying to get better, eventually overtaking all of the ones she knew as a child because they did stop playing.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
I once played karuta and I really enjoyed the game. It gives such a thrill if you can snatch a card! =D I think this anime is describing that feeling of joy you get from this game really well.
Btw, really liked this ‘karuta team play’ too. This episode really portrayed the role of every character in team Mizusawa.
(sorry for double posting, pressed the button too fast ^^’)
I actually played a game of Karuta today (not the hardcore one with the poems) and you’re right. When you grab that first card away from your opponents(s). you get such a euphoria. At first I though it was played a little too much in the show, but it feels exactly the same.
@psgels, your logic is flawed because Taichi has never been better than Chihaya. He couldn’t beat her even as a kid because she could blitz him with pure reflex.
Taichi has already beaten her in a match in an earlier episode. He is a much better thinker of the game and to him Chihaya has several flaws that unless she fixes she will never be the best.
It wasn’t a standard match, with all of the cards upside down. In a normal match, Chihaya will beat Taichi 100% of the time.
I agree with most of what Psgel says
Great development for all the characters, I really like who Desk-kun and Kana are treated as more than just bit characters to make Chihaya look good, they have their own strengths, and Taichi also managed to play a good role as well, he is meant to be a smart dude, and it shows in his level-headedness in dealing with the situation.
I also liked the part where he talked about how he and Arata feel like Chihaya belongs to them both.
I also liked the bit when Taishi asks if Arata ever replies, and she goes ‘NEVER!’ got to love her never give up attitude though it does not quite rival the chocolates to sensei moment.
I wonder if Chihayafuru will ever get an Awesome rating from you XD This has to be the most consistent show this season! Besides Mawaru Penguindrum, it is by far my favourite!! I really hope they win the tournament next week! I have a feeling it might be with Desktomu’s help 🙂
My only complaint about this show is that it’s (so far) slated for 25 episodes. Then again, thank god it’s not heading for the Noitamina 11 treatment – with a tournament template, a solid treatment of secondary characters and a main character oblivious to the romantic trouble she causes, this would be a natural for a good long run.
I agree. This show could do great things with a long run. I have to say that the pace that it moves at now is perfect, so I hope this means they have a good understanding of what they want to do with it with the time they have allotted. Of course the other alternative (assuming the material is there), is a second season.
New Website Formatting Note: Your first paragraph appears to use single spacing while the next use 1.5 spacing.
I love the wider format!
I don’t know if anybody noticed, but I really loved the moment where Taichi actually recognizes that leading the team will require tact. When he sees Chihaya shutting down during that last match, Taichi remembers that he had put a whole lot of pressure on her, and so he takes on the responsibility of helping her get her game back. Thought that was a nice, subtle detail they slipped in there…