Whoa, they’re already heading to the finals here. This was just one episode worth of build-up and aftermath, keeping up with this series’ tradition of not dragging on at all. And yet, this episode did everything a build-up and aftermath episode should do.
It actually put a neat detail in for every single one of the character: Chihaya feeling overwhelmed, Desk-kun losing his interest in grades, Pork-kun going back to his teacher, Kanade understanding that she also has to learn the rules and habits of competitive Karuta… and that teacher who suddenly made a complete heel-turn when she found out how hard the characters are working. Kazuya meanwhile is a very reactive character: on his own he’s not that detailed, but he shines when he plays off of the others.
There also was this charming little part about Chihaya wanting to get noticed by her parents. It’s a nice subversion from when this trope is usually played: usually this sibling shadow is this impossible barrier that can’t be breached. In this show though, Chihaya is starting to shine on her own. Also, after seeing so many ditzy idols, it’s great to see Chieko, who puts on two completely different personas when she’s on or off camera.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
This was a great episode wasn’t it?
Although the pacing was fast, it packed a lot in. I agree with most of what you say.
The scenes with Chihaya and her family brought a lil tear to my eye, I had an inkling from the start that it’d end with her father cutting out her newspaper pic, because Chihayafuru is a feel good anime, and I didn’t think it’d end it on a downer. What’s more, the set up didn’t feel contrived, since it has previously been set up that Chihaya’s karuta achievements aren’t fussed over at all.
Her sister is so selfish! But it was nice to see a bit of her motivation for why she wants to make it big. However I do like her personality, in that it stops the show being too saccharine.
I like Kana more and more, I’m really happy that development is being put into her character! That part where she separated out the cards by the seasons.. seemed exactly liked the kind of thing she’d do.
One thing I do think they haven’t dealt with is Taichi’s girlfriend.. she doesn’t feature at all!! At all! They don’t even mention her now, I hope they sort of make out that Taichi has broken up with her on the quiet, because it doesn’t make sense that she’s not even in the periphery.
I wonder why Arata never sends a mail at all, it appears he didn’t even send a congratulations one?
I’m so glad I’ll get more Chihayafuru next season!
Arata never sends mail to Chihaya and Taichi knows why ^__^ It’s because they both know that Chihaya “belongs” to both of them. How that translates into Arata not sending her mail I don’t know…LOL
Yeah I remember that reason being given, but I seriously thought after the last episode where he saw she’d made it to the Nationals, that he’d give an e-mail to say congratulations, at least, or some encouraging words as he is the person who introduced her to karuta.
All of this time i’ve been rooting for Taichi and Chihaya, but you know what?
This episode made me change idea. I see how important Arata is to Chihaya, she is so passionate about Karuta, and the person who gave her this love was Arata.
I just wish for them to reunite as soon as possibile.
Anywayz i always read your entries and agree with you on a lot of things ;D
I can’t make up my mind on this one, Chihaya obviously thinks a lot of Arata but Taichi is the one right next to her. I wonder what would happen if Taichi did leave her side, if it would make as big an impact on her.
I would definitely like to see something like that lol but unfortunatley i think Chihayafuru won’t deepen these romantic aspects.
I love the way this show keeps barreling forward. It was nice to explore the down-time between tournaments here, but, as you pointed out, not a moment was wasted, as we saw development across the cast. Even the Empress had an opportunity to grow!
Extra-specially good that Chihaya’s sister is obsessed not with becoming a star for its own (or her own) sake, but with paying off the house mortgage.
Taichi is doing ALL THE WORK, why should Arata come & win the show with nothing but his blue eyes & sulkiness to recommend him?
Oh but what gorgeous blue eyes!
I feel like Chihaya’s head is so full of karuta that she hasn’t given romance a thought at all, haha. At first I rooted for Arata + Chihaya but now I feel like she puts him on a pedestal because she doesn’t see him often, and he was the one who introduced her to karuta. Also Taichi is just growing on me. He’s not perfect, but he’s really sweet and knows Chihaya so well.