
Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends. Now in high school, Chihaya still plays karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again.
Episodes
25
Aired
Fall 2011
Score
8.0
Popularity
#550
KarutaFemale ProtagonistSchool ClubJoseiComing of AgeLove TriangleSchoolHeterosexual
Guides featuring Chihayafuru
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Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life 84%13 eps · 2019
A determined newcomer drags an underappreciated traditional art club back to life, echoing the quiet obsession that fueled Chihaya's karuta passion.
March comes in like a lion 77%22 eps · 2016
Swap tatami mats for a shogi board and you get the same patient study of a young person finding themselves through a traditional game.
Sound! Euphonium 77%13 eps · 2015
It trades competitive cards for competitive music but keeps that same slow-burn club dynamic and coming-of-age ache.
Fruits Basket (2019) 76%25 eps · 2019
Found-family warmth replaces karuta rivalry here, but the tender growth of a girl finding her place feels just as sincere.