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Chihayafuru 2-6 badtzphoto November 11 2011, 18:11:50 UTC
from Crunchyroll
Episode 2: The Red That Is
Chihaya's proclamation leads to a showdown between Mashima Taichi and the transfer student Arata, who is being shunned by their class. The stubborn Taichi, who's upset by how close Chihaya and Arata have gotten, steals Arata's glasses in the middle of the tournament. Arata, good as he may be, is unable to take cards without his glasses. That is when Chihaya steps in to take his place.
Episode 3: From the Crystal White Snow
Chihaya, Taichi, and Arata visit the local Shiranami Karuta Society and meet the chairman, Harada, and a member who's their age, Kinashi Hiro (Retro-kun). When Harada sees them playing against Retro-kun in a team Genpei match, he realizes Chihaya's talent and invites her to join. After
Harada tells Chihaya that learning the poems is like making 100 new friends, she begins to realize her own dream.
Episode 4: A Whirlwind of Flower Petals Descends
Arata returns with his family to Fukui after his grandfather falls ill. The three of them believe that as long as they continue to play karuta, they will be reunited. Now in high school, Chihaya has entered a tournament to qualify for Class A so Taichi will help her start a karuta club.
Once Taichi sees how Chihaya is enjoying herself, he finds himself being swayed-
Episode 5: The Sight of a Midnight Moon
After Chihaya hears Arata say that he quit playing karuta, she and Taichi make a trip to Arata's home in Fukui. Once they find Arata, Chihaya is thrilled and suggest that they play karuta together again, but Arata turns her down. He's no longer the same boy he used to be. So Chihaya tries to learn the truth-
Episode 6: Now Bloom Inside the Nine-fold Palace
After Ms. Miyauchi tells Chihaya that she needs five members to start an official club, Chihaya starts recruiting. One day, Oe Kanade, a fan of classical literature whose family owns a traditional clothing store, visits the karuta club. She is shocked by the gap between the elegant karuta of the Imperial Court and competitive karuta. However, Chihaya wants Kanade to realize how fun competitive karuta can be.

Some points:
- I like Chihaya a lot. She's so earnest and a tomboy :)
- "Beauty in vain" - ha!
- Even though there is no romance yet. I feel that it's set up for Chihaya and Arata. Poor Taichi! I'm not sure whom I'm rooting for, I like both of them.
- Kanade - I like her a lot. She's so strong. There are lots of beautiful kimono in epi 6.
- Now, I want to read the manga. I assume that Hikaru no Go is doing fine for Viz. Maybe Kodansha will bring Chihayafuru over. Please.

Bottom line, I keep watching.

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Re: Chihayafuru 2-6 lyschan November 15 2011, 23:27:32 UTC
I was happy to see Kanade in episode 6!! She's adorable~ And I'm excited for the prospect of characters wearing pretty traditional Japanese clothes :D It was nice to learn a bit about the cultural side of karuta, since it's so far been more about the competition.

I just left a comment on Kodansha's facebook page about Chihayafuru. It can't hurt to ask, right?

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Re: Chihayafuru 2-6 badtzphoto November 16 2011, 01:44:31 UTC
I agree epi 6 is a nice change. I like Kanade already. She's strong and smart. And just because she's interested in the poems doesn't mean she'd join the club if it's not up to her standard! However, why did she join the archer club? If she only wanted to wear hakama, then that doesn't match her personality. I'm confused.
Go Lys. Taking time from your busy schedule to comment on Kodansha about Chihayafuru :) Awesome.

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Re: Chihayafuru 2-6 lyschan November 16 2011, 02:58:06 UTC
She joined the archery club because the uniform is the hakama, which fits in with her love for traditional and classical Japanese stuff (clothing, literature, etc). I think that's all there was to it. Does that explain or no?

Hahaha. If they know there's demand, maybe we'll get what we hope for! *continues hoping*

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Re: Chihayafuru 2-6 badtzphoto November 16 2011, 03:30:50 UTC
"Does that explain or no?"
Well, she thinks running in it is embarrassing, though, and her shooting skill isn't so great, either. I'd think she'd jump for a chance to join the Karuta club because she's interested in poems, but she didn't. I guess I over-think this :)

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badtzphoto December 24 2011, 01:38:29 UTC
Chihayafuru 7-12
crunchyroll
Episode 7: But for Autumn's Coming
Kanade has joined the karuta club as the third member, while Chihaya continues to recruit members. First, she scouts the second-smartest student in their grade, Komano Tsutomu, who happens to be in her class. Chihaya calls him Desktomu-kun. However, he tells her that karuta is just a game and he would rather spend that time studying. Chihaya insists that Desktomu-kun play a game first and she drags him to the clubroom.
Episode 8: The Sounds of the Waterfall
The karuta club only needs one more member to become an official club. Chihaya and the other members continue working to recruit members, but they're having trouble finding anyone who's interested in joining. But then one day, Chihaya runs into Porky, her old opponent from back when she was in grade school. Porky is on the tennis team and he refuses to join the karuta club. However, Chihaya perceives that Porky still loves karuta, so she challenges him to a match.
Episode 9: But I Cannot Hide
The karuta club has become an official club. Chihaya announces that the five of them will make it to the national tournament. The beginners, Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun, are worried, but Chihaya shows no mercy. Chihaya is set on making a strong karuta team and aiming for the top. And so, they decided to hold a camp.
Episode 10: Exchange Hellos And Goodbyes
Mizusawa High School karuta club makes its debut at the Tokyo regionals for the national championship. Mizusawa successfully makes it past the group stage. Desk-kun, who was unable to win a single match, feels that he isn't needed and says that he isn't going to play. Taichi realizes how Desk-kun feels, so he makes a decision as the club president to bring the team together.
Episode 11: The Sky is the Road Home
The Mizusawa karuta club has advanced to the finals to face a regular fixture at the national tournament, Hokuo Academy. As the match begins, Mizusawa is unable to go on the offensive, and Chihaya is distracted when her opponent, Sudo, begins to taunt her. However, she soon learns to play as a team, that every card she takes is a point for the team...
Episode 12: Sets These Forbidden Fields Aglow
After qualifying for the national tournament, the Mizusawa karuta members attempt to bolster their weaknesses. Chihaya and Taichi practice with the Shiranami Society while Porky, Desktomu-kun and Kana-chan practice with the Suihoku Karuta Society. Chihaya is overwhelmed by the pressure of the national tournament, but then she receives support from an unexpected source.

Some points:
- still delightful.
- the team has come together nicely.
- The empress is impressed with them.

Bottom line, I keep watching.

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badtzphoto February 7 2012, 17:45:25 UTC
Chihayafuru 13-16
Crunchy Roll
Episode 13: “For You, I Head Out ”
The Mizusawa High School Karuta Club members visit the Omi Jingu shrine to pray for their victory. However, Chihaya is acting strangely during her match. Meanwhile, Arata reflects upon his separation from karuta and his grandfather as he heads towards Omi Jingu.
Episode 14: “For There Is No One Else out Here”
Chihaya has recovered in time for the individual tournament. Players are grouped by their rank, and the youngest Queen in history, Wakamiya Shinobu, is in the Class A bracket, and Chihaya's second round opponent. Chihaya is overwhelmed by the Queen's ability and unable to take a single card. As she's about to give up, she remembers her first match against Arata back in grade school-
Episode 15: “As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across the Autumn Plain”
Chihaya is helpless against the Queen, but she still manages to take a few cards. But this match has taken her one step closer to understanding what true strength is. Meanwhile, Taichi has advanced to the Class B final. The Mizusawa High School karuta club members have gathered to cheer him on. Taichi has shown that he is willing to move forward, but can he achieve victory?
Episode 16: “The Autumn Leaves of Mount Ogura”
A recap and some animated four-panel comics.

Some points:
- Of course, Chihaya got panic and couldn't perform during the crucial moments!
- Taichi realized that he doesn't know Chihaya as he thought.
- The Queen looks a bit like Arata. There is a mysterious aura around her.
- I really enjoy the recap episode #16 :) That the most interesting recap I've ever watched, especially with the sport meets!

Bottom line, I hope it gets licensed and the manga, too.

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badtzphoto March 27 2012, 16:20:25 UTC
Chihayafuru 17-24

from Crunchyroll
Episode 17: World Offers No Escape
The national tournament has ended, and the members of Mizusawa's karuta club have established some individual goals. Taichi and Porky need to reach Class A. Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun need to start playing in tournaments. And Chihaya is practicing for the East qualifier. However, Dr. Harada suddenly tells Chihaya to stop taking cards with her speed, and she has to rethink how she plays karuta.
Episode 18: The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the Same
Chihaya finally gets to play her first Class A match, while the other members are looking to advance their rank through a strong tournament showing. Chihaya's opponent Kanai Sakura, who has 35 years of karuta experience. Chihaya is faster, but she has trouble taking cards. Her opponent constantly moves cards into positions that are difficult for her, and Chihaya soon realizes how tough Class A is. Will Chihaya be able to learn something from her match with Sakura?
Episode 19: As the Years Pass
The finals have begun. The Class D final is between Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun. The Class B final is between Taichi and Porky. Both finals pit Mizusawa players against each other. Chihaya watches and learns as teammates and rivals battle it out.
Episode 20: The Cresting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the Skies
The Mizusawa High School karuta club is gaining experience by participating in tournaments. However, Chihaya's grades are so bad that she is no longer allowed to participate, leaving Taichi to attend the next tournament by himself. There, he runs into Arata, who's returned to karuta. When Taichi and Chihaya see Arata playing karuta...
Episode 21: As My Sleeves Are Wet With Dew
Chihaya is playing in the East Queen qualifier for a chance to face the Queen again. Her first opponent is the grade schooler Ririka, said to be a child prodigy. As Chihaya watches Ririka use speed play karuta, she begins to understand what it means to play karuta without speed.
Episode 22: Just as My Beauty Has Faded
Chihaya's next opponent is the previous Queen, Yamamoto Yumi. Chihaya recalls the previous Queen being a very tenacious player. While Chihaya is fired up for her match against her opponent, Yumi is clearly not as interested in the match, which only serves to enflame Chihaya.
Episode 23: The Night is Nearly Past
Chihaya lost to Yumi by four cards. The loss is a painful one, but after watching Dr. Harada and Tsuboguchi play their hearts out, she realizes she still has much to learn. Meanwhile, Arata lost in the fourth round of the West qualifier. He regrets spending time away from karuta and practices hard to make up. Both of them are learning and taking the next step forward.
Episode 24: Nobody Wishes to See the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms
The Mizusawa karuta club is watching the Queen match and Master match at Taichi's home. The Queen has put on a great deal of weight, which makes it difficult for her to move as Yumi successfully takes cards away from her. Will the Queen be dethroned?

Some points:
- Chihaya's trials continue.
- The bet :D
- Sakura's "lucky" is annoying to me! I guess I'm Chihaya's fan girl so ...
- watching a prodigy playing against Chihaya is a bit unfair, since a child no matter how mature s/he is, is still a child and therefore can't control their emotion (even some older people can't control their emotion when they lose or win) but witnessing a child's emotion is harder and I feel it's unfair to Chihaya.
- Poor Taichi, but at last he has his own goal.
- I'm glad that the Queen has other passion than playing Karuta. She's so cute, though.

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