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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.
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Episodes
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- E1 Now the Flower BloomsNext upOct 5, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
Sixth grade was when Ayase Chihaya met Wataya Arata, the transfer student from Fukui. The shy and quiet Arata was hiding a surprising talent. He knew how to play the competitive karuta version of Ogura's Hundred Poets. Chihaya is stunned by the intensity Arata displays when playing karuta.
Guest stars: Houko Kuwashima (Mari Wataya (voice)), Ayahi Takagaki (Taichi Mashima as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Aya Endo (Chitose Ayase (voice)), Mariko Munakata (Homeroom Teacher (voice)), Miho Hino (Michiru Horikawa (voice)), Yuka Nishigaki (Elementary School Boy (voice))
- E2 The Red That IsOct 12, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Satsuki Yukino (Chieko Ayase (voice)), Ayahi Takagaki (Taichi Mashima as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Aya Endo (Chitose Ayase (voice)), Mariko Munakata (Homeroom Teacher (voice)), Yuka Nishigaki (Elementary School Boy (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Elementary School Girl (voice)), Chika Anzai (Elementary School Girl (voice))
- E3 From the Crystal White SnowOct 19, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Satsuki Yukino (Chieko Ayase (voice)), Houko Kuwashima (Mari Wataya (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Ayahi Takagaki (Taichi Mashima as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Aya Endo (Chitose Ayase (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Elementary School Girl (voice)), Chika Anzai (Elementary School Girl (voice))
- E4 A Whirlwind of Flower Petals DescendsOct 26, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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—
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Houko Kuwashima (Mari Wataya (voice)), Ayahi Takagaki (Taichi Mashima as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Tokuyoshi Kawashima (Yasuda (voice)), Jin Horikawa (Akira Wataya (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Third Round Opponent (voice))
- E5 The Sight of a Midnight MoonNov 2, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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—
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Kinryu Arimoto (Hajime Wataya (voice)), Chika Anzai (Yu Ashino (voice)), Noriko Shitaya (In Train Salesperson (voice)), Kousuke Takaguchi (Tournament Staff (voice))
- E6 Now Bloom Inside the Nine-fold PalaceNov 9, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Aya Hisakawa (Rieko Oe (voice)), Shuji Inaba (CD Reader (voice)), Yuuka Hirose (Kyudo Club President (voice)), Chika Anzai (Kyudo Club Member (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Kyudo Club Member (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Kyudo Club Member (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Japanese History Teacher (voice)), Masayuki Shoji (Male Student (voice))
- E7 But for Autumn's ComingNov 16, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Shuji Inaba (CD Reader (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Male Student (voice)), Chika Anzai (Female Student (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Female Student (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Female Student (voice)), Megumi Satou (Female Student (voice)), Kenichiro Sumi (Male Student (voice))
- E8 The Sounds of the WaterfallNov 23, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Miho Hino (Michiru Horikawa (voice)), Chika Anzai (Female Student (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Yamakawa (voice)), Yoshimasa Kawata (Tennis Club Member (voice)), Takuya Sato (Tennis Club Member (voice)), Tomoko Gomi (Reader (voice))
- E9 But I Cannot HideNov 30, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Yu Shimamura (Reiko Mashima (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Rika Mashima (voice)), Ai Kayano (Kanade Oe (voice)), Tsubasa Yonaga (Tsutomu 'Desktomu' Komano (voice)), Toru Nara (Yusei 'Porky' Nishida (voice))
- E10 Exchange Hellos And GoodbyesDec 7, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Male Student (voice)), Chika Anzai (Female Student (voice)), Kiyono Yasuno (Female Student (voice)), Yuuka Hirose (Sano (voice)), Hiroko Igarashi (Tomihara West High Karuta Club Member (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Tomihara West High Karuta Club Member (voice))
- E11 The Sky is the Road HomeDec 14, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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...
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Futoshi Mochida (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Chika Anzai (Female Student (voice))
- E12 Sets These Forbidden Fields AglowDec 21, 2011 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Satsuki Yukino (Chieko Ayase (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Futoshi Mochida (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Aya Endo (Chitose Ayase (voice))
- E13 For You, I Head OutJan 4, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Houko Kuwashima (Mari Wataya (voice)), Aya Hisakawa (Rieko Oe (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Kinryu Arimoto (Hajime Wataya (voice)), Chika Anzai (Yu Ashino (voice))
- E14 For There Is No One Else Out HereJan 11, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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—
Guest stars: Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Mihoko Nakamichi (Shinobu Wakamiya (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Takako Honda (Nayuta Amakasu (voice)), Noriko Obata (Ruri Hanamoto (voice)), Chika Anzai (Tournament Staff (voice))
- E15 As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across the Autumn PlainJan 18, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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?
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Isami Kuriyama (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Mihoko Nakamichi (Shinobu Wakamiya (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Tomoko Gomi (Reader (voice)), Shuji Inaba (Reader (voice)), Chika Anzai (Tournament Staff (voice))
- E16 The Autumn Leaves of Mount OguraJan 25, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
A recap and some animated four-panel comics.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Satsuki Yukino (Chieko Ayase (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Mihoko Nakamichi (Shinobu Wakamiya (voice)), Ayahi Takagaki (Taichi Mashima as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Aya Endo (Chitose Ayase (voice))
- E17 World Offers No EscapeFeb 1, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Shuji Inaba (CD Reader (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Student (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Student (voice)), Yu Mizushima (Relay Commentator (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Student (voice))
- E18 The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the SameFeb 8, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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?
Guest stars: Aya Hisakawa (Rieko Oe (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Takako Honda (Nayuta Amakasu (voice)), Mika Kanai (Sakura Kanai (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Tsubaki Kanai (voice)), Tetsuo Sakaguchi (Reader (voice)), Ai Kayano (Kanade Oe (voice)), Tsubasa Yonaga (Tsutomu 'Desktomu' Komano (voice))
- E19 As the Years PassFeb 15, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Isami Kuriyama (voice)), Aya Hisakawa (Rieko Oe (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Tetsuo Sakaguchi (Reader (voice)), Chika Anzai (Spectator (voice)), Ai Kayano (Kanade Oe (voice)), Tsubasa Yonaga (Tsutomu 'Desktomu' Komano (voice))
- E20 The Cresting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the SkiesFeb 22, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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...
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Isami Kuriyama (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Chika Anzai (Hideo Harada's Opponent (voice)), Rei Shimoda (Tournament Staff (voice))
- E21 As My Sleeves Are Wet with DewFeb 29, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Isami Kuriyama (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Futoshi Mochida (voice)), Yuka Terasaki (Arata Wataya as an Elementary School Boy (voice)), Toshiko Fujita (Taeko Miyauchi (voice))
- E22 Just as My Beauty Has FadedMar 7, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Keiko Serino (Reader for Kyoko Yamashiro (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice)), Yuhko Kaida (Yumi Yamamoto (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Tournament Staff (voice)), Yoko Nishino (Tournament Staff (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Spectator (voice))
- E23 The Night is Nearly PastMar 14, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Yuya Murakami (Isami Kuriyama (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Keiko Serino (Reader for Kyoko Yamashiro (voice)), Miho Hino (Michiru Horikawa (voice)), Unsho Ishizuka (Hideo Harada (voice))
- E24 Nobody Wishes to See the Beautiful Cherry BlossomsMar 21, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
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?
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Mihoko Nakamichi (Shinobu Wakamiya (voice)), Keiko Serino (Reader for Kyoko Yamashiro (voice)), Yu Shimamura (Reiko Mashima (voice)), Shuji Inaba (Reader (voice)), Yuhko Kaida (Yumi Yamamoto (voice)), Naomi Shindo (Shiho Wakamiya (voice))
- E25 Moonlight, Clear and BrightMar 28, 2012 · 23 min
Synopsis
Everybody is shocked after hearing that Master Suo plays karuta with 28 one-syllable cards. Chihaya, Arata, Taichi, and the other karuta club members do some soul searching as they attempt to move forward.
Guest stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya (Arata Wataya (voice)), Hiroki Touchi (Hisashi Suo (voice)), Kenji Takahashi (Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (voice)), Kensuke Sato (Akio Kitano (voice)), Takashi Oohara (Akihito Sudo (voice)), Mihoko Nakamichi (Shinobu Wakamiya (voice)), Kazuya Nakai (Hiro Kinashi (voice)), Daisuke Sakaguchi (Futoshi Mochida (voice))
Cast & crew
Asami Seto
Mamoru Miyano
Yoshimasa HosoyaVideos
Trailers
Behind the scenes
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