Chihayafuru (2011)

The riveting world of Chihayafuru unravels as we follow the journey of Chihaya Ayase, a young lady who, until now, has lived in the shadow of her sister's modeling career. Her life takes a transformative turn with the arrival of Arata Wataya, a gifted karuta player, who spots in Chihaya an unpolished gem of potential. Inspired by Arata, Chihaya abandons her accustomed role and takes up the mantle of a karuta player, setting her sights on becoming Japan's finest. As time passes, the bonds of friendship and shared dreams are tested by the passage of adolescence, and Chihaya finds herself separated from her karuta companions. Undeterred, she now navigates the halls of Mizusawa High School, her passion for karuta undimmed. She carries the hope of reuniting with her friends, a hope fueled by each card she swipes in her continued pursuit of excellence. In the third season of Chihayafuru, the stakes are raised. The members of the Mizusawa High School's Karuta Club must not only hone their personal skills but also fortify their collective strength. The challenges are great, the frustrations, even greater. Yet, the spirit of competition burns brighter, driving Ayase to once again challenge the reigning Queen while Taichi finds himself competing against the formidable Arata. All around them, players, each with their own dreams and aspirations, vie for the coveted title of 'the best player'. Chihayafuru is an intricate tapestry of ambition, friendship, and the unyielding spirit of competition, set against the backdrop of a traditional Japanese card game. It's a story of youthful dreams, the pursuit of excellence, and the undying hope of reconnection.

Chihayafuru is an anime show featuring Asami Seto and created by Yuki Suetsugu.

Chihayafuru is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel and HiDive.

It is also possible to buy Chihayafuru on Amazon Video.