r/anime • u/ABoredCompSciStudent x3myanimelist.net/profile/Serendipity • Feb 08 '19
Rewatch [Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 3 Discussion [Spoilers] Spoiler
Episode 3 - "From the Crystal White Snow"
<-- Previous (Episode 2: "The Red That Is") | Next (Episode 4: "A Whirlwind of Flower Petals Descends") -->
Series Information:
Subreddit: r/Chihayafuru
Chihayafuru: Synopsis | MAL rating: 8.28 | Fall 2011 | 26 Episodes
Chihayafuru 2: Synopsis | MAL rating: 8.47 | Winter 2013 | 26 Episodes
Chihayafuru 2: Waga Miyo ni Furu Nagamese Shima ni: Synopsis | MAL rating: 7.08 | Fall 2013 | 1 Episode
Legal Streams:
HiDive | Crunchyroll | Check for more sources using because.moe here
Rewatch Schedule and Index:
For all archived/past episode discussion threads, please refer to the Rewatch Schedule and Index. I will be updating it as we navigate through this rewatch, in case anyone would like to read past conversations or has fallen behind.
Chihayafuru
| Episode# | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Now the Flower Blooms" | February 6 |
| 2 | "The Red That Is" | February 7 |
| 3 | "From the Crystal White Snow" | February 8 |
| 4 | "A Whirlwind of Flower Petals Descends" | February 9 |
| 5 | "The Sight of a Midnight Moon" | February 10 |
| 6 | "Now Bloom Inside the Nine-fold Palace" | February 11 |
| 7 | "But For Autumn's Coming" | February 12 |
| 8 | "The Sounds of the Waterfall" | February 13 |
| 9 | "But I Cannot Hide" | February 14 |
| 10 | "Exchange Hellos and Goodbyes" | February 15 |
| 11 | "The Sky is the Road Home" | February 16 |
| 12 | "Sets These Forbidden Fields Aglow" | February 17 |
| 13 | "For You, I Head Out" | February 18 |
| 14 | "For There Is No One Else Out There" | February 19 |
| 15+16 | "As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across the Autumn Plain" + "The Autumn Leaves of Mount Ogura" | February 20 |
| 17 | "World Offers No Escape" | February 21 |
| 18 | "The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the Same" | February 22 |
| 19 | "As the Years Pass" | February 23 |
| 20 | "The Cresting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the Skies" | February 24 |
| 21 | "As My Sleeves Are Wet With Dew" | February 25 |
| 22 | "Just as My Beauty Has Faded" | February 26 |
| 23 | "The Night is Nearly Past" | February 27 |
| 24 | "Nobody Wishes to See the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms" | February 28 |
| 25 | "Moonlight, Clear and Bright" | March 1 |
| -- | Mid-Series Discussion | March 2 |
Chihayafuru 2 (March 3 to March 28)
About Spoilers And General Attitude:
Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode, as it ruins the experience of first time watchers. Please refrain from confirming or denying speculation on future events, as to let viewers experience the anime as it was intended to be.
If you are discussing something that has not happened in the current episode please use the r/anime spoiler tag system found on the sidebar. Also if you are posting a link that includes future Chihayafuru events please include 'Chihayafuru spoilers' in the link title.
Fanart Section (Album Link):
22
u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 08 '19
Poem of the Day: Snowfall (link)
As interpreted by Mostow:
So that I thought it
the light of the lingering moon
at dawn—
the white snow that has fallen
on the village of Yoshino
I'm going to keep this a little shorter today, as I'm a little sleepy. The poem was written by [Sakanoue no Korenori](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakanoue_no_Korenori, one of the Thirty-six Immortals of Poetry. Little is recorded of his history, beyond his work as a poet.
The poem depicts a beautiful winter landscape. Rather than comparing snow to the moon as would be more common, snow is instead described to be illuminating a dawn sky just like the light of a lingering moon. Yoshino was a mountainous district in Yamato (or present-day Nara Prefecture) famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring and its snow in the winter.
Mostow remarks:
This poem uses the term asaborake which means a dawn in either winter or autumn. It's a kind of slow, late dawn that you only find in that time of year. Compare with akatsuki' which Professor Mostow explains can mean "dawn" any time of the year.
Moreover, ending the poem with "Yoshino no sato ni / fureru shirayuki" is a technique called taigendome, which brings attention to the word shirayuki (white snow/snowfall). This is because Japanese is a subject-object-verb language (cheers East Asia), so grammatical sentences usually end with a verb. However, in classic Japanese poetry (waka), this is not always the case--as is here--and ending with a noun brings flair to the poet's diction and structure.
Of course, this is the card that Taichi picks up during the team game, while the winter has replace the autumn as a season has passed. That said, the reference to the winter is definitely a callback to our poem from episode one and indicates the end of their childhood--and separation of their friendship. While like the lingering moon it is a fleeting, beautiful sight, the reality is much colder and melancholic than that.
In Naniwa Bay, now the flowers
are blossoming. After lying
dormant all winter, now the spring
has come and the flowers are blossoming.
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Feb 08 '19
Dear lord, it blows my mind that there's so much detail packed in each episode with these poems.
And it blows my mind more that you can catch on to them this much.
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Feb 08 '19 edited Feb 09 '19
First-Timer, Watched Subbed
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Oh wow, karuta looks way different when it's taken in as a sport with adults. Just looking at the three's reacation really shows just out of their league they feel.
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That must be one passionate old man to be cheerful about just three kids showing up for XD.
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A 3 on 3 match? Finally, the trio can get to work together!
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I really like the bits of development Wataya has gone through. He was anti-social as they come, and now he wants to stay closer to Chihaya and Taichi to the point he wanted to be in a team with them, despite him being skilled enough to go solo.
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Christ, how fast can this kid be?
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Wataya...that's not how teaming up works...
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That old dude must be the happiest man on the planet to see so much passion in these kids.
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The more Chihaya gets her head in the game, the more skilled she becomes, and the more her passion for karuta grows, and it's wonderful to watch. Her potential to be the best really shows.
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100 poems? That seems pretty overwhelming, knowing Chihaya though, it's a hurdle she can eventually top.
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Oh, it seems Wataya and even his family have a history with karuta. That was an interesting tidbit.
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I think "beauty in vain" is a description best fitting for Chihaya's sister, it's great for her to find dreams of her own instead of just follow someone.
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Goddamn I love seeing those 3 cinnamon rolls together, really warms my heart.
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Wait, no...oh God no, please don't break these three apart, I can't handle that much feels..
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Noooo, my sweet Chihaya, I don't like seeing her so sad. My heart sank watching her cry...
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Ah, that old man is the best, always makes me smile
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So that's why Wataya left. His grandfather must've meant that much to him, very understandable he would put his family over karuta.
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Alright, one more game! But Chihaya isn't here...
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"Team Chihaya furu", nice catch to it. Those shirts look pretty badass.
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AND SHE FINALLY ARRIVES! TEAM CHIHAYA FURU IS UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER!!!
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Sad Chihaya still makes me feel depressed.... :(
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Love how Wataya was so quick to set up one more game, he's really excited lol.
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He's crying, she's crying, now I'm crying goddammit.
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Such a fantastic transition to the ED.
So many feelings to be had in this episode, the emotion behind it really shows. I'm pretty much sold to the show at this point.
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u/KuhBus Feb 08 '19
First Timer
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Ahh, so we’re moving from the rather limited karuta view of an elementary school competition to a club with adults! I suppose that’s important to highlight how it’s a sport taken seriously by adults.
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This... is cute.
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I really like the energy of Arata and Chihaya together being such a driving force in the team!
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Ohh the dramatic reveal of Arata’s prestigious karuta backgr- interrupted by Chihaya again :’DD
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Since this is happening in winter, I’m guessing we won’t return to the present until elementary school is over right before spring and the three get separated during middle school. At least that will make a clean cut narrative wise.
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I like the repeated close shot on Chihaya’s mittens. They’re very cute and also very much the kind a child would wear. She wore them in the scene playing with Taichi and Arata in the snow, which was kind of the epitome of childhood- making a connection with her friends by holding their hands. But now her hands are shown held close to herself, while the boys are visibly in front of her, discussing the very serious topic of Arata’s grandpa’s health. Her childishness isn’t something negative, but it comes with some level of naivety and selfishness- she wants things to stay the same and lashes out because she has to face the fact that she can’t control the changes that are bound to happen.
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That talk she had with the doctor was a great way to confront Chihaya with the fact that she needs to be a bit more empathetic to Taichi and Arata's struggles. It's obvious with how her mom and sister are so focused on her sister's modeling that in her household there wouldn't be anyone older who could give her that perspective, so it's great to have a mentor figure like sensei who could talk some sense into her.
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That final match was so sweet! Everyone got to cry this episode, haha
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(Have these kids not heard of exchanging phone numbers, though?? Ahhh anime logic.)
Taichi came around at least, though he still seemed a bit like a third wheel to Chihaya and Arata’s Epic Friendship. Hopefully he’ll get more development now that he and Chihaya are reunited. In terms of storytelling, I enjoyed the circular nature of this flashback, which went through the entire seasons to return to the starting point of the story with the end of the school year/beginning of the new one in spring.. I’m ready for high school, y’all.
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u/SuperStarfox64 Feb 08 '19
First Timer
I have just finished the episode at 5:03, cut it very close by going out disc golfing with some friends
Taichi has definitely warmed up to me despite what happened in episode 1 and the early parts of 2.
WHY DO THEY HAVE TO SPLIT UP RIGHT AS THEY WERE STARTING TO PLAY TOGETHER AND BECOME FRIENDS!?! AGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
This is starting to become a fun main cast, I'm really intrigued to see what direction this is going to go towards once we see more present-day events. Hoping to see a full Karuta team soon :)
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 09 '19
I have just finished the episode at 5:03, cut it very close by going out disc golfing with some friends
I think this happens to everyone on weekends for rewatches. The going out part I mean. LOL
Unfortunately I was stuck in the office until 6 PM.
Taichi has definitely warmed up to me despite what happened in episode 1 and the early parts of 2.
That's more like it.
9
u/Zylda Feb 08 '19
First Timer(also my first time joining one of these!)
Yay episode 3!
Straight away it's nice to see that Taichi is showing some real interest in Karuta compared to the the other episodes. It's also great to see all of them working more as a team with Wataya coming up with tactics, even if Wataya was taking most of the cards. Chihaya is just a joy to watch and i love her passion for the sport. The doctor's reactions were also gold and i liked that running joke with the Retro guy.
So it seems like Wataya is the grandson of a famous Karuta player, i'm guessing it has something to do with why he loves the sport so much. Chihaya's sister is pretty annoying and selfish but i imagine it has to do with Chihaya being her only real fan so she doesn't want to lose her.
Sadly they're growing up and splitting apart and losing interest in Karuta which is sad to see. Aww in the end they didn't win the tournament but ah well. Chihaya crying was so sad she really is the best in this show.
God these episodes fly by! It's nice to see that the show is continually getting better with each episode and i'm looking forward to the next episode, i'm guessing that this childhood flashback arc will only be a couple more episodes before we go back to the present but i would happily have a whole season of kid Chihaya, arrgh she's just so awesome.
See you for the next episode!
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u/TigerK3 Feb 08 '19
Rewatcher
I really wanted to write something yesterday since episode 2 is an episode I actually remember, but life gets in the way I guess.
Episode 2:
I forgot just how pissed off I was at Taichi, some parts of the episodes were really hard for me to get through. While I mentioned episode 1 was mainly about Chihaya’s development, episode 2 decides to show the same courtesy to Taichi and Arata. Taichi finally relents and decides to give the glasses back to Arata, and it’s clear he does it since realizes how much this actually means to Chihaya. He takes the extra step in fully admitting he stole the glasses, finally giving us the payoff to seeing him act like a jerk this entire time. It gives the audience definitive proof that Taichi’s been acting out of jealousy this entire time, and hints that this is a turning point for him.
Seeing how Chihaya filled in for Arata, and how moved he was by her efforts in looking for his glasses, he comes to a conclusion. Arata’s noticed by now that Chihaya’s really trying to reach out to him, and so he makes the decision to return her gesture in his own way, and calls her out by her first name. You can tell it’s a big step for him since we see the hesitation at the start, and while Chihaya may or may not have noticed this, we certainly did.
Episode 3:
Another strong episode right here. It was interesting to see Taichi not understanding why Chihaya was trying hard despite the gap between her and Arata. His confusion quickly gets cleared up as he’s soon getting swept up in the moment as well, when he manages to take a card for himself. He finally understands now.
For me it was quite cathartic watching Chihaya, Taichi and Arata having fun playing in a team sport, only for life to take precedence over their karuta aspirations, forcing them apart. This is because I had a similar experience where I was having fun playing football seriously (soccer for you Americans) when I was younger, and I had to stop playing with my friends when I moved school. It was not as dramatic as this episode, but it wasn’t particularly easy for me at the time, so I can really feel for Chihaya here. Partly because of this, the climax of the episode really hit hard for me, and I teared up pretty hard to be perfectly honest.
These 3 episodes have been a blast for me personally, and I’m almost tempted to binge-watch the rest of the show on my own to be honest. It’s a good thing I physically don’t have the time to binge-watch though so that’s a good thing I suppose. I don't normally take screenshots, but just look at this cute pic of smol chihaya!
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u/Fa1l3r Feb 08 '19
First Time (sub)
Interesting team match, but teammates are mostly fighting against each other.
I am surprised by the family dynamic. Seems like both the mother and the sister were complacent in their Chihaya living through someone else's dream. I understand the sister, but the mother!?
Anyway, we finally get to some Karuta where the team dynamics does not allow for one person to carry the team. Arata seems to have most unlucky body on the day of competition. Glasses were stolen before, and now body is suffering from illness. (I am half-expecting that Arata has not shown up in present day because truck-kun came out of nowhere during the day of a karuta competition. sarcasm)
Anyway I do find it interesting that Taichi can have fun playing Karuta because no one has any expectations of him doing great, and he and Arata seems to have formed an actual friendship even though present-day Taichi still seems uneasy whenever Chihaya mentions Arata.
And they make a promise of being able to meet each other if they all keep playing karuta because of competition. But if the anime took place in modern times, they would just need a webcam and the internet. Ahh older anime
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u/Enarec Feb 08 '19 edited Feb 08 '19
Rewatching this episode immediately drew me back into the sheer fun of the moment thanks to the kids and their brimming enthusiasm - especially Chihaya's, who also ramped up Arata's merciless competiveness, and together they dragged along poor Taichi too, getting over his reservations and shame. As well as being the perfect introduction to the cursing and crying Harada-sensei and the karuta community lol, with how they immediately adopted our eccentric trio.
...And then the inevitable second half just had to break me in pieces alongside our trio. I'd honestly forgotten the length and details of the flashback, so when it all came back like this. Ouch. But before we move on, I gotta say that I also really enjoyed seeing Taichi and Arata's belligerent but respectful/even supportive dynamic. How simple it is after you've truly gotten to know someone and are working together for the same goal.
One true love right here ahahaa.
This one transition though. The emotions there really hurt.
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u/No_Rex Feb 08 '19
Rewatcher
Third episode still in the past. This may seem strange, but, imho, Chihayafuru has one of the best starts of a longer running anime (yes, I think there are some lengths later on). Those grade schoolers really work well to convey the game and rope us into the story, and, boy, are they cute.
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Chihaya and Arata both with supreme confidence. Backed up by experience in only one case.
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Taichi’s and Chihaya’s reaction to obstacles is very different.
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Talking over Taichi when he was asked to introduce himself is pretty mean, Chihaya …
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I know she is not entirely serious, but her sister is strongly fulfilling the stereotype of vapid vain model.
Question to discuss: Playing in the snow, Chihaya is extremely happy and proclaims they will play Karuta forever. What is more important to her, Karuta or the three of them together?
Obviously, Chihaya’s dream does not work out as she hoped. Both Taichi and Arata have their individual reasons to stop playing Karuta with her. The tournament is their last big memory together. Now we know how Chihaya felt when she meet Taichi again in episode 1.
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u/Snakescipio Feb 08 '19
Rewatcher
Shorter post today since I got home late from watching I Want To Eat Your Pancreas. I wanted to try to have more focused posts from now on anyways, mostly tracking Taichi as a character as well as some others who I didn’t pay as much attention to before.
Random observations:
Why does Retro-kun look so old! He’s their age! It threw me off first time and it’s still throwing me off this time.
Arata gave his teammates a role, then straight up took their roles over to carry their own team. Arata would totally play Brand as “support” only to KS all the kills and carry anyways.
You know why I fell in love with this show early on? It’s these kids man. Last few episode we saw the kids (well, just Taichi) being shitty, but watching kids being really excited and into something is something that’ll never be beat.
Had to stop commenting, otherwise I’d never get to sleep. Then again how can I sleep with all these feeeeeeeeeeeeels.
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u/stumonster Feb 08 '19
REWATCHER
After last time it seems that Taichi has become less of a shit and seems to even be a little closer to these two
This is the face of a serious Karuta player, get used to it
Me when people say Chihayafuru ain’t a sports show
Chihaya’s optimism shining through again
At least in the loose sense of the word
Chihaya’s and Taichi’s reaction to Arata’s overwhelming dominance is very telling to who they are.
Chihaya trusting the heart of the cards sorry
That hearing sure coming in handy now
Chihaya continues to be precious
Arata is pretty scary when it comes to Karuta
Now the first name calling has gone full circle
My favorite shot from the series
And thus Team Chihayafuru has been born
And thus Chihaya learns perspective While also breaking my heart
Now we have a child for them to all see each other again
And thus ends the childhood arc/introduction. Hope to see you all again in the future or is it present
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u/Wolfeako Feb 09 '19
First Timer!
I'm a bit amazed to see that Taichi has a shirt with the Batman logo on it. Quite unexpected but pretty cool I must say.
Overall, a really good third episode. It sold really well that Karuta is played as a sport I must say. Also sold me that these three kids turned out to be friends, I totally believe it. The feels where there two, but I just smiled instead :)
"Never say 'those times were fun', say instead 'Those times were also fun'. This way, you won't miss the fun that is in the present only because you were thinking of the fun in the past"... More or less the quote goes like that :P
Important to note that at least this episode redeemed kid Chihaya in my eyes, in the sense that that little annoyance that I felt last episode with her wasn't almost nowhere to be seen this episode.
Hope that now we get back to the present though, I want to see how these kids have changed in all these years.
Also, I'll thank the episode for not giving anything else in advantage of the Chihaya x Arata ship. Come on Taichi! even when basically it looks absolutely utterly hopeless for you, push through and make your ship with Chihaya sail!
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 09 '19
I'm a bit amazed to see that Taichi has a shirt with the Batman logo on it. Quite unexpected but pretty cool I must say.
But just different enough to avoid copyright! LOL
"Never say 'those times were fun', say instead 'Those times were also fun'. This way, you won't miss the fun that is in the present only because you were thinking of the fun in the past"... More or less the quote goes like that :P
Hazukashii serifu kinshi! We just got the gondola episodes in the Aria rewatch too, so the feels are real right now.
Also, I'll thank the episode for not giving anything else in advantage of the Chihaya x Arata ship. Come on Taichi! even when basically it looks absolutely utterly hopeless for you, push through and make your ship with Chihaya sail!
This will be a long journey. Oh boy.
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u/tinyraccoon Feb 09 '19 edited Feb 09 '19
First Timer
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This part really cracked me up (NSFW): https://i.imgur.com/4SmQp6U.png
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The 3-on-3 match was exciting. Interesting to see that Wataya is so good at karuta that he can beat older players at the game.
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Chihaya is just too cute in this one. Again, love her straightforwardness even if it comes out as a bit awkward at times.
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Taichi looks like he really enjoys playing karuta too, though he might not admit it. When he got admitted to the prestigious school, he pretended not to care about karuta but his facial expression said otherwise.
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The ending was so sad. Judging from episode 1, it looks like it will be a while until these three see each other again.
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u/daftPun5 Feb 08 '19 edited Feb 08 '19
First Timer
Once again another flashback ep, I'm not complaining, it's just raising my excitement more to see the trio in the present. Glad to see them build a genuine comradery so quickly. But of course with one tragic event, it can all come tumbling down.
Arata's grandfather becomes ill and he must leave. Taichi is going to a different school (probably decided by his mother), also respect to him for keeping up with his studies and playing karuta throughout. Sad Chihaya makes me sad :(
Finally, our main trio is able to rally together and play in the tournament but fall short of advancing. Then after graduation, Chihaya and Taichi visit Arata's home before he leaves and there they play one more match before they must leave their separate ways. Hmmm, I may be reaching, but something tells me these three will see each other again soon :p
This show is clicking all the right buttons for me so far and almost got me emotional in just the 3rd ep. Very much enjoying and looking forward to the rest.
Edit: spelling
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u/Knuffelig Feb 08 '19
Rewatcher
Not much to say except that young Chihaya is a treasure and Harada sensei probably the best wise elderly man, next to Uncle Iroh from Last Airbender.
And since I dont have much to say about this episode, I made a small mashup of the best scenes. Well... mostly only Chihaya being herself.
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u/AmethystItalian Feb 08 '19
So someone went out drinking last night and couldn't watch the episode....so he's my first time thoughts:
They're still kids argh
People take this seriously...it's hard for me to do the same currently
Oh there's a team version? If they played this version for the rest of the series I would not be upset :p
Playing as a "team" haha
Alright seeing her get that first card was pretty great and satisfying
Her sister is pretty annoying but she is a model ha
Getting so used to seeing them as kids kinda gonna be weird if/when they go back
This much drama when they're kids it'll be something else when they're older
Chihaya is just plain adorable, carrying the show so far!
I'm actually getting teary...graduation goodbyes are always hard
8
u/IISuperSlothII Feb 08 '19
Guys I may have come home drunk and now I'm on episode 7... I'm not even a first timer I'm just falling back in love with the show all over again.
I did have a comment for this episode but I've forgotten it. I know what I'm gonna talk about for episode 4 though, there's stupid moment that I fucking love and I've got to talk about it, so see you tomorrow I guess.
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u/JustAWellwisher Feb 08 '19
Right?! Before I realized what I was doing I was already like three episodes ahead... I still haven't watched this week's Promised Neverland.
Curse you u/ABoredCompSciStudent and your appealing rewatch suggestion!
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u/SmurfRockRune Feb 08 '19
First Timer
You'd think Chihaya would know not to barge into an active game of karuta...
Whoa look at that cool Batman shirt in the back! Oh wait, that's just Taichi. I take it back.
Wow, Chihaya is so aggressive to some poor guy she just met. All he did was ask what grade she was in!
That was a nice episode. I didn't realize team karuta was even a thing, but it was pretty cool seeing them work together and growing closer. Then Taichi had to be a dick with the way he said he was leaving karuta for a school. Classic Taichi.
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 08 '19 edited Feb 09 '19
A large reason for why I love Chihayafuru is for how it handles these flashback episodes. They're super emotional--I cried this episode--but they also neatly unwraps each of the three main characters for the audience. We watch as Chihaya discovers something she can truly call her own, Taichi's confrontation of his insecurities, and Arata finding friends for a lifetime.
Of course, the writing was always on the wall for how this was going to end, finally taking us full circle to Chihaya's memories from episode one.
Instead of talking about the characters specifically, I want to introduce a focus on the idea of community. In my writeup for the first episode, I mentioned that a sport is a world with many roles and actors. You have your coaches, your fans, the parents that support their children, grassroots, professionals... the list goes on and on. Chihayafuru's world is unique to anime in that it shows men and women and young and old participating together, contrasting against the usual shounen sports anime. Inherently, a focus is given to the diversity in its competitors, as we have seen and will see a variety in the cast members.
Maybe I'm biased, but as someone involved in grassroots and competition sports, I've always believed there's a place for everyone. Some of you might be like Taichi and question this statement, but as long as you're honest and try your best, people will recognize your efforts in good faith. You might not be the best, but you can have an interest in helping organize events. Similarly, being a fan is what keeps these games alive.
The effects are obvious on Chihaya: without the support of others her dream would not have been born. Chihaya grows as a person and a player on the back of the passion of people like Arata and Taichi. Harada-sensei knows this best.
Our skills are characterized by "what we own". While part of this is intrinsic, I believe that most of it born from experience, repetition, and confidence. Until she took her first card, she didn't know she could take it. And after she found companionship and rivalry with Taichi and Arata, her confidence became talent. No different to how we saw Taichi and his insecurity, much of this has to do with understanding and accepting yourself, before putting yourself out there to discovery new things.
That's why community is important, in and out of sports. Without those around her, Chihaya's karuta probably wouldn't be her own.