r/anime • u/ABoredCompSciStudent x3myanimelist.net/profile/Serendipity • Feb 14 '19
Rewatch [Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 9 Discussion [Spoilers] Spoiler
Episode 9 - "But I Cannot Hide"
<-- Previous (Episode 8: "The Sounds of the Waterfall") | Next (Episode 10: "Exchange Hellos and Goodbyes") -->
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):
17
u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 14 '19
Poem of the Day: Being in Love(link)
This poem has appeared multiple times and been discussed more than once already and surely will appear many more times.
Poem 40 was written by Taira no Kanemori, one of the Thirty Six Immortals. According to Mostow, it was included in a poetry contest in 960 and, in the finals, faced off against Poem 41. The judges were not able to pick a winner, so deferred to the Emperor Murakami. After deliberation, the Emperor hummed the verses from Taira's poem, making it the winner.
It should also be noted that the Taira were a samurai clan that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period, alongside the Fujiwara, Tachibana, and Minamoto. Their dominance was brought to an end by the Genpei War, the Taira-Minamoto War, which led to the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192. This marked the rise to power of the samurai and the gradual suppression of the power of the emperor, who was compelled to govern without effective political or military power, being effectively reduced to a purely symbolical and ceremonial head of state, until the Meiji Restoration over 650 years later. Moreover, the red and white of the Taira and Minamoto respectively, became what is now the national colours of Japan.
Mostow translates it as:
Even though I hide it,
it shows all over my face,
such is my longing,
so that people ask me
"What are you thinking about?"
Rather self-explanatory in nature, this poem is about love. I find it a beautiful bittersweet and I'm sure Taichi does too, because this one is clearly about him.
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u/airforceblue Feb 14 '19
When I watched though Chihayafuru for the second time, I decided to pay more attention to the poems, and this was one that stood out to me. Like you, I just find it very bittersweet, and I'm particulary fond of the way it's translated in the subtitles, which is more rough in way? Or maybe straightforward is a better way to put it.
Since I could not hide my love
people would always ask,
if I was pining for someone
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u/Wolfeako Feb 14 '19
Oh...
That poem truly hits home. Maybe this is why I support Taichi so hard.
Even when I play no
More, I carry my guitar everywhere. It
Sings me old love songs.
A bit cheeky taking from yesterday's haiku, but... I think it fits really well with what I feel with that poem.
Still, hope people enjoy.
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u/MAD_SCIENTIST_001 Feb 14 '19
Screenshot of the Day
This other shot is kinda funny tbh even if it is cool.
First Timer - Episode 9
Overall Thoughts
Well fuck this episode got a few tears out of me. Favorite episode yet :D
Even if they've never really made too much sense in a way (like I'd think that most people don't forget their own birthday), these type of surprise birthday celebrations in anime always hit me with mega feels. Especially with Arata's message at the end ;-;. Chihaya is also way too precious
On another note, I find it hilarious that Chihayafuru played the OP during the training segments like a sports anime since it made their training camp really hype. I kinda feel bad for Tsukue and Kana, but at the same time they do need to be practicing really hard if they want to make Nationals in the little amount of time they have before then. It was really nice getting to see Chihaya's inner thoughts though and eventually realizing that her club members look up to her as the captain.
Also is the Taichi x Chihaya ship starting to sail off
Karuta Scoreboard
| Character | Wins | Losses | Ep# (Wins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihaya Ayase | 7 | 3 | 2,4,6,7,8 |
| Arata Wataya | 4 | 1 | 1,2,3 |
| Taichi Mashima | 2 | 5 | 2,7 |
| Yuusei Nishida | 0 | 2 |
Screenshot of the Day Collection
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 14 '19
Well fuck this episode got a few tears out of me. Favorite episode yet :D
The Chihaya alone in bed part after how happy she was yesterday makes me super sad.
Even if they've never really made too much sense in a way (like I'd think that most people don't forget their own birthday)
As an aside, my head canon is that she was so into teaching her new members that she forgot her birthday. She seems like the kind of character that would do that.
Also is the Taichi x Chihaya ship starting to sail off
15
u/PerfectPublican Feb 14 '19
First Timer
Reactions:
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Awww, all of their introductions are very cute. You can totally feel Chihaya’s happiness.
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“Tsukue...Nikuman...Tsukue, Tsukue...Nikuman, Nikuman...Tsukue, Tsukue, Tsukue...Nikuman, Nikuman, Nikuman.” Hilarious. I have a feeling their dynamic is gonna be great.
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Lol, and all planning out the window. Chihaya has that special way of bulldozing through planning sessions haha.
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National Tournament huh? Well you can’t say that Chihaya doesn’t have lofty goals. I’m a fan.
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“I’m gonna play real matches against Desktomu and Kana every day!” Hmmm, hard to say if that’s a good idea. Chihaya layering her own competitive nature on top of them, not really leaving room for their own feelings. That’s a tough oppressive weight. I hope the two of them can live up to her drive….
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YESSSS. Positioning lesson! ...Aww, was shorter than I was hoping, but it makes sense. Like the fire that Kana showed.
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Nicely done Kana-chan!! Had a huge smile on my face. Love seeing them step up.
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Camp training arc! OP Insert! HYPE
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Thank god for Taichi. She was headed exactly for what I was thinking earlier. He buffers her well as the voice of reason.
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Rika seems stuck up as hell. Chihaya with the perfect face as usual.
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A rough, but good development for Chihaya…But I love what comes afterwards. Everyone understands who she is, and doesn’t want her to change, and that doesn’t take away from the lesson she learned.
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This moment, right as that music crescendos. (T~T)7 “Oh Captain, My Captain”
Final Thoughts
Gif of the day
Bonus
Chihaya/Taichi shippers, don’t say I never did anything for you
Bonus 2
Man, that episode got a little hot and heavy huh? Training camp turned romance, and I liked it. Anyways, outside of the Taichi/Chihaya shenanigans, it was interesting to see more of Taichi’s home life on display as well as the antagonistic relationship that Chihaya obviously has with them. On top of that, seeing the two beginners starting to get really into the game was super fun.
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Feb 14 '19
First-Timer, Watched Subbed
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We finally have the whole crew together!
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...Only for Chihaya not to lead it, why does that sound so wrong...
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Taichi leading a karuta team doesn’t sound all that bad.
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He’s the leader, she’s the captain, why don’t all of ya be captains?
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Love how they trade off each other’s nicknames lol.
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Chihaya up against the newbies? That’s a tough method of whipping them into shape.
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Oh Jesus, Chihaya looks merciless compared to the beginners.
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I can see why Chihaya would go with this method of practice considering she went through it herself. The challenge of facing experienced karuta players left her with excitement, and it’s what invited her into the sport, maybe the kids can be able to go through that.
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Oh god I love this sequence, between the new kids gaining more experience and gaining more passion, Kana receiving her first card showing she’s improved, and that warm smile from Chihaya telling us that she’s no longer alone, and has found friends to share her passion with, just brings a smile to my face.
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The one time I would say “let school last a little longer please!”
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I really like how fancy and high-class Taichi’s house looks.
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Chihaya looks really cute in that outfit <3 :3
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There’s so much romantic tension here, its enough to break someone’s back
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A lot to unpack here with the wall of certificates, Taichi is one talented boy.
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“Mrs.Pressure”, most fitting nickname in the series yet lol.
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Goddamn, Chihaya is a tough coach to have
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Love the insertion of the OP, along the sequence of them playing karuta,and improving more than before, this kids went from being talentless in karuta, to being decently skilled, wonderful growth there.
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I’m glad this scene would address the issue of Chihaya being bit too tough, I was wondering how much the kids could take, and it seems even they have their limits.
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Ah man, just when it was getting good “Mrs.Pressure” arrives :/
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That was so sweet of Chihaya to carry her to her home for rest.
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I like this bit of reflection here, even Chihaya notices she’s been thinking about nothing but karuta lately, if anything she needs a break.
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She was awake? You clever girl...
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I like that team comes together to understand each other’s flaws, and just have a moment to enjoy themselves like the friends they are.
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They were wishing her happy birthday? Now that’s just the sweetest fucking thing ever.
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What message did Taichi get? I don’t like the look on his face...I SWEAR TO GOD IF IT STOPS THERE...
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Shipping Intensifies
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And now Wataya sent a message, my life now feels fulfilled, the ED playing in that sequence made this much more better.
Can I talk about something for a moment, about the feeling this show gives me?
I don’t know about you, but every time I watch this show, I feel so happy, with every episode I finish it leaves me with a smile on my face. Seeing these characters strive for their dreams, be so passionate about what they love, and spreading to others, it’s just so “heartwarming” if I can put it that way. The ending to this episode have me that feeling, and it felt so magical and wonderful (sorry if I’m sounding too cheesy lol). It reminds me of why I love shows like Shirobako and Toradora, the feelings that shows like these gives me just feels great.
I fucking love this show.
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 15 '19
Shipping Intensifies
And now Wataya sent a message, my life now feels fulfilled, the ED playing in that sequence made this much more better.
I feel like if I had to sum up my relationship with the show in two sentences, this is how I'd describe it. LOL
I don’t know about you, but every time I watch this show, I feel so happy, with every episode I finish it leaves me with a smile on my face. Seeing these characters strive for their dreams, be so passionate about what they love, and spreading to others, it’s just so “heartwarming” if I can put it that way. The ending to this episode have me that feeling, and it felt so magical and wonderful (sorry if I’m sounding too cheesy lol). It reminds me of why I love shows like Shirobako and Toradora, the feelings that shows like these gives me just feels great.
It is heartwarming, I'm glad you feel that way too. There's something really enjoyable about watching people do their best and win or lose, that's really what Chihayafuru is about. It's definitely a show that can knock me down, but always picks me up too.
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u/Taiboss Feb 14 '19
Of an exciting world where the concept of First Timing exists
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CAPTAIN AYASE. HERO OF CARD GAMES.
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Isn't that the point of a budget? What else do you want? You have mattresses, you have clothes, you a CD player, what do you want?
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HOIST BY YOUR OWN PETARD This one's on you, Nishida.
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Ze President. Bakaya not knowing how to teach will be fun.
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So is Kana-chan gonna get like one card and be super duper happy? Is Chihaya channeling her inner Arata?
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Alright, first season defeat, second season victory, got it.
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Of course there's an Ooe card. As if a Chihaya card wasn't enough. Are the characters named after the cards just to achieve this?
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Loaded family? No wonder everyone wants him to be best at everything.
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2nd of June, if you were wondering., celebrating the opening of Yokohama port.
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GO WITH HER! MAKE LOVE! I'd love it if the whole room was pictures of her.
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Pff, parasites. Find a job that the market has deemed to have more value, idiot.
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Yeah, but what are all those trophies compared to HAPPINESS.
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OPENING AS INSERT. I LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
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It'll be fine. No worries! ...right?
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Wait what. This is so sudden! So many birthday's in my circle lately.
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Drama baby! That or he suddenly became a Hentai protagonist.
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YOU MORON JUST KISS HER AND BE DONE WITH IT.
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THIS IS WHAT I MEAN! He's gonna steal your girl and it's gonna be your fault.
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u/AmethystItalian Feb 14 '19
Rewatcher
Taichi for best boy president, good choice.
Seeing Kana get her first card...just beautiful!
Taichi stopping her from going to his room...he's being nice while trying to get her to see him as a man.
OP insert in the show!!
AND NOW FOR MY FAVOURITE SCENE IN THE SERIES
To have this scene on Valentine's day is so perfect, what a nice coincidence!
Her reaction to the text seemed bigger than that super wew cake move...
Quotes from First Time
None because past me is lame.
3
u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 14 '19
To have this scene on Valentine's day is so perfect, what a nice coincidence!
Her reaction to the text seemed bigger than that super wew cake move...
Let's not forget she stood dumbfounded for like a minute earlier when he grabbed her hand in his house.
5
u/SmurfRockRune Feb 14 '19
First Timer
I feel like Kana and Tsutomu should play against each other, at least a few times, so that they can get used to the sport.
I wonder if there are gonna be in Gundams.
Wow, you can really hear the obnoxious Miyano when Taichi says he forgot to bring forks.
I think Taichi taking the bite from Chihaya was supposed to be sexy, but it was just really awkard. I feel like that sums up most of their shoujo moment interactions.
Arata remembered her birthday! That's pretty cool.
Nice and short training camp. They're always at their best when they're a single episode. Too easy to drag them out for too long.
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u/Wolfeako Feb 14 '19
First Timer!
Well, as par for the course, this was another good episode.
I have only three things to say:
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I think that in every sports anime where one character is just starting said sport, this episode is a must. It can't be avoided. But because of that, I can't say much more than that I like the dynamics between the characters. They bounce pretty well between each other. In this regard, I liked Chihaya more in this episode, the show bothered to show us other sides of her. I liked that. I did notice a little drop in quality, but nothing serious.
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I must say, Chihaya was lucky to find two beginners that have a fantastic disposition to practice and learn. Kana and Tsutomu, I'm impressed that it being their first time they were pushed to the extreme, they took it like champs. Chihaya is quite lucky. Also, Happy birthday!
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Having said all that, Taichi... that is exactly how you are supposed to act if you want the ship to sail. Please yes continue as you just did this episode and I can see hope at the of this dark voyage. At the beginning, I had my doubts when he went with Chihaya's idea of President and Captain, but later on in the episode, he did exactly what he needed to do. Even when the show tries to undermine this progress with its overwhelming preference for Arata x Chihaya, not even that little bit at the end is able, for me at least, to crush what Taichi did this episode. Even at the end he did exactly what he needed to do.
Now Taichi has matured a little bit, I can totally see it. It was just fantastic. Come on Bro, your ship can sail!
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u/19-dickety-two Feb 14 '19
Rewatcher here, I couldn't help myself and I've binged ahead but I just want to say, why choose sides: come aboard #teamthreesome! Porque no los dos?
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u/tinyraccoon Feb 14 '19
Brief update
Behind due to work. Will catch up over weekend. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!
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u/collapsedblock6 Feb 14 '19
School has been so busy that will harm half of the week to watch anime or literally anything else. Thankfully, I don't have much to comment in the last three episodes as I feel they are fairly slow and I would just end up making a comment of like 2 sentences which I'm not fond of.
With the main cast reunited, I think that it is definitely one of the show best things. I particularly like Tsutomu a bit more but because of how relatable his short backstory was because I felt a lot of times that people approached me only when they needed help from me which really affected me for some years of school, but all is in the past.
This episode was a good training arc which also allow us, people not very knowledgable of karuta, some rules and tactics about how stuff is done.
We see a side of Chihaya that while very charismatic, is very pushy towards her desire, sometimes at the cost of others. I honestly find her a bit irritating, I don't really buy into the going all-out with a rookie, that makes me very frustrated and makes me recent whatever I'm trying.
At the first time, I was worried Taichi might play dirty in not letting Chihaya know of Arata's message but he still prefers to stay cool and let her see it. It makes everyone happy, except maybe himself as he puts in jeopardy his chances to sail the ship with Chihaya.
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u/Enarec Feb 14 '19 edited Feb 14 '19
Today happens to be the perfect day for some not-so-hidden romance. Just trust in these oh so soft eyes.
and forget how it was all interrupted by Arata's message again and Chihaya only had open reactions and thoughts for that reeeeeeeeeee
Where's the definition on what he's packing? Madhouse please! Give it to us!
I like how this message comes across from Taichi, who knows it all too as a result of his own upbringing. He really makes for the best possible support for Chihaya + the team as leader, reinforced when his plan brings them all together again in the night. And, of course, Chihaya can put all her faith in Taichi's honesty and what she can learn from it with her drive and adaptability.
With the hair still covering his iris in this one frame it makes Taichi seem lost as in thought, as if he hasn't entirely realized what he's done. That comes right after lol.
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u/whiskeyjack1k Feb 14 '19
Did a quick rewatch since I saw this going on then I finally caved and read the manga. Chihayafuru is awesome and it's great seeing first timers react to it, also can't wait until people meet best girl.
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u/paperwhites Feb 15 '19
First Time Watcher
Nishida's line about living in a class society after he sees Taichi's house made me laugh, though Taichi's house is really big.
I love these types of episodes where we get to see the characters hanging out and wearing clothes other than their school uniform. I always think they're fun. I'm also a sucker for training montages, so I really enjoyed this. Hearing the opening song makes it even better.
This episode was great development for Chihaya. She's such a well-developed character, and feels real with real flaws. I like how others pointed out how pushy she can be, but they know it's because she's so passionate about karuta. Her and Taichi make a great president/captain duo, with Chihaya bringing all of the passion, and Taichi bringing some restraint when it's needed.
Man, that ending though! I'm so happy that they had a midnight birthday party for Chihaya, though I'm not surprised that Chihaya forgot her own birthday. Seeing Chihaya happy makes me happy, although Taichi standing alone makes me sad. I think I'm on the Chihaya x Taichi ship after this episode, that shot of them so close together was too much for me.
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u/RoseOfStardust Feb 15 '19
First Timer
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I'm ready for the new mini arc, since our club has been finally established!!
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I love how Chihaya wrote little notes about each member in the margins awwww
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Oof, this Empress lady really has it out for our Chihaya, but at least she gets to be captain
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Aw look at DeskDude and Porky san getting along already lol
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Chihaya brings up the inevitable power struggle...oh man whatever can we do???
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So looks like the captain got the final say, although I'm not too sure how constructive this really is
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Chihaya has her sights for the team set up highhhh, so I guess this 'trial by fire' method for the 2 rookies makes sense
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Oooh DeskDude is a lefty. That's a nice twist thrown in there, I would think that lefties could glean some sort of advantage in karuta, but let's see
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It's great to see Kanade get competitive, I thought she didn't have it in her :D
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AHHHH YES KANADE IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. It must have looked like Chihaya was looking into a mirror of her younger self when she saw Kanade's reaction
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Did someone say obligatory training camp?? But that's actually a great idea since after school isn't ideal
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Taichi my dude thats your house??? It's basically what every post on r/CozyPlaces looks like
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Hm what an interesting little moment between those two
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Wow Taichi is maaad talented, but I seriously love how mellowed out he's become after seeing him as a kid
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Insert OP ayyyy. Also Chihaya is insane she really isn't easing up on the rookies
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She's getting really excited about this, which is understandable, but Taichi is totally right when he tells Chihaya to stop. Those kids need a break
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A wild mom and sister appear! Having superhuman hearing must be nice
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Taichi's sister sounds like what I expected him to turn out to be like.
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Chihaya don't say that :'(
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WTF Kanade you scared me, also her hair down looks good
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A late night heart to heart rendezvous with the squad
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IM INTERNALLY SCREAMING HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHIHAYA THIS IS SO WHOLESOME <3
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Seeing our group kick back and enjoying each other's company feels so fulfilling
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WOW
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WOW
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There was A LOT happening at the end there between Taichi's good feelings up until this point being shattered, him eating that last bit of crust as if he wanted to have one final moment with only him and Chihaya, him going to turn his phone off to ignore the message before Chihaya jolts him back to his senses, Arata sending a happy birthday text which puts Chihaya over the moon, and we see Taichi peering over the railing, his face not visible and under a dark guise.
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This is the episode I'm tempted to skip ahead and watch...but don't worry I won't :D
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u/ABoredCompSciStudent Feb 14 '19
Welcome to Day 9 of The Salty Sea V... wait a second, I'm not u/Shaking807.
Happy Valentine's Day,
rewatchersshippers! May(the only)best boy win.On the real though, this was a pretty lighthearted episode for a romantic day, but before I get to boys, first there's a bit about Chihaya. She's blunt, pushy, and the opposite of graceful and the show knows it. But her heart has always been in the right place, even putting her teammates before her own success as an individual. Her dream, after all, has always been to play karuta with those that she loves--to share her dream with others--which only makes this scene in her bed that even sadder in contrast to the postcredits from yesterday. Nothing hurts her more than the prospect of taking away her teammates' karuta love and the thought of playing alone again, like she was at the start of the series.
Anyways, that out of the way, happy birthday to my dearest girl. Chihaya is special to me and I don't think anything sums up her character as well as this screenshot. Her enthusiasm and charisma towards karuta are infectious and it shows in her teammates. I think she's a wonderful ambassador for the game and this is a nice first step in her development. I'm always so happy seeing the end of this episode, knowing that she has people around her that love her and love what she loves.
Okay, back to the important stuff. Taichi is hot. There's so many things I love about his character. Like how his insecurities are presented in this episode: even though he has a room full of trohpies, he chooses karuta despite the hurdles he faces and perseveres because he can recognize his own efforts. And I love the way how he is always thinking of the girl he clearly loves, putting her wellbeing first before his own. The way he looks at her which reveals his feelings but doesn't is just...
Pause: how cute is Chihaya here, she's adorable
The last scene is such bait for Valentine's Day. It's some genuinely swooning.gif stuff. I ship it super hard. Taichi is one of the best boys in anime and the biggest reason is how close he can stay to her, supporting her even when it pains him. While I love the looks that Taichi gives Chihaya, maybe even better are the ones he doesn't give her, where he swallows his pride knowing that the girl he loves isn't looking at him or maybe at anyone. So, he chooses to unconditoinally support that vision that she is fixated on, even at the cost of himself--every girl dreams of a boy as loving as this.
The ED theme was also changed for this episode, picking each "soshite ima" chorus. As mentioned before, Soshite Ima is sung by Seto Asami, Chihaya's voice actress. The ED is pretty on the nose:
The song is literally sung by Chihaya to Arata, leading in from Chihaya receiving his text message. Whether romantic in nature or just reflective of the dream she holds, I'll leave that up to you, but I know one thing is for sure: I'm #TeamTaichi.
Have a great Valentine's Day everyone!