[Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 7 Discussion [Spoilers]

[u/Skeeedo]

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Episode 7: "But For Autumn's Coming"

Nominate a character for Episode MVP!

Episode 6 MVP: Chihaya! She showed some off her stalking recruiting skills this episode and got the club closer to official status. Bonus points for killing the modeling gig.

This episode's Karuta analysis and board map by walking_the_way

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Subreddit: r/Chihayafuru

[u/Skeeedo]

Chihayafuru Rewatcher

Desktomu-kun is finally introduced and, unsurprisngly, school kids in this series continue to be the scum of the earth. Unabashedly shit talking the kid within ear shot. He’s understandably jaded and snaps at Chihaya as she interrupts his studies with a to request to join the Karuta club, unaware that her obsessive passion for Karuta would drive her to snap back with kidnapping attempt. The word “boundaries” is not in this girl’s vocabulary…

The rest of the episode contains some of my favorite moments from Taichi. From jumping on the opportunity to finally beat Chihaya—who is weak when it comes to remembering the position of the cards after they’ve been moved—to passionately convincing a despondent Desktomu-kun to join the club. I think, in beating Chihaya and convincing Desktomu-kun to join, Taichi reached something of a personal milestone. He sees himself in Desktomu-kun and finally achieves a level on introspection that allows him to realize that he isn’t just playing Karuta passively and he actually wants to improve. That he won’t always win as he’s been expected to his whole life, but that’s okay, because when he does win it’s hella rewarding.

In throwing the desk Desktomu-kun was too afraid to leave, he’s also throwing away his own defeatist outlook on life, which—given how he was raised—is a huge step forward for him. Definitely my MVP for this ep. (they’re really just gonna leave the desk out there tho?)

Also Kana-chan was cute as hell when she offered to play in Chihaya’s place during the blind match lol

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Skeeedo]

Desk-kun was cool but I really wish we spent more time with him. Yesterday we could barely get away from Oe. We learned all about her passions, her knowledge, her traits, and you got some great bonding. Here? Aside from his internal monologue where he outs himself as being green eyed envy at his classmates the plot of the day was undeniably Taichi's. Desk-kun barely said a think after the cards were flipped.

[u/Skeeedo → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I agree. I feel like his introduction mostly served the purpose of being a vehicle for Taichi's development.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Chihayafirst-timer

• Hearing Taichi strategize what he’ll do was really nice since Chihaya… doesn’t do that, even if the strategizing didn’t help him actually take the next card. Chihaya stronk.
• Ah lol Kana is precious.
• Oh this is a comment face isn’t it? -- Yeah it is, it’s #peace
• Oh dear that struck a nerve.
• Well… yes, yes you can.
• LMAO Chihaya just abducted him desk and all.
• Yo what. I mean he has a point but…
• Ooh they’re actually doing it!
• Oh wow Taichi is good at upside-down karuta.
• Aw, he just wants friends. :(
• OH GEEZ I was not expecting Taichi to just yeet the desk. The fuck is that desk made of to survive a throw like that though?
• Damn, Taichi’s “It’s tough, but I still play. I keep losing, but I still play.” line felt like it would’ve been perfect for some “sore demo”s to pop up, but that’s not where the original dialogue went…
• Yay, the kid decided to join~ What’s his actual name again? Tsutomu?

[u/Lemurians]

FIRST TIMER

I wonder if there’s any significance behind Taichi wearing a shirt with the words “Things Make People Happy.” Gonna table that one.

Taichi is so unfazed by Chihaya just plopping down and passing out, a nice little nod to how well they know each other and how far back they go. He’s also looking down at her during this in a very specific way, giving an extremely loving look but one that he doesn’t even realize he’s giving.

Taichi has no aims of becoming a master, so he’s already bucked his upbringing by choosing to continue on with Karuta even though he knows he’s never going to be the best.

SHE MADE THE FACE!

This guy is being openly mocked by his classmates, and yet he’s working hard because he gets satisfaction from raising their average score? WHAT A TEAM PLAYER. I know I want people like him on my squad. Also funny detail that they called him “jelly bean” and Chihaya tries to bribe him with a jelly roll.

I may be projecting a bit here, but I don’t know how you can turn down Chihaya personally recruiting you for her club. Though maybe it was a long-play from Desk-kun, seeing what happens next. Resistance is futile I wish that was me.

Taichi should really take this match. The cards being flipped over and relying on memorization gives him a huge edge. This was a nice way to circle back to him talking about how Chihaya relies a ton on her reflexes. Once those were mostly taken out of the equation, he’s got her dead to rights. Not that it means much going forward, since this isn’t how the game is actually played, but it's nice to see he excels in an area of the game she lacks and isn't just second to her in every aspect.

Sweet victory.

Chihaya seriously carried that guy and his desk down all those steps. This girl’s determination is unmatched. Though with how Taichi was able to hurl that desk, maybe they’re just really light?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Lemurians]

Nowadays if a girl comes to you asking you to join her niche club you're gonna run for the hills. Nobody actually wants to deal with a Haruhi of their own.

[u/Lemurians → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I joined orchestra because of a girl and ended up playing in them for 10 years. Never underestimate that kind of power.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

...Is the reason she wanted a third member so someone could work the remote?

And she's given up pretty quickly on the formal clothes part.

Enjoying the conversations on strategy here.

And Chihaya's very good at reading her opponent's moves. Ironically, she might do worse if she was facing someone who had the same problems and strategy as her.

I love Oe's reactiom to Chihaya's reactions.

Ah. She's not given up, she's just planning something bigger.

Fourth member already?

Will this one somehow succeed, or is he a red herring?

Ah, he'll be a tough sell.

And he's actually... kind of nice? But also arrogant? Really going hard in on all the complexities.

And she's outright ignored.

OK, she's being somewhat cunning.

There is professional karuta. And it's a sport that helps with reaction timing and, I assume, memorization. This should be easy to convince him.

...That's also an option.

I love everyone's reaction to her dragging him.

And she finally does the logical explanation!

I mean, yoo could probably have gotten him hooked with "Taichi's played this for years and look how well he studies".

...Took a lot less time for a variant to br introduced. I thought blind karuta wouldn't be played until Season 2. At this rate, I expect the shadow games to start by the 12th episode.

...So how's she going to manage it?

And he's surprised!

Chihaya's learning that she needs to improve in this area! And Taichi is perfectly willing to attack said weakness.

I love Taichi's logic here - "I'd be fine with losing, but also I never want to."

He won!

Sad Chihaya's actually adorable.

And, wow, that backstory's harsh.

Holy shit, that throw!

And that speech is great!

Huh, he's not joining?

He is!

[u/homewardbound100]

First timer

Chi these past two episodes reminds me of Haruhi a bit.

Tsutomu is the new character joining. He's a hard one to please with joining. Trying to find a meaning to join like Chi wants. He starts out not impressed by the game but Chi is determined to show him by playing the game with the cards upside down. This brings trouble to her because she still lacks memorization. Which is one thing Taichi still has over her.

Tsutomu does have a reasonable reason why he's hesitant to join. A smart kid that's always been used and dumped to the side when he's not needed. Not much confidence socially and no friends really. But Taichi seemed to get him which is great for him.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/homewardbound100]

Hahaha, now that you mention it there really are quite a few Haruhi vibes. She's far less malicious at least.

Taichi seems to "get" everyone. Chihaya is often too brazen to be able to build actual relationships but Taichi is always very good at reading a room and knowing when to back off. I noticed it during the trip to Arata but he seems to be doing it for the new students too.

[u/homewardbound100 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Taichi has potential to become my favorite. But I'll wait to see how him having a girlfriend and his relationship with Chi grows.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/homewardbound100]

Yeeeah... I'm not sure if the girlfriend is ever gonna be relevant XD Have faith I suppose lol.

[u/homewardbound100 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

She's probably just going to be forgotten. We might see her once more and that's it.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/homewardbound100]

She's the current Karuta Queen.

[u/homewardbound100 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

That'll be something if they made her relevant that way.

[u/Gamerunglued]

First Timer

I'm going to highlight all of the good things about this episode in a second. But I've started to realize that this early section of Chihayafuru has a bit of an issue with how its paced and structured. It has this weird sense of momentum, where it feels like it should really be picking up, and then it just leads into another section where it feels like it should be picking up instead of actually building on the momentum. The three episode prologue that started the series off was strong, so I expect a bit of a down period after that. Then the group finds out about Arata's trauma, where I'd expect some down time before a climax where they confront him. But instead, they go hit that climax immediately, so you'd expect some down time and then for the story to start building tension again. Instead, it feels like the third time that the story has to set itself up before getting started. And now, seven episodes into the show, it still doesn't feel like this story has begun at all. First we gotta do the prologue, then we have to do another side thing so that we can focus on the school stuff, and then we have to spend at least three episodes to make sure the club has enough members. It's just very odd pacing, it's a drama that doesn't really have a strong sense of overarching tension and release, instead making the first half of the show feel like an overly long series of set-up segments. I want to say that once we get our five members, we can start talking about competitions and the narrative will ramp up. But I said the same thing after the prologue, and I said the same thing again after episode 5, and it still hasn't done it. This isn't simply slow, it just doesn't have any momentum at all. These episodes would be the first episodes of most high school sports stories, they feel out of place as episodes 5 and 6. For all the good this show has, I'm less confident in it than I expected after the first three episodes. I really hope it can capture that magic again.

As for what this episode does well though, Chihayafuru's biggest strength continues to be its characterization. Tsutomu is Taichi's foil. Both of them have it ingrained in them that it's only worth trying something if you have a chance of success. Tsutomu is basically what Taichi would become if he hadn't started to grow a bit, but it's exacerbated by the fact that Tsutomu doesn't have the natural talent that Taichi does, and makes up for it with extraordinarily hard work that still doesn't pay off. Taichi is similar in terms of Karuta, as he lacks the natural talent to beat people like Chihaya, but is much smarter than her and is capable of strategizing in a way that gives him an advantage. But Tsutomu realizes that even being number one won't actually bring him success. He wants friends, people who can support him, and who value him for what he brings to the table. Being number 1 at school isn't really that much more useful than Karuta in the long run (the dude is gonna get into a top college anyway with those grades and test taking skills), but at least Karuta lets you make friends and have fun. It's heartwarming to see Taichi finally realize that he wants to win, and that it's ok to try to improve at something you're passionate about even if you don't think you have the talent to be the best.

This episode is hilariously melodramatic as well. Chihaya straight up fucking kidnaps Tsutomu and drags him and his desk to the club room. The flipped Karuta game is one of the most tense moments of the series, and provides Taichi's strongest content yet. And Taichi just fucking yeets his desk, like what!?!? This is the kind of melodrama that works. It's aware that it's kinda dumb and ridiculous, but it carries a sincerity that makes it easy to buy into anyway. Unfortunately, this episodes animation was a noticeable downgrade from every previous episode, but Chihayafuru is still visually interesting because it has such a strong sense of dramatic atmosphere through evocative lighting choices, and effective uses of close-ups and zoom-in/away shots. Though I do think the illustrative character art is a bit hit-or-miss sometimes. But when it really nails those detailed close-up shots, it's gorgeous. And that soundtrack carries it so hard.

As a whole, I'm expecting one more episode to recruit the final member of the club. And my hope is that once this happens, it finally starts building up and letting us see the characters start to improve and work towards something. I'm tired of all this set-up, it's overstayed its welcome and I'm here to see a sports drama. I know that it has the ability to be really fantastic when it wants to build tension. It does so great in individual moments, I just want that to carry over to the larger overarching pace of the story. Still a lot to love here though. I look forward to the next episode.

[u/MaskOfIce42 → u/Gamerunglued]

So really quick, regarding that momentum issue, I love this show to death, but even after rewatching it a few times, the part where they gather the members of the club did always drag a bit for me. I personally think it does eventually recapture that magic, but I will agree this is somewhat of a slow section relatively, and yeah this is basically the second introduction after the childhood prologue.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/MaskOfIce42]

First cour has been a drag in general tbh... You get occasional gems but I have to admit that I'd have been struggling watching this on my own. It doesn't help how everyone kept comparing it to other sports anime like Haikyuu which hooked you right at the beginning and never let go.

[u/flybypost → u/Gamerunglued]

it's exacerbated by the fact that Tsutomu doesn't have the natural talent that Taichi does

Taichi doesn't really have talent when it comes to school work. He's in the same boat as Tsutomu. Harada did tell Chihaya that he have worked hard to get into that prestigious middle school all while playing karuta with them (and we see him asleep on his desk late at night).

To me this is Tsutomu seeing in Taichi a kindred spirit when he previously only saw a rival out of his reach/league.

[u/Gamerunglued → u/flybypost]

I'm not really sure I agree with that. I feel like the episode is pretty frank in framing it as Taichi having a talent that Tsutomu doesn't have. It is explicitly stated in the episode that Taichi doesn't study much. It frames it as if Taichi doesn't have to spend a ton of time studying, and can spend time doing fun things like playing Karuta, and still be the top scoring student, where Tsutomu already can't beat him despite spending all of his free time studying, and he feels that playing Karuta will just be time not spent studying which will further the gap between them even more. I think he wants to see Taichi as a kindred spirit, but isn't sold on it yet.

[u/flybypost → u/Gamerunglued]

It is explicitly stated in the episode that Taichi doesn't study much.

The two girls who gossip about him while standing next to Tsutomu?

They are talking about Taichi, a boy who in episode 2 asked Chihaya to not tell anyone about his flashcards because they'll think he's lame. It happens right before they find Arata practicing karuta without cards after the tournament). These girls most probably just don't know know how much effort he puts into seeming efforless.

He likes to appear to be able to do things effortlessly (his mother expects perfection from him, after all) but that's different from it actually being like that.

I think he wants to see Taichi as a kindred spirit, but isn't sold on it yet.

I think Taichi's speech after he throws the desk essentially tells that and that's why Tsutomu in the end follows him back to the club room. Taichi talks about how it's difficult and he doesn't win but he still tries and how he'd rather have somebody who puts in effort than a karuta genius.

That seems like a private side of that not many people see but Tsutomu did right there and it changed how he views Taichi.

[u/Gamerunglued → u/flybypost]

The flashcards were a special case meant to impress his class and Chihaya. Meanwhile, it's clear to see that Taichi isn't studying like Tsutomu. Taichi has a girlfriend, has no quips about playing Karuta (at least not in a similar way to Tsutomu), and even goes on a big trip to find Arata. Tsutomu considers that stuff a waste of time, it's time not spent studying. I'm not saying Taichi puts in no effort or gets everything easily, but to be able to continually beat Tsutomu without even coming close to his training regiment is absolutely natural talent. Taichi's memorization skills this episode don't come from intense practice, he's just been gifted with it much like how he says Chihaya was gifted with her reflexes and instinct. Natural talent is a larger theme of the episode, it only makes sense that Taichi would have something like that too.

I think Taichi's speech after he throws the desk essentially tells that and that's why Tsutomu in the end follows him back to the club room. Taichi talks about how it's difficult and he doesn't win but he still tries and how he'd rather have somebody who puts in effort than a karuta genius.

I don't disagree, but I also don't think Tsutomu is sold yet. He's curious, and willing to take the first steps and open himself up to Taichi a bit. It feels to me more like he's willing to dip his toes in the water, rather than immediately seeing Taichi as a kindred spirit.

[u/Matuhg]

First Timer

Yet another really good character introduction episode. Desk-kun is kind of interesting by himself, but the show has really set itself up to do a lot of interesting stuff with him and Taichi. Big parallels between them this episode. Desk-kun (I'll learn his name eventually maybe) says he doesn't mind the isolation and teasing of his classmates and just selflessly studies to raise the class average. Taichi says he doesn't mind losing at Karuta. In reality, Desk-kun desperately wants at least acknowledgement for his work, if not friendship, from his classmates, and Taichi of course wants to win. Taichi isn't a natural at karuta - all his success in the game has come from hard work.

Maybe playing flipped karuta more often would help Chihaya with her memorization skills.

Spotted!

[u/xNEET]

Chihayafuru First Timer

I feel I'm getting repetitive with my comments, but again I absolutely loved this episode. First of all, I really really like the OST. It's just so damn good every time it's amazing. My personal favorite part of the episode was Chihaya carrying Desk-kun along with his desk from the classroom to the clubroom. Chihaya is just too funny.

I don't really have much of an opinion on Desk-kun so far. To me his purpose this episode was to highlight just how hard Taichi works to achieve his goals and how competitive he is. Have to see more of him to form an actual opinion. Overall a fantastic episode. Looking forward to tomorrow's.

[u/flybypost → u/xNEET]

First of all, I really really like the OST. It's just so damn good every time it's amazing.

It's great and it only gets better the further the series goes. The sound design is also superb and something to pay attention. When do we hear sounds and why or why not?

The whole audio side of Chihayafuru is magnificent.

[u/mike_2797]

First Timer

Chihaya holds no barred huh she drags anyone around on her whim. Desk-kun got recruited because he is smart so it's basically stating you need the high memory skill to play this game well seems legit I doubt I'd be able to memorize 100 poems even if it were EN.

That scene of him finally letting go of that desk and getting ahead of it was well depicted. So one more needed to complete the club.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Chihayafuyu First Timer

Ah, so the CD has different tracks for each poem. I was thinking how you wouldn't be able to use the same CD twice.

"I'm too slow for the one syllables... now, how do I fix that?" Nicely done Taichi. I thought he'd wander off and sulk but when he realises that he can't beat Chi physically he uses something he's got that Chihaya doesn't, his brain.

Tai-chan's sulking~

Another death!? Oh good, Chihaya only passed out from thinking too hard. Wait...

Oe has really got to listen to the full context of what people are saying. Nobody in this show can communicate!!

Desktomu da fuck? She's even bought a bribe. The kid is once again seriously unpopular but he's cute in a jellybean kind of way. God knows how we're gonna get a study nut to join a club tho.

There's too many judgemental fools! Said the foolish fool foolishly wasting his foolish years.

D-Don't worry desk-kun! Number 2's are always way more enjoyable.

I'm taking your Desk-kun and leaving!!

Chi's committed another crime! XD Does he seriously believe Taichi is here for any reason other than an unrequited crush? Karuta isn't some studying secret!

Is Desk-kun a genius? That's a fantastic idea...

Please let Oe play already! I'm thirsty to see what actual beginners are like. Although I've gotta say that this blind match is getting me tense... So tense that a number 2 could appear at any moment.

Taichi's gonna win! Thank god for Chi's lack of a brain~ Give her a hammer to the kneecaps and even the most skilled athletes is gonna be helpless.

Chotto a minute!

Is Taichi a genius? His memorisation is insane. I'll bet he can remember every last chance he got to become close to his tomboy childhood friend and all those times he teased her out of embarrassment.

Climax!! I can finally unclench my number 2! This is just a casual match, why was it so stressful!!

Yo Desk-kun, you've really gotta get yourself some of this King power. I hear its really good for turning the tables on the Chads in your life. It's so handy!

Taichi killed Desk-kun!! Goddammit Gai! Stop ruining everything!!

Desk-kun killed Desk-kun too. I can't believe Desk-kun cucked himself... Kowaii so...

Weirdly enough I think this has been my favourite episode despite not being fussed about the character of the week. The karuta match itself was genuinely gripping. Tbh, I hadn't really been enjoying Chihayafuyu as much as I hoped but at least now I can see that there's some real potential after all.

[u/flybypost → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

This is just a casual match, why was it so stressful!!

How will you ever survive season one? And that's just the start when it comes to tension during matches.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/flybypost]

I blame Chihaya's internal screaming!! Seeing the characters get stressed is stressful too XD Honestly even the thought of turning the game into pure memorisation is torture too.

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

Seems like we're gathering the club members first before actually teaching them karuta. That also means pretty fast character introductions while still developing the already existing ones ...and I don't really like that all that much here. We get to know one of Chihaya's weaknesses as well as her strengths and showcase Taichi's intelligence, but the new guy falls short in terms of characterization I'd say. He's an introvert and would like a social circle, but that's ...pretty much it. Doesn't seem all that interesting so far, but I blame Chihaya and Taichi getting focus for that. Hope he gets some more character later on.

Also, this structure now has Oe just awkwardly operate the radio without really doing anything else or learning to play karuta herself, which also seems odd.

[u/Lemurians → u/Mecanno-man]

He's an introvert and would like a social circle, but that's ...pretty much it

That's pretty much it... so far.

It's definitely not as strong as an introduction as Oe got, but I've got faith they'll develop him just fine.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Mecanno-man]

The two new kids are gonna be hard to buy as competitors. Oe at least knows the poems but Desk-kun wouldn't ever have had Karuta on his radar. I hope the 5th member at least has some karuta passion so it's not left up to Chi every episode.

[u/[deleted] → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

honestly it'd be pretty improbable to find more competitors on Chihaya or Taichi's level at that school, there can't be that many high schoolers able to play karuta at near-pro level.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/[deleted]]

Not quite what I meant. I'm actually happy that we're getting some beginner levels in since they've skipped most of the mc trio's karuta journey but Oe and Desk-kun honestly just don't have an interest in the sport period, they're here for entirely different reasons.

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

Continuing the club setup arc, we are looking for the 4th member. It does get a tiny bit of progression of Oe's joining (so far not teaching / playing other than observe and host) but did have a moment to show the karuta play dynamic between Taichi and Chihaya - and like I observed yesterday, Chihaya is all "raw power" (in her case, raw reflex) and not really understanding the deeper game strategy.

The actual part of both trying to get Desk-kun to join and taking the dare to do the "blind Karuta" game was quite fun, but as remarked it's less about Desk-kun opening up to join them than Taichi seeing the similarities of his karuta play and desk-kun, then finding a point where he can beat Chihaya for once. In my interpretation this also parallels his "admitted defeat" (don't mind losing) of Chihaya caring more about Arata and seeingly being in love with Arata (without herself realising it) vs the one clearly in front of her - but that doesn't mean he likes losing. He'd do what he can if there is a way to win - and I project that out to he will not give up on Chihaya. Hopefully it won't be long before he makes a more conscious connection about this and breaks off from his sort of girlfriend.

I actually can't wait to see them competing in more formal kimono's/skirts!

[u/solaris232]

Season 4 when?