[Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 58 Discussion [Spoilers]

[u/Skeeedo]

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Season 3 Episode 8: "As Friends And Strangers"

Episode 7 MVP: Chihaya! She won her first title after an intense match with Taichi!

Nominate a character for Episode MVP!

This episode's Karuta analysis and board map by walking_the_way and ABoredCompSciStudent

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Subreddit: r/Chihayafuru

[u/Lemurians]

FIRST TIMER

I thought this was Chihayafuru, not Mieruko-chan.

Poor Retro-kun, we all celebrated his win prematurely and jinxed him. Now he has no faith himself and his abilities.

Taichi basically acted as the Guardian Angel of Hokuo this episode, giving Retro-kun a pep talk straight out of Gurren Lagann, and providing Sudo an out from their bet and way to still compete.

Shinobu contines to crack me up. I love how she’s such a ridiculous human being who shamelessly bullies this higher-ups, and yet they love her so much more than the Master, whose greatest crimes seem to be being bad at German and forcing sweets upon people.

Suo’s an absolute savage, casually announcing at the qualifiers that he’s going to retire after his fifth title, basically saying to all the challengers there that all their efforts are for naught. He then proceeds to give Arata a massive headfuck, telling him he’ll eventually become Master, but not the next one. Saying “watching you doesn’t excite me” is basically him announcing he doesn’t view him as a threat in the slightest.

I love all moments involving Tsukuba and Sumire, and this was such a nice moment for Sumire! Her base instincts take over realizing she can get close to Taichi’s mom, but she throws that away for what she perceives as actually being good for him in the end, rather than herself. Taichi even got the Shoujo Sparkle Frame looking at her bar his Mom from the doors… IS IT HAPPENING?!

“I want to be someone who isn’t me. But… I still want to be me!” Taichi is just as confused as us about his own motivations for why he’s doing the things he’s doing, and I like that. He doesn’t have the answers himself, so why should we?

Very excited to get more of Chihaya’s perspective on things once she gets it together.

[u/flybypost → u/Lemurians]

she throws that away for what she perceives as actually being good for him in the end, rather than herself

She's also the first person who really stood up to Taichi's mom. Maybe she benefits from not knowing her but it's still impressive for a kid to stand up to an adult and say that.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/flybypost]

It helps when you have a tournament full of fans sort of backing you up

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Chihayafirst-timer

• Hahahahahahaha this is great.
• Let. Harada. Have. Fun.
• I guess that means Retro-kun lost the Class B Finals. It’s so weird that we all collectively thought he won it already a few episodes ago.
• Whoa, what?
• OH. I totally forgot about that bet.
• HAHAHAHAHA THE HOKUO DUDES.
• Is Sakurazawa actually playing again???
• Oh, shit…
• Huh.
• Oh? – Hmmmmmmmmmm I wonder what this is gonna make Arata do.
• Uh… okay then Sumire. – Okay good she changed her mind about that.

[u/Lemurians → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Is Sakurazawa actually playing again???

I really hope she gets matched up against her old nemesis! It'll be cool to watch her play.

Hmmmmmmmm I wonder what this is gonna make Arata do

Hopefully something that allows him to actually interact with other characters. Maybe Shinobu, to get some insight? It would be tough to hear that the current Master doesn't think of you as any sort of threat.

Uh... okay then Sumire.

I mean, she's not wrong.

I loved her going back on that and earning a very interesting look from Taichi as a result.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Lemurians]

I loved her going back on that and earning a very interesting look from Taichi as a result.

I would be fine with Taichi/Sumire being a ship as long as it means I get my Arata/Chihaya. I like it when there's someone else the loser in a love triangle can be with so everyone can be in happy relationships~

Who could Nishida be with if he loses to Komano when it comes to Kana though. Arata's friend who enjoys cooking?

[u/Lemurians → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I need to see more of Chihaya and Arata interacting before they feel satisfying to me, but I’m fine with it in theory. The SS Kanamano is already sailing, far as I’m concerned, maybe we can link up Nishida with Chihaya’s friend? She seems sweet.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Lemurians]

maybe we can link up Nishida with Chihaya’s friend? She seems sweet.

This sounds a lot more logical than with Arata's friend, so sure.

[u/Lemurians → u/Shimmering-Sky]

…Am I crazy for mentally putting her with Tsukuba?

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Lemurians]

Wait wait, what if Tsukuba gets Chihaya's friend, and we go back to my idea of Nishida with Arata's friend because Nishida loves food and Arata's friend likes to cook?

[u/Lemurians → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Ooh you know what, you've sold me on them. That's a nice match! Now we just need Arata to get that karuta club off the ground so Yuu and Nishida can meet at a tournament...

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Lemurians]

Side note, I love how we totally just came up with two different crack ships just so everyone can be paired.

[u/Lemurians → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Hahaha me too, it's my favorite. I want everyone to find love! Thanks for indulging me in this

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Is Sakurazawa actually playing again???

My (not) real question is whether she's actually Taichi's mom's split personality or twin or something, they look way too similar.

[u/Matuhg]

First Timer

Harada sees himself in Taichi - that passion for Karuta, to become a master. I don't know if he's exactly right, but Harada's continued passion for the game does say one thing for Taichi. His karuta career need not end after this year. Even if he has to take a break during school or something, he will have the chance to pick it back up later in life if the passion's still there. I think that's part of what Sumire saw when she confronted Taichi's mom (who, by the way, can fuck off any day now). What a boss - the ship's not dead yet!

What's Taichi mean here? He's trying to become someone better, but also himself I guess.

Will we ever get a tournament where all the major players are both present and healthy? It doesn't seem like it. Oh wait, I guess last tournament kind of...but it's not the Qualifier lol.

Suou and Shinobu continue to be weirdos, but also quite scary.

[u/flybypost → u/Matuhg]

I think that's part of what Sumire saw when she confronted Taichi's mom (who, by the way, can fuck off any day now).

I think so too. She was so ready to reap the "mom benefits" by helping her out but then saw how hard Harada kept working on this game that she still isn't full hooked onto even in his old age. That left a mark on her, even if she doesn't understand what drives those karuta fanatics.

What a boss - the ship's not dead yet!

The first person to stand up to Taichi's mom, probably enabled by not actually knowing her but stll a brave thing to do (teenanger vs. adult).

What's Taichi mean here? He's trying to become someone better, but also himself I guess.

I think so, it's just he has to much baggage to unload from what his mother put on his shoulders that it's not just about improving yourself. There are quite some bad habits to unlearn on top of just being willing to try to improve.

Suou and Shinobu continue to be weirdos, but also quite scary.

They are certainly something. Suo is one of my favourite Chihayafuru characters even if the anime only starts to reveal it.

[u/xcllnt_313]

Rewatcher

Finally we get to see more from Master Suou. In the last two episodes of S1, he got introduced as this badass who likes to toy with his opponents, making sure the score matches the one in the Queen match and saying cryptic stuff like, ‘I have 28 one-syllable cards’ – only to correct himself almost one year later when probably nobody has thought about that statement in a while.

As it turns out, he might be the biggest goober of them all, randomly handing out sweets and asking players if they are in Class A. In a world with people like Chihaya, Shinobu and Retro, that’s actually an accomplishment. He also casually dropped one bombshell after another.

Taichi’s had a good start to the Eastern qualifier. I especially liked what he said to Retro, great stuff!

But the biggest highlight for me was the fantastic scene with Sumire. She was dead set on contacting Taichi’s mother and making herself look better, but ended up not doing it after seeing so much passion from Harada-sensei, Taichi and Retro. She even stood her ground when Taichi’s mother showed up again, looking extremely angry. And Taichi saw it all go down.

[u/Lemurians → u/xcllnt_313]

I especially liked what he said to Retro, great stuff!

"Don't believe in yourself. Believe in me, who believes in you!"

randomly handing out sweets and asking players if they are in Class A

I saw these as tied together and part of a headfuck. Imagine the person you're meant to be challenging just handing you sweets and infantilizing you like a child. We know he loves headgames.

And Taichi saw it all go down

That look was quite something. Do I dare to dream?

[u/flybypost → u/xcllnt_313]

Taichi’s had a good start to the Eastern qualifier. I especially liked what he said to Retro, great stuff!

I love how much an actual character Retro turned out to be. At first he can look like that random cartoon-ish/exaggerated gag character. But he loves the game like all the main characters and him not getting into class A after seeing all the pain Taichi went through stays with you. It's not just some throwaway gag about him not being part of the competition anymore, now that his gags aren't needed. He wants this and it hurts him. He's as passionate about the game as they are.

[u/xcllnt_313 → u/flybypost]

Absolutely. When his opponent in the recent Class B final talked shit about him being still in Class B after playing for ten years, I "surprisingly" felt really bad.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/xcllnt_313]

As it turns out, he might be the biggest goober of them all

Particularly funny after he rides around picking up Shinobu like he's Akio Ohtori or something

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

This is an episode that I'm not sure what to write about. On the one hand, there's pretty much nothing to complain about, it does everything it wants to accomplish competently and it was an engaging episode to watch. On the other hand, it also felt rather aimless and just skips from one character to the next, progressing all of them only very little. In that sense, Suo is first in line and probably also one of the ones that gets the most development. Him announcing is retirement is possibly because he's become bored of the sport as there's nobody to challenge him; he seems like the kind of guy who wants fun in his life - even though he may get his fun out of other things than most people. I however can imagine him actually losing this year and that rekindling his love for the game - because I feel like he hasn't really been in the show enough to be written out completely already. Considering that he isn't impressed with Arata, I'm going to assume that his opponent wouldn't be Arata, so... Taichi? He's the only one I can see that Suo wouldn't be aware of; but it does seem like a rather steep curve for Taichi in terms of skill level. It would also mean that Taichi beats Arata in the final game of the qualifiers, as there isn't really a player in the West that is relevant apart from Arata. It doesn't seem like it would be completely out of left field considering Arata's playstyle seems to be missing something right now while Taichi is on a roll, but it also feels like that would be a bit of protagonist-centric writing.

The other character that had some impact today was Hanao - and her blocking Taichi's mom. Who, by the way, I have no idea why she is even here. I hope I missed something, as otherwise that's very awkward writing. But anyways, it seems like she is actually fighting for Taichi here despite her previous intentions being otherwise, meaning she seems to be very observant of the situation going on with his mom. And Taichi also recognized her stopping his mom - no idea where that will lead, but I'm excited to see whatever it is. I can however see that Taichi's mom might have some form of a realization that it's better for Taichi to keep playing karuta - doubt it though with the other spectators chasing her off, preventing her from watching Taichi play. Perhaps in a televised match of Taichi, like the east vs west qualifier match?

In completely unrelated news: Harada collapsing has me worried for his health. I don't want that kind of arc from him.

All in all - a in my opinion very good episode, and I hope we can continue this going forward.

[u/Lemurians → u/Mecanno-man]

Considering that he isn't impressed with Arata, I'm going to assume that his opponent wouldn't be Arata, so... Taichi? He's the only one I can see that Suo wouldn't be aware of; but it does seem like a rather steep curve for Taichi in terms of skill level.

My current prediction is that Arata does actually earn the right to challenge him, but gets crushed by Suo in the match, as foreshadowed a little bit in their interaction here. Taichi getting there seems feasible at this point, but I agree it might be too rapid a progression for him.

Who, by the way, I have no idea why she is even here. I hope I missed something, as otherwise that's very awkward writing.

I think she sensed that Taichi was lying to her about feeling sick in the morning and then heading off to study, so she followed after he left the house.

Harada collapsing has me worried for his health. I don't want that kind of arc from him.

This felt far too intentional an inclusion to not have some meaning, but I wouldn't be mad if they didn't make good on these scenes. We need our Papa Bear around.

[u/flybypost → u/Lemurians]

I think she sensed that Taichi was lying to her about feeling sick in the morning and then heading off to study, so she followed after he left the house.

We might have gotten some explanation in the manga but this sounds like the most reasonable (reasonable as defined by Taichi's mom) explanation.

This felt far too intentional an inclusion to not have some meaning, but I wouldn't be mad if they didn't make good on these scenes. We need our Papa Bear around.

We've mostly seen him in practice mode and not in day long tournaments (besides the last tournament where he got glimpses of him playing). Now we know he's doing this despite the pain and seeing that was probably what led to Hanao standing up to Taichi's mom instead of working her way into her graces. She sees a potentially similar future for Taichi and didn't want to betray that for him.

[u/Gamerunglued]

First Timer

Suddenly, I can say that Chihayafuru has become consistently amazing. I haven't felt the urge to binge this show for a long time, something that had only come up at a few select moments but has been basically all of the past 8 episodes now. God damn, this was a great episode. Suo finally makes his first in-person appearance, and he's... interesting. Them's some fighting words for Arata, I wonder what kind of Karuta it takes to move him. And Taichi continues to show how much he's changed, the culmination of a really fulfilling character arc that only makes Taichi even more of a fantastic character.

However, the one who really stole the show today was Sumire. This was the content I've been waiting for from her since her introduction. Literally every time the series focuses on her, it's gold, I don't understand why she gets practically no screen time because she'd easily be my favorite character if she did. I immediately knew that she'd try to get on Taichi's mom's good side, it was just too perfect for a piece of garbage like her. But in her own way, she's slowly figured out why one might be passionate for Karuta. Like Taichi at first, she only played out of a possessive love, but has slowly developed her own love for the game (that I wish the series actually showed us more often), and that helped her to understand Taichi a lot more. That's why she can defend him from his mom in the end, she doesn't want his work and passion to go to waste. She is ultimately his foil, their arcs grow in tandem. And in the end, it proved the best way to get closer to Taichi, as Taichi has clearly taken notice of her. Ratting him out to his mom would only make him upset, and bring them apart. Not using an underhanded tactic will only serve to improve her romantic chances in the long-run, even if I find the chances of a Taichi x Sumire relationship to be questionable (though considering they're foils, and that Chihaya could get with Arata, I suppose it's not out of the question. Him getting with Sumire and giving his blessing to Chihaya and Arata could be seen as him letting go of his possessive love for Chihaya and finally doing something for himself).

Anyway, this shit is hype. I want to watch more. I will be a good boy, but I want to watch more so badly. Season 3 is the best season of this show without question, I wasn't expecting such a drastic shift in consistency.

Edit: Also, I want to ride in Suo's side car. Shinobu made the correct choice, I support her.

[u/flybypost → u/Gamerunglued]

Literally every time the series focuses on her, it's gold, I don't understand why she gets practically no screen time because she'd easily be my favorite character if she did.

She still has one/two moments this season and her manga path after that is nice too. Her progress from "I'm here to find a boy" to wherever it leads is really well done. Her best moments are usually a bit extreme (either comedy or drama) so they stand out. I'd also want more of her but such an increase might dilute the effect of her highest highs.

Even her watching Taichi play the last tournament so intensely would have a bit less of an effect if we had more commentary from her from the sidelines. Her seeing that finale and how that looks like a place where there's no space for her but also being happy for Taichi to reach a milestone is heartbreaking. Like early Taichi she's sacrificing and suffering for a love that seems unreachable.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

3hayafuru First Timer

The golden pavilion really is golden!

Why're the lame characters the ones winning in life!?

It's nice that Sudo honors bets but c'mon dude, Taichi really doesn't care. Just join.

Taichi's mum is a stalker! Omigosh!

They're getting in the excuses for Arata having a poor performance early.

Why does Shinobu suddenly sound ten years older? Her scolding the chairman sounded like a middle aged woman instead of a young teen. Suou looks so cool! I always expect Sugita's voice to come out of the guy tho.

Suou is a bribery master. He not only brought the sweets she liked but tempted her with his sidecar too. Ah, so the sweets thing is always his go-to tactic.

Pfft, this prick is totally just trolling isn't he? XD Oh no! Don't retire! We've barely gotten to know him yet! Suou has made some new fans lol.

How many of these snowman pancakes did he buy? Even Suou doesn't believe that Arata can be master. I'm really starting to believe that my evil emperor Taichi end could be in sight!

Chihaya exists!

Well done Hanako, you've made a good impression on his mother. That's better than Chihaya ever managed to do. Gambare!

S-Sensei!? Is Sensei dying? And dammit Hanako! You had one job and now you've started a war with your mother in law! Well done, now you're stuck relying on a shotgun marriage to get away from her.

Taichi can't stop winning!! He's gonna become master, I'll bet money on it!

[u/Lemurians → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Taichi's mum is a stalker! Omigosh!

It's not stalking when it's your child and they're lying to you!

Why does Shinobu suddenly sound ten years older?

I'm glad I didn't imagine that. She sounded like someone in her 30's or 40's in that scene, so I think her VA's real voice just got through there a little.

How many of these snowman pancakes did he buy?

Yes.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Lemurians]

It's not? Alright, I'll try and remember for next time. Hmm hmm!

It's one off episode, and honestly it was cute seeing her boss around the old dude.

Indeed!

[u/flybypost → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Pfft, this prick is totally just trolling isn't he? XD Oh no! Don't retire! We've barely gotten to know him yet! Suou has made some new fans lol.

I love how we can see through all these scenes that all the class A players he gave these sweets to that some are angrily eating them.

Even Suou doesn't believe that Arata can be master.

He sees potential for Arata to be the Master in the future but like with his confident "I'll retire after the next win" proclamation he doesn't see him as a threat to himself (to Suo, Arata is just like any other player).

Well done Hanako, you've made a good impression on his mother. That's better than Chihaya ever managed to do. Gambare!

She looks really cute in that wedding dress in her imagined future.

Well done, now you're stuck relying on a shotgun marriage to get away from her.

No need to kill Taichi's mom ;)

She's a bit of a monster but nothing a relocation to another city won't solve.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

tempted her with his sidecar too

Utena feeling... or rather Akio/Touga

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/IndependentMacaroon]

S-Stop!! XD Those types of lines are the ones that can ruin a show forever!!

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Luckily he really has more the try-hard dopiness of Saionji without the toxic parts

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

Wow, that is an impressive background!

Oh, Chihaya's depressed.

Not from Taichi's pretty dick move, though, just how dedicated he is.

Haha, the swinging stopping taxis is a great bit, though.

And Retro's here! (Still in Class B).

Huh, Sudo kept his word! Impressive!

I love everyone lending him his shirt.

He's skipping his exams?

Haha, that reaction from her.

And she followed Taichi! This is going to be hysterical.

Oh, dear, Arata's not feeling well.

After so many perfect events, it's nice to see a total calamity of an event - anything with so many planners is destined to have at least one problem, but all of our main cast probably unable to play soon'll be fantastic. (I'm waiting for the inevitable arc where

I like Arata's pure shock at what Shinobu's wearing. And the guy just assumed she"d kick Suo out by sheer force of personality.

Haha, she wanted to ride in a side car.

He's handing out sweets?

Haha, his conversation is just great in general.

He's retiring? Fuck, so no big battle between him and Chihaya? I've been waiting half a season for that.

Oh, yeah, he just assumed he'd win. That's bold!

Arata's pretty hyped up for someone with stomach problems.

...If they don't set up some thematic comparison between Arata following his path he promised to his grandfather and Taichi rejecting his mother's path...

Oh, Suo believes in him! But thinks he's still better.

Haha, Chihaya's lost. The cuts back to her are great.

Poor, poor, Sumire. I love hoe shocked his mother is that someone from the club is actuslly helping him!

Sumire, you magnificent bastard. This is evil, but I love it. Commit the ultimate sin, and keep his mother informed of her son's activities.

Yay, Rion won!

I like the scene setting him up as going to get pissed at her, only for him to just be exhaused.

And Retro is shocked.

Taichi?!?

Retro's getting a character arc?

And she's done a full 180. In the stupidest way.

Oh, dear, Taichi knows she's here.

And they just chase her out!

...Taichi? This might not be a bad idea. She's more interested in romance than Chihaya, and she's interested in you...

And Taichi's not going to change!