Chihayafuru

[Ryllharu]

Chihaya owns.

I simply love her personality. The complete contrast between the way she acts and the way she looks gives her so much character. I couldn't help laughing when she was stuffing her face with expensive chocolate and then immediately passed out for a ultra quick nap. That and her obstinacy during the match. The two of them passing the chihaya card back and forth was pretty great. I was actually surprised that she went to hug Taichi, and not her opponent for giving her such a great match. What did surprise me is her motivation for joining track. I figured she switched because she didn't have anything better to do (perhaps because her middle school didn't have a karuta club) or was forced into it by classmates. But she chose it of her own free will as a stepping stone to improve her game.

Attempting to hit Taichi with her bag was another great moment, as was her struggle to resist telling someone about Taichi's girlfriend and her nickname for him.

I was not surprised about the development with Arata. I saw that one coming a mile away. It's fairly understandable too. Chihaya apparently didn't bother to call him much this last year or so. Growing up, first real Tokyo friend not calling for some reason, why continue? I imagine he's got a much better reason than that for quitting, but I can't say I'm shocked the way Chihaya obviously was.