Hi guys, I hope you are doing well. Just a few things that you guys may have missed out.
I need your help. Kodansha is currently holding a survey on which digital-first manga series people are interested in print, and Chihayafuru is included. This is our chance to tell them that the fandom really wants it!
On a side note, in case you all didn’t know, BE-LOVE (the magazine Chihayafuru is serialised in) is holding a new character poll for the tenth anniversary of the series, and you can vote for your favourite character once a day. The results will be out 15 June, 2018.
Link: https://eq.kds.jp/belove/11373/
Since the website is in Japanese, I have translated for those who are interested to vote but have trouble navigating.
Hi guys, as you can see I’m not actually dead nor did I abandon this blog. I’ve just been really, really busy with school the past year that I haven’t managed to post my thoughts. I’m so sorry to those who have posed me questions, I’m most probably not going to be able to answer all of them but I will try my best in the near future. For now, I’m still buried under a pile of things I need to do for school that it will most likely take a while. Sorry again! Take care everyone! Hope you guys are still enjoying the series as much as I do.
Since it’s restricted to non-Japanese regions due to licensing for the time being, I have decided to upload it for the international fans. No copyright intended.
In this year’s third issue of BE･LOVE, the Editor-in-Chief of Chihayafuru sat down and interviewed FAIRY TAIL’s mangaka, Hiro Mashima, who mainly discussed about Taichi’s character in the story.
Where does Chihaya’s and Taichi’s relationship stand, as of now?
An anon asked me a similar question very, very long time ago and I have been meaning to answer it. I’m seriously terrible at giving prompt replies, gomen. But there was another reason as to why I didn't reply immediately. At that point of time, the manga was still focused on the team matches and we hadn't seen proper interaction between Chihaya and Taichi after the incident in Chapter 138. I say proper because I do not really count Chapter 164 and 165. Taichi and Chihaya barely exchanged any words and those chapters were more in relation to his disappearance and apologies to his teammates. In that sense, I couldn't really figure out how Chihaya and Taichi would act around each other. However, with the latest chapters, specifically 174 and 175, I have been able to get a better grasp as to how they are now.
I think what is clear to everyone is that they are no longer the same as they were before. In fact, after Taichi's confession, this was one of the first things that I expected. That there was no way they could revert to the way they were before, even if they reconciled and started talking to each other again. Taichi’s confession would be one of the major turning points in the manga. A lot of things decisively changed, ended, began after it, and it is undeniably shown in the narrative. Taichi’s and Chihaya's relationship would be one of it. I believe that this is precisely why Taichi was so afraid to confess to Chihaya in the first place. Because he, too, knew of the consequences if the confession turned on its head. Which it did, of course. So, what exactly is their relationship now? Is there any way to term it? The way their relationship is being depicted now, in my opinion, can mean two things. And that will be analysed in the bulk of this post.
Presently, they are friends but not really because they wish to, but because of their shared long history and mutual associations. This is not to say that they dislike each other and that they are being forced to interact with each other. I hope that's not what is seemingly being explained here. Taichi and Chihaya still care for each other, but if they could, they'd rather not have to communicate at the moment because it is simply uncomfortable and awkward to do so, given the circumstances. But because they are childhood friends, were a huge part of each others’ lives in high school, they find it difficult to turn their backs on all of those cherished days. They hold mutual friendships in Mizusawa and received information about each other. What convinced Taichi to rush to Omi Jinguu in Chapter 163 was not the thought of Chihaya alone, but the thought of seeing Chihaya playing against Arata in a team match. After leaving the club, Taichi says he cannot return because of what he did and felt thoroughly guilty for his actions. The mere memory of his childhood days spent with Chihaya and Arata (shared association) was the one that pushed him to meet her and his teammates. Think of it the opposite way. If in an alternate universe, Taichi and Chihaya only first met in high school and were not in the same clubs, Taichi’s failed confession would probably be the last thing we see of them. Anyway, that would not be what Chihayafuru is, in the first place. So now, it is rather heavily implied that Taichi and Chihaya are trying to salvage what was (shared history) before everything changed. But trying to do something does not always mean the outcome is achieved and we see how it is painstakingly obvious that at times, Chihaya and Taichi are forcing themselves.
When Taichi makes his first appearance in 174, he enters the club room. This is symbolic because it shows again of their shared history with each other and it was the very same place Taichi made his confession. When Chihaya realises it is Taichi, she stutters and finds herself at a loss for words. This simply shows she’s rather taken aback by the situation and is probably caught in an uncomfortable situation. Notice how when Chihaya tells to leave the club matters to her, Taichi says that he, too, has shared a considerable amount of time in the karuta club. This is again significant because it shows that he is in there, more because of the history he has with the club and less because it was specifically Chihaya in the club room. In the succeeding scenes after that, the mood completely shifts and Taichi and Chihaya are seemingly comfortable with each other’s presences. Taichi jokes about Chihaya not focusing on her studies, just like he would have in the past, they both share a funny scene about their mothers and detergent sales. But it's not really funny, it's quite sad actually. The complete shift proves that both of them were trying to make conversation.
This is where I will bring up the illustrations in panels that speak volumes. Even if they take up a small part of a page and have no dialogues, they are there for a reason and Suetsugu wants to tell her readers something. After the conversation about useless detergents, Taichi makes a half-smile and he makes a forlorn gaze at Chihaya before sustaining the conversation. This is an unspoken cue that suggests Taichi himself sees how uneasy the atmosphere has become between the two of them.
Looks familiar? Because it is probably a parallel to this.
I think the similarity between these two scenes is a deliberate attempt by Suetsugu to remind her readers of what previously happened between Taichi and Chihaya. “All kinds of things accumulate.” Experiences and life go on, but memories remain intact. Personally, I believe that experiencing moments by themselves weigh just as much as accumulating memories for later, whether it is for the good or the bad. The confession i.e. what happened last time, is the elephant in the room.
Taichi steals a furtive glance in the silence. It seems that he was about to say something but was interrupted by the girls from the wind instrument club. We see how his fists here are clenched too. Again, it hints that he senses the delicate situation he is in.
Can I just talk about how symbolic these scene is? How their backs are faced each other, even though they are so close to each other. So near, yet so far. God, knows what expression Taichi is making here. That even though they got over the hurdle of talking to each other again, going back to how they were is very difficult or nearly impossible.
This panel pretty much portrays how Chihaya, too, felt rather uncomfortable when she was walking back home with Taichi. She probably fakes a smile here and forces a conversation in the attempt to break the silence. Also, Chihaya’s fists. See how their conversations are never asking or talking about each other but on other people? And when it does reach that point of Chihaya asking about Taichi’s future plans when it comes to karuta, the mood becomes immediately dismal and serious. This is where their relationship is truly at. All things happy are nothing but a facade and pretense. In order for them to even hope for things to go back to how things were, someone needs to address what happened, no matter how difficult or painful. We need to understand that it is not at all easy for either one of them to do so for fear of hurting the other party or not wanting to disturb the ‘lull’ that both Taichi and Chihaya are working so hard to protect. As long as no one takes the first step to speak about the issue, they are probably going to remain this way. In a sense, they’re both trying to run away from the problem even though they know they cannot run away from it forever.
But this can only mean more possibilities for the future. 174 and 175 prove that the way Chihaya sees Taichi is no longer the same. She no longer only sees him as a long-time friend but one who holds feelings for her. She is evidently more self-conscious and able to read the situation better. When Taichi talks about having his own earplugs, she immediately makes the connection with Suo. Of course Chihaya becoming more aware is not isolated to Taichi but to people in general. That is what Taichi’s confession has sparked a realisation in her; she realises that certain things are not always directly said or done and that sometimes, situations need to be read in between the lines. Chihaya rushing to verbally thank Taichi not only once but multiple times at the end of 175 is also proof of how increasingly perceptive she has become. She knows verbal words of gratitude (I say verbal because she’s always been grateful of Taichi but never grabbed the opportunity to do so directly) is long overdue and she wants him to know that she appreciates him.
On the romantic aspect, this ‘awkwardness’ may actually bring more good than bad because it means that the comfort of Taichi and Chihaya being only friends is broken. And sometimes, for things to change and become stronger, certain things things need to be destroyed. From the look Taichi gives Chihaya at the end, I’m pretty sure he still has feelings for her and I’m not least bit surprised because Taichi’s love has been one of the most painfully enduring parts about this story in the non-karuta sphere and I don’t expect it to go away any time soon, no matter how Chihaya feels for him. I would think that he’s become resigned when it comes to love, whilst he’s become more proactive when it comes to karuta but feelings linger all the same. I would like to point out the way Taichi bids farewell to Chihaya in 175 is similar to the way Arata does in 173. Chihaya makes the same face too, as if she’s come to a certain realisation? Whatever it is, romance always takes a backstory in Chihayafuru and I don’t really plan on expanding on this topic until it is at its opportune moment but these are just some of my thoughts.
To me, Chihaya and Taichi are distant than ever before, but it makes sense given the events that happened preceding these two main chapters. Can they ever go back to the way they were? Yes, if a Taichi-Chihaya ending is not in Suetsugu’s field of vision. If she wants an OT3 reunion of some sorts, then this has to happen. That they need to become close friends once more. Alternatively, no, if she plans on an endgame with them. For this to happen, their relationship has to mature and blossom. Or, worst case scenario, Taichi and Chihaya become distant forever. If she wants to hurt the readers which is, let’s be honest, possible too.
It feels like we’re having Suo-Taichi week :D but there’s so much to explore in their interactions, so while we’re at it.. I believe it was Taichi’s influence that pushed Suo to show his respect to Harada-sensei in their fifth match.
Sou sees the old him in Taichi, because there was something he wanted and looking for, so he didn’t appreciate the good treatment that his relatives have shown him, except his aunt and so in the end, he ended up feeling empty. Which is probably why he gave that advice to Taichi “You only look at what you do not have, that’s why you never appreciate what you are blessed with”
Then Sou doesn’t like karuta but because he wanted to fulfill his aunt’s wish to make something for himself, he stayed in karuta especially because it’s the only way he knew where he can make something for himself, even though staying in that world made him feel emptier (all because of his love for his aunt.)
Just like how Taichi stayed in the karuta world and worked hard on it because he love those people so much.
But most people in karuta world don’t see Sou like that, they try so hard to bring him down and wish for him to lose and retire, simply because they didn’t like him. They didn’t realize on how Sou also work hard for it, in order to nurture his talent, he listen to different readers even while eating or doing something. But none of those people in karuta world appreciate that and just think, he don’t deserve that title.
Just like how Taichi felt that his hard work wasn’t appreciated by his mother and by Chihaya. His mother is always ready to scold him anytime if he failed, without ever thinking of how hard he is working hard to stay on top. He worked hard to get stronger in karuta, but all Chihaya could ever think of is to play with Arata again, he’s there working his butt off in order to get stronger but that wasn’t enough, since Chihaya only see Arata and Shinobu (two strongest player for her)
So when Taichi followed Sou, he didn’t follow him to ask for an advice, he just followed him, in hope that maybe Sou will be able to understand him, that’s why he said “I just feel like if I followed him…” and then Sou gave what he wanted, the understanding and the appreciation that Taichi have always wanted, by telling letting him know how he sees Taichi’s “hard work” and by saying “it’s admirable”. He didn’t like how he was pressured to stay on top and still scolded once he fail but he still kept working hard on it for his mother, he didn’t like karuta but he stayed in it even though it’s hard for him, simply because he love them.
So Sou and Taichi are two people who are lost in karuta world, and since they are both in the same boat, they can understand each other and became each other’s ally in that world.
There are things that even a genius can only learn through experience and there are times where advice doesn’t work, because it’s not what you need, but “understanding”.
Sou felt empty but his aunt who is in the same situation as Sou (because she’s the only one with no Children) became Sou’s strength, because there’s someone in the same situation as him, that can relate to him.
In Taichi and Sou’s case, they understand each other’s situation because they can relate to each other, which made them comfortable with each other, knowing they will not be criticize by their flaws and being different.
Hi! I love your post regarding taichi-arata relationship! I wonder what's your view about taichi-suou relationship? Thank you!
Hi, thank you and sorry for the late reply! I just reblogged a few really good discussions centering on this topic. Maybe you can check them out. I may give my own personal input in the future!
Hi! I love your analysis about chihayafuru, thanks! (My favorite character is taichi), but I love everyone there. By the way, what do you think of taichi-suou dynamic from the start, and up until now. Once again, thank you!
((first off, im sorry i took so long to reply to your ask!! thank you so much, im so glad to hear that! (”: i cant help but think a lot on how to phrase things/explain stuff better and time just passes and it ends up slipping my mind when uni comes up ugh im sorry))taichi and suou share a v unique relationship i think; saying that their relationship is purely that of a mentor-student would be quite reductive imho. their first meeting starts off where suou asks taichi, “are you an A class player?” suou seems pretty unimpressed when taichi replies that he’s just there to cheer someone on, and quickly brushes him off.
at that point taichi still isn’t v motivated in karuta; he’s playing it for someone else (ie chihaya, karuta club members, harada-sensei) and doesn’t really truly enjoy it. it’s like he’s playing karuta for the sake of playing it.
then they meet again, and taichi is fueled by his insecurities to ask suou ‘not to make advances” on chihaya, and to get his point across, he lies that he’s chihaya’s boyfriend. now, even if taichi didn’t make a solid impression on suou the first time round, he definitely did this time. suou mentioned that he hates taichi because of that.
((more under the cut because i really talk too much im sorry. as usual, spoilers ahead!))
I think in a way Suo takes care of Taichi the same way his aunt had been taking care of him, that includes protecting the ears as well. His aunt also has an indirect presence in some of their conversations which only strengthens that impression ^^ and the ruffling Taichi’s hair episode shows that their relationship is actually very intimate, because as far as I know, Japanese people are not so touchy even with acquaintacies. It’s not only the words Suo uses, but his touch also gravitates Taichi.
I think that Sou sees Taichi in him, being different but trying to fit in out of love. Because Sou’s back story, he was take in a big family and they are all cheerful, kind to him and took care of him, but even so he’s not happy. So I guess, Sou sees Taichi in him, with Taichi trying to fit in with those people from karuta world and he do not want Taichi to end up being a void hallow like him for being unable to appreciate the good things that he have…which made him feel empty inside.
So in a way…Sou became Taichi’s second mentor. Since Sou have a way to make Taichi understand what Harada have been trying to tell him and for Taichi who have insecurities with talent, the Meijin’s advice is very helpful not only in his karuta but also in his confidence.
Since he believe he cannot beat Arata and he think of Sou as someone invincible, but Sou himself said it’s possible to beat them.
So, I’ve never come across analysis of this episode except for the most of the readers being dissapointed and surprised at Taichi’s actions and words. Which is no wonder, because the guy has been developing in the opposite direction and at the first glance it seems like he is making a step back here. Which I completely don’t agree with and I think that majority of us only see the tip of an iceberg here, while the juicy part is not so evident. What I mean is, that this episode is not about Chihaya at all. It is not about Taichi’s insecurities either and not about romance in the least, but instead it is about Taichi’s bright mind and the start of bonding between him and Suo. The post will be long.
Finally i found someone who shares somewhat similar impressions as me while reading those chapters. I just didn’t know how to put them into words so thank you for writing this awesome analysis! :D
I also noticed that Taichi was becoming more obsessed with karuta ever since the Fujosaki training camp, and was obviously cooking something up with Suou, which was not related to Chihaya at all like everyone in the fandom thought or accused him off. I read others views of ch119-122 at MF, unfortunately they were only looking at the surface. I guess people relate everything little he does to Chihaya or romance so they failed to see through his actions here. I mean he even left Chihaya at the station to pursue Suou. If he was so “obsessed” with her, he would have taken this opportunity to comfort her and get closer to her, no? It was clear his mind was full of karuta at that moment.
Haha, that left me frustrated a bit too. While everyone was busy with watching Chihaya’s reaction to Arata’s confession, Taichi turned out to be the master mind that fooled the Meijin :D I wish his clever plan was appreciated a bit more :) And I can’t wait to see when he will use his bluffing side in karuta at last =/
Very nice Amina. I also think that it’s because Taichi back then was in a “hurry” to become the strongest, since he knew that it will be hard for them to try again next year once they will become 3rd years, so it will not be easy for him, that’s why he worked even harder when he was in 2nd year, because that time is the best time for him, it’s the only good time he have in order to achieve his karuta goal.
He wanted to make Chihaya fall for him and beat Arata. He said “I wanted to get stronger than anyone else and be with Chihaya just the two of us”
Then he wanted to beat Arata not because of Chihaya but for himself.
He wanted to achieve that two goals in the little time he have, so he worked really hard that year.
I think that, there’s part of Taichi who acted like Komano before, like that ‘if he beat Arata or become the Meijin then he will confess to Chihaya’. But he failed to become the representative, so after seeing Harada won, he gained his confidence to fight Arata again. But all of that was ruined after Arata confessed to Chihaya even tho he lost to Harada. He became even more eager to win, he do not have much time left to focus on karuta and Arata beat him into confessing to Chihaya first. But he’s still confident because of Harada’s victory, so when Sou called Chihaya for a match, the plan is still on, so he took that chance to get or learn everything that he could learn in able to beat Arata and the best person to get those techniques is the strongest player.
When he found out that Arata confessed to Chihaya and Harada lost to Sou and Arata asked Sou not to retire, Taichi’s confidence was shaken. That’s why, he was okay before his match with Arata, until he confirmed that Arata confessed. He lost his cool and his plan to make Arata lose his cool ( even though it was working at first) so yeah, Taichi is a bit clever in that like what Amina said.
So it’s like this:
Beating Arata for himself. Then confess to Chihaya since he have something to be proud of, beating Arata means he’s stronger. He can proved Arata now that he’s strong enough even if be don’t cheat and since Chihaya only look at strong people like Shinobu and Arata, then she will also look at him like that once he beat Arata -not underestimate him anymore. So it’s like killing two birds with one stone. Lol
Hey guys, just wanted to let you all know that I would love to reblog any after-thoughts or further discussions from my posts or other posts for that matter (as long as they are free of hate), even if I may not quite agree with certain things, because I love the concept of having actual discourse about the chapters! I might not do so immediately since I’m pretty bogged down with school stuff at the current moment but I’ll do so eventually. Keep them coming!
Question: What is the relationship between Arata and Taichi, exactly?
Received a question a few weeks back that I would love to touch on.
To whoever the anon, thank you for your question! To be honest, it took me so long to reply to you because I was taken quite aback by your question. Not because it surprised me but because it’s a question with a non-straightforward answer. In fact, it’s still a question I ask myself at times here and then. Arata’s and Taichi’s relationship with each other is one of the most complex elements in this manga. But I’ll try my best to answer your question!
Before I analyse their relationship as a whole, I will analyse how they view each other. I think that’s an important aspect to consider. For that, I will extract one of the most defining moments in the manga/anime (in my opinion). I feel that this particular scene encapsulates their feelings of each other. This is from Chapter 84 (or Season 2, Episode 20).
I love this post so much, the analysis of friendship-rivalry, and I thought maybe it would be interesting to elaborate on Chihaya-Arata rivalry as well? It is hard to summarize all the thoughts in the same way, but after the latest chapters, I think Arata and Chihaya dynamics changed pretty much with Arata acknowledging Chihaya as one of his rivals.
I think that’s where Arata’s confidence shows? He was confident that he may become the Meijin and that Chihaya will fall for him even without him having to work for it, that’s why he said to Chihaya “I also want to win against you” then talked about the Meijin and Queen tournament and their path and said "Someday tell me about how you feel, because I’m coming to be near you” which is a bit connected or similar to his proposal to Chihaya “I will be coming back to Tokyo, if you want, let’s play karuta together” so if Chihaya will accept him, he can win against her, since they can play karuta for the rest of their lives. lol
OMG I ESPECIALLY LOVE THE DYNAMICS BETWEEN ARATA-TAICHI-CHIHAYA! I think it is one of the best friendship I've ever seen in manga. Friendship which involves love triangle relationship that is. Taichi respects arata so much, in reply arata also respects taichi, they both love chihaya and chihaya loves them both. I think it's amazing how arata and taichi doesn't go hostile towards each other, unlike every-romance-manga-which-involves-love-triangle ever.
Yes, me too most definitely! Love the three! (°◡°♡).:｡
I think it’s clear that both Taichi and Arata care for each other. That said, “respect” is a rather loaded term to speak of the two, in which I see their relationship having not reach that stage quite yet. Even so, at the present moment, it comes more from Taichi’s part. I mentioned in my Arata-Taichi post that Taichi most probably admires Arata’s talents which is why he sees him more of a threat and a rival in terms of karuta. Arata has definitely acknowledged Taichi’s strengths but I’m not too sure whether he has started to “respect” Taichi as a formidable, worthy opponent. Recent chapters might prove so but I think we need more concrete evidence. So I do hope we get Arata-Taichi interaction soon! Maybe in one of the tournaments…
Hi! First of all thank goodness for this blog. I ansolutely love Chihayafuru (despite only knowing the anime and movies, gotta continue the manga ASAP), so this is heaven. I wanted to ask about the tourism spots like Omi Jingu, Awara, etc which is part of the promotional project. Where can I get more info about this in English? I'm planning to visit Japan next year, so I'm getting the itinerary ready. Would be great to visit some Chihayafuru spots while I'm there. Thanks in advance!!
Hi! Aw, thanks a lot. I tend to only occasionally post but I’m really glad you like my blog. (*^▽^*)
Hmm, as far as I know it’s rather hard to source official translated information about this but I do know there are some fans who have kindly documented their own personal mini Chihayafuru tour on their own blogs. Here are a few that I’ve read and found rather useful:
There are probably more floating around the internet.
Also, recently, because of the project, they held an exhibition in Japan and they apparently gave out handouts (in multiple languages) to interested fans who would like to embark on their own personal Chihayafuru-filled journey like you. The languages, besides Japanese, include English, Chinese, French, Thai and Korean.
Pictures are not mine. Sourced from @head_s and @fy4535342 on Twitter respectively.
Thought this was actually cool! Maybe it somewhat suggests the demographics of non-Japanese fans? I’m not too sure if they are still available but apparently you can get one of these at the tourist information office although I’m not exactly where that is, unfortunately.
I’ll get back to you if I do get more information! (#^^#)ゞ
Question: What is the relationship between Arata and Taichi, exactly?
Received a question a few weeks back that I would love to touch on.
To whoever the anon, thank you for your question! To be honest, it took me so long to reply to you because I was taken quite aback by your question. Not because it surprised me but because it’s a question with a non-straightforward answer. In fact, it’s still a question I ask myself at times here and then. Arata’s and Taichi’s relationship with each other is one of the most complex elements in this manga. But I’ll try my best to answer your question!
Before I analyse their relationship as a whole, I will analyse how they view each other. I think that’s an important aspect to consider. For that, I will extract one of the most defining moments in the manga/anime (in my opinion). I feel that this particular scene encapsulates their feelings of each other. This is from Chapter 84 (or Season 2, Episode 20).
I love this post so much, the analysis of friendship-rivalry, and I thought maybe it would be interesting to elaborate on Chihaya-Arata rivalry as well? It is hard to summarize all the thoughts in the same way, but after the latest chapters, I think Arata and Chihaya dynamics changed pretty much with Arata acknowledging Chihaya as one of his rivals.
Just, some thoughts regarding the latest translated chapter.
This chapter spends a great deal depicting the importance of having teammates right from the get-go.
Sometimes, Suetsugu-sensei writes certain things and something clicks in me and I’m like oh, why didn’t I fully understand this initially? And it is in “I only have enemies” this time around. Yeah, it makes sense why having teammates can help you. That’s simple to get. They support you, they encourage you. But if you think of it in another way, no one else will support you except your teammates/society members.
(I love meta discussions so I’m adding in this comment by @unabashedgiverface here!)
I find Sumire's battle in those recent chapters very symbolic. She used to say that the only thing she wants from karuta is to get lovey dovey with the boy she likes. But now she changed, and being matched up with the girl of exactly the type she previously was - the one who didn't care much about winning, but was just lovey dovey with her bf. Sumire literally defeated her old self here :)
Just, some thoughts regarding the latest translated chapter.
This chapter spends a great deal depicting the importance of having teammates right from the get-go.
Sometimes, Suetsugu-sensei writes certain things and something clicks in me and I’m like oh, why didn’t I fully understand this initially? And it is in “I only have enemies” this time around. Yeah, it makes sense why having teammates can help you. That’s simple to get. They support you, they encourage you. But if you think of it in another way, no one else will support you except your teammates/society members.
What I notice that in the karuta world in Chihayafuru, the ‘neutral’ audience may have bet on certain favourites but they’re never so adamant in supporting a player. They change their judgments pretty quickly even when it may not necessarily be true. And even if there are audience members out there who avidly support a player, they have no means to outwardly express it. Karuta is a silent game and cheering is strictly prohibited obviously. In 171, Chihaya actually addresses this:
So for the players on the tatami mat, there is no way in knowing if someone is supporting you. Unless you have teammates. Since they are your teammates, you know they will have your back without them having them to outwardly cheer for you. And it is this belief that turns as a source of strength for team players. So for Shinobu, someone with no karuta affiliations, she doesn’t have any support. She has no allies at all, only enemies. This also parallels to the reason Arata decided to make a team.
Arata knows that the only way he has a chance in beating Suo is to clinch an advantage that the Meijin doesn’t possess: teammates and people to support you. It is a form of external strength that no individual, no matter how strong or hard he or she tries, can gain on his own.
Shinobu, who believed that the karuta cards will always be with her is forced to swallow in the reality of the situation.
Shinobu feels betrayed but (we find out later) comprehends that the karuta cards can and will not always be with her. By over-relying on her attachments to the cards she is actually walking on thin ice. The karuta cards go with the ‘tide’ of the game. Again, I refer to 172.
I’ve never been able to really comprehend what the tide of the game stands for. It is a pretty abstract term to be honest but essentially, it is the powerful currents and direction that the game takes. Players usually try to turn the tide of the game to their favour, and when they’ve managed to they usually use it to their advantage. It is a pretty common phenomenon in sports generally. For someone like Shinobu who practises alone, she is not as acquainted to this as she should. Since she’s always overwhelmingly stronger than most players, turning the tide is never brought to the question. It is only with really strong players like Arata (and soon enough Chihaya) that the tide matters.
In some sense I think Shinobu loves karuta for what it is but not karuta as a sport. A sport entails teams, rivalries, members who practise and train together, mentors and mentees, you know the drill. I allude to what Arata thinks in S2, E18: “Shinobu, we don’t belong to teams, so we can only focus on making ourselves stronger. Our love for karuta is real, but think about it, our beloved karuta can only grow through the recruiting, teaching, and encouraging of new players. It’s team players who keep this game alive.”
Shinobu seems to get this at the end of the chapter although I feel there’s so much more she will learn from this new experience that she will undertake in the future. Keeping my eyes peeled.
But at the same time, I can’t help that some of the people gave Arata too much credit for his win. I mean, in the end, the game led to a luck of the draw and Arata only won by one. Only Murao seemed to be the skeptic of the outcome.
My initial reaction when I read “unsteady” was araburu. Especially since it’s a contrast to “his true ability” when he can calmly take cards from his opponents in which he has been likened by Chihaya to the chihayaburu state. So is it araburu? I’m not sure yet, looks like we’ll have to wait for future chapters for answers. I don’t think Arata’s development is quite done yet. Sensei might want us to think it is so, especially with his win but I’m seriously doubting that. Might be mistaken though.
And look at that, development for Sumire. Damn, I’m getting all teary-eyed.
Rion as well. Argh I love this manga.
Beautiful words. The leitmotif to never stop playing makes an appearance again.
And let’s proceed with the romance of this chapter, or the lack of it.
Well, Kana-chan and Komano are finally canon! What’s their ship name? I’m thinking of going with Kanano right now. Also, shout-out to Nishida for taking one for the team (no not funny, sorry). What an amazing bro.
It seemed that Kana-chan’s talk about seaweed salt triggered Chihaya about Arata’s confession approximately 50 something chapters ago as she realises she should reply to him. Or so.
I swear, I didn’t see this coming at all. Chihaya prioritizing karuta over love? No way, you’ve got to be kidding me. It is what it is, folks. There are no underlying suggestive meanings whatsoever. This has always been Chihaya. Karuta and her dreams will always take precedence and I absolutely love her for that.
Smooth, Arata. He mentioned the qualifiers so what about Yoshino? Or am I missing something out here? Nonetheless, Arata is confident that he’ll make it to the qualifiers; an indication that he too, wishes to have become stronger when they meet again.
And of course, the most tear-inducing page of this chapter happens to be the last page.
It is the end of an era, truly (Poem 100). What an emotional roller-coaster. To think that my children have grown up in the three years and they’re entering a new stage in their lives soon. TDX also mentioned in the forums how it is also symbolic that Chihaya bows to Omi Jinguu alone this time, in comparison to her previous two years. The high school tournament is over. The third years will soon have to focus on their entrance examinations, graduate, and then teammates will separate and paths will diverge. As for Chihaya and karuta, we shall see.
Some poems about the moon which were mentioned in the same chapters as the manga extracts I used (except for #81, it was mentioned in the following chapter).
