Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru is a Japanese manga series created by Yuki Suetsugu, which centers around the competitive card game called Karuta, based on traditional Japanese poetry. The story follows Chihaya Ayase, a high school girl who becomes passionate about the game after being introduced to it by her childhood friend Arata Wataya. The manga explores themes of friendship, ambition, and personal growth as Chihaya and her friends strive to become top-level players in the Karuta world. The series has also been adapted into an anime and live-action films, further popularizing the culture and competitive aspects associated with Karuta. Chihayafuru highlights the beauty of poetry and the strategic depth of the game, reflecting on the characters’ relationships and their pursuits in a competitive environment.