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Description
From Kodansha:
Chihaya is a girl in the sixth grade, still not old enough to even know the meaning of the word zeal. But one day, she meets Arata, a transfer student from rural Fukui prefecture. Though docile and quiet, he has an unexpected skill: his ability to play competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya is struck by his obsession with the game, along with his ability to pick out the right card and swipe it away before any of his opponents. However, Arata is transfixed by her as well, all because of her unbelievable natural talent for the game. Don't miss the first vo... More...
Chihaya is a girl in the sixth grade, still not old enough to even know the meaning of the word zeal. But one day, she meets Arata, a transfer student from rural Fukui prefecture. Though docile and quiet, he has an unexpected skill: his ability to play competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya is struck by his obsession with the game, along with his ability to pick out the right card and swipe it away before any of his opponents. However, Arata is transfixed by her as well, all because of her unbelievable natural talent for the game. Don't miss the first vo... More...
From Kodansha:
Chihaya is a girl in the sixth grade, still not old enough to even know the meaning of the word zeal. But one day, she meets Arata, a transfer student from rural Fukui prefecture. Though docile and quiet, he has an unexpected skill: his ability to play competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya is struck by his obsession with the game, along with his ability to pick out the right card and swipe it away before any of his opponents. However, Arata is transfixed by her as well, all because of her unbelievable natural talent for the game. Don't miss the first volume in this story of adolescent lives and emotions playing out in the most dramatic of ways.
Comic Days releases
Official English: INKR
Note: Won the 2nd Manga Taisho Award and the 35th annual Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shoujo. Was nominated for the 20th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2016. Less...
Chihaya is a girl in the sixth grade, still not old enough to even know the meaning of the word zeal. But one day, she meets Arata, a transfer student from rural Fukui prefecture. Though docile and quiet, he has an unexpected skill: his ability to play competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya is struck by his obsession with the game, along with his ability to pick out the right card and swipe it away before any of his opponents. However, Arata is transfixed by her as well, all because of her unbelievable natural talent for the game. Don't miss the first volume in this story of adolescent lives and emotions playing out in the most dramatic of ways.
Comic Days releases
Official English: INKR
Note: Won the 2nd Manga Taisho Award and the 35th annual Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shoujo. Was nominated for the 20th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2016. Less...
Type
Manga
Related Series
Shousetsu Chihayafuru: Chuugakusei-hen (Novel) (Side Story)
Chihayafuru: Chuugakusei-hen (Prequel)
Chihayafuru plus: Kimi ga Tame (Sequel)
Chihayafuru: Chuugakusei-hen (Prequel)
Chihayafuru plus: Kimi ga Tame (Sequel)
Associated Names
Chihaya Full
Chihaya Furu
Csihajafuru
Tutkulu
Яркая Тихая
Яркая Чихая
تشيهايافورو
จิฮายะ
จิฮายะ กลอนรักพิชิตใจเธอ
จิฮายะฟุรุ
ちはやふる
花牌情緣
치하야후루
Chihaya Furu
Csihajafuru
Tutkulu
Яркая Тихая
Яркая Чихая
تشيهايافورو
จิฮายะ
จิฮายะ กลอนรักพิชิตใจเธอ
จิฮายะฟุรุ
ちはやふる
花牌情緣
치하야후루
Groups Scanlating
Latest Release(s)
c.Hana no iro wa - Chihayafuru extra by Team Iroha about 1 year ago
c.247 by Team Iroha about 1 year ago
c.246 by Team Iroha about 1 year ago
Search for all releases of this series
c.247 by Team Iroha about 1 year ago
c.246 by Team Iroha about 1 year ago
Search for all releases of this series
Status
in Country of Origin
50 Volumes (Complete)
Completely Scanlated?
Yes
Anime Start/End Chapter
Starts at Vol 1, Chap 1 (S1) / Vol 9, Chap 50 (S2) / Vol 17, Chap 94 (S3)
Ends at Vol 9, Chap 49 (S1) / Vol 17, Chap 93 (S2) / Vol 27, Chap 143 (S3)
Ends at Vol 9, Chap 49 (S1) / Vol 17, Chap 93 (S2) / Vol 27, Chap 143 (S3)
User Reviews
N/A
Forum
10 topics, 53 posts
Click here to view the forum
Click here to view the forum
User Rating
Average: 8.7 / 10.0 (618 votes)
Bayesian Average: 8.59 / 10.0
Bayesian Average: 8.59 / 10.0
10
38%
9+
25%
8+
21%
7+
9%
6+
2%
5+
2%
4+
1%
3+
1%
2+
0%
1+
2%
Last Updated
April 3rd 2024, 10:15pm
Image [Report Inappropriate Content]
Genre
Categories
Category Recommendations
Usagi Yojimbo
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
Last Game
Akatsuki no Yona
Sakamichi no Apollon
Liu Yao: The Revitalization of Fuyao Sect (Novel)
Last Game
Akatsuki no Yona
Sakamichi no Apollon
Recommendations
Author(s)
Artist(s)
Year
2007
Original Publisher
Serialized In (magazine)
Be Love (Kodansha)
Licensed (in English)
Yes
English Publisher
Activity Stats (vs. other series)
Weekly Pos #603 (+37)
Monthly Pos #969 (+277)
3 Month Pos #1602 (+112)
6 Month Pos #1802 (-76)
Year Pos #1757 (-398)
Monthly Pos #969 (+277)
3 Month Pos #1602 (+112)
6 Month Pos #1802 (-76)
Year Pos #1757 (-398)
List Stats
On 2805 reading lists
On 1656 wish lists
On 254 completed lists
On 153 unfinished lists
On 674 custom lists
On 1656 wish lists
On 254 completed lists
On 153 unfinished lists
On 674 custom lists
Forum Posts Click to view the forum
over 2 years ago
over 5 years ago
over 7 years ago
over 9 years ago
over 10 years ago
User Comments
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What is Chihayafuru?
by kekkaishistar
April 5th, 2013, 10:55pm
April 5th, 2013, 10:55pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
Chihayafuru is a word that means balanced and strong, like a top spinning continuously while maintaining perfect balance without ever shaking. Like the meaning behind its title, the story is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that is genuinely rare to see in manga. Sometimes stories tend to loose their pace in either the plot line or in a poorly developed character, but Chihayafuru maintains both and never looses its pace or forgets where it is heading to. It contains a vast array of characters and develops them thoroughly to the frightening point that they don't appear to be on a paper or the screen. The story starts of in an engaging manner - a brief flashback to the time when the characters, as children, first meet and proceeds on to introduce their weaknesses and their strengths. From there on the reader simply gets pulled into the story. When it seems like things are calming down, the plot line twists and turns and binds its cast into the 100 Ogura poems of Karuta.
In general Chihayafuru is an amazing story. The sport, karuta, which makes up the skeletal structure of the story, is simple, but the story writing, character interaction and the way the author ties the poems in with its cast, make it a sport thats far from just memorization and reflexes. It becomes the reason to gain friendship, achieve dreams, discover passion, find faults, improve and step forward.
Rating:
Story:
10/10
Characters:
10
Art:
9.5
Composition (flow of story):
10
Overall:
10
The reason why I love Chihayafuru is because of its slow romance. For once we see a love that is actually realistic. For once we see a story where the only point of the story isn't to get the main characters to fall in love. This is why I love chihayafuru.
... Last updated on September 27th, 2013, 10:36pm
In general Chihayafuru is an amazing story. The sport, karuta, which makes up the skeletal structure of the story, is simple, but the story writing, character interaction and the way the author ties the poems in with its cast, make it a sport thats far from just memorization and reflexes. It becomes the reason to gain friendship, achieve dreams, discover passion, find faults, improve and step forward.
Rating:
Story:
10/10
Characters:
10
Art:
9.5
Composition (flow of story):
10
Overall:
10
The reason why I love Chihayafuru is because of its slow romance. For once we see a love that is actually realistic. For once we see a story where the only point of the story isn't to get the main characters to fall in love. This is why I love chihayafuru.
... Last updated on September 27th, 2013, 10:36pm
A promising manga...
by awavingflag
June 22nd, 2012, 5:46pm
June 22nd, 2012, 5:46pm
Rating: 8.5 / 10.0
...with likable and flawed characters and an interesting premise. I see that some people point out that since readers may not be familiar with the kurata game, they will miss the nuances that someone who IS familiar with it will catch. I personally haven't found this to affect my appreciation of the manga in the least; I still feel emotionally-invested in the characters' defeats and victories.
Speaking on that, what I like most about Chihayafuru is that there ARE a lot of defeats. I like that it dwells on the struggles the characters face and shows them as opportunities for growth. It makes for an interesting, riveting and realistic read. I wouldn't say that there's very little going on in the plot department, though maybe it may seem that way to some readers who either don't find kurata a terribly exciting subject to begin with, or who are more used to flashier(?) mangas.
Below is mainly in response to blackmokona's review, which I found to be off the mark in its condemnation of a pretty good series.
The manga doesn't "dote" on the "flat genius romantic interest" because Arata only briefly shows up after the chapters in which Chihaya and Taichi go to Fukui. Arata is not a flat character. We see a clear change in him after
If you think that that is a "completely facile approach" to grief and growth, then okay, we all have our opinions.
... Last updated on June 22nd, 2012, 5:51pm
Speaking on that, what I like most about Chihayafuru is that there ARE a lot of defeats. I like that it dwells on the struggles the characters face and shows them as opportunities for growth. It makes for an interesting, riveting and realistic read. I wouldn't say that there's very little going on in the plot department, though maybe it may seem that way to some readers who either don't find kurata a terribly exciting subject to begin with, or who are more used to flashier(?) mangas.
Below is mainly in response to blackmokona's review, which I found to be off the mark in its condemnation of a pretty good series.
The manga doesn't "dote" on the "flat genius romantic interest" because Arata only briefly shows up after the chapters in which Chihaya and Taichi go to Fukui. Arata is not a flat character. We see a clear change in him after
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
his grandfather's death through his rejection of what was/is his favorite game. It's not guilt, it's not "wallowing in [his own] melodrama." Is it that difficult to believe that Arata's mourning for his grandfather manifests itself in this manner? It's a very human response, people deal with grief in different ways, this isn't a huge suspension of disbelief.
I would argue that when the flashback ends you feel that the "emotional upheaval" of the flashback chapter feels "cheated" because you have extremely high expectations for ten-year-olds. The flashback's function is to show the contrast of Arata past and present, as well as to show the initial meeting of the three characters, to lay out the foundations of their motivations. The present is where the emotional growth will really begin as they struggle to the top. Frankly, it's refreshing to see that the characters' actions and reactions are realistic. My issues with Chihaya as the heroine aside, I do think you're a little too personally hung up on her outer 'beautification'..
I do agree that there are a lot of panels in which Taichi is gazing at Chihaya - but not always in the 'I like you' way, sometimes in admiration, sometimes in encouragement. What I like about Taichi and Chihaya is that they DO have a relationship beyond the 'potential romantic couple' angle - they're friends who support each other and each other's passion for the game, so it isn't as annoying and infantile as you're making it out to be. (Case in point: look at most other shoujo mangas and compare with this one.)
Yes, maybe the whole deal behind Arata purging kurata from his life is an overdone plot device; but 'painful', no. It WOULD be painful if it was dragged on and on and on... but it's resolved when Chihaya and Taichi visit him. This calls back to the bond forged between them in the earlier chapters, and it also points out that Arata obviously loves kurata. He didn't reject kurata because he blamed the game for making him miss his grandfather's death, but because it served as a reminder of the grandfather who is no longer there, who was a powerful influence on him for liking the game in the first place. Kurata became a painful association and distancing himself from that association is a realistic response, I think. An emotional response, too, which are sometimes both logical and illogical (as in logical to that person, but appears illogical to others). Arata being able to enjoy the game again is symbolic of him moving on.
I would argue that when the flashback ends you feel that the "emotional upheaval" of the flashback chapter feels "cheated" because you have extremely high expectations for ten-year-olds. The flashback's function is to show the contrast of Arata past and present, as well as to show the initial meeting of the three characters, to lay out the foundations of their motivations. The present is where the emotional growth will really begin as they struggle to the top. Frankly, it's refreshing to see that the characters' actions and reactions are realistic. My issues with Chihaya as the heroine aside, I do think you're a little too personally hung up on her outer 'beautification'..
I do agree that there are a lot of panels in which Taichi is gazing at Chihaya - but not always in the 'I like you' way, sometimes in admiration, sometimes in encouragement. What I like about Taichi and Chihaya is that they DO have a relationship beyond the 'potential romantic couple' angle - they're friends who support each other and each other's passion for the game, so it isn't as annoying and infantile as you're making it out to be. (Case in point: look at most other shoujo mangas and compare with this one.)
Yes, maybe the whole deal behind Arata purging kurata from his life is an overdone plot device; but 'painful', no. It WOULD be painful if it was dragged on and on and on... but it's resolved when Chihaya and Taichi visit him. This calls back to the bond forged between them in the earlier chapters, and it also points out that Arata obviously loves kurata. He didn't reject kurata because he blamed the game for making him miss his grandfather's death, but because it served as a reminder of the grandfather who is no longer there, who was a powerful influence on him for liking the game in the first place. Kurata became a painful association and distancing himself from that association is a realistic response, I think. An emotional response, too, which are sometimes both logical and illogical (as in logical to that person, but appears illogical to others). Arata being able to enjoy the game again is symbolic of him moving on.
If you think that that is a "completely facile approach" to grief and growth, then okay, we all have our opinions.
... Last updated on June 22nd, 2012, 5:51pm
mY THOUGHTS about Chihayafuru...=D
by sharelvandor
May 30th, 2015, 12:44am
May 30th, 2015, 12:44am
Rating: N/A
Chihayafuru is really an awesome read but I like the anime most. At first, I was also hesitant to read it because of the plot. I mean I really don't have any idea on what a karuta game looks like since I'm not Japanese--but then I remembered that I actually got hooked with Hikaru no Go before...it's a manga that depicts a Japanese board game and because I got hooked with it I actually started learning how to play Go and then I thought why not give Chihayafuru a try. It might be actually interesting too and then when I started reading it--just WOW! I got hooked with Chihayafuru a lot more than Hikaru no Go. And I still don't get the whole process of the game--but it's actually very interesting especially the poems written in the cards. I really love the poems especially when Kana-chan started giving a background history about it and the deep meaning behind each and every poem and how she connects it with every character or the circumstances in the story. I just love it! Chihayafuru is really informative. It also gives you a chance to discover more of Japanese culture. It's a culture wise manga and it's really a great find.
Another aspect that I like about Chihayafuru is because it's not the typical sappy romance manga that I usually read. Actually when I think about it there's actually not much of a romance thing going on, if I'm going to compare it in the simplistic way of defining what romance is. The romance here is just light--too light actually but at the same time I can't help but feels there's an undeniable deep bond and love between the characters that simply defies the typical meaning of what really love is and maybe that's what makes it really special for me.
It's also not only centered about romance since typically stories about highschoolers are all about romance but it's also about building relationships--it's all about friendships, making great memories together as well as discovering themselves in the process. The character development is just so great. Each character even the supporting role is highlighted with deep care. They all have their own issues in life, they all struggled with it, they all tried to face it with resolve in their own (weird) ways and whether they failed or succeeded they still to continue to grow and I just can't help but think that i want to see more of their growth. And I think that the Karuta with an added bonus of friends are the driving force behind their AWESOME growth.
And that's why I'm really head over heels with Chihayafuru. I can't get enough of it. SUGOI!....=D
Another aspect that I like about Chihayafuru is because it's not the typical sappy romance manga that I usually read. Actually when I think about it there's actually not much of a romance thing going on, if I'm going to compare it in the simplistic way of defining what romance is. The romance here is just light--too light actually but at the same time I can't help but feels there's an undeniable deep bond and love between the characters that simply defies the typical meaning of what really love is and maybe that's what makes it really special for me.
It's also not only centered about romance since typically stories about highschoolers are all about romance but it's also about building relationships--it's all about friendships, making great memories together as well as discovering themselves in the process. The character development is just so great. Each character even the supporting role is highlighted with deep care. They all have their own issues in life, they all struggled with it, they all tried to face it with resolve in their own (weird) ways and whether they failed or succeeded they still to continue to grow and I just can't help but think that i want to see more of their growth. And I think that the Karuta with an added bonus of friends are the driving force behind their AWESOME growth.
And that's why I'm really head over heels with Chihayafuru. I can't get enough of it. SUGOI!....=D
Unexpectedly good
by ache
October 23rd, 2012, 10:36am
October 23rd, 2012, 10:36am
Rating: N/A
I'd given this manga a wide berth simply because, honestly, a manga about flicking cards?
But man, is it GOOD. Even if you're not Japanese and this game is completely alien to you, this manga forces you to care. It's pretty typical, I suppose, of those shonen-type zero-to-hero bildungsromans, except with beautiful art and a much more josei slant and - I'm being honest here - really hawt boys.
At least Chihaya lacks the immaturity and wishiwashiness of shojo heroines, which I ADORE, mostly because her word revolves around karuta (rather than experiencing the *~spring of youth~* or the perfect high school romance!!!1one). Maybe making her beautiful was a little overkill, but meh, who can blame an author for wanting an attractive lead? Makes for pretty for us, too!
I love too that there ARE defeats, and they are many, and they are painful. Chihaya, though not immature in the typical way, IS child-like, and she must grow. And the growth is organic precisely because of the many pitfalls she experiences along the way, where each defeat becomes a moment of revelation and refinement for Chihaya, both as a character and a karuta player. Which is AWESOME. Because you're really there with her, every step of the way.
I actually prefer the anime to the manga art-wise - some deformities here and there, but meh, the PRETTY - but in terms of storytelling, manga can't be beat! ...Until season 2 of the anime comes out, of course. Hee!
But man, is it GOOD. Even if you're not Japanese and this game is completely alien to you, this manga forces you to care. It's pretty typical, I suppose, of those shonen-type zero-to-hero bildungsromans, except with beautiful art and a much more josei slant and - I'm being honest here - really hawt boys.
At least Chihaya lacks the immaturity and wishiwashiness of shojo heroines, which I ADORE, mostly because her word revolves around karuta (rather than experiencing the *~spring of youth~* or the perfect high school romance!!!1one). Maybe making her beautiful was a little overkill, but meh, who can blame an author for wanting an attractive lead? Makes for pretty for us, too!
I love too that there ARE defeats, and they are many, and they are painful. Chihaya, though not immature in the typical way, IS child-like, and she must grow. And the growth is organic precisely because of the many pitfalls she experiences along the way, where each defeat becomes a moment of revelation and refinement for Chihaya, both as a character and a karuta player. Which is AWESOME. Because you're really there with her, every step of the way.
I actually prefer the anime to the manga art-wise - some deformities here and there, but meh, the PRETTY - but in terms of storytelling, manga can't be beat! ...Until season 2 of the anime comes out, of course. Hee!
Art and story both going downhill
by dystq
May 21st, 2018, 12:52am
May 21st, 2018, 12:52am
Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
I'm trying very hard to suspend judgment until the the series is complete, but this manga is becoming a real chore to read. At first, I loved everything about this series (and its anime adaptation): the art, the poetry, the karuta, the dynamics between the characters, the panelling. But for the last 50 or so chapters, it feels like the quality of the story and the artwork has been declining, with the same tired stuff being dragged out over and over, with little development in plot or characters.
I really like it but...
by geniLove
June 30th, 2014, 9:28am
June 30th, 2014, 9:28am
Rating: N/A
I stopped reading because I am waiting for some of the middle chapters to be scanned, translated and such. I'm holding out hope and I don't want to spoil the story for myself. Please, someone, post from chapter 49!
Scanlation teams, FIGHTING!
Scanlation teams, FIGHTING!
It's over and it was fantastic!
by HikaruYami
August 15th, 2022, 10:24am
August 15th, 2022, 10:24am
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
Chihayafuru is the only "shoujo/josei sports manga" I've ever read and I loved every chapter.
I didn't ever care about the romance angle. No spoilers, but some people will be unhappy with the resolution of that subplot (but at least there is a resolution). I feel like the rest of the resolution of the series was very satisfying to almost all serious fans.
I didn't ever care about the romance angle. No spoilers, but some people will be unhappy with the resolution of that subplot (but at least there is a resolution). I feel like the rest of the resolution of the series was very satisfying to almost all serious fans.
Good but Frustrating
by YuriNyanChan
June 7th, 2020, 6:52am
June 7th, 2020, 6:52am
Rating: N/A
Tbh, I was going to wait until it's completed but I began reading them two days ago thanks to boring quarantine. I knew this type of manga is best when you read them in one go.
Now that I've read them, I wish to share a few things:
1. The theme is great. I love topics like tradition, sport and art. This manga combined all of those.
2. The characters personalities are fine. They're definitely what you call a true sportman.
3. The flow of the story is okay but for some reason there's no progress. Fl's skill improved in one match, then the next match she forgot everything she learned and back to her clueless self. She's pure and funny but at the same time naive and not bright in the head.
4. I don't mind the lack of romance in sport themed manga. However, the romance in this manga is... Idk how to describe it. Frustrating?
I would love it better if the character development was carefully planned. I loved Chihaya but she always returned to her old self after a match. Additionally, I think it's better of the romance is dropped from the manga or just make it clear already.
I read other people's review after I posted mine. It seems I'm not the only one who found the romance unnecessary and that there's zero progress in the characters development. If you want to read this, prepare your time (yes, time).
... Last updated on June 7th, 2020, 6:57am
Now that I've read them, I wish to share a few things:
1. The theme is great. I love topics like tradition, sport and art. This manga combined all of those.
2. The characters personalities are fine. They're definitely what you call a true sportman.
3. The flow of the story is okay but for some reason there's no progress. Fl's skill improved in one match, then the next match she forgot everything she learned and back to her clueless self. She's pure and funny but at the same time naive and not bright in the head.
4. I don't mind the lack of romance in sport themed manga. However, the romance in this manga is... Idk how to describe it. Frustrating?
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
There's two ml, one is her childhood friend and the other is the one who introduced her to Karuta. It is easy to say that she's in love with the latter, but you could also see that it is more of admiration (bc he's someone who she looked up to and our of her reach for being missing in action most of the time). While with the other guy, she took him for granted bc he's always there for her.
I would love it better if the character development was carefully planned. I loved Chihaya but she always returned to her old self after a match. Additionally, I think it's better of the romance is dropped from the manga or just make it clear already.
I read other people's review after I posted mine. It seems I'm not the only one who found the romance unnecessary and that there's zero progress in the characters development. If you want to read this, prepare your time (yes, time).
... Last updated on June 7th, 2020, 6:57am
So far so good
by tennis0002
October 7th, 2019, 12:41pm
October 7th, 2019, 12:41pm
Rating: N/A
This manga makes everyone want to play Karuta. I like the depth of the characters, lots of twists and turns. Lot of competition, overly zealous I must say but I still enjoy it. Enough romance to not over power the story.
The female lead isn't stuck up and is clumsy but still smart when it comes to Karuta. I like the fact she isn't weak or naggy. I feel her determination!!~~ I love the bromance as well 🙂
The female lead isn't stuck up and is clumsy but still smart when it comes to Karuta. I like the fact she isn't weak or naggy. I feel her determination!!~~ I love the bromance as well 🙂
AMAZING & BORING at the same time...
by saxenas1
March 21st, 2012, 12:08pm
March 21st, 2012, 12:08pm
Rating: 10.0 / 10.0
The art is amazing. LoTSA potential there for the artist. Simply loveable and vibrant. The Story is ALSO amazing. I mean its a boring card game, yet the author was able to play around with the character roles so well that it can be summer up in only one phrase....."AMAZING & BORING"
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