Anime Reign Magazine | Page 19

www.worldanimeclub.com Plot: Chihayafuru traces the growth of the protagonist Ayase Chihaya as she plays and competes in competitive karuta. Through an extended flashback we are shown how Chihaya, who just had her dreams pinned on her sister, was inspired by her classmate Wataya Arata, who wants to become a top karuta master. After experiencing an aggressive playing style of the game, Chihaya becomes entranced by it and takes on the dream of becoming a top player. Along with Chihaya’s snooty but well-meaning friend Mashima Taichi, the trio forms a warm friendship based on the game. But things don’t last long as Mashima gets enrolled into a different school and Taichi moves back to his hometown Fukui. Only Chihaya is left and she continues ahead with her steadfast devotion to the game. Anime Reign | Issue 2 | 2013 Page 09