Chihayafuru 3

[Ryu]

Title: Impassionate Gods (literally, also romanized Chihaya Full) 2
Japanese: ちはやふる 2
Airing date: 11/1/2013 (TV series 2nd season, 25 episodes)
Genres: Sport, Romantic comedy, Slice of life
Director: Morio Asaka
Original creator: Yuki Suetsugu
Written by: Yūko Kakihara and Ayako Katoh
Music by: Kousuke Yamashita
Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
Art Director: Tomoyuki Shimizu
Studio: Madhouse
Network: NTV
Opening Theme: "STAR" by 99RadioService
Ending Theme: "Madder Sky (茜空 Akane Sora)" by Asami Seto
Main Cast: Chihaya Ayase (綾瀬 千早) voiced by Asami Seto
Arata Wataya (綿谷 新) voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yuka Terasaki (young)
Taichi Mashima (真島 太一) voiced by Mamoru Miyano, Ayahi Takagaki (young)
Kanade Ōe (大江 奏) voiced by Ai Kayano
Yūsei Nishida (西田 優征) voiced by Tōru Nara
Tsutomu Komano (駒野 勉) voiced by Tsubasa Yonaga
Sumire Hanano (花野 菫) voiced by Megumi Han
Akihiro Tsukuba (筑波 秋博) voiced by Miyu Irino
Supporting cast: Shinobu Wakamiya (若宮 詩暢) voiced by Mihoko Nakamichi
Hiroshi Tsuboguchi (坪口 広史) voiced by Kenji Takahashi
Hidehiro Harada (原田 英弘) voiced by Unshō Ishizuka
Taeko Miyauchi (宮内 妙子) voiced by Toshiko Fujita
Akito Sudou (須藤 暁人) voiced by Takashi Oohara
Nayuta Amakasu (甘糟 那由太) voiced by Takako Honda
Hiro Kinashi (木梨 浩) voiced by Kazuya Nakai
Hisashi Suō (周防 久志) voiced by Hiroki Tōchi
Yumi Yamamoto (山本 由美) voiced by Yuko Kaida
Shinichi Murao (村尾 慎一) voiced by Yuji Ueda
Futoshi Mochida (持田太) voiced by Daisuke Sakaguchi
Kuriyama (栗山先生) voiced by Yuya Murakami
Kitano (北野先生) voiced by Kensuke Satou
TV series S1 PV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_jqBtZxzrs
Official website: http://www.ntv.co.jp/chihayafuru2/
Official website (S1): http://www.ntv.co.jp/chihayafuru/

Synopsis: Chihaya enters her second year of high school, and continues to chase her dream of being the number one karuta player in Japan. Now in their second year of high school, Chihaya and her friends share all the fun and worries that come with welcoming underclassmen to the team as they face tough rival schools. The passion of the Mizusawa Karuta Club burns hotter than ever, but with the same refreshing, youthful mood carrying over from the first season.

Necropinion: for some reason the first time I watched S1 it gave me a good vibe similar to Kimi ni Todoke regarding romantic comedy, Yawara about sports or team tournaments and even Kaiji at times for psychological pressure or frustration of losing in this game... also I was hooked to see how these unique characters will manage to keep the karuta club alive needing at least 5 new members, already it's getting interesting with Sumire as 'rival' but Chihaya still doesnt realize if she loves Taichi or Arata ^^ expectation: medium - preliminary score: 8/10

 

[JCDRANZER]

As soon as I saw this put on, I started downloading it, I knew the 2nd season was to start today and I really thought it would be released earlier but oh well, at least I get to watch it now.

I'll edit this post to say what I think of episode 01.

EDIT #1:

MY FAVOURITE OF THE SEASON!!

Seriously, the first episode was beautiful and I loved it when Taichi said he wanted to choose the girl he would devote himself to and that Sumire-chan said in her head "That really stung...He will never choose....I won't accept it", **SPOILER...open at your own risk** she of course becomes another member of the Karuta club.

I love it that they're sort of using the same BGM from the first season.

I'm up to Chapter 105 in the manga but there's a whole chunk that wasn't scanlated, which makes the 2nd season even more awesome as I totally don't know everything that's going to happen in this season.

The only problem I'll be finding myself with whilst following this series for 24 more episodes is the wait every week and I'm pretty sure there will be a week or 2 where the anime will go on a break in preparation for the end of Winter Season animes and the start of the Spring Season animes.

This will probably be the only show I'll be watching every week when I can, sucks that I have to wait a week for the next episode.

 

[Ryu]

QUOTE (JCDRANZER @ Jan 11 2013, 04:01 PM)MY FAVOURITE OF THE SEASON!!

Seriously, the first episode was beautiful and I loved it when Taichi said he wanted to choose the girl he would devote himself to and that Sumire-chan said in her head "That really stung...He will never choose....I won't accept it" , **SPOILER...open at your own risk** she of course becomes another member of the Karuta club.

I love it that they're sort of using the same BGM from the first season.agreed ^^ from the anime starting to air this winter so far this is my favorite with Haganai next to it without counting other ongoing TV series from previous seasons, about your spoiler it's ok now that in this episode she and a guy joined the club but I wonder if they can get 3 more or the 'empress' will let them stay with 7 instead... i though Sumire was Taichi's stalker fixated in looks but my impression changed as she starts to show genuine interest in the game getting along with her new mates, also Tsukuba looks like another interesting character and his Second Verse Karuta wooden cards so I'm looking forward to see how far they go in tournaments this S2

 

[JCDRANZER]

Just watched episode 02, I would have watched it earlier if IRC was working properly...apparently can't connect to the nibl channel, I guess it's because the university internet connection at the dorms is acting funny.

Episode 02 was good but a little "cringy" to be honest, mainly because of Sumire for the most part.

Another spoiler, from what I've read in the manga so far, only those 2 join the club and because I didn't read about 40 chapters in the middle because they weren't scanlated, I honestly don't know what's going to happen to their club room.

I haven't tried many of the other new shows but I do want to watch Haganai S2. However, I've noticed that there a lot of shows where the episodes are basically less than 5 minutes long, I noticed there were some last season as well....is this a new trend??

 

[Ryu]

QUOTE (JCDRANZER @ Jan 18 2013, 06:32 PM)I haven't tried many of the other new shows but I do want to watch Haganai S2. However, I've noticed that there a lot of shows where the episodes are basically less than 5 minutes long, I noticed there were some last season as well....is this a new trend??yup too many short length series compared to other years -.- maybe their TV schedules are full of ongoing anime from previous seasons, so far the only short one from this winter I keep watching is Puchimas because it's released daily and it's based on an IM@S gag manga ^^ ...back to topic ep.3 was great with Sumire and Tsukuba competing in their first tournament even though they lost but Chihaya got a perfect score this time, also the karuta queen Shinobu is slim again and by her reaction I guess she met Arata while playing a match or is a childhood friend (maybe more than that?)

 

[Ryu]

well the team Misuzawa find themselves in a pinch when their semi-final match is against Homei, whose advisor was the east representative in Master's match last year but as Taichi remains concerned then Harada gives him some cryptic advice... I was worried while Taichi struggles against his opponent causing him to question his own talent but after everyone shows their support in providing a towel, he manages to make a comeback and win his match helping Misuzawa reach the finals against Hokuo

 

[wedora]

I'm just so impressed by how well this series has done, both s1 and now s2. Every ep is enjoyable, there's a good balance of characters, and it even has a good plot progression ontop of it. Its rare that you get both great character driven and plot driven events in the same show, its usually one or the other. I was worried s2 would feel repetitive or not have much good plot material left, but I've been proven wrong. Im with you JC in that this is the best series of the new season.

 

[Ryu]

QUOTE (wedora @ Feb 04 2013, 11:06 AM)I'm just so impressed by how well this series has done, both s1 and now s2. Every ep is enjoyable, there's a good balance of characters, and it even has a good plot progression ontop of it.  Its rare that you get both great character driven and plot driven events in the same show, its usually one or the other.  I was worried s2 would feel repetitive or not have much good plot material left, but I've been proven wrong.indeed this S2 is turning more exciting specially the last 2 eps against Hokuo and how Chihaya strengthened her skill in a similar way to the Queen and Master, i was like FUUU**! with her lose just because she declared a draw against Amakasu and the card was on his side >< ...Misuzawa was so close to win this tournament and was frustrating for them but they had fun at the same time (a result rarely seen in sports anime), at least it got a positive outcome now that not only Tsukuba and his little brothers but even Sumire joined Harada's society to improve their karuta for the nationals

 

[Ryu]

so just like I thought Shinobu and Arata are childhood friends she is from Kyoto too and has that particular accent, I didn't realize it on S1 because she used to be quiet most of the time and only participated in individual matches... anyway I really liked this ep.9 which is quite different now that they had more screentime, specially him while playing in a karuta tournament and remembers when he did with Chihaya and Taichi as team but I hope he isn't disqualified

 

[julez]

Omagerddd! Quite a match going on between Chihaya and Megumu. I like how Megumu is forced to give it her all now, because she seriously underestimated Chihaya's abilities before.
The best part is how the whole audience is giving their match all of their attention, whereas before they were focusing on the Hokuo match, thinking that one would be more intense... HAH! Mizusawa all the way!

 

[julez]

Awww it's too bad that Chihaya lost against Megumu, makes me wonder if shes not ready to face Shinobu at this point. However Chihaya knows that Shinobu is feeling lonely in a sense, because there is nobody there to challenge her (except perhaps Arata and the Master).
I was glad to see that Desktomu came through for the team in the end, because I thought after Chihaya lost it was all over.... but no!

And Kana-chan scoring the first win was another highlight for me, it goes to show how far she's come. It is good that she is humble too, she let go of her pride and let her kouhai go in her place for the last match because she really can't do it one more time.
Seeing them play so many matches in succession looks exhausting, I can't even imagine how they do it in real life.
Aaaaand of course Taichi is always there for Chihaya and looking out for her.... girl when will you realize that already?!

 

[Ryu]

that's right was exciting to watch them win the semifinal against Akashi girls school despite it lasted for 3 episodes, but I didn't expect Chihaya and Porky to lose even being Class A from Mizusawa those 3 Megumu fans spiced up the match ^^ ... now we know why Kanede lets Tsukuba take her place for the finale but this ep.15 is hilarious, Hokuo's team was more afraid than ever of Sudo (specially Retro-kun) after losing vs Fujisaki HS xD it'll be hard for Chihaya to beat the pokerface Rion :/
uh oh

 

[julez]

I hope Porky pulls through in this final match, since he hasn't been doing too well lately. I am always upset when the episode ends... because I want more!
This ep had a lot of build up, getting to know the opposing team. Another group of quirky characters, especially the tsundere guy in love with the girl with the same haircut as his

It's pretty surprising that Shinobu decided to stick around and watch the match after all. She didn't seem too impressed initially by the other team, and I don't think she knows that Chihaya is part of Mizusawa.
I think we're in for a good match, and hope that Mizusawa pulls through and beats them.

 

[Ryu]

>.< NOOO! I hate they pulled a recap just when the Mizusawa vs Fujisaki team tournament's final match was about to start, from what I remember something similar happened in the first season -.- and again right after a cliffhanger for its climax... at least there are many good gags in between just like in S1 (lol from now on I'll ship Porky's sister x Retro Depp xD), thanks to them ep.16 wasn't a totally boring recap unlike the ones in other series so it's my first 6/10 of S2 ¬¬
if you say so

 

[Ryu]

YES! MIZUSAWA BANZAI!! at last the first time they win a national tournament a tough and well deserved victory, after a long time of effort and defeats to become stronger as a karuta team (also updated my current watchlist score)... with a lot of pressure in ep.19 I'm glad this match is finally over as Chihaya fell aslept after beating ex-pokerface Rion, Taichi expected her awakening to watch him and even Porky who had a losing streak was able pull it too ^^ congrats!

that guy

 

[julez]

Yesssss go Mizusawa! I was thrilled that they had won against a formidable team. Nishida and Taichi both pulled through when it counted. When Taichi was thinking about how his card is never read and he was starting to become pessimistic I was worried a little. But luck was on their side and they had a glorious win!
The reunion of Chihaya and Arata at the end was kinda awkward for me. She always gets so emotional around him and is so caught up in what he thinks. It irritates me because shes so oblivious about Taichi's feelings and that he's been such a strong support system for her this whole time! Buttt I guess we're supposed to be happy that Arata and Shinobu (hopefully) both learned the value playing karuta with a team.

It's a shame that because of her injury Chihaya won't be able to play in the individual match ups, but I hope that the rest of the team do and that they play excellently.

 

[JCDRANZER]

Watched episode 16 to 19, despite 16 being a recap. Those episodes were simply amazing and now we're off to the Individual Tournament, I'm surprised that they wrapped up the Team Championship Finals so quickly, it literally only started in episode 05. Hopefully, they'll be able to wrap up the Individual High School Championship by the end of it. I mean they have 6 more episodes to cover 15+ chapters or more I think....can't remember lol.

Julezia... Chihaya still plays in the Individual tournament.

 

[julez]

QUOTE (JCDRANZER @ May 19 2013, 11:46 PM) Julezia... Chihaya still plays in the Individual tournament.
Oh really? I thought that either she or somebody had said she would not be able to because of her injury. That's good news though

 

[Ryu]

QUOTE (JCDRANZER @ May 19 2013, 11:46 PM)QUOTE (julezia @ May 18 2013, 01:41 PM)It's  a shame that because of her injury Chihaya won't be able to play in the individual match ups, but I hope that the rest of the team do and that they play excellently.Julezia... Chihaya still plays in the Individual tournament.
QUOTE (julezia @ May 18 2013, 01:41 PM)The reunion of Chihaya and Arata at the end was kinda awkward for me. She always gets so emotional around him and is so caught up in what he thinks. It irritates me because shes so oblivious about Taichi's feelings and that he's been such a strong support system for her this whole time! Buttt I guess we're supposed to be happy that Arata and Shinobu (hopefully) both learned the value playing karuta with a teamin ep.20 Sumire's reaction was priceless when she just knows they are childhood friends guessing right that there is a love triangle xD Taichi didn't like it at all, specially as Arata tells him he'll go to Tokyo after the individual tourney anyway was moving to see Chihaya cry encouraged by her team to get the flag... also good thing she told Miyauchi-sensei to go check her injury in a hospital before it gets worse but it'll be a real pain (literally) competing with her left hand, I can't wait for the outcome of these matches ^^ theyll be a bit rushed with only 5 eps left but i'll hate to wait a year or so if they resume it in a 3rd season

 

[JCDRANZER]

Episode 21 was great stuff, I loved it when Chihaya unraveled the bandage from her right hand out of respect to the Queen, when she found out she was matched up against her.

I guess it's pretty predictable as to what is going to happen from now on in this series and I want it to fast forward to the final matches already because that's where the real fun is at.

I posted a MAJOR spoiler up in MAL, which detailed on the results of the Individual tournament.