They are Arata ( who barely appears in Part 1) and Shinobu ( Queen of Karuta). While Part 1 is good enough, I feel Part 2 is slightly more interesting and solid because of the addition of 2 very fascinating characters who play central roles towards the end of the show. Similar to the anime, Taichi obviously has feelings for Chihaya who sadly is oblivious to it all.ДЄfter they manage to form the club and make new friends вЂ“ Kana, Nishida ( Nikuman), Tsutomu ( Tsukue), each portrays very distinct characteristics. There is tangible connection between Taichi and Chihaya that goes way back when they are little. Part 1 mainly deals with how Chihaya meets Taichi again in high school while she furiously campaigns for the karuta club, hoping to get 5 members ( which is the minimum requirement to create a club). Going their separate ways, Arata returns to his hometown because his grandfather who he loves and respects so much has taken ill while Taichi and Chihaya both enter different schools.

From there on, they share a common interest and connection which sadly begin to diminish as they grow up. Both themes have been recurring throughout the movie, budding from the friendship between Chihaya, Taichi and Arata when they are little as they dabble with competitive karuta. The core of Chihayafuru ( for me personally) is the strength of friendship and team spirit. The OST is also one of the best IвЂ™ve encountered for a LA and I canвЂ™t wait to get my hands on it. Thus, I have a certain level of expectation for the live-action.ДЇortunately, the overall cast, directing and cinematography manage to bring forth the true spirit of the original in the most beautiful way possible. ItвЂ™s been shown time and again, live actions rarely do justice to the original manga/anime. To say IвЂ™m not anxious about how theyвЂ™re going to execute and bring the anime to life would be a lie.

Some of the very few that made my face leak involuntarily.

Chihayafuru is one of my favorite anime of all time.

Chihayafuru shimo no ku eng sub