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The Best Episodes of Chihayafuru Season 1

Every episode of Chihayafuru Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Chihayafuru Season 1!

Binge this in 9h 35m•Peaking at 9.0/10

Chihaya Ayase has spent most of her life supporting her sister’s model career. When she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, he thinks Chihaya has potential to become a great karuta player. As Chihaya dreams

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 1 - Now the Flower Blooms
    8.0/10(104 votes)

    #1 - Now the Flower Blooms

    S1:E1

    Sixth grade was when Ayase Chihaya met Wataya Arata, the transfer student from Fukui. The shy and quiet Arata was hiding a surprising talent. He knew how to play the competitive karuta version of Ogura's Hundred Poets. Chihaya is stunned by the intensity Arata displays when playing karuta.

    Director:Morio Asaka
    Writer:Yuko Kakihara

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  2. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 2 - The Red That Is
    8.2/10(96 votes)

    #2 - The Red That Is

    S1:E2

    Chihaya's proclamation leads to a showdown between Mashima Taichi and the transfer student Arata, who is being shunned by their class. The stubborn Taichi, who's upset by how close Chihaya and Arata have gotten, steals Arata's glasses in the middle of the tournament. Arata, good as he may be, is unable to take cards without his glasses. That is when Chihaya steps in to take his place.

    Director:Yoshitaka Makino
    Writer:Ayako Kato

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  3. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 3 - From the Crystal White Snow
    8.8/10(96 votes)

    #3 - From the Crystal White Snow

    S1:E3

    Chihaya, Taichi, and Arata visit the local Shiranami Karuta Society and meet the chairman, Harada, and a member who's their age, Kinashi Hiro (Retro-kun). When Harada sees them playing against Retro-kun in a team Genpei match, he realizes Chihaya's talent and invites her to join. After Harada tells Chihaya that learning the poems is like making 100 new friends, she begins to realize her own dream.

    Director:Kotono Watanabe
    Writer:Yuko Kakihara

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  4. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 4 - A Whirlwind of Flower Petals Descends
    8.2/10(82 votes)

    #4 - A Whirlwind of Flower Petals Descends

    S1:E4

    Arata returns with his family to Fukui after his grandfather falls ill. The three of them believe that as long as they continue to play karuta, they will be reunited. Now in high school, Chihaya has entered a tournament to qualify for Class A so Taichi will help her start a karuta club. Once Taichi sees how Chihaya is enjoying herself, he finds himself being swayed—

    Director:Tomokazu Tokoro
    Writer:Ayako Kato

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  5. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 5 - The Sight of a Midnight Moon
    8.4/10(91 votes)

    #5 - The Sight of a Midnight Moon

    S1:E5

    After Chihaya hears Arata say that he quit playing karuta, she and Taichi make a trip to Arata's home in Fukui. Once they find Arata, Chihaya is thrilled and suggest that they play karuta together again, but Arata turns her down. He's no longer the same boy he used to be. So Chihaya tries to learn the truth—

    Director:Naoyuki Ito
    Writer:Akemi Moriyama

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  6. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 6 - Now Bloom Inside the Nine-fold Palace
    8.1/10(81 votes)

    #6 - Now Bloom Inside the Nine-fold Palace

    S1:E6

    After Ms. Miyauchi tells Chihaya that she needs five members to start an official club, Chihaya starts recruiting. One day, Oe Kanade, a fan of classical literature whose family owns a traditional clothing store, visits the karuta club. She is shocked by the gap between the elegant karuta of the Imperial Court and competitive karuta. However, Chihaya wants Kanade to realize how fun competitive karuta can be.

    Director:Hideki Hosokawa
    Writer:Sumino Kawashima

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  7. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 7 - But for Autumn's Coming
    8.0/10(77 votes)

    #7 - But for Autumn's Coming

    S1:E7

    Kanade has joined the karuta club as the third member, while Chihaya continues to recruit members. First, she scouts the second-smartest student in their grade, Komano Tsutomu, who happens to be in her class. Chihaya calls him Desktomu-kun. However, he tells her that karuta is just a game and he would rather spend that time studying. Chihaya insists that Desktomu-kun play a game first and she drags him to the clubroom.

    Director:Kazuo Nogami
    Writer:Ayako Kato

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  8. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 8 - The Sounds of the Waterfall
    8.0/10(75 votes)

    #8 - The Sounds of the Waterfall

    S1:E8

    The karuta club only needs one more member to become an official club. Chihaya and the other members continue working to recruit members, but they're having trouble finding anyone who's interested in joining. But then one day, Chihaya runs into Porky, her old opponent from back when she was in grade school. Porky is on the tennis team and he refuses to join the karuta club. However, Chihaya perceives that Porky still loves karuta, so she challenges him to a match.

    Director:Fumihiro Yoshimura
    Writer:Satoshi Suzuki

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  9. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 9 - But I Cannot Hide
    8.4/10(78 votes)

    #9 - But I Cannot Hide

    S1:E9

    The karuta club has become an official club. Chihaya announces that the five of them will make it to the national tournament. The beginners, Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun, are worried, but Chihaya shows no mercy. Chihaya is set on making a strong karuta team and aiming for the top. And so, they decided to hold a camp.

    Director:Yoshitaka Makino
    Writer:Akemi Moriyama

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  10. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 10 - Exchange Hellos And Goodbyes
    8.4/10(75 votes)

    #10 - Exchange Hellos And Goodbyes

    S1:E10

    Mizusawa High School karuta club makes its debut at the Tokyo regionals for the national championship. Mizusawa successfully makes it past the group stage. Desk-kun, who was unable to win a single match, feels that he isn't needed and says that he isn't going to play. Taichi realizes how Desk-kun feels, so he makes a decision as the club president to bring the team together.

    Director:Naoyuki Ito
    Writer:Sumino Kawashima

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  11. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 11 - The Sky is the Road Home
    9.0/10(86 votes)

    #11 - The Sky is the Road Home

    S1:E11

    The Mizusawa karuta club has advanced to the finals to face a regular fixture at the national tournament, Hokuo Academy. As the match begins, Mizusawa is unable to go on the offensive, and Chihaya is distracted when her opponent, Sudo, begins to taunt her. However, she soon learns to play as a team, that every card she takes is a point for the team...

    Director:Kotono Watanabe
    Writer:Ayako Kato

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  12. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 12 - Sets These Forbidden Fields Aglow
    8.6/10(75 votes)

    #12 - Sets These Forbidden Fields Aglow

    S1:E12

    After qualifying for the national tournament, the Mizusawa karuta members attempt to bolster their weaknesses. Chihaya and Taichi practice with the Shiranami Society while Porky, Desktomu-kun and Kana-chan practice with the Suihoku Karuta Society. Chihaya is overwhelmed by the pressure of the national tournament, but then she receives support from an unexpected source.

    Director:Tomoaki Ohta
    Writer:Sumino Kawashima

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  13. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 13 - For You, I Head Out
    8.2/10(76 votes)

    #13 - For You, I Head Out

    S1:E13

    The Mizusawa High School Karuta Club members visit the Omi Jingu shrine to pray for their victory. However, Chihaya is acting strangely during her match. Meanwhile, Arata reflects upon his separation from karuta and his grandfather as he heads towards Omi Jingu.

    Director:Jun Shishido
    Writer:Akemi Moriyama

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  14. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 14 - For There Is No One Else Out Here
    9.0/10(79 votes)

    #14 - For There Is No One Else Out Here

    S1:E14

    Chihaya has recovered in time for the individual tournament. Players are grouped by their rank, and the youngest Queen in history, Wakamiya Shinobu, is in the Class A bracket, and Chihaya's second round opponent. Chihaya is overwhelmed by the Queen's ability and unable to take a single card. As she's about to give up, she remembers her first match against Arata back in grade school—

    Director:Hideki Hosokawa
    Writer:Satoshi Suzuki

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  15. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 15 - As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across the Autumn Plain
    8.8/10(75 votes)

    #15 - As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across the Autumn Plain

    S1:E15

    Chihaya is helpless against the Queen, but she still manages to take a few cards. But this match has taken her one step closer to understanding what true strength is. Meanwhile, Taichi has advanced to the Class B final. The Mizusawa High School karuta club members have gathered to cheer him on. Taichi has shown that he is willing to move forward, but can he achieve victory?

    Director:Yuuta Takamura
    Writer:Yuko Kakihara

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  16. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 16 - The Autumn Leaves of Mount Ogura
    6.9/10(55 votes)

    #16 - The Autumn Leaves of Mount Ogura

    S1:E16

    A recap and some animated four-panel comics.

    Director:Kotono Watanabe
    Writer:Naoya Takayama

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  17. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 17 - World Offers No Escape
    8.0/10(70 votes)

    #17 - World Offers No Escape

    S1:E17

    The national tournament has ended, and the members of Mizusawa's karuta club have established some individual goals. Taichi and Porky need to reach Class A. Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun need to start playing in tournaments. And Chihaya is practicing for the East qualifier. However, Dr. Harada suddenly tells Chihaya to stop taking cards with her speed, and she has to rethink how she plays karuta.

    Director:Kazuo Nogami
    Writer:Sumino Kawashima

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  18. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 18 - The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the Same
    8.2/10(70 votes)

    #18 - The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the Same

    S1:E18

    Chihaya finally gets to play her first Class A match, while the other members are looking to advance their rank through a strong tournament showing. Chihaya's opponent Kanai Sakura, who has 35 years of karuta experience. Chihaya is faster, but she has trouble taking cards. Her opponent constantly moves cards into positions that are difficult for her, and Chihaya soon realizes how tough Class A is. Will Chihaya be able to learn something from her match with Sakura?

    Director:Fumio Maezono
    Writer:Ayako Kato

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  19. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 19 - As the Years Pass
    8.9/10(74 votes)

    #19 - As the Years Pass

    S1:E19

    The finals have begun. The Class D final is between Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun. The Class B final is between Taichi and Porky. Both finals pit Mizusawa players against each other. Chihaya watches and learns as teammates and rivals battle it out.

    Director:Naoyuki Ito
    Writer:Akemi Moriyama

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  20. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 20 - The Cresting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the Skies
    8.6/10(73 votes)

    #20 - The Cresting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the Skies

    S1:E20

    The Mizusawa High School karuta club is gaining experience by participating in tournaments. However, Chihaya's grades are so bad that she is no longer allowed to participate, leaving Taichi to attend the next tournament by himself. There, he runs into Arata, who's returned to karuta. When Taichi and Chihaya see Arata playing karuta...

    Director:Atsuko Ishizuka
    Writer:Satoshi Suzuki

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  21. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 21 - As My Sleeves Are Wet with Dew
    8.3/10(69 votes)

    #21 - As My Sleeves Are Wet with Dew

    S1:E21

    Chihaya is playing in the East Queen qualifier for a chance to face the Queen again. Her first opponent is the grade schooler Ririka, said to be a child prodigy. As Chihaya watches Ririka use speed play karuta, she begins to understand what it means to play karuta without speed.

    Director:Tomoaki Ohta
    Writer:Yuko Kakihara

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  22. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 22 - Just as My Beauty Has Faded
    8.5/10(68 votes)

    #22 - Just as My Beauty Has Faded

    S1:E22

    Chihaya's next opponent is the previous Queen, Yamamoto Yumi. Chihaya recalls the previous Queen being a very tenacious player. While Chihaya is fired up for her match against her opponent, Yumi is clearly not as interested in the match, which only serves to enflame Chihaya.

    Director:Hideki Hosokawa
    Writer:Sumino Kawashima

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  23. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 23 - The Night is Nearly Past
    8.8/10(72 votes)

    #23 - The Night is Nearly Past

    S1:E23

    Chihaya lost to Yumi by four cards. The loss is a painful one, but after watching Dr. Harada and Tsuboguchi play their hearts out, she realizes she still has much to learn. Meanwhile, Arata lost in the fourth round of the West qualifier. He regrets spending time away from karuta and practices hard to make up. Both of them are learning and taking the next step forward.

    Director:Kazuo Nogami
    Writer:Satoshi Suzuki

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  24. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 24 - Nobody Wishes to See the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms
    8.7/10(71 votes)

    #24 - Nobody Wishes to See the Beautiful Cherry Blossoms

    S1:E24

    The Mizusawa karuta club is watching the Queen match and Master match at Taichi's home. The Queen has put on a great deal of weight, which makes it difficult for her to move as Yumi successfully takes cards away from her. Will the Queen be dethroned?

    Director:migmi
    Writer:Naoya Takayama

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  25. Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 25 - Moonlight, Clear and Bright
    8.6/10(75 votes)

    #25 - Moonlight, Clear and Bright

    S1:E25

    Everybody is shocked after hearing that Master Suo plays karuta with 28 one-syllable cards. Chihaya, Arata, Taichi, and the other karuta club members do some soul searching as they attempt to move forward.

    Directors:Morio Asaka, Hideki Hosokawa
    Writer:Naoya Takayama

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Now the Flower Blooms" is the best rated episode of "Chihayafuru" season 1. It scored 8/10 based on 104 votes. Directed by Morio Asaka and written by Yuko Kakihara, it aired on 10/5/2011. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "The Red That Is".