Random Curiosity

「くもゐにまがふおきつしらなみ」 (Kumoi ni Magō Oki tsu Shiranami)
“The Crusting Waves Almost Look Like Clouds in the Sky”

Only five more Taichi Tuesdays to go. Can it really be possible?

「ながらへば」 (Nagaraeba)
“As the Years Pass”

So I’m thinking if you didn’t love this episode of Chihayafuru, this is definitely not the series for you…

「はなそむかしのかににほいける」 (Hana zo Mukashi no Ka ni Nioikeru)
“The Plum Blossoms Still Smell the Same”

What seems clear is that what’s true in chess and tennis is true in Karuta – the best way to get better is to play people better than you are, as long as you pay close attention.  Mizusawa (Fight-o!) is the living proof of that, and they should be a formidable team if their competitive (and romantic) passions don’t break them apart.

「みちこそなけれ」 (Michi Koso Nakere)
“World Offers No Escape”

Taichi Tuesdays might just be my favorite day of the week.

「おぐらやま」 (Ogura Yama)
“The Autumn Leaves of Mt. Ogura”

Boring recap ep is boring…  But you know, I’ve seen a lot worse.  To be honest – I LOL’d.

「つらぬきとめぬたまそちりける」 (Tsuranukitomenu Tama zo Chirikeru)
“As Though Pearls Have Been Strung Across The Open Plain”

Team Tacihi is still accepting new members…

「はなよりほかにしるひともなし」 (Hana yori Hoka ni Shiru Hito mo Nashi)
“For There Is No one Else Out There”

It was always obvious that we weren’t going to get anything like a complete telling of this ongoing manga in two cours, but it’s becoming quite clear now that what we’re getting is only scratching the surface.

「きみがため」 (Kimi ga Tame)
“For You”

After a long build-up, the circle – or at least the triangle – is finally in place as Arata rejoins the narrative. This time, it looks as if he’s here to stay.

「むらさきのゆきしめのゆき」 (Murasakino Yuki Shimeno Yuki)
“Set These Forbidden Fields Aglow”

Breaking news – Chihaya actually has a Dad. And with that revelation comes the news – not so coincidentally – that someone in her family actually knows she exists.

「あまつかぜ」 (Amatsukaze)
“The Sky is the Road Home”

Nishida, Immelmann TURN!!!

「ゆくもかへるもわかれては」 (Yuku mo Kaeru mo Wakarete wa)
“Exchange Hellos and Goodbyes”

I’m convinced at this point that grouchy old Miyauchi-sensei knew exactly what she was doing when she forced the Karuta Club to name Taichi as President. And right now, she looks like a friggin’ genius for doing it.

「(しのぶれど」 (Shinoburedo)
“But I Cannot Hide”

I know this is just an anime, and the way we interpret it is a matter of opinion and subject to personal tastes. But I’ll say this – anyone who wants to argue that Chihaya doesn’t belong with Taichi, I’ll fight you right now. Name the time, name the place – I’ll be there. And in true shounen style, I’m willing to battle to the death.

「たえてひさしくなりぬれど」 (Taete Hisashi Kunari Nuredo)
“Taete Hisashi Kunari Nuredo”

Romance takes a back seat this week, as it’s all about the club and the sport itself.

「ひとこそみえねあきはきにけり」 (Hito koso Miene Aki wa Kinikeri)
“But For Autumn’s Coming”

For a game that seemed so simple when I first learned of it, I’m finding myself continually surprised by how many different ways there are to look at Karuta. It almost acts as a mirror held up to each character, revealing their true nature to the audience – and eventually, one assumes, to themselves.

「けふここのへににほひぬるかな」 (Kefuko Kono E ni Nihohinuru kana)
“Now Bloom Inside the Ninefold Palace”

If you were worried that Chihayafuru was getting a little too melodramatic after episode 5, this week’s effort should be a welcome change. It’s a return to the innocent, childlike exuberance of the first three episodes – and damned if it didn’t actually get me interested in Karuta a little bit, too.