Chihayafuru: Full Circle

I could watch until 5th generation

These series inspired in the manga/anime is just a guilty pleasure. The first cohort was amazing and had me glued to the screen. This second cohort was not so inspiring the first 2 episodes but then, their story starts to build and the team gets connected. Next thing I knew, I was as excited as with the first circle of players. Each character has details that make them precious. Their strugles, their fears, their Aha! moments, all sums up. Around episode 7 you get to see the others from the first circle and the dopamine multiplied. If I ever learn Japanese, it will be to have a chance to play karuta. These series really sparks that desire. I hope we can keep seing other adventures of these 2 circles.

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AIZAWA MEGURU = Perfect High School Female Lead

Chihayafuru: Full Circle continues the legacy of the beloved Chihayafuru live-action films, taking place ten years after the originals. Set once again in the vibrant world of youth and tradition, this drama captures the essence of high school life through the lens of competitive karuta, the poetic Japanese card game that demands both intellect and passion. With the immense success of the previous films and anime series, expectations were undeniably high, the sequel manages to deliver a touching and refreshing continuation that feels both nostalgic and new.

The story begins with Aizawa Meguru, an ordinary student who finds herself reluctantly thrust into the world of karuta after being tricked into joining a tournament to replace an absent member. Despite her lack of experience, a series of encounters and events gradually awaken her hidden drive and newfound love for the game. What begins as an accident transforms into a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and growth.

The heart of Full Circle lies in its characters, not just the protagonist, but the ensemble as a whole. Aizawa Meguru stands out as a deeply compelling lead. She isn’t your typical shoujo-style heroine like cheerful, naive, and endlessly optimistic. Instead, she starts off as a pragmatic, even emotionally detached girl obsessed with financial independence due to a personal trauma. Yet as the series unfolds, we watch her evolve as her confidence blooms, her purpose solidifies, and her passion for karuta reignites her sense of self. She is so relatable in her flaws and inspiring in her growth. What makes her particularly endearing is how she supports her friends: not by overstepping, but by quietly standing beside them, respecting their space while offering genuine care. For me, Meguru easily ranks among the most memorable female leads in any high school drama.

The supporting cast deserves equal praise. Every club member, rival, and mentor receives thoughtful attention, creating a rich, interconnected story world. The rival schools, in particular, are portrayed not as villains but as protagonists of their own stories, each driven by unique motivations and personalities. This approach adds emotional depth and realism, making every match feel totally meaningful. The soundtrack was also quite good. The ending song managed to make it into my playlist (Meguru-Pu by Pefume). Meanwhile, the depiction of competitive karuta itself is handled with impressive care. Even viewers unfamiliar with the game will find it easy to understand and enjoy. The poems which is the main theme of the game serve as powerful reflections of the characters’ struggles and emotions, also driven the plot through stories and interpretations of each poems.

Overall, Chihayafuru: Full Circle is a near-perfect blend of warmth, youthfulness, and sincerity. The plot is not flawless, but it is full of heart and nostalgia, the kind that rekindles that spark of teenage ambition and friendship within us all.

Final Score: 8.5 + 0.5 for Aizawa Meguru — because she deserves it.

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