Chihayafuru: Meguri (2025)

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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Poetically changing the formula and keeping the series' spirit

Following the Chihayafuru movies is a large task, and the crew behind Full Circle (Meguri) really put a ton of work into the story they wanted to show. The series result is a well put together, detailed, and modern story that has that Chihayafuru style emotional connection to our new main cast.

An easy path for a sequel would be creating characters that are similar to the originals with different back stories. What this series did to change up the formula and look at a different kind of main character was very well done. As the series progresses we gradually find through Meguru's growth why she was the focus of this series and I applaud the team for this choice. Intangibles that set her apart and make the relationships she has with everyone so much more impactful are shown to us viewers in every episode.

I enjoyed the details of the show a ton. Not only do we have small bits to show what the characters go through, but we also have the poems themselves that play a huge role in the influence of each episode and character. Paying attention to this was greatly rewarding for me, personally. The stories and interpretations of the poems really makes you want to get into karuta.

While this is a show about youth and maturing, as an adult I found it to be endearing without feeling the usual tropes. The cast was chosen to perfection, and following the behind the scenes online showed how much chemistry the cast has off camera as well. Everyone played their parts well and the acting was great. The one hope I have is that someone who watched the movies goes straight into this show without any promotion media because I think that would have the best reaction.

Overall, in every episode I felt strongly for the characters and was emotionally attached. Week after week I would be anticipating watching a new episode and felt rewarded (and a little empty, not going to lie) when it all ended.

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