Synopsis

Ayase Chihaya, Mashima Taichi, and Wataya Arata are childhood friends who regularly played competitive karuta, a traditional Japanese card game, under Arata’s guidance. Through Arata’s passion for competitive karuta, Chihaya learned what it means to have a dream. However, due to family circumstances, Arata suddenly returns to his hometown, separating the trio.

 

“I want to meet Arata again. I want him to see me and say ‘You’ve become stronger.'” When Chihaya’s feelings transform into passion, her world colors beautifully, much like the world of the Hundred Poems Anthology (Hyakunin Isshu) used in karuta.

 

Now in high school, Chihaya is determined to create a competitive karuta club to meet Arata again. Together with Taichi, whom she reunites with in high school, she eagerly recruits members. Despite being a novice team with beginners, they practice diligently, aiming for the national championships and participating in the Tokyo prefectural preliminaries.

 

Taichi, who becomes the club president supporting Chihaya’s efforts despite knowing her feelings for Arata, also cannot move forward until he defeats Arata. “I want to tell Chihaya how I feel”—he yearns.

A passionate summer approaches as the intense emotions and dedication of Chihaya, Taichi, Arata, and the Mizusawa High School Karuta Club intertwine brilliantly.