Chihayafuru
English title: Chihayafuru
Japanese title: ちはやふる
Alternative titles: Chihayafull
Type: TV
Source: Manga
Episodes: 25
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 5, 2011 to Mar 28, 2012
Broadcast: Wednesdays at 00:59 (JST)
Duration: 22 min per ep
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Studios: Madhouse
Producers: VAP, Nippon Television Network
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Genres: Drama, Sports
Themes: Love Polygon, School, Strategy Game
Demographics: Josei

As a child, Chihaya Ayase had only one dream: to see her elder sister Chitose become Japan's most successful model. However, upon defending her ostracised classmate Arata Wataya from his bully—Chihaya's childhood friend Taichi Mashima—she discovers the world of competitive karuta and soon becomes enamoured with the sport.

Based on the Ogura Hundred Poets anthology, this card game where poems are studied requires excellent memory, agility, and a tremendous endurance from the players. Full of hope, Chihaya joins the Shiranami Society together with the newly reconciled Arata and Taichi, embarking on an exciting journey for the title awarded to the top-ranked female player—Queen of Karuta.

Since middle school, Chihaya grew distant from a dispassionate Taichi and separated from Arata. However, in order to improve her skills, Chihaya decides to create a karuta club in her high school. With the help of Taichi, another veteran player, and a few spirited newcomers, Chihaya's new-founded Mizusawa Karuta Club aims for victory in the Omi Shrine's national championship.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Animax Asia released the anime with English subtitles in 2013.