The traditional Japanese game of karuta may not seem like an obvious choice for a hit anime, butChihayafuruproved otherwise. Since debuting as a manga in 2007, the series transitioned to anime in 2011 before being adapted into a live-action film trilogy from 2016 to 2018.With over 28 million copies sold, it ranks among the most successful manga of all time.
Now,Chihayafuruis set for a long-awaited return with a new live-action J-drama,Chihayafuru - Meguri, premiering in Japan this June. Set 10 years after the original story, the series sees creator Yuki Suetsugu returning to explore the lives of high school students dedicated to competitive karuta.The makers of the seriesare promising a new milestone in youth dramas withChihayafuru - Meguri, created with the next generation of stars. In a post on X,the author also revealed she has not given up hope on a fourth season of the anime.
The Story of Chihayafuru
A Surprising Hit Based on a Niche Game
Serialized inBE LOVEmagazine from 2007 to 2022,Chihayafuruspans over 50 volumes, written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. The story follows Chihaya Ayase, a high school girl who discoversHyakunin Isshu karuta, a traditional Japanese card game that dates back to the Edo period, through her classmate Arata Wataya. Inspired by his passion and talent, Chihaya dreams of becoming the Queen of karuta. Alongside her childhood friend Taichi Mashima, she forms the Mizusawa Karuta Club, striving to compete at the highest level.
The success ofChihayafuruplayed a significant role in reviving karuta in Japan, propelling it from a traditional pastime into the mainstream. The franchise has thrived across multiple formats, including manga, anime, stage adaptations, and live-action films. The latter also launched actor Mackenyu’s career,now globally recognized for his role as ZoroinNetflix’s live-actionOne Pieceseries.
A New Chapter in Chihayafuru’s History
What’s Next? Hints of a Future Anime
WithChihayafuru - Meguriset to premiere in July 2025, anticipation is building. Suetsugu, actively involved from the script stage, expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been eagerly anticipating how brilliantly it will come to life on screen.” She also appeared optimistic about the franchise’s future onX, saying “I’m happy that the news about the Chihayafuru - Meguri drama is trending! I haven’t given up on the 4th season of the anime either!”
Manga Can Make Anything Compelling, and One Series Proves it
Despite being about an obscure Japanese card game that most non-Japanese readers have never heard of, Chihayafuru is incredibly compelling.
Meanwhile,a new manga sequel,Chihayafuru plus Kimi ga Tame, began serialization inBE LOVEmagazine in December 2023. This installment follows the Mizusawa Karuta Club after Chihaya and her friends have graduated, introducing fresh characters and storylines. While an anime adaptation has yet to be announced, the continued success ofChihayafuruacross various media has fans hopeful for what the future holds.
