・ English is my second language, there may be errors in my grammar..
・I try to make a spoiler-free review, however, in the section opinion if something important happens I mention it.
・General experience ≠ Final score. My personal score is based in 5 star system, so I tried to put an accurate number here, but isn't always the case.
・Locate (Brief) Conclusion + Recommendation section where the main points are summarized.

Experience with Chihayafuru

In Naniwa Bay, now the flowers are blossoming. After lying dormant all winter, now the spring has come and the flowers are blossoming. ⸺ Opening poem.

Chihaya experiment for the first time her own dream, her passion for Karuta awake due to the stunning player named Arata. Since that moment she discovers her potential along with her childhood friends, they given her the strengths to aim to become a better player. Even if now they are separated, the memories built inspire and encourage her to improve , charting her way in the competitive sports, having as a goal to be crowned as the Karuta's Queen of Japan.

In High School she encounters with one of her trusted friends Taichi, supporting her closely meanwhile Chihaya trying to create her desire the Karuta club. By the time, the bonds are formed and now to her dream is added the ambition to be the best team. From this point, the story of youth and discovering start.

In this story of self-discovering we witness through Chihaya’s perception the beautiful world of the 100 Poems. Karuta it’s a game full of Japanese history, a new reality that captivates outsiders. Chihayafuru present an authentic charm, with a unique characters that dedicates and explores with passion, something that motivates them. With mixed feeling Chihaya’s childhood friends intertwine over their course, an encounters that can catalyze many intersections in its path, being a romance that link with the amusement for Karuta.

To be honest, this story united my favorite tags romance; sports in a stunning form. The feeling of youthfulness is displayed in their characters, giving the impression of genuine throughout their diverse perspectives. For the most part, made Chihayafuru an experience that you should experience.

By MADHOUSE we have splendid scenarios full of life that will cause you to want to be part, along immersive colorful palette and fresh. On the other hand, there is a great fluidity in the movement of cards, the instance of playing is so dynamic, interesting spotlights and camera shots that capture you in every encounter.

“Even in the age of ancient gods, I have never heard that the Tatsuta River dyed its water in autumn red.” (Chihayaburu...)

I am delighted as the meaning of each card represents the feeling and/or perception of its characters, especially the protagonist who changes completely by the poem that is assimilated to her name.

In essence an anime that astonish your heart for its characters, atmosphere and message. Regardless of whether or not you understand the meaning of Karuta cards, each one will make sense as you go through each episode, just like "Chihayafuru" which goes from a landscape to a story that envelops you in a warm sunset that pronounces a love guided by destiny. This story renews and expands the vision of what a sport and team really is.