A pleasant surprise. Featuring wonderful art, music and astounding character development with a sports-centred story revolving around the Japanese card game karuta. You'd think an anime about classical Japanese poetry would be boring, but Chihayafuru introduces the game excellently and weaves the game with all of the character's personalities and how the game influences, and has impacted their lives. The karuta matches are more action-packed and entertaining than some action anime - and every character, not just the protagonist, is developed and given attention to during this season. Chihayafuru is a nice blend between slice of life, sports and romance, and there is a proper competitive moodduring the entirety of this show - as every character wants to be the best.

There is nothing negative to point out about this season, nor the anime in its entirety, it is a solid 9/10 in every aspect, however, it could've done slightly better with the romance aspect towards the end.