Chihayafuru, Tome 9

ちはやふる [Chihayafuru] #9

by Yuki Suetsugu

Chihaya et ses amis sont hypnotisés par la retransmission télévisuelle du match de maître Suô qui défend son titre avec un brio inégalable. Ce match éveille de nouvelles motivations et les jeunes joueurs sont plus que jamais décidés à redoubler d'efforts pour atteindre son niveau. Mais à la rentrée, une mauvaise nouvelle tombe : le conseil des professeurs souhaite attribuer le local du club de Karuta au club d'instruments à vent ! S'ils veulent conserver leur salle, Chihaya et les autres vont devoir recruter cinq nouveaux membres ! Nos amis se lancent alors dans une grande opération séduction auprès des nouveaux élèves. Pleine d'espoir, Chihaya est persuadée de pouvoir initier les 2de aux ravissements du Karuta… Hélas, les jeunes filles qui viennent s'inscrire sont uniquement attirées par le physique avantageux de Taichi et semblent n'avoir que très peu d'intérêt pour le Karuta…

Genres: Manga, Josei, Romance, Comics, Sports, Slice Of Life, Contemporary

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 11, 2010

About the author

Yuki Suetsugu (末次 由紀 Suetsugu Yuki, born September 8, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist. Her career was put on hiatus after she was discovered of being accountable for plagiarism, including tracing. She later resumed her work on March 2007.

She debuted in 1992 in Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine with Taiyō no Romance. Her works later moved to Bessatsu Friend magazine, also published by Kodansha.

On 2009-03-24, her work Chihayafuru was chosen for the Manga Taishō.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuki_Sue...

Reviews

[Manami Yamaguchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read until chapter 51. I searched after that but I couldn’t find it any other website so if I find, I’ll update this review again. Until 51, karuta club members started recruiting new members. But practices were very hard for them and they didn’t have strong passions like Chihaya. I wonder if they can join and enjoy or continue playing karuta.

[Toast · Rating 1 out of 5]

This volume annoyed me enough that I decided to look ahead at the plot. Without spoiling anything beyond this volume, what I saw was enough for me to realize I will not be continuing this series.

It is unfortunate because the technical craft is undeniably there. The art remains stunning, and the scenes focused on actual Karuta matches effectively draw out genuine emotion.

However, the narrative fails to apply that same respect to character consistency or emotional intelligence in any other context. Chihaya is practically non functional outside of Karuta. I understand that is partly the intent, but the series continues to hammer the exact same narrative beat over and over: "Why doesn't everyone love Karuta with the same intensity that I do?" We have already been through this plot point multiple times in past volumes during her childhood, when the club first started, and whenever the club faces friction.

Furthermore, Chihaya’s emotional regression makes no sense. She was significantly more emotionally in tune as a child. She stood up for Wataya over his accent and hobbies, yet that basic emotional intelligence is completely missing now.

Normally, I would consider a 2* rating here out of respect for the technical effort and art. However, failing this spectacularly so early on with 41 volumes left to go means it has completely failed its primary goal of being a story I want to continue reading. For a series to lose me this early on both engagement and narrative consistency warrants 1 star. I would much rather use my time to explore other series.

[Littlebookterror · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more Taichi and Arata bonding time asap.
And we have now properly met the two Karuta champions and what our trio is working towards. I also appreciate that while the highest matches are separated by gender, the characters are not just focused on one of them because they can learn from both of them. It sets them up as opposites: two solitary opponents versus three friends with team members and teachers behind them.
It also starts the second school year and the usual shenanigans that come with that like finding new club members. The club is not entirely on the same page what to do about new prospects.

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this manga, getting into everyone's motivations and feelings after watching the masters' match. I also loved how excited Chihaya was about the new first years, and how Kana-chan was just so precious in this volume. Taichi finally putting himself first was awesome too. Actually the whole regular cast is just amazing, and I love them so much.
The new first years were... meh. I don't like Sumire, though she's less annoying than I remember from the anime. Tsukuba-kun coming from a different form of karuta was interesting, and the first year girls bonding over the poems was cute as well.

[AsianMerr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like the one worst part of this series so far is honestly the romance. I like the sport so whenever they try to do something towards a romance I dislike it and surprisingly they kill it off immediately. This volume introduced a new character who’s whole deal is loving Mashima and tbh I didn’t like it most of the time but I feel like there’s a chance this turns her into a Karuta lover down the line and I would dig that. Besides that this was an average volume. Master Suou was the best part again, Arata is easily getting rust off and the club has potential to grow, I like the new guy, he’s an interesting character lol.

[yam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before getting into my review, can we talk about how angelic Master Suou looks like on the cover of this volume? He's such a handsome sly character.

Now, the karuta club is recruiting new members - specifically first-years! Most of them seem to not be cut-out for the club, and in the end there are several that stayed. Which is OK, I guess T.T

I'm not particularly fond of Sumire, she seems to be the typical character that fully focuses on her crush (In this case, it's Mashima). Though, I'm looking forward to how she may change in the upcoming volumes.

[Yeoyu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tib · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got some new players this volume. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics change in the karuta club with these two.

[afton · Rating 5 out of 5]

new club members alert!

[catherine ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

New characters and I love every single one of them

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

twenty cards chihaya, you've got this !!
2nd year is already here and I couldn't be more excited. im honestly amazed that they were able to score some new members and I really hope theyre here to stay !!

[Manisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~~~~LOOOOOVED IIIITTTTTTT~~~~~~~~~