"I Haven't Given Up": It's Been Years, But One Artist Isn't Giving Up on Reviving Their Hit Anime

The traditional Japanese game of karuta may not seem like an obvious choice for a hit anime, but Chihayafuru proved 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, Chihayafuru is 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 series are promising a new milestone in youth dramas with Chihayafuru - 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 in BE LOVE magazine from 2007 to 2022, Chihayafuru spans over 50 volumes, written and illustrated by Yuki Suetsugu. The story follows Chihaya Ayase, a high school girl who discovers Hyakunin 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 of Chihayafuru played 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 Zoro in Netflix’s live-action One Piece series.

A New Chapter in Chihayafuru's History

What’s Next? Hints of a Future Anime

With Chihayafuru - Meguri set 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 on X, 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.

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Meanwhile, a new manga sequel, Chihayafuru plus Kimi ga Tame, began serialization in BE LOVE magazine 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 of Chihayafuru across various media has fans hopeful for what the future holds.