Chihayafuru

End of March 2026 Update: A Successful Con + Spring Recovery

Posted by

0

It’s that time again.

We’re taking a quick look at all of the blogging tasks that I did NOT get around to along with discussing what I’ve been escaping to in lieu of writing. Near the end, I float other ideas for navigating this busy spring season.

Blog Goals

1. Make it to the end of the year with all 12 monthly updates posted. We are 3 for 3. A success so far!

2. Finish a few projects I had started/continued in 2025. I think I’ll put out one big post with the rest of my Japan 2025 trip adventures instead of doing individual day posts. With 10 days still to write about, it’s just not gonna happen unless I cut some corners. When it drops, even if very few people check it out, it’ll be a satisfying weight off my chest.

3. Watch my entire physical backlog of anime. I bought some Blu-rays but then watched them immediately, which is VERY RARE for me. Read further to see which ones!

4. Write a reflection post for at least one anime each month. HAH. Now I’m 2 posts behind for this one. The first one I just need to hit the publish button on at this point is for Love Through a Prism, and the second will be for Chihayafuru. April is a slower month for me this year, so there’ll be time to write.

5. Watch at last 26 anime released from 2021 to 2025 (not including films). We’re up to SIX with the addition of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, which also doubles as my first *completed* foray into Gundam.

Recently Watching

Chihayafuru 2 – The sequel to the exciting karuta drama about youth, passion, and taking chances features follow-up conflicts and rivalries established by the first season. It was exciting to see the Karuta Queen again (and her drastic change of figure, wow) alongside other team players and alumni reunite in Chihayafuru 2. I was hoping to go straight into the third season, but Sentai Filmworks’ spring sale sadly did not have the Blu-ray on discount. I’m comfortable waiting until it inevitably goes on sale later this spring or early summer. Then, I’ll be able to report back on all of what we have currently animated for this series. It was disappointing to comb through the Reddit threads and find that since the manga finished, the producers likely see little reason to continue using an anime sequel to promote the title, especially given that S3 released in 2019. Still, if Yona can get her revenge sequel, I won’t give up hope!

Black Rock Shooter (REWATCH) – An interesting revisit. I knew it wasn’t going to hold the same emotional punch than it did the first time I saw it back in, what, 2013 or something? On top of being BARELY a teenager then, Black Rock Shooter was also one of my first 20 or so anime that I’d ever watched. During this early time as a fan (and at such a pivotal age), every title I watched held powerful meaning. I’m tempted to do a write-up for the series, but I’m afraid that my emotional distance from the characters and their story–upon this rewatch nearly 13 years later–will only yield “meh” reactions. To say the least, I still think it’s a well produced piece of animation, which is arguably the only thing it’s ever been regarded for besides huke’s character designs (STILL A FAN) and Hatsune Miku’s catchy OP . . . Is it weird to say that I miss the simpler days of AMVs and Vocaloids?

Carole & Tuesday – I think I want to do a piece on this because of how explosively relevant it is today . . . but IDK. Creator and director Shinichirō Watanabe brings the musical melancholy of Bebop to the story of two girls trying to make it big in the music industry. Set on a Mars colony in the near-distant future, Carole and Tuesday are brought together by their mutual love for music that’s raw, real, and authentically human, an execution of the art form that’s become few and far between with the rise of AI-generated compositions. Sure, a real artist might perform the piece, but the bigwig companies use AI to compose based on industry trends and chart successes. And when you jump from one scene of two girls in a crammed apartment above a closed Asian restaurant jamming out with friends and food to THE NEXT SCENE where a solo pop star lies barely conscious in a slick, sparsely furnished high-rise loft, you know you’ve struck social commentary gold. Sure, the talent competition arc runs a little long in the first half. And yes, the finale does conveniently and semi-unrealistically tie together a lot of loose political ends. But the music and soul of the show burn brightly, hand in hand. I downloaded my favorite tracks as soon as the credits started rolling.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (Seasons 1 & 2) – My first *completed* entry into Gundam is its most recent 2-cour series. I remember being immediately drawn to the look and feel of the show back in 2022, and I followed talk of its positive reception until it finished. Still, I felt gate kept by starting since it was a Gundam title. Four years pass, and shit, I’ve got nothing to lose at this point by diving in headfirst, hah! And guess what, I enjoyed myself a great deal! A good chunk of terminology and jargon went over my head, and I couldn’t quite grasp the defining differences between the Gundams and the other mechas that look like Gundams but aren’t?? Through the confusion, however, I found the intensity of the fights a lot of fun. Mech battles are a means of solving problems, and while the scale differs, we can trace the emotional arcs of characters via these conflicts, how they resolve, and how they lead to ever more unintended consequences. It’s a shame that one of the dominating thoughts on my mind was “Man, these kids are using robots to solve petty classroom quarrels, such a tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars.”

My other favorite aspect was the Shakespeare connection: It turns out The Tempest CAN make for a fascinating play-turned-mecha-anime adaptation! Ah, I’m glad blindly paying the $30 for each steelbook Blu-ray was worthwhile.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan’s Island – Apparently, I was a glutton for punishment after The Witch from Mercury, that being a glutton for more Gundam. I recognized Doan’s Island from a Kaneko Yuji animation background art book that I recently imported, and with little inertia than “hey I’ve heard of that” and “now I’ve seen some Gundam, I’m unstoppable,” I streamed the film. I know it’s technically a re-adaptation of a story from the original series or something like that, but Doan’s Island made for a solid enough viewing experience without that context. It’s a mostly standalone story arc with its own stakes, featured characters, and setting location: Cucuruz Doan’s Island is literally isolated from the rest of the world, and I don’t think the series ever revisits the place. So, if you are also looking to wet your feet with some Gundam (and don’t mind bastardizing the “watch order” posed by fans and purists like I’ve been doing so far, heh heh), give the film a shot. It’s a sweet story about a traumatized war vet who spends his days providing a living for a bunch of orphans on an island––until his location is discovered and his past catches up to him once more.

Spring Cleaning

Anime Convention & Haul

Last update, I reported my frantic progress of making cosplay props into the late hours of the night all for the sake of a mid-March anime convention. Well, that weekend has come and gone, and y’all, it was a blast. Absolutely, positively the best way to reconnect with the medium and its fans. I took SO many photos with people, many of whom came up to me because they liked the cosplays I made! Happy payoff! I posted photos from each day on my Insta, so follow me at @ takutoac and see what else I’ve been up to there! But yes, I was immediately hit by the post-con blues when I got back. Thankfully, I had the next item here in this update to occupy me . . .

Oh, and here’s a haul video of everything I purchased from the con! I don’t do plugs like this often, but since we’re in it already, subscribe to my YouTube if you haven’t yet! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1tjV9kqxSE&t=78s)

Starting Arknights: Endfield

Against my better judgment, I started a new Chinese gacha game. What I thought was going to be a typical sci-fi adventure game with magical elements has turned into a mining colony simulator ;__; like I am not built for this. But I’m drawn to the look of some of the character designs, and the mystery of the events that unfolded prior to the game’s story are keeping me engaged. I still need to finish the remaining acts of the first chapter. In the meantime, it gets a thumbs up from me.

Cleaning Everything

I tidied up my apartment before leaving on the long drive to the con, but when I came back, the place seemed coated in a thin layer of airbrush paint dust and the faint aroma of clear coat spray paint. Cleaning had to be done. So, I opened the windows, cleaned the mirrors, and ran the vacuum for an entire weekend. No one gives a shit about this but me LMAO but it’s satisfying to be in a space that’s not actually hazardous to my lungs. (It wasn’t that bad, I’m being dramatic.) Also, I rearranged one room so the shelves make a big L in the corner from window to window, opening up the floor in the middle. Why I hadn’t done this a year ago, who knows.

And that was my March! Spring never fails to heal my heart each time it cycles around. While I’ve got LOTS to write about on the blog side, I’m eyeing new projects with this refreshed spirit. Wishing everyone an energetic pat on the back as we push through April and set sights on summer! (I’m still a teacher, so this is kind of a big deal.) If you’ve watched anything good, I’m trustin’ you to let me know!

– Takuto

End of February 2026 Update: Lunar New Year & Cosplay Making

Posted by

2

Hi all ^.^

February has come and gone in a sprint. While I’ve been fully immersed in anime-related activities, I’ve also been stretched thin as my annual March anime con draws near. Let’s revisit my 2026 blog goals, what I’ve been currently watching, and other things that have occupied the Lunar New Year month.

Blog Goals

1. Make it to the end of the year with all 12 monthly updates posted. We’re 2 for 2, even if I’m technically uploading this on March 1.

2. Finish a few projects I had started/continued in 2025. I reeaalllly need to finish my daily vlogs for last year’s Japan trip. When I started, they were fairly short posts, but then they started getting longer as I added more details from various events and activities. I ought to go back to short ‘n sweet if it means finishing it up.

3. Watch my entire physical backlog of anime. This year’s Lunar New Year Special, Chihayafuru, is helping me accomplish this. That said, I did just order a couple Blu-rays from the Crunchyroll Store sale. Give and take, ya know?

4. Write a reflection post for at least one anime each month. I was ABOUT to have a Chihayafuru post ready, but I decided to opt for Love Through a Prism instead. Now I simply need to write the post . . . It should be out soon, so March will have at least 2 anime reflection posts.

5. Watch at last 26 anime released from 2021 to 2025 (not including films). FIVE so far! Godzilla S.P., Lord of Mysteries, Fire Force Season 3 Part 1, Ranma 1/2 (2024) 2nd Season, and Love Through a Prism.

Recently Watching

Fire Force Season 3 Part 1 – An exhilarating follow-up to season 2. Although they share the same director, season 3 supports much of the same wacky, cinematic symbolism of season 1, which I personally prefer. I own the manga and have read it to completion, and I’m continually astounded at how David Production adapts this nearly frame-for-frame, maintaining the energy and spirit of the manga even at a breakneck pace. If content got cut, I honestly couldn’t tell you what did. I’ve brazenly upheld Fire Force as the next great 60-ish episode “COMPLETE” shounen epic, a kind of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood which defines this current generation (flaws and all). So long as Part 2 stays the course, I won’t have to eat my words. And the scene where Captain Obi hoists a battle-exhausted Shinra on his back? TEARS to mortal mens’ eyes.

Ranma 1/2 (2024) 2nd Season – I love, love, LOVE Ranma. Always have, always will. The Netflix-produced Mappa remake’s second season introduces Ukyo, my favorite okanomiyaki-flipping fighter, as well as the gremlin panty thief Happosai. It’s so weird watching Happosai’s perverted antics outside the context of the 90s, but here we are – uncensored and uncut. With less time to mill around than the classic animated series, however, the Ranma remake moves at a good clip to maintain comedic timing and dramatic reactions. Genuinely, the remake makes me giggle at nearly every gag. Either that or shake my head in involuntary solidarity with the series’ own characters. I’m sincerely hoping that 2026 will bring a season 3 announcement. It would be such a shame to leave Ranma and Akane where the 2nd season’s curtain closes.

A Place Further Than the Universe (REWATCH) – After finally getting my hands on the Blu-ray from Shout Factory/Anime Limited, I’d been begging my schedule for a chance to plug YoriMoi back in, my first revisit since 2018. Some of the more emotional bits seemed slightly less resonant this time around, though that could be for three separate reasons: 1) Different me of then vs. now; 2) I knew the “twists” coming; 3) I gave the English dub a shot this time. It’s likely that this third reason is the culprit, not because the dub cast is poor but more so that the original Japanese audio is that amazing. Saori Hayami voices Yuzuki Shiraishi, and I’m biased for this actress through her role as the band club president from Sound! Euphonium, saxophonist Haruka Ogasawara. Regardless, I’m set to go to an anime con this March (more info down below) where two of the English dub actors will be there, so this was also an exercise in prepping myself for the con. Whether dubbed or subbed, YoriMoi remains inspirational for my travel ambitions. (Though I was shocked to remember that they don’t actually *arrive* at Antarctica until, like, 7 or 8 episodes in! In my memory, they were there by ep 3!)

Love Through a Prism – As the years go on, it’s increasingly rare that a new anime breaks into my favorites list. Any imagined top 25, 50, or 10 has long since been solidified and colored by the rosy lens of nostalgia. Then comes along Love Through a Prism to completely change my mind. I don’t think it’s a very fitting localized title (nor is the original Prism Rondo any better IMO), but that’s just about my only complaint with this historical romance drama animated by Wit Studio. The animation combines the sharp, hyper-detailed polish of Lord of Mysteries (i.e., the “new high quality” look) with the period drama elegance of Violet Evergarden or Emma: A Victorian Romance. Wit’s always featured sprawling, hand-painted landscape background arts in its titles. For an anime about painting and the art of creation, I need to have an art book on my shelf ASAP! And the monochromatic visuals for the timeskip? *chef’s kiss*

I also watched this one dubbed BECAUSE it had English accents, and can I say that Lili Ichijoin is just THE most adorable Japanese transfer student in an Edwardian London that I’ve ever had the pleasure of following. Her enduring personality reminds me of Tohru from Fruits Basket – combined with the whimsy and forwardness of a Castlevania character. And then there’s the rest of the cast: the shamelessly prideful sculptor Joffrey O’Brien, the ridiculously outgoing go-getter (and Lili’s kind-hearted dorm mate) Dorothy Brown, the charismatic artist and economics whiz Peter Anthony, the cute boy-next-door Shin, the domineering Lady Catherine, and the local space cadet and academy heartthrob himself KIT motha-fkin CHURCH. God how I’ll miss this fantastic, unique, and talented crew of college students. Oh yeah, REAL ANIME COLLEGE STUDENTS. I really felt like I bonded with each of them during Lili’s time as a student at Saint Thomas Art Academy.

If you’re at all interested in art, historical dramas, or cross-class romances, you owe it to yourself to watch this one. It might join your favorites list, too. And the premise is an instant sell: Lili Ichijoin is allowed to pursue her art abroad, but unless she makes the top of the class, she’ll be forced to return home to run the family’s traditional kimono boutique in Japan.

Chihayafuru – Speaking of admirable students whom I only wish the absolute best for in life . . . Awkward, passionate Chihaya and her karuta club members are all my children. The closest spiritual comparison of this show that comes to mind is Haikyuu!! When you’re able to convince me that a sport/hobby that I’ve got no initial stake in whatsoever is somehow the single most compelling, soul-binding activity on this planet, you’ve earned a respectful win. My favorite parts are actually when the histories of the classic text and language intersect with the major themes of an episode or a character’s struggle. As such, Kanade is a top contender for fave character. But I also adore Taichi cause, well, he’s Taichiiiiii: a hottie, dreamy and smooth, yet also still sorting out his passions. And he’s cOMPLETELY AND HELPLESSLY DEVOTED TO CHIHAYA OHMYGOD I’M NORMAL ABOUT THEM. Eherm. Get it together, Eyelashes – I’m rootin’ for YOU!

I’ll have more to report once I’ve finished the second season. Right now, I’m 15 episodes in, which means only 10 eps left in S2 and all 24 eps of S3. I’d like to do S3 on Blu-ray, but IDK when the next Sentai sale will be. If I don’t get to S3 as part of 2026’s Lunar New Year Special, know that it’ll be the first priority once I get my hands on the BD. Chihaya, you’re a keeper~!

Anime Concerts and Con Prep

Violet Evergarden Live Concert

Around Valentine’s Day, I had the pleasure of visiting the city to catch the Violet Evergarden Live Concert Tour. In addition to a live orchestra performing scores from the series/films while scenes from the anime were projected on screen, the vocalists for the series’ opening, ending, and insert songs also gave performances with the ensemble. Put simply, the three ladies are amazing. Evan Call’s scores for Violet Evergarden are already emotionally charged. In the dark of the concert hall, I was swept up by the orchestra and vocals. And now I want to rewatch all of it. Which, you know, I totally have the time for.

Genshin Impact – Lantern Rite 2026

For the past 5 years, I’ve celebrated the Lunar New Year celebration in Genshin with its annual Lantern Rite tradition. I thought the story pacing was a bit lacking in the end, especially compared to 2024 (11 OUT OF 10) and 2025 (STILL REALLY GOOD). But when the harbor is alight with glowing amber lanterns and the sky full of fireworks, my complaints matter little when considering we welcomed the main star of this year’s tale – Zibai, the graceful envoy from the moon. Zibai marks my first 5-star character to go C1 within a single banner. Like Xianyun, she’s an adeptus whose wisdom, charm, and attitude I’m completely smitten by. Since the festival concluded, I’ve been milling around Piramida, exploring the northern isle of Nod-Krai for the first time and getting cozy with Illuga, heh.

Making Cosplay

Each year around now, my hobbies tend to take the back seat so that I can prep for the anime con I like attending in March. I’ve got three cosplays lined up: Ryoga (from Ranma 1/2), whom I’ve done before so this one’s a breeze; Shinra/Hinawa (from Fire Force), of which I’ve also done but need to decide which of these two characters I want to do again; and Kinich (from Genshin Impact), whom I trialed last year with just the clothes. This year, I’ve been working on making his signature weapon, “Fang of the Mountain King,” a giant claymore of EVA foam with built-in LEDs. Above are a few progress pics. I ran out of contact cement (oops), so my goal is to finish the build by the end of next week. I usually post cosplay photos on my Instagram, so follow @ takutoac if you’re interested!

I’ll have that Prism Rondo post out hopefully sooner rather than later. ‘Til then, let me know what you watched this February or if you did something fun. Thanks for reading!

– Takuto

Lunar New Year Special Returns for 2026! (A V-Day Post)

Posted by

0

Happy Lunar New Year~! And also, a very happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!

The time for me to bundle up against the winter wind and take on another highly treasured anime property is here! That’s right, we’re back at it again this year, but with a slight change in management . . .

I’ve decided to shift the name (and holiday) of this annual anime binge session from being a Valentine’s or “V-Day” special to a Lunar New Year one. Too often, I’m unable to actually complete a series, let alone multiple, in a single weekend. Lunar New Year arrives just around the same time, and for all my Asian friends, the celebration continues for a least a couple weeks until the beginning of March or so for Lantern Festival. Now THIS is a much more manageable timeframe to tackle an anime property, especially when we’re talking about series with multiple sequels, cours, or films.

As the early part of any year tends to put me in the mood to bite down on some sci-fi anime, I could usually call this the “Sci-Fi Special” too. However, I decided to let my friends and followers cast their vote for this year’s pick, and I’m eager to GALLOP into this long-awaited backlog title. (obligatory Year of the Horse joke)

BUT, before I make the announcement, let’s look back on the history of this homegrown tradition. Here’s a refresher for those in need!

2013 ~ Steins;Gate

2014 ~ Kokoro Connect (I think . . . )

2015 ~ Neon Genesis Evangelion

2016 ~ The Rose of Versailles (It’s not always a sci-fi watch, I know!)

2017 ~ Ghost in the Shell

2018 ~ Haikyuu!! (Again, not sci-fi!)

2019 ~ RahXephon

2020 ~ Gunbuster (PANDEMIC)

2021 ~ Gunbuster

2022 ~ *SKIPPED* (I did watch Heroic Age, though.)

2023 ~ Evangelion: 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo (REWATCH)

2024 ~ Trigun

2025 ~ K-On!

This annual advent always emphasizes classic anime, those which have proven the test of time and are still beloved across many circles. I’m happy to announce that this year’s Lunar New Year Special will be . . .

2026 ~ Chihayafuru!

After the Trigun and K-On! watch posters turned out so nicely, I put similar (if admittedly a bit less) effort into designing the watch order “roadmap.” Hope y’all like it!

Sentai Filmworks’ Chihayafuru season 1 and 2 Blu-rays have been collecting dust for YEARS on my shelf. I know it’s a favorite of Simply Gee’s over on YouTube, though given the overwhelming majority vote for this to be my next watch, odds are high that it’s a favorite of yours, too. But boy, nearly 75 episodes will easily make this one of if not THE most ambitious years yet!!

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be hibernating before the TV and munching on the sweet Japanese, Chinese, and Korean treats. As I spend this time recollecting myself and appreciating all the things I’ve accomplished within the past year, I hope you, too, will be spending this season of renewal and love doing that which makes you happy. (And fear not, I’ll also be visiting with family so I won’t be entirely alone!) Whether that means enjoying time with your own family, friends, or a loved one, what matters most is that you find and embrace that warm, tingly feeling that makes you ambitious to start the Lunar New Year celebration off right. Of course, eating something savory is a must as well!

When next we meet, I hope I’ll be able to muster the energy to organize my thoughts on the Chihayafuru via a reflection post. It’ll be a retrospective glance at a 15-year-old anime gem. Look forward to it with passion!

– Takuto