Chihayafuru - Recommendations

bokusenou says...

Both series feature a protagonist trying to be the best at a niche game. Both also feature matches which can get pretty intense, and I got a similar feeling while watching both of them.

NeverThatBored says...

Both anime are about the competetive world of games, and feature skilled characters who spread their intense love of their games to others. Chihayafuru is arguably more serious than Hikaru no Go, but both shows mix the psychology of competition with characters passionate about their dreams and alternate between tournaments, training montages, and other events focusing on the characters' lives. 

amina9898 says...

In both shows, you see how much the main characters love and are passionate about their games. Their love for the game transfers to others, until others have no choice but to love the game too.

They both have incredible and intense battles. Their opponents keep getting stronger. Both series have an incredibly strong rival that pushes the main character into becoming stronger, and never giving up.

If you liked one of these series you will surely like the other

Annalyn says...

Hikaru no Go and Chihayfuru  share several elements, some more obvious than others.

First of all, they both involve a game that warrants respect. Both games have roots in long tradition, include national tournaments, etc. These traits are emphasized throughout the anime.

Both involve rivalry and friendship. Hikaru and Toya's rivalry is a little different than the one between Chihaya and Arata, but the similarities are undeniable.

Chihayafuru is a little more serious than Hikaru no Go, and it focuses on older kids, but it does have its comedic moments. And,  despite behing aimed at a younger and different audience, Hikaru no Go is captivating on a level that could still appeal to many fans of Chihayafuru. 

ThePatches says...

At their core, both series are about people drawn together by the love of a game. Hikaru no Go focuses more on the development of its main character as a player, so if you're less interested in the interpersonal stuff but want something with the same action-gamey feel. You won't go wrong with the earlier Pierrot title.

rasieralma says...

They are both introduced to their respective games similarly and both are really entertaining to watch with comedy mixed into the stories.

TheBear9696 says...

The anime Chihayafuru and Hikaru no Go are very similiar to each other. They start out with people that meet a very talented player of games. They decide that they not only want to be good at the game they want to become the very best. They have dream and they will do anything to become better even if it means playing in parlors for the games or even starting there very own game club in there school.  They will do anything to be the very best

mangle says...

Hikaru no Go and Chihayafuru are so similar, I can't imagine anyone who liked one not enjoying the other.  While the games and relationships are different, the flow and feel of both are the same.  Both anime are engaging even for viewers with no knowledge of the games being played.

hannahfaith says...

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zethib says...

Go or Card Game based on Poetry, both are ancient games. Both anime take their explaning why they are still being played today and take their main characters toward the highest competition.

The fact of having a girl main character in Chahayafuru does not affect the parallels too much it does have a  a bit of a love triangle going on but nothing serious while HnG has nothing of the sort.

Both anime are worth watching just for learning about the ancient game.

Himitsu says...

Chihayafuru and Hanasaku Iroha both sell you on their characters. The characters direct the whole story and you will most likely love them. Another exceptional thing about both anime is how they bring you into their world and atmosphere. If they want you to feel happiness, angst, loneliness, whatever feeling- they can do it. I think Hanasaku Iroha and Chihayafuru have strong characters. If you like one, I definitely recommend the other. Hanasaku Iroha boasts consistent beautiful animation while Chihayafuru is quite engaging and educational (I didn't know anything about Karuta before watching this).

bentobox says...

Both are slice-of-life titles that explore what it means to have dreams, goals, and asipirations and the hard work required to achieve them.  Both have touching love stories and beautiful animation quality.

ndesi62 says...

Both series share a beautiful, very tradtional aesthetic, not just in the gorgeous animation but also in more subtle, thematic ways. The delicate, but strong sense of romance is also incredibly successful. What really shines in both series, though, are the main characters. Ohana and Chihaya are perenially optimistic, cheery, friendly, and most importantly, cause everyone around them to be the same. Watching either of their adventures is nothing short of sheer joy and pleasure.

elliottmarshal says...

Both these series center around a girl coming of age and recognizing her dream. Both feature love triangles, but not in an obscene or over the top way. Both stories are played out against a tranditional Japanese setting. Both have really beautiful animation with exqisite details and character designs! 

juwia says...

The main protagonist from both animes are very similar. They both have the same passion and desire to do the best they can for their respective goals. Although we cannot directly relate with their aspirations, we are able to live vicariously through their storylines. They both have non-mainstream artwork and a bit of a traditional Japanese touch. 

snivets says...

The main characters, Chihaya and Ohana, are both extremely spunky female characters. Their positive thinking influences the people around them, and they both must learn to deal with setbacks and failures. If you like either one of these big personalities, check out the other.

mustache says...

They both are innocent and funny. Overall I enjoyed Hanasaku Iroha more I think than Chihayafuru but it was still good I think. If you liked Hanasaku Iroha then I think you should give Chihayafuru a shot because the main characters are both girls though the protagnist in Hanasaku Iroha seems more capable than Chihaya in Chihayafuru, its still good. If you like Chihayafuru I would say to watch Hanasaku Iroha because it is similar in that innocent and in my opinion it drew me in more than Chihayafuru but at least I think you will enjoy it.

NatsuIgneel95 says...

Well both series is Slice of Life but the different of the both series is Chihayafuru is about Karuta and Hana-Saku Iroha is about hot spring...both anime will seems boring if you only see first episode but after that it will get interesting

YuiYui says...

Two series that focus on some of the more traditional side of Japan, Karuta in Chihayafuru and running a traditional inn in Hanasaku. Both show clear slice of life elements and and quite light to watch, if you enjoyed the characters and exploration of the more traditional side of one of these anime then I would recommend the other xx

subparalien says...

Both of these animes brought to you by: young people working hard and finding their place in the world. Work hard every day to become the person you want to be and it pays off.

SorataShirai says...

Chihayafuru and kono oto tomare both emphasize on a certain goal bringing people who have almost nothing in common together. Even though kono oto tomare is a bit bland compared to chihayafuru the same feeling is there when you watch either one. People working through their personal problems to do what they love with the people they enjoy being with is a strong story factor in both of these! Both of these also show how whether it be karuta/playing the koto how much a person can change from it.

After watching both and even though kono oto tomare isn't finished yet, I felt as if establishing this link was necessary. 

YEROCKY says...

Because of the similar premise and overall feeling/execution, of its plot and characters.

The stories of Chihayafuru and Kono Oto feature a group of high school students involved in a competitive club, trying to master their skill set well enough to compete in the nationals, for their respective activity/sport. Both shows are primarily school-life oriented, with a familiar balance of comedy, drama, and character development. One of the more striking resemblances between the shows is the characters. Each character, in these stories, has their own distinct personality, as well as unique backgrounds, goals, and motivations. Having the characters be not only likable, but also feel diverse in personality, makes them interesting and fun to watch. Some other similarities include art style, episode/plot structure, production values, mood, how the characters interact, and more; making both shows feel very similar to one another.

mesanator says...

Both anime start with the premise of a club for an obscure Japanese tradition that is struggling with survival. Then both are able to survive by recruiting a bunch of misfits who in the beginning are adamant about participating in the club activity until convinced by mc's  passion. From there it's the road to win competition and be number 1 in Japan. From the character standpoint there is a lot of parallels, from mc, the love interest, the side characters, etc.  

moonchild15 says...

its nice seeing the passion and personal and emotional development of characters in both shows. this is all shown with the characters working towards a major competition. they share shojo elements such as likeable characters which is fun to watch. seeing them bond in their respective teams and work together towards their goal is heartwarming and keeps u watching. u will be rooting for them to succeed. the budding romance in both shows will have you shipping for sure, plus the drama is icing on the cake.

Tiggernator says...

Both play with the love and commitment the characters have towards a sport/art and how they grow together as friends and part of a team! 

The shows are similar in setting too, with glimpses of school life but with a main focus of their club and events/competitions!

Rwebsterjustlivin says...

Both of these anime have competitions for Japanese only realted activities. They boy have romance and are during school. These anime resemble each other the most I feel. They both have to work really hard to get better at something that most would give up on.

PinkRoseGold says...

Both of these shows managed to take things you would probably never think to watch a show about and made it so interesting. They also have the similarities of friends coming together to participate in activities they enjoy doing while dealing with the hardships of trying to achieve their goals as individuals and a team. The characters have similar looks and characteristics as well.

phantomKID13 says...

deals with high school competition a club that is not so common and slice of life and some romance 

KuroiTsubasa says...

You might say that these series have nothing in common as their plotlines revolve around completely different things - Bakuman centers around young people trying to become manga authors and Chihayafuru is about youth playing karuta. But on the other hand, these shows have plenty of similarities as they both depict young people moving towards their desired goals, steadily improving, competing to become the best, making new friends and meeting new rivals. Both shows create notable tension at some point and fill you with enthusiasm at times, though you have to notice Chihayafuru has very little comedy and romance compared to Bakuman.

coffeebreath says...

Both anime are uplifting and motivational about characters pursuing their passion and constantly aiming to be the best of themselves and in their chosen interest. Although their content and demographic is different the aforementioned similarity gives them an almost identical feel when watching as the same emotions are portrayed in each.

Faimojo says...

When I was watching Chihayafuru, I related it a lot to Bakuman. The reasons maybe because both of the animes are about a couple or a bunch of people striving for their dreams. They have a goal set in their minds. Especially the leads, both want to meet someone special after they reach their goals which becomes their motivation. 

snivets says...

These two shows stand out to me as being really excellent examples of "feel-good" anime with substance. As in, when you're done watching an episode, you can't help but feel excited about the story. They're also both about young people who have big dreams working to succeed against long odds, with a side of light romance.

kio3459 says...

If you like getting that warm fuzzy feeling inside or if you're the type of person that loves to root for the underdogs to reach for the stars/achieve the impossible then these two animes are just for you!  Both these animes have:

1.  Main Characters that dare to dream/ won’t settle for anything less then their ultimate goals.

2. Very cinematic storylines and memorable OSTs/Scores that are very beautiful. 

3. Lots of lovable characters (there were times where the secondary characters actually stole the show)

4. Lots of drama, sprinkled with comedy and a bit of romance to spice it up.

If you happen to have come across these before but decided not to watch because chances are you may not know or be interested in the subject matter you'll still care, trust me! 

With both of these animes you can't help but get sucked in and perhaps "shed a tear" or two while watching the characters overcome their hardships just for the chance to reach for their dreams and goals.  If you liked one you'll definitely love the other!

Karasune says...

Despite being about two different things, these shows have a lot in common. The characters are extremely passionate and give their all into what they love; playing karuta in Chihayafuru and creating manga in Bakuman. As the story progresses, you'll get sucked in and before you know it, you'll be cheering the characters on as hard as you can as they overcome numerous hardships. Romance, comedy, drama, tears, smiles, and hardwork are all included in both of these series, and I can 100% say that if you liked one, you should definitely check out the other. 

Tora3 says...

A great anime about passion, dedication for a traditional japaniese game. Has an interesting storry line beside presenting the game, and lives of the characters. 

NarkyOtic says...

Traditional Japanese games that alienate the main characters from much of everyday life. Trouble with relationships and friendships either failing to blossom as intended or in ways that they shouldn't.

Dramatic/heavily somatic dream sequences during competition and analysis are also a common factor.

Rntt89 says...

Both anime feature traditional Japanese games that their players have a lot of passion and dedication for them or they’re prodigies that have lost interest in the game. They promote good sportsmanship by showing how the characters develop friendship relationships with their rivals in game but still getting along outside of it. Both anime let the viewer get a good idea of the game, show many competitions and the pressure of the players while they’re at them and the struggle of trying to overcome your current limits.

Tommyliminus says...

Both shows are incredible, moving and beautiful series! They're about sports/competitive games that you likely aren't interested in but the characters and stories make them shine. Absolute must watches for anyone who loves anime as a medium. The actual games are tense, heart pounding and keep you on the edge of your seat in a way that they never would be in any other format than Anime. You genuinely owe it to yourself to give either a shot. In a similar way I would also compare Your lie in April but that will destroy your soul and emotions so just be careful!:)

wucchu says...

Both animes are focusing on old traditional Japanese games, Chihayafuru on Karuta and 3-gatsu on Shogi instead. Because of these games the characters develop through victories and defeats. Both animes are good at showing passion towards the things you love and also show struggles that you may come across.

snivets says...

Both shows feature traditional Japanese games and are heavily focused on characters growing, maturing, and experiencing different personal challenges as they face various opponents.

DarkMagicianGirl says...

Chihayafuru is all about a game karuta. The players have to learn 100 poems and have to find the right card that matches the poem. Chouyaku hyakunin isshi: uta koi is about these 100 poems. If you want to learn about the poems you have to watch Chouyaku hyakunin isshi: uta koi. If you want to learn about karuta and what some of the poems mean you have to watch Chihayafuru. If you wacht 1 you will watch the other.

Karasune says...

There are major differences between these two series, but I believe this recommendation makes sense. Chihayafuru is set in modern-day and revolves around the game of Karuta. Utakoi is historical and tells various stories based off the 100 Poems, which are printed on the cards in Karuta. If you enjoyed Chihayafuru and liked the poetry aspect, check out Utakoi. If you enjoyed Utakoi and are interested in how the poems are used in Karuta, check out Chihayafuru. 

OutOfTheBlue says...

This is a good anime for people who were fascinated, like Oe, by the beauty of the poems of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

Tyranid5 says...

Chihayafuru is series that revolves around Karuta a competition based around Japan's classic 100 poems. Utakoi adapts some of the stories from these poems.

Fans of Chihayafuru may not know much about the poems themselves, but many among the cast of characters are very passionate about the meaning of the poems. You can see a lot of poems featured in Utakoi that are pivitol in Chihayafuru if the historical perspective is meaningful to you, and the first episode features the titular poem.

If you enjoyed Utakoi for some of the following reasons: Romance, Historical culture, unique art style. Chihayafuru doesn't have the same art style, but has its own unique art style. This is a good series for romance fans who are typically turned off by series with sports & school life themes, because it contains these elements, but in a unique fashion.

snivets says...

Chihayafuru and Kuroko are both stories about talented players who still have to work hard against long odds to succeed. They have a similar atmosphere of trying your hardest and learning to depend on your teammates.

whimsical says...

These two animes focus on getting better at a sport you love. And the characters inspire others to get better and/or change their point of view of the sport.

kotaku01 says...

Chihayafuru and Kuroko no Basket have a similar point: they are both about talented players who are in a club. The characters have to face some strange players and play against them. The main points of these stories are to believe in your teammates and to never give up.

AllenCz says...

I personaly like both animes. It is because the sport settings and protagonists.

You might find these animes quite different however if you liked one there is plenty of chance you will like the other.

winniebai says...

they both have a common theme of a game where the main character is very passionat about what they play. the feel of them is also very similar,if you liked one, you should definatly check out the other

willfemi says...

Both Saki and Chihayafuru are about recruiting members for their clubs and then participating as teams (an occationally individuals) in compitions.

hannahfaith says...

                                                                                              

                                                                                                  

kio3459 says...

If you like getting that warm fuzzy feeling inside or if you're the type of person that loves to root for the underdogs to reach for the stars/achieve the impossible then these two animes are just for you!  Both these animes have:

1.  Main Characters that dare to dream/ won’t settle for anything less then their ultimate goals.

2. Very cinematic storylines and memorable OSTs/Scores that are very beautiful. 

3. Lots of lovable characters (there were times where the secondary characters actually stole the show)

4. Lots of drama, sprinkled with comedy and a bit of romance to spice it up.

If you happen to have come across these before but decided not to watch because chances are you may not know or be interested in the subject matter you'll still care, trust me! 

With both of these animes you can't help but get sucked in and perhaps "shed a tear" or two while watching the characters overcome their hardships just for the chance to reach for their dreams and goals.  If you liked one you'll definitely love the other!

Karasune says...

Despite being about two different things, these shows have a lot in common. The characters are extremely passionate and give their all into their one true goal in life; becoming great players of karuta in Chihayafuru and becoming an astronaut in Uchuu Kyoudai. As the story progresses, you'll begin to cheer the characters on and watch in eagerness as they try to overcome trial after trial. You may even shed tears along with them. If you enjoy watching characters grow and work towards their dreams, and you enjoyed one of these shows, you'll more than likely enjoy the other. 

jugemxjugem says...

Both shows create characters that are really out of flesh and blood. Everyone is just a full person, with issues, dreams, etc, and u can't help but to care and be invested in their lifes, hopes and dreams

Kaltther says...

Kousei ARIMA = Arata WATAYA

Tsubaki SAWABE = Taichi MASHIMA

Kaori MIYAZONO = Chihayafuru AYASE

more or less

closetanimefan says...

The characters of these two anime are really similar. From their looks to personalities, the main characters of these anime could be twins. Add a nice helping of love triangle and a dash of determination doing what you love and you get both of these anime and a solid recommendation. Your Lie in April is sadder and more dramatic than Chihayafuru, but, with similar characters, themes, and atmosphere, you could very well like one if you liked the other. 

hannahfaith says...