Original subtitles

PREVIOUSLY

There's a study camp over the long weekend in November.

So you can all improve even more,

I'm planning a karuta training camp for the long weekend this fall.

KARUTA CLUB TRAINING CAMP 2–4 NOVEMBER

SPECIAL FALL STUDY CAMP 2–4 NOVEMBER

Please discuss it with your parents.

What the hell?!

A famous club has kindly allowed us to join them on their training camp.

It's the perfect chance to soak up all of their knowledge.

What? She's not at the study camp?

Where is she?

She won't answer the phone. She's not reading texts.

The police!

Huh?

Mom?

Toko!

I can't apologize enough.

Well, the main thing is that she's safe.

So we'll be going now.

-Sorry for the trouble. -Not at all.

Meguru.

It seems that Miss Aizawa's cram school had a camp at the same time as this one,

and she led her parents to believe that she went to the cram school camp.

I wonder why she didn't tell them.

I feel like it's too good for me.

My parents' care for me,

the money, the time, the friends…

I couldn't forgive myself for wasting them all.

So you decided there's no room for youth?

She couldn't tell them.

Everybody's got one or two things they can't tell their parents, right?

That's true.

I couldn't tell my old man about karuta at first either.

Then Aizawa gave me the push I needed.

Or rather,

it went that way because that's just who she is.

Me too.

It went that way in the end.

Me too.

In hindsight.

Thinking about it now,

the seniors having their retirement game,

the fact that this karuta club is still going,

it's all because Miss Aizawa was there for us.

That's Miss Aizawa, isn't it?

Always quietly by the side of those who need help.

I wonder what's going

to become of us now?

Sorry, Susumu. I'm going to get some sleep.

My head's swimming.

I call it the kind-of-amazing ochazuke.

Thank you.

This reminds me

of back when you were in sixth grade

and you went missing after going out with a friend.

There was a big fuss. The police got involved.

They brought you home.

I remember it was the kind-of-amazing udon that time.

That's most of the reason your mom was in such a panic yesterday.

The police!

Meguru's a high-schooler now.

It's not like back then.

She was afraid you might really disappear this time.

Your mom and I aren't angry.

We just want to know what's going on in that heart of yours.

CHIHAYAFURU: FULL CIRCLE

POEM FIVE: BEYOND MOUNT OE

We're not trying to take anything away from you, Meguru.

We're just asking if this is something you should really be starting

as a sophomore.

Right. You can always start it once you're in college, can't you?

I promised everyone at karuta club that we'd go to the All Japan together.

Why do you have to go to the All Japan Karuta Championship?

Because…

I don't know.

You could've at least talked to us sooner.

I couldn't.

Why not?

Because I thought you'd say

exactly what you're saying right now.

What you're both trying to say

really does make sense to me.

That's why

I want the two of you to decide.

What do you

want me to do?

200 DAYS UNTIL THE TOKYO QUALIFIER

Meguru!

Miss Aizawa! Was everything okay?

Yeah.

I'm…

sorry, everyone.

I spoke with my folks, and…

Well, this all started with Miss Aizawa telling a lie,

and apparently they don't intend to make anything more of it.

However, the school has an obligation to explain.

So would you mind joining us?

Of course not.

One more thing.

About Miss Aizawa's membership of the karuta club.

They'd like the next tournament to be her last.

Last? You mean she'll be leaving the club?

Regrettably, yes.

But if that's what her parents wish, it's out of our hands.

I don't believe it!

I'm sorry, guys.

I can't go to the Tokyo qualifier with you.

I'm truly sorry.

My karuta career

will end at the Musashino Tournament.

Or I should say,

it will start and end.

But even so,

all the more reason to use my time left to train just as hard…

No, train even harder than before.

I want to go far as we can in the tournament.

Because I want to play as many matches as possible with you all.

I know it's selfish.

But please

let me do this.

Miss Aizawa.

Miss Oe.

Please.

Man, it's freezing.

-Miss Murata? -Miss Murata.

No way! Morning practice too?

You too, then, I take it?

Yeah, after everything Meguru said.

We feel the same way as Miss Aizawa too.

Yes.

How about that?

I guess he had the same idea as well.

Morning.

-Morning. -Good morning.

Shall we?

What the…?

I wonder how long they've been going.

If Aizawa's going this far, we've gotta give it our all too, right?

We can do better than "as many as possible"!

If we're gonna do it, we'll blow Hokuoh and Mizusawa away to win the title.

That way, we'll get to play the most matches.

How sneaky, practicing without us.

We'll join you.

All right. Let's get changed.

Let's.

COMPETITIVE KARUTA CLUB

Last one.

-Last one. -Good work.

Sweep in more of a straight line, taking the shortest route possible.

A straight line.

That's it. Okay, one more time?

Let's go, Umezono!

Let's go, Umezono!

Let's go…

This is yours, Miss Aizawa. Here.

And lastly, Mr. Shirano.

We'll start with you, Miss Aizawa.

Your specialty card is here on the middle left,

and cards that can be identified early…

The sweet scent of the flowers

Remains the same as ever

-Got it! -Nice one, Aizawa!

Nice!

It's finally time.

Yes.

Let's enjoy it.

I'm getting nervous now.

Let's give it our all.

And now, with spring's arrival It reveals its full glory

Going round the path…

-Look at this! -Huh?

She's worn the knees out from kneeling?

She asked us to buy her a new tracksuit.

I can't believe how serious she's gotten about karuta.

It surprised me too.

Tell me about it.

I'd like you to let me keep playing karuta, please.

I've dealt with most things by telling myself it was for the future

and that one day, it will come in handy.

But this, though…

this is the one thing I can only do now.

This is the first time I've felt that way.

Thinking about it, though,

I feel like the old Meguru used to be more like this.

Then at some point, she started talking about efficiency this and evidence that.

It's not necessarily a bad thing.

I paid it no mind and just took it as her growing up.

Maybe I used words like those in front of her too much.

I said them sometimes too.

But looking back now, it started all of a sudden.

Maybe her failing her exam played a big part in it.

It was after getting the results

that Meguru went missing.

Well, that is a possibility, but…

But?

I don't know.

Please accept our sincere apologies.

We are truly sorry.

-No, we're sorry for the trouble. -Not at all.

We'll strive to ensure nothing like this happens again.

Shall we go, then?

-Oh, Miss Oe? -Yes?

If you don't mind me asking,

how did Meguru come to start playing karuta?

Yes…

Only, it's very hard to imagine

her actively seeking it out with the way she's been lately.

Forgive me.

I may have put undue pressure on Miss Meguru.

I overstepped a boundary.

No. That's not what I mean.

It's embarrassing to admit,

but we've always hoped we were understanding parents.

So… we just can't understand what was going through Meguru's head

when she felt she couldn't say to us

that she wanted to play karuta.

I'm putting you in an awkward spot.

I'm sorry.

Anyway, we'll be leaving now.

Wait.

Would you like to take a look before you go?

UMEZONO COMPETITIVE KARUTA CLUB UMEZONO KARUTA CLUB

-They're kind of plain, aren't they? -Oh?

Then what did you come up with, Miss Murata?

I made… this!

HEART AND SOUL INTO EACH POEM!!

Another school has one like that.

-What? -Done!

Let's see.

I did a good job, if I do say so myself.

What is that?

Dayu Koume?

Murasaki Shikibu, obviously!

What about yours, Mr. Shirano?

He totally ignored it!

Don't worry about mine. It's kind of boring.

Just show us.

This isn't my strong suit.

I kind of like it.

Yeah.

-Nice and simple. -Yes.

It's very Umezono.

It's good. I'm jealous.

Are you serious?

You're not all going to joke about it later?

-No, this'll be the joke for sure. -Hey! Chieri!

It's Murasaki Shikibu, darn it!

There's one thing Miss Meguru said

that really stayed with me.

Devoted their youths?

Isn't that indulgent?

Having a youth is indulgent?

Yes.

When I heard that, I couldn't help but do something about it.

Our generation all had the choice to have a youth or not.

We took that fact for granted.

But if

kids today don't even have that choice,

it really breaks my heart.

I behaved presumptuously.

Not at all.

Will you be attending the upcoming tournament?

I can walk you through it, if you'd like.

I'm afraid we have work that day.

I see.

It does look like Murasaki Shikibu, doesn't it?

Doesn't it, Haru Bun?

Meguru? Are you awake?

37TH MUSASHINO TOURNAMENT HIGH SCHOOL TEAM GAMES

Huh. So your dad was against you playing karuta too, Shirano?

Yeah. He was reluctant at first, but now he's cool with it.

Hey! Fuki!

-Fuki! -Please, no.

UMEZONO FOR THE WIN!!!

Good morning, everyone. Thanks for looking after Fuki.

What are you doing?

What? I'm here to cheer you on.

Not that. This getup!

You're embarrassing me.

Everyone does stuff like this.

Besides, I heard…

I heard that Teacher is leaving karuta club after today.

Get a grip, man.

Excuse me. I'm Oe, club advisor.

-Miss Oe! -Nice to meet you.

-I'm Shirano. Nice to meet you. -Thank you for coming.

Thank you.

So this is an official tournament.

They all look like good players.

Mizusawa sure have the look of champions.

Look, everyone!

We have these, don't we?

We're gonna win this.

-Yes. -Right.

Shouldn't you be heading off?

Yes, you're right.

I was just wondering if Meguru had arrived yet.

It'll be the opening ceremony right about now.

Uh-oh. I need to get going too.

What a pain in the butt, playing karuta on a Sunday morning.

It's a total 180 from her old personality.

You take it too easy because you go to a combined middle and high school.

I'll give you that. I've got free time aplenty.

I'm not sure which one was right now.

I've done you a favor just by not sending cram school fees down the drain.

What did you just say, Kakeru?

Huh? Did I say something?

37TH MUSASHINO TOURNAMENT HIGH SCHOOL TEAM GAMES

UMEZONO ADORE GIRLS' ACADEMY

What is it, Sota?

This is terrible.

We're up against Adore.

Are they strong?

Yeah.

They're the third best in Tokyo after Mizusawa and Hokuoh.

You've worked really hard over this past year.

-Leave it all out there on the mats. -You're kidding me.

Haruma.

Adore have traditionally always argued a lot.

Be careful not to let them dictate the pace.

Sho.

All right. We doing this?

Yeah!

So your kid brother does have a nice side.

I mean, I did ask Sis once.

"FIRE's all well and good, but what comes after that?"

And what did she say?

That it wasn't her who was going to FIRE. It was you guys.

That she was going to put your life plan back on track after she had delayed it.

Meguru said that?

Yeah.

I can't believe it.

Their club advisor is famous for her passion as a coach.

They're always in the running for the title with each generation.

Umezono must not stand a chance, then!

Ordinarily, yes.

However,

Umezono can't afford to complain about that today.

Because after all, the moment they lose,

their time spent playing karuta with Miss Aizawa is over.

Umezono!

Let's go!

Right!

And now, with spring's arrival

It reveals its full glory

We won't let it end!

Got one!

Nice!

All right!

Still in the lead!

Get the next one too!

Will do!

Yes!

-Kept the streak! -Nice!

-Kept it! -Nice!

-Me too! -And me!

Hang in there!

They're tough.

But then again,

President Nishida and Hokuoh

were even tougher!

Took it!

Nice!

Chieri.

Let's get the next one together.

Here we go.

Okay!

I got it!

-Same here. -I got it too!

The white beads of dew

Buffeted so by the wind

Scattered in this way

He matched the speed of the number one high-schooler!

Impressive.

He's come so far.

Mr. Shirano might be a phenom in the making.

Nice, Shirano.

-Thanks. -Nice one.

One moment, please.

Huh?

I think I took that one.

But my hand was like--

I swept it first, didn't I?

What's this?

Yono's in a dispute.

It was me who touched it directly.

My fingertips touched it before you swept it away, Mr. Yono.

Is this going to be settled?

In karuta,

it's standard for players to settle these things between themselves.

It's a game that relies on the sportsmanship of both players.

Stay strong, Mr. Yono.

Don't let her win, Sota.

All right, then.

It's your hand, Miss Tokuda.

Take the next one, Adore.

Yes, ma'am!

Across the autumn meadow

Like jewels that defy the thread

Then if only I could go

To you without being seen

Near Mount Arima

As Ina's bamboo grass fields

Rustle in the breeze

Streak!

Aizawa.

Please turn off your phones.

Sorry.

Sorry.

Mr. and Mrs. Aizawa!

Miss Oe! Hello.

Nice to meet you. I'm Fuki Shirano's dad.

-Thank you for taking care of Meguru. -Thank you.

You came!

I thought… we ought to come see her play for the last time for ourselves.

-Please follow me. -Thank you.

Thank you.

-Miss Oe? -Yes?

It doesn't look like Meguru's team is in a very good situation.

To be honest, they've drawn a top school in the first round.

But… but they're doing incredibly well though.

Hangs to dry on the slopes of

Amanokaguyama

Umezono!

One win!

Incredible, Mr. Shirano!

That's my boy!

Nicely done, Mr. Shirano!

Nice, Shirano!

Let's follow his lead!

All right!

All right!

All right!

They're getting into a rhythm.

-Kept my streak! -Nice, Meguru!

Took it!

Go, Umezono!

I took it!

The fewer the cards in the opponent's territory,

the greater the chance a card in one's own will be read.

Miss Meguru is aware of that.

That's why she hasn't given up.1

Streak!

Seeing her now, it's hard to believe she was unsure about joining till the end.

She was unsure about joining?

Yes.

Would you like to play karuta with us?

I can't.

If I indulge myself now,

everything will go down the drain again.

Down the drain?

Yes.

Who'd have thought all that time and money would just go down the drain?

Maybe the entrance exam was a bit too soon for her.

Huh? Was there a sound just then?

Huh? Was there?

Yeah.

It's me!

I'm the reason

Meguru got lost!

It's not just you, Toko. It's me too.

Meguru may have come home that day,

but she's stayed lost

ever since.

Snatched it!

Toko!

THE JOURNEY IS LONG

AND MY EYES ARE YET TO SPY AMANOHASHIDATE

And my eyes are yet to spy

Amanohashidate

Are you well versed in waka?

The two of us did a little studying since we last met.

Just basic stuff.

BEYOND MOUNT OE GOES THE ROAD TO IKUNO

THE JOURNEY IS LONG AND MY EYES ARE YET TO SPY

AMANOHASHIDATE

This poem really left an impression on us.

AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPETITIVE KARUTA

"Beyond Mount Oe" was composed on the spot by a girl as a response to being mocked

for still being dependent on her parents.

"I stand on my own two feet

without the help of my parents," it means.

Did that girl

compose that poem

in order to reclaim her pride?

I… believe so.

And is she…

playing karuta…

to reclaim… herself?

Got it!

-Nice one, Chieri! -Nice!

Nice, Miss Aizawa!

Let's take the next one too!

Yeah!

Wow.

This is fun!

I don't want it to be over.

Can this just last forever, please?

Maybe that's indulgent.

It is, isn't it?

Thank you.

-Adore win one! -Nice!

Is this how

the club seniors felt?

And we're already

hurting so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

-Adore, two wins! -Nice!

I wish I could go back to that day and punch myself.

Thank you.

I'm definitely being punished for it now.

-Three wins to Adore! -Nice!

I should have invested more.

Like Miss Oe.

I should have invested in virtue.

THE MOON THAT NIGHT DID VANISH

Going round the path

If it is you whom I met

I cannot be sure

I wish I could have met you sooner.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

-Four wins to Adore! -Nice!

For behind a single cloud

The moon that night did vanish

Mom! Dad!

Thank you for coming.

Starting tomorrow…

Welcome home.

Welcome home, Meguru.

Okay.

I'm… home?

Welcome home.

Miss Oe.

Please take care…

of Meguru.

Teach her all the karuta

she wants to learn.

Please.

Are you sure?

We are.

Certainly.

I'll take good care of Miss Meguru.

Meguru!

-Yay! -We did it, Mr. Shirano!

What a relief, Miss Aizawa!

Are you crying?

-We can keep playing together. -Are you crying, Mr. Shirano?

What? No.

FINAL MIZUSAWA VS. HOKUOH HIGH SCHOOL

Thank you.

Thank you.

One win to Mizusawa.

Nice!

He beat Hokuoh's vice-president by more than ten cards.

That's crazy.

-Even Hokuoh is in trouble. -Yes.

And we couldn't get a single win against them.

The other regulars need to be watched out for, not just Orie.

Yosuke Shinohara,

a sophomore B-class.

Dynamic takes that make use of his frame are his weapon.

Miss Oto Yoshino.

An A-class sophomore, she's Mizusawa's number two player.

Kota Niwano is B-class,

but as their only freshman regular, he's not to be taken lightly.

Then there's Miss Nagi Tsukiura.

She's improved her game significantly since that singles match.

So Mizusawa won it, as expected.

But if we're going to go to the All Japan, we'll have to face them sooner or later.

Yep. We just have to practice so we can catch up.

That's right.

Darn it!

-I left my towel. -Huh?

Sorry. You go on ahead. I'll go look for it.

All right.

Wrong one.

I think that's my towel.

Thank you.

Hey, Nagi!

Hurry up!

Okay.

So you play karuta, then?

Let's…

have a game sometime.

Going round the path

If it is you whom I met I cannot be sure

For behind a single cloud The moon that night did vanish

Just as she thought she saw someone dear from her past,

they disappeared.

Just like the moon being concealed by the clouds.

UMEZONO HIGH SCHOOL

Is that right?

How nice that Miss Aizawa is staying in the club.

Yes.

I'll devote even more energy to my role as club advisor from now on.

Actually, about that…

I'm afraid to inform you

that your contract with us will be terminated after this year.

-What? -Don't misunderstand.

It's not about the training camp.

It's nothing to do with that. It's--

-Yes? -Excuse me.

Excuse me. Please, come in.

-I'm sorry, am I interrupting? -No, no.

I was just about to talk about you, Mr. Shima.

Mr. Shima here

is now going to be returning from paternity leave.

Thankfully, I'm able to start work again sooner than expected.

Thank you for covering for me.

Oh, not at all.

From the next academic year,

Mr. Shima will be resuming his duties,

including his role with the karuta club.

Subtitle translation by: Lewis Williams