'Chihayafuru –Meguri–' Live-Action Series Reveals Returning Cast and New Trailer

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Chihayafuru, titled Chihayafuru –Meguri–, has released its latest trailer, teasing the return of beloved characters and familiar faces. This series is inspired by Yuki Suetsugu's acclaimed manga and is set a decade after the events of the previous live-action films.

Returning Cast and Characters

The main cast from the original live-action movies will reprise their roles as high school seniors:

• Suzu Hirose as Chihaya Ayase: The reigning karuta queen and now an advisor for Mizusawa High's karuta club, albeit currently on a leave of absence.
• Shūhei Nomura as Taichi Mashima: Now working as a resident doctor.
• Yūma Yamoto as Nishida: Running an okonomiyaki shop.
• Yūki Morinaga as Kōmono: Working as a pharmacist.
• Hayato Sano as Tsukuba: Continuing as part of the main cast.
• Mio Yūki as Sumire: Also returning to her role.

In addition, Mone Kamishiraishi will return as Kanade Ōe, now serving as a part-time teacher and karuta club adviser.

Series Details and Premiere

Set to premiere on July 9 at 10:00 p.m. JST (9:00 a.m. EDT), the series will air on NTV and its affiliated channels.

• Ami Tōma stars as Meguru Aizawa, a second-year high school student who secretly joins a struggling karuta club.
• Mone Kamishiraishi also reprises her role as Kanade Ōe, now mentoring the new generation.

Creative Team and Music

The series’s creative team includes:

• Original manga creator Yuki Suetsugu involved in the production.
• Norihiro Koizumi returns as the showrunner.
• Directors Naoya Fujita, Daisuke Honda, Chiaki Matsumoto, and Kazuhiro Yoshida.
• Screenplay by Monogatari Lab and Suzuyuki Kaneko.
• Music composed by Masaru Yokoyama.
• The theme song "Megu (from the series title's "Meguri") Loop" performed by the pop group Perfume, who previously provided the theme for the 2016 films.

Background and Source Material

The original Chihayafuru manga was launched in December 2007 in Kodansha's Be Love magazine. It depicts the story of Chihaya Ayase, a girl passionate about karuta, a traditional Japanese card game, and her journey alongside friends Arata and Taichi.

The manga concluded with its final chapter published in August 2022, followed by a spin-off and a sequel manga launched in late 2023. The story was adapted into three animated seasons available on Crunchyroll and home video, with licensing handled by Sentai Filmworks and HIDIVE.

Previous Films and Adaptations

The manga inspired three live-action films:

• Chihayafuru: Kami no Ku (2016)
• Chihayafuru: Shimo no Ku (2016)
• Chihayafuru: Musubi (2018)

Additionally, there was a five-episode Hulu series titled Chihayafuru -Tsunagu-, released in 2018.

Image via Chihayafuru manga's website

Manga Synopsis

Launched in Kodansha's Be Love magazine, Chihayafuru follows Chihaya, a girl with little understanding of zeal, who discovers her natural talent for karuta after meeting the transfer student Arata. Their rivalry and friendship unfold amidst youthful emotions.

The manga’s final chapter was published in August 2022, and a sequel titled Chihayafuru plus Kimi ga Tame debuted in December 2023.

Cultural Impact

Chihayafuru has inspired multiple anime seasons, with a dedicated fanbase worldwide. It has been licensed globally, with streaming on Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, and release by Sentai Filmworks.

Sources: X/Twitter - Chihayafuru live-action series, Natalie Mu