Chihayafuru follows Chihaya Ayase, who grows up focused on a single dream: seeing her elder sister Chitose become Japan's most successful model. That changes when she stands up for her ostracised classmate Arata Wataya, who is being bullied by Chihaya's childhood friend Taichi Mashima, and is introduced to the fiercely competitive world of karuta.
Drawn to the Ogura Hundred Poets anthology at the heart of the game, Chihaya is captivated by a contest that demands memory, speed, and remarkable endurance. She, Arata, and Taichi are gradually pulled back together through their shared love of karuta and their rivalry with one another, all while Chihaya pursues the title of Queen of Karuta, the top-ranked female player.
By high school, Chihaya has grown apart from the more reserved Taichi and from Arata, but her determination only intensifies. Hoping to sharpen her skills and build a team strong enough to compete, she creates a karuta club at her school. With Taichi, another seasoned player, and several energetic newcomers, the Mizusawa Karuta Club begins chasing victory at the national championship held at Omi Shrine, where their personal ambitions and bonds are tested on and off the tatami.
