Ep 5. Be as dear now, those were the good old days

The Chihayafuru season 2 episode 5, titled "Be as dear now, those were the good old days," follows Chihaya and her teammates as they prepare for the upcoming national high school karuta tournament. As they train relentlessly, Chihaya struggles with her injuries and learns to overcome them. Meanwhile, the rest of the team grapples with their own personal obstacles, including pressure from their families and romantic tensions.

Chihaya and Taichi work closely together to improve their karuta skills, with Taichi pushing Chihaya to focus more on her posture and technique. Chihaya, in turn, encourages Taichi to be more assertive on the board and to trust his instincts.

In an effort to boost their team's morale, the group decides to take a break from their intense training and attend a cultural festival at their school. While there, they participate in various activities and performances, including a traditional dance performance.

As the festival comes to a close, Chihaya reminisces about her past experiences with karuta and how far she has come since then. She thinks back to when she first fell in love with the game and how it helped her connect with her friends and her sister.

Throughout the episode, the theme of nostalgia is prevalent, with the characters reflecting on their fond memories of the past. However, the show also emphasizes the importance of looking towards the future and continuing to work hard towards one's goals.

Overall, "Be as dear now, those were the good old days" is a poignant and introspective episode that delves into the characters' emotions and motivations. It showcases the growth and development of the main characters while setting the stage for the high stakes competition that is to come.