Chihayafuru 2 OVA

I don't really know how to review this OVA to be honest. It was a really fun experience to watch these characters have an off day and kind of joke around outside of the tense matches we see them in during the main series. Obviously, as an OVA, the quality isn't as high-caliber since this is just meant to be a side-story. However, I do think the little character developments for Taichi regarding Chihaya and Hanano were nice. It was a nice highlight for that small love triangle that sort of exists between those three. It wasn't something huge, but it was there, and Iliked that. Other than that, the humor in this episode is very Chihayafuru, so if you enjoyed the main series' comedic bits, then you'll enjoy this episode. Like I said, it was fun to hang out with this characters in a completely comedic way rather than the drama that we get in the anime. We don't come to OVA episodes for quality, we come to have fun, and you certainly will with this episode.

On the one hand, it's nice to see the series lean into its SoL side a little bit more this episode. Taking a departure from karuta and seeing our characters function in school with the looming festival is a nice touch and I think it's beneficial for the series to do this every now and then. On the other hand, I don't think Sumire can command an episode yet. Her romantic drive towards Taichi is still underdeveloped, and given that it's an important part of the OVA, it just doesn't keep my interest. I like her tactics, though - seeing how she wins the othersover to her side is entertaining, and the payoff feels on brand for this series, even if it's not the most fulfilling way to end it.