Chihayafuru

Pika Édition’s French-language edition of Yuki Suetsugu’s beloved manga, Chihayafuru, began its run in 2013 and has since released 42 issues, with the series continuing. This long-running story centers on the competitive world of karuta, a traditional Japanese card game based on classical poetry, following a passionate young woman named Chihaya as she builds a team and pursues her dream of becoming the sport’s queen. Suetsugu’s nuanced character work and deep respect for the game’s cultural and emotional stakes have made this a standout sports series, celebrated for its blend of poetic tradition, fierce rivalry, and heartfelt friendship. Its sustained popularity in France highlights the global appeal of this thoughtful, character-driven competition saga.