Chihayafuru, Volume 1

I didn't expect to like this as much as I did! I don't normally go for sports-based stuff but maybe it helps that this is probably the loosest definition of a “sport” that you can get. The kids are totally cute and wholesome and watching them bond together was very sweet, but I'm also super excited for the time skip so I can see them in high school! I can't wait to see how their relationship changes after they reunite.

I also like how the author took time to develop each of the kid's backstories a bit even just in the first volume. Chihaya's self-centered older sister (and her mom making her into a glass child just a little bit), Arata's grandfather being a Karuta master, and Taichi's overbearing mother all getting snippets that I'm sure will tie in with the story later.

All in all, I'm pumped!