Summary
Arata Wataya is a transfer student from Fukui who attended elementary school with Chihaya. As the grandson of a Meijin, or master karuta player, he encourages Chihaya to pursue the sport, believing she possesses natural talent. However, fitting in at his new school proved difficult due to his regional dialect and his family's financial struggles. Following their first game at his home, Chihaya becomes his friend, and Arata sets his sights on becoming a Meijin himself. Upon graduating elementary school, Arata returns to Fukui to care for his ailing grandfather. He temporarily quits karuta after his grandfather passes away while Arata is competing in a tournament aimed at reaching the A-rank. His passion for the game is reignited when Chihaya and Taichi visit him in Fukui, prompting him to resume his competitive career.
