Top Karuta Anime Recommendations

Chihayafuru

Also known as Chihayafuru.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Romance , Slice of Life , Sports

Chihaya Ayase is a girl who has spent most of her life simply supporting her sister in her model career. That changes when she meets a boy named Arata Wataya, a talented karuta player who recognizes Chihaya's potential to become a great player herself. As Chihaya takes on a new dream of becoming Japan's best karuta player, she is soon separated from her karuta playing friends, Taichi Mashima and Arata Wataya, as they grow up. Now in high school, Chihaya still continues to play karuta in the hope that she will one day meet her friends again.



Tags: Karuta , Female Protagonist , School Club , Coming of Age , Love Triangle , Josei , School , Heterosexual , Ensemble Cast , Primarily Teen Cast , Unrequited Love , Athletics , Bullying , Slapstick , Tomboy , CGI

Nanbaka

Also known as NANBAKA.

Studio: Satelight
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Drama

Four men are assigned to the prison: Juugo, a man who attempted to break out of prison and ended up extending his jail time; Uno, a man who likes to gamble with women; Rokku, a man who likes to get into fights; and Nico, a man who likes anime.



Tags: Slapstick , Delinquents , Prison , Crime , Episodic , Primarily Male Cast , Revenge , Tragedy , Ensemble Cast , Cute Boys Doing Cute Things , Body Horror , Femboy , LGBTQ+ Themes , Bisexual , Super Power , Anti-Hero , Meta , Tanned Skin , Male Protagonist , Tsundere , Ninja , Crossdressing , Makeup , Unrequited Love , Disability , Poker , Karuta

One Punch Man OVA

Also known as One-Punch Man OVA.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

Specials included in the DVD/BD volumes of the anime. They feature original stories written by the series' mangaka, ONE

The first special is titled "Shinobiyori-sugiru Kage" and takes place after Saitama's fight with Mosquito Girl, and it follows Genos as he is persistently and suspiciously prowling after Saitama trying to find out the secret of his strength. Additionally, a mysterious person appears who has a "certain reason" to hold a grudge against Saitama.

2: Hanashibeta-sugiru Deishi
3: Kojire-sugiru Ninja
4: Gouin-sugiru Bang
5: Iroiro Ari-sugiru Kyoudai
6: Fukanou-sugiru Satsujin Jiken

Tags: Super Power , Seinen , Primarily Adult Cast , Primarily Male Cast , Superhero , Surreal Comedy , Urban Fantasy , Parody , Male Protagonist , Martial Arts , Work , Food , Karuta

Meitantei Conan

Also known as Case Closed.

Studio: TMS Entertainment
Status: Releasing
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Mystery , Psychological

Kudo Shinichi is a seventeen year-old high school detective whom people call the "Modern Sherlock Holmes." However, one night after a date with his childhood sweetheart, Ran, Shinichi witnessed an illegal trade and, caught off his guard, was knocked unconscious and fed a drug that was supposed to kill him... but he woke up and found himself shrunken to a seven year-old. In order to track down the men who did this to him, Shinichi hid his identity and lived with Ran, whose father happened to be a hopeless detective, and with that came a series of murders and mysteries that he must solve.



Note:
- Includes Keisatsu Gakkou-hen - Wild Police Story in episodes 1029, 1038, 1042, 1061
- Episodes 11, 52, 76, 118, 162, 184, 208, 342, 356, 449, 452, 487, 488, 489, 490, 515, 516, 521, 522, 651, 734, 804, 805, 927, 928 aired with a runtime of ~50 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute long episode.
- Episodes 96, 129, 174, 219, 263, 304, 383, 479 aired with a runtime of ~90 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute long episode.
- Episode 345, 425 aired with a runtime of ~115 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute long episode.


Tags: Detective , Tragedy , Crime , Espionage , Age Regression , Conspiracy , Police , Male Protagonist , Fugitive , Ensemble Cast , Episodic , Primarily Teen Cast , Criminal Organization , Heterosexual , Shounen , Primarily Adult Cast , School , Educational , Tsundere , Crossover , Love Triangle , Football , Martial Arts , Tanned Skin , Ojou-sama , Female Harem , Tomboy , Karuta , Magic , Idol , CGI , Video Games

Chihayafuru 2

Also known as Chihayafuru 2.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Romance , Slice of Life , Sports

Now in their second year of high school, Chihaya and her friends share all the fun and worries that come with welcoming underclassmen to the team as they face tough rival schools. The passion of the Mizusawa Karuta Club burns hotter than ever, but with the same refreshing, youthful mood carrying over from the first season.



Tags: Karuta , Female Protagonist , School Club , Heterosexual , Josei , Coming of Age , Love Triangle , Ensemble Cast , Unrequited Love , Primarily Teen Cast , School , Tomboy , Athletics , CGI

Chihayafuru 3

Also known as Chihayafuru 3.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Romance , Slice of Life , Sports

They may have just won their most coveted karuta tournament, but members of the Mizusawa karuta team still have a long way to go. Each member chases their dreams, and with a win under their collective belt, those dreams are closer in reach than ever. Chihaya Ayase is determined to challenge Wakamiya Shinobu and win the title of Queen, and Taichi Mashima is ready to take on Arata Wataya now that he’s made it into the most elite of karuta players — but an unexpected revelation will deal these karuta players a hand none of them saw coming.



Tags: Karuta , School Club , Female Protagonist , Josei , Love Triangle , Athletics , Coming of Age , Educational , Ensemble Cast , School , Primarily Teen Cast , Unrequited Love , Tomboy , Heterosexual , Male Harem , CGI , Meta

Kore wa Zombie desu ka? OVA

Also known as Is this a Zombie? OVA.

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Ecchi , Supernatural

Two OVAs released with the 8th and 10th volumes of the original novel. They fall chronologically between the first and second seasons.

Season 1, Episode 13:
Haruna is given the task to hold a Spring Festival at the local shrine, in her own magical-Equipment-girl way, of course... Seraphim does not want to be a freeloader at Haruna's and Ayumu's place, so she starts cooking... And a concentration-game contest in the school's main assembly hall pushes Ayumu and Orito to their limits...

Season 2, Episode 0 part 1:
Haruna wants to play more with Hellscythe at a swimming pool.
Season 2, Episode 0 part 2:
Hellscythe's birthday is near! Haruna prepares a birthday party for Hellscythe in her own magical-Equipment-girl-way. What kind of party could Haruna be holding? What kind of birthday presents will Ayumu and gang give to Hellscythe?

Tags: Zombie , Female Harem , Magic , Primarily Female Cast , Urban Fantasy , Kuudere , Ninja , Karuta , Monster Girl , Vampire

High☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days

Also known as High Speed! -Free! Starting Days-.

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Drama , Slice of Life , Sports

An anime adaption of the light novel High☆Speed!

Before they were making waves in high school, Haru and Makoto took their marks in junior high! Take a dive into the past with your favorite swimming boys and new faces as they learn what it means to work together and make new friends.



Tags: School Club , Primarily Male Cast , Swimming , Primarily Child Cast , School , Male Protagonist , Athletics , Cute Boys Doing Cute Things , Basketball , Outdoor Activities , Karuta

Mononogatari

Also known as Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari.

Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Supernatural

Filled with rage against spirits known as tsukumogami, Kunato Hyoma is sent to live with Nagatsuki Botan to help him see a different side. Though both are part of a clan that return the spirits back to their world with divine powers, their experiences with the otherworldly vessels are vastly different. Kunato, robbed of a loved one, and Nagatsuki, saved by them. Can she get through to him?



Tags: Youkai , Ensemble Cast , Found Family , Martial Arts , Heterosexual , Primarily Adult Cast , Urban Fantasy , Seinen , Shapeshifting , Urban , Male Protagonist , Family Life , Super Power , Swordplay , Amnesia , Battle Royale , Karuta , Exorcism , Love Triangle

SK∞ Extra Part

Also known as SK8 the Infinity EXTRA PART.

Studio: bones film
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Drama , Slice of Life , Sports

Original video animation for SK∞ (Sk8 the Infinity).

Four slice-of-life omnibus stories.

- The Rain and a Cat, Soda Ice Cream from the Convenience Store One Sunday, Reki, Langa, and Miya head out to the skatepark as usual when a squall suddenly hits them. They head back to Reki’s place and start playing Karuta, a Japanese card game they find!?

- Becoming Really Serious About Things In the past, Sakurayashiki and Nanjo had spent their high school days in relative obscurity. These two always had butt heads and competed, but what lies ahead for them from all this competition?

- Morning Routine This story unravels the mystery surrounding Ainosuke and Kikuchi’s everyday life. It closes in on their secret moments, crossovers, and a moment beyond that draws closer.

- Hiromi, Do Your Best! Shadow is an anti-hero at night, but this is his three-part slice-of-life flash story highlighting his noble and kind personality as he works hard at a flower shop during the day.



Premiered in theaters on 01/24/2025. The home video was released on 03/19/2025.

Tags: Primarily Male Cast , Skateboarding , Male Protagonist , Cute Boys Doing Cute Things , Slapstick , School , Athletics , Ensemble Cast , LGBTQ+ Themes , Boys' Love , Karuta , Horticulture , Language Barrier , Food

Mononogatari 2nd Season

Also known as Malevolent Spirits: Mononogatari Cour 2.

Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Supernatural

The second season of Mononogatari.

The tsukumogami encounter mysterious new enemies who threaten life in Kyoto!



Tags: Urban Fantasy , Seinen , Male Protagonist , Martial Arts , Super Power , Family Life , Female Protagonist , Karuta , Exorcism

Chihayafuru 2: Waga Mi Yo ni Furu Nagame Seshi Ma ni

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Slice of Life

Original episode bundled with the 22nd manga volume.

Tags: Karuta , School Club , Josei , Female Protagonist , School , Crossdressing

Dokidoki! Precure

Also known as Glitter Force Doki Doki.

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Fantasy , Mahou Shoujo

Aida Mana is a girl who is always eager to do things for the sake of others.

One day, when she was visiting the Clover Tower during her school's orientation program, an enemy who called themselves "Selfish" appeared suddenly, and tried to manipulate her inner heart! To fight this enemy, she borrowed power from a magical fairy Sharuru to transform into Pretty Cure!

To protect the peace of the world, other legendary Pretty Cure soon joined her in battle! A mysterious baby also appears, making each day a "Heartthrob" experience! The 4 Cures, always holding "love" in their hearts, are battling for the world's fate!



Tags: Magic , Female Protagonist , Primarily Female Cast , Superhero , Isekai , Acting , LGBTQ+ Themes , Lost Civilization , Parenthood , School , Kids , Henshin , Reincarnation , Tokusatsu , Butler , School Club , Tsundere , Primarily Child Cast , Idol , Cute Girls Doing Cute Things , Fairy , Urban Fantasy , Urban , Ojou-sama , Female Harem , Episodic , CGI , Karuta

Meitantei Conan: Kara Kurenai Love Letter

Also known as Case Closed: Crimson Love Letter.

Studio: TMS Entertainment
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Mystery

A bombing case at Nichiuri TV in autumn. The Satsuki Cup, which crowns the winner of Japan's Ogura Hyakunin Isshu based competitive karuta tournament, is currently being filmed inside the facility. The incident results in a big commotion and, while the building is burning to ashes, the only people left inside are Heiji and Kazuha. They get rescued just in time by Conan, who rushes to the scene. Both the identity and motive of the bomber are unknown.

While confusion takes over due to the explosion, Conan meets a mysterious beautiful girl who claims she is "Heiji's fiancée". Her name is Momiji Ooka and she is the Kyoto High School karuta champion. As fate would have it, Kazuha is going to face Momiji in the Hyakunin Isshu competition, so she begins to train with the help of Heiji's mother, Shizuka, who is a skilled karuta player.

At the same time, in a Japanese house in Arashiyama, Kyoto's outskirts, the reigning Satsuki Cup champion is murdered. Pictures of the crime scene reveal Momji's presence. Additionally, several karuta cards were spread around the victim.

Conan and Heiji, along with the Osaka and Kyoto police departments, begin their investigation on the Satsuki Cup and the related murder case. As the inquiry goes on, they come across a secret connected with the Hyakunin Isshu.

Tags: Karuta , Heterosexual , Age Regression , Love Triangle , Butler , Police , Terrorism , Detective , Male Protagonist , Tanned Skin , Shounen , Tragedy

Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo (TV)

Also known as KochiKame.

Studio: Studio Gallop
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Slice of Life

Ryoutsu, being an underpayed policeman, is always coming up with ways to make some quick money. But in the end, his plans which are ridiculous from the beginning always go wrong and land him in big trouble with the Buchou.

Tags: Police , Male Protagonist , Primarily Adult Cast , Slapstick , Urban , Work , Episodic , Delinquents , Karuta , Transgender , Kids

Omae wa Mada Gunma wo Shiranai

Also known as You Don't Know Gunma Yet.

Studio: Asahi Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy

The comedy manga centers on Nori Kamitsuki, who moves from Chiba Prefecture to a fictionalized version of Gunma Prefecture northwest of Tokyo, and the story focuses on Gunma's culture. Before moving to Gunma, Kamitsuki only sees that the prefecture has a fearsome reputation on the net. Upon moving, he soon makes contact with the people who hold a strong love of Gunma's culture.



Tags: Male Protagonist , School , Episodic , Tragedy , Karuta