Tokiko Kofudo– Author –

Just finished volume 1 of Chihayafuru, and it's such a beautiful read! Why did she act like other people's opinions never reached her—when she wanted connection more than almost anyone? That is the question many people ask about Shinobu Wakamiya. She isn't smiling all the time. Most days, she barely shows any emotion at all. But every so often, a smile breaks through—and when it does, it leaves a mark. When she's looking down on someone. When something has genuinely moved ...

Just finished volume 1 of Chihayafuru, and it's such a beautiful read! ⚠️ This article contains full spoilers for the ending of the Chihayafuru manga, including content that hasn't been covered in the anime. If you haven't finished the series, read with caution. Fifteen years. That's how long this story carried two questions. Would Chihaya reach the rank of Queen? Would Arata reach the rank of Meijin? And underneath that, quieter and longer-running than eithe...

Just finished volume 1 of Chihayafuru, and it's such a beautiful read! Why didn't she notice—when two people, in their own different ways, were both watching her? That is the question many people ask about Chihaya Ayase. Taichi stayed beside her for years without ever putting his feelings into words. Arata put his feelings into words, but never confirmed what they meant. Both of them, for their own reasons, chose restraint. Chihaya wasn't restraining anything. She simply d...

Just finished volume 1 of Chihayafuru, and it's such a beautiful read! Why didn't he close the distance—even though the feeling never went away? That is the question many people ask about Arata Wataya. The feeling existed.He even said it out loud, once. And yet, again and again,he stayed exactly where he was. At first glance, this can look like giving up. But Arata is not simply someone who "couldn't reach her." He is someone who chose not to find out. And that choice had ...

Amazon Here! No Spoilers: This article doesn't touch on any major plot points. Saw the Name Somewhere and Got Curious? Maybe it was a trailer, a clip on social media, or someone's glowing review. Either way, you've run into the name Gazing at the Star Next Door and you're not quite a fan yet — you're just wondering if it's worth your time. This article is for exactly that stage. Short answer: yes, it's worth it. But it helps to know what kind of story you're gett...