Other Anime

[PseudoFiction]

makes you the best in the world.

Arata says this, or something pretty close, to Chihaya which motivates her to play.

But what do that really get you?  As far as I can tell, you can't be a professional player, so is there prize money for winning the national tournament, or is all the time and effort used to simply get a certificate and a title?

[EyeOfPain]

There may be some kind of yearly stipend or prize money for being the Master or Queen. Seems like it's more a fame/recognition thing, though.

[Chappi_The_Rabbit]

It can get them laid.

[zoid9000]

As far as I can tell the ranking system is equivalent to "going pro." That is to say, competitive karuta has official games and national competitions meaning that not just anyone can enter and compete - you have to climb the ranking system. I'd assume there is prize money at different levels of play and certainly the King and Queen positions would earn something since they keep the title for at least a year and probably participate in events, give speeches or whatever. It's hard to tell since there's not that much information about this online, but in any case it's not very often you have the opportunity to be the best in the world at something so I understand Chihaya's motivation. 

[PseudoFiction]

Being the fastest to slap anything, let alone poetry cards, is not key to casual sex.

[PseudoFiction]

Maybe there's a buy-in aspect to it like the World Series of Poker for the Masters tournament. 

Though the former queen from the recent ep didn't seem that well off from winning the title, the show makes it seem like you just up being the big fish of karuta by winning.

English sites just tell the history and types of the game and searching "professional karuta" gets a comedy sketch.

[Chappi_The_Rabbit]

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PseudoFiction wrote:

Being the fastest to slap anything, let alone poetry cards, is not key to casual sex.

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I beg to differ. Since the medieval ages, spanking existed for the sake of pulling off some nifty slapping skills on ass.

[PseudoFiction]

I feel you should test that, providing both picture and video evidence, as well as any hospital and/or police records.

[Chappi_The_Rabbit]

The internet is more of a go-to spot for that kinda stuff, as the only ass within my reach is my own and filming that for an online audience is something that would require financial compensation