Hisashi Suou

Current Meijin

The current Meijin and a problem child in the karuta world who is diligent in research and has a unique style, a top player who decided to extend his retirement.

Quotes

  • Because I've always remembered your voice, I wanted you to remember the strongest me (Suou)
  • If necessary to win, be insensitive (Harada)
  • I only want to battle strong people (Suou)
  • You can't win just with superior sense (Arata)
  • Returned as the strongest challenger (Inokuma)

Trivia

  • Suou's superior sense extends to 27 one-character decider cards.
  • His voice at the cram school is very soft, and he wears earplugs to block out noise.
  • Known for his uncooperative attitude toward the karuta association.
  • The voice actor in the anime is Koki Higashida.
  • Achieved five consecutive Meijin titles for Eternal Meijin.

Alternate names

Suou Hisashi

Tags

Chihayafuru Competitive Karuta Meijin Opponent Cram School Instructor Problem Child Retirement Extension Complex Personality

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A man characterized by his stubble and sunglasses. He works as a cram school instructor, giving a somewhat rugged impression.
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Stubble
  • Sunglasses
Iconic items
  • Cram school textbook
  • Sunglasses

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Problem Child
Detailed personality
Diligent in research and a technical brainworker type. He holds the pride of wanting to battle only the strong, often displaying uncooperative and arrogant attitudes. In the karuta world, he uses his superior sense as a weapon, but due to his appearance and attitude, he is treated as a problem child by those around him. He harbors deep love and determination for competitive karuta, but holds unique convictions, such as declaring retirement only to extend it.
Keywords
  • Research Enthusiast
  • Unique Style
  • Arrogant
  • Problem Child
  • Strong Opponent Oriented
  • Retirement Extension
  • Calm
Talents
  • Superior sense (excellent hearing and reaction speed)
  • Many one-character decider cards (27 cards)
  • Reading card analysis and research
Skills
  • Advanced tactical analysis
  • Distinguishing readings using hearing
  • Calm and cunning strategies in matches
Motivation
After becoming Eternal Meijin, he declared retirement but extended it at Arata's request. His goal is to retire as Meijin while remaining among the strong.
Habits
Always wears earplugs to block out noise, and speaks very softly.
Favorite foods
Japanese sweets

History

Backstory
He has a history of being held back four times at the University of Tokyo and works as a cram school instructor during his active career. In childhood, he left his parents and was taken in by the main family branch, motivated by his aunt's words to immerse himself in karuta. Despite suffering from hereditary eye disease causing tunnel vision, he leveraged his superior sense to win the Meijin title five consecutive times and obtain Eternal Meijin status. Although he declared retirement, he extended it at Arata's request. He is dubbed a problem child due to his uncooperative attitude toward the association and his stubborn stance on competition.
Work title
Chihayafuru
Media type
Manga

Eternal Meijin Inauguration

Significant event
Eternal Meijin Inauguration
Description
Achieved five consecutive victories to become Eternal Meijin and declared retirement.

Retirement Extension

Significant event
Retirement Extension
Description
Withdrew retirement upon Arata's earnest plea.

Meijin Match Challenge

Significant event
Meijin Match Challenge
Description
Battled Arata in the Meijin match, closing the curtain as the challenger.

Relationships

Kaneko Suou

Guardian

Aunt who took care of him during childhood

Arata Wataya

Rival

Formidable rival and strong opponent in direct confrontation during the Meijin match

Hideo Harada

Rival

Opponent with whom he waged a fierce battle in the Meijin challenger determination match

Taichi Mashima

Mentor

After reuniting, invited Taichi to the University of Tokyo Karuta Club and helped elevate his skills

University of Tokyo Karuta Club

University of Tokyo Karuta Club: leader

Fuchu Shirahama Association

Fuchu Shirahama Association: unknown

Media appearances

Chihayafuru

Manga / Supporting

Serialization began December 28, 2007, Kodansha

Chihayafuru (Seasons 1–3)

Anime / Supporting

2011–2020, Nippon Television

Chihayafuru Movie Series

Movie / Supporting

2016–2018

Chihayafuru -Meguri-

TV drama / Supporting

Scheduled to start July 2025

Voice cast and creators

Koki Higashida

Voice actor
Koki Higashida
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime, Japanese version

Yuki Suekane

Creator name
Yuki Suekane
Role
Original author

Madhouse

Creator name
Madhouse
Role
Animation studio

Kodansha

Creator name
Kodansha
Role
Publisher

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