The fifth episode of the drama series "Chihayafuru: Meguri" (NTV, Wednesdays at 10 PM), starring actress Ami Touma, aired on August 6th. The unexpected turn of events at the end of the episode, which befell Kanade (Mone Kamishiraishi, caused a stir on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers.
In episode 5, Meguru (played by Touma), who had lied to her family about attending the training camp, is confronted by her mother, Touko (played by Uchida Yuki), and father, Susumu (played by Kaname Jun), who slaps her. Meguru leaves the training camp with the final day remaining, and Kanade and the others see her off with mixed feelings.
Meguru, whose parents won't allow her to continue playing karuta, decides to quit the club after the next Musashino tournament. Meguru and her friends begin intense training, but in the first round of the Musashino tournament they face an unexpectedly tough opponent: Adore Girls' Academy.
In the first round, Umezono shows the results of her practice from the beginning. Meguru also fights well as Touko and Susumu watch, but the match ends with a 4-1 victory for Adore Girls' Academy. However, Touko realizes that Meguru is playing karuta to regain her sense of self, and decides to let her continue playing. The next day, Kanade goes to report to the principal (Takashima Masahiro) that Meguru will remain in the karuta club... and so the story unfolds.
After reporting to the principal that Megu will be staying, Kanade enthusiastically states, "From now on, I will work harder than ever as the advisor." However, the principal bows and says, "My contract with Mr. Oe... let it end at the end of this school year." As Kanade is surprised, Shima (Namioka Kazuki), a teacher who was on parental leave, comes in and the principal explains that Shima will be returning from parental leave and that he will also be the advisor for the Karuta club from next school year. Kanade is stunned and speechless.
On social media, many people expressed surprise at the sudden termination of Kanade's contract. Comments included, "What a sudden turn of events..." "Seriously?" "That can't be," "What will happen to Kanade-chan?" "Please don't quit, Kanade-sensei!" and "I want Kanade-sensei to stay."
