Isami Kuriyama

Kuriyama is experienced, responsible and attentive to the conduct of the younger players under his supervision. He takes competitive rules seriously and does not simply excuse violations because a talented player has good intentions.

At the same time, he has known Arata and the Wataya family through the Fukui karuta community for years. His authority therefore carries a personal dimension alongside his formal responsibilities as a teacher.

Kuriyama is a Class A competitive karuta player and an experienced instructor. His rank gives him the technical background required to teach players operating at advanced levels.

His knowledge extends to tournament procedure and the wider organization of competitive karuta. As a senior figure in the Nagumo Society, he is positioned to evaluate both playing ability and the conduct expected of its members.

Kuriyama becomes particularly visible around Arata's return to serious competition. The Nagumo Society provides Arata with a local training environment in Fukui and connects him to experienced players beyond his grandfather's instruction.

During the national high-school championship, Kuriyama discovers that Arata entered the team competition under another school's registration despite not being an eligible member of that team. He enforces the consequences of the violation, putting Arata's participation in the individual tournament at risk.

Kuriyama remains part of the Fukui karuta establishment as Arata's ambitions continue to grow.

Arata Wataya trains within Kuriyama's Nagumo Society. Kuriyama recognizes Arata Wataya's ability but also expects him to respect the rules governing formal competition.

Hajime Wataya was part of the older Fukui karuta world known to Kuriyama. Their connection places Kuriyama among the adults who remember the competitive legacy inherited by Arata Wataya.

Shinichi Murao is one of the strongest players in the Nagumo Society and competes within the same environment overseen by Kuriyama.