Suzuka Sasa

Sasa is intense, eccentric and intimidating during competition. Her gloomy aura and tendency to direct curse-like remarks toward opponents give her a distinctive presence even among the many unusual personalities in competitive karuta.

She is also unusually independent as a player. Rather than developing through one of the established societies, she learned largely on her own and spent considerable time playing without the regular network of opponents available to society members.

Sasa reaches Class A despite being largely self-taught, making her the strongest player on Homei's student roster. Her advancement without regular society training demonstrates substantial individual commitment and aptitude.

Working with Tsuboguchi gives her access to a much stronger competitive environment. Homei can practice against experienced players and receive guidance from someone who has competed at a high individual level himself.

Sasa is introduced as Homei becomes a serious opponent for Mizusawa in Tokyo competition. Tsuboguchi's arrival as adviser transforms the club by bringing structured experience to players who previously lacked those connections.

Homei later defeats Mizusawa in the Tokyo regional tournament, with Sasa forming part of the lineup that demonstrates how much the club has improved under its new adviser.

She also appears in adult individual tournaments, showing that her involvement in karuta extends beyond school team matches.

Hiroshi Tsuboguchi is Sasa's club adviser and the person whose arrival gives her regular access to experienced competitive karuta players.

Eita Takei, Kenjiro Mori, Mei Toda and Megumi Nanami are among Sasa's fellow Homei players.

Chihaya Ayase and the Mizusawa team become important school-level opponents for Sasa and Homei.