Taeko Miyauchi

Miyauchi is strict, practical and initially skeptical of competitive karuta. Her intimidating manner at school earns her the nickname "Empress," and she approaches club activities from the perspective of an overworked teacher rather than an enthusiast.

Her opinion changes through observation. Once she witnesses the concentration, stamina and emotional commitment required by serious karuta, she begins treating the club's work with considerably more respect.

Miyauchi becomes increasingly protective of the students without losing her authority as their teacher. She supports their ambitions while remaining the adult responsible for keeping those ambitions grounded in school life.

Miyauchi is not established as a competitive karuta player. Her strengths lie in teaching, administration and supervising student activities.

As faculty adviser, she handles institutional responsibilities that a student-run club cannot perform independently. She accompanies the team to competitions and helps give Mizusawa the organizational support required to function as an official school club.

Her understanding of karuta grows substantially through watching the team, even though technical instruction remains in the hands of experienced players and society coaches.

Miyauchi becomes involved when Chihaya and Taichi work to establish Mizusawa's karuta club. She is initially reluctant to take the activity seriously and already has responsibilities connected with several other clubs and departments.

Watching Chihaya compete changes her assumptions. Miyauchi comes to understand that competitive karuta demands substantial physical endurance, concentration and preparation.

She subsequently accompanies Mizusawa through regional and national tournaments. Her gradual investment mirrors the club's development from an uncertain new school activity into a serious competitive program.

Chihaya Ayase is the student whose passion most directly changes Miyauchi's perception of karuta. Miyauchi becomes a dependable supporter of Chihaya Ayase's efforts to build Mizusawa into a serious competitive club.

Taichi Mashima serves as club president under Miyauchi's faculty supervision. Miyauchi relies on Taichi Mashima's organizational ability while handling the responsibilities requiring a teacher.

Kanade Oe, Yusei Nishida and Tsutomu Komano complete the original five-player Mizusawa team that Miyauchi watches grow from a newly formed club into a national competitor.