March Comes in Like a Lion Review: Shogi, Solitude, and the Slow Healing of the Heart

1. Introduction

March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion) is a slice-of-life drama with subtle psychological undertones that follows Rei Kiriyama, a teenage shogi prodigy, as he navigates the emotional toll of loneliness, grief, and pressure. Created by Chica Umino, the series is as much about inner healing as it is about competitive strategy, blending delicate storytelling with moments of quiet intensity.

Through its melancholic tone and gentle pacing, the anime reveals the quiet struggles of mental health, found family, and personal growth with beautiful nuance.

2. Plot Summary

The story centers around Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old shogi professional living alone in Tokyo. Haunted by the death of his family and the pressures of his career, Rei is emotionally detached and isolated. His life slowly begins to change after he meets the Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who offer him warmth and support, contrasting his cold, self-imposed solitude.

As Rei grapples with self-worth, rivalries, and finding meaning beyond shogi, he gradually starts to heal and build genuine connections, both on and off the board.

3. Main Characters

Rei Kiriyama – A quiet, introspective shogi player who struggles with depression and loneliness but slowly learns to open his heart.Akari Kawamoto – The eldest sister, nurturing and motherly, who helps anchor Rei emotionally.Hinata Kawamoto – A cheerful and brave middle schooler who faces her own emotional battles with bullying and adolescence.Momo Kawamoto – The youngest, innocent and full of light, often a source of comfort.Harunobu Nikaidou – Rei’s self-declared rival and loyal friend, battling serious health issues.Masachika Kouda – Rei’s foster father, distant and demanding, contributing to Rei’s emotional isolation.

4. Arcs & Sagas

🎭 Rei’s Isolation Arc – Introduces his background, his emotional emptiness, and early professional challenges.

🍰 Kawamoto Family Arc – A healing phase, where he begins connecting with the sisters and experiencing warmth again.

🏫 Hinata’s Bullying Arc – A powerful emotional segment addressing the cruelty of school bullying and Hinata’s resilience.

♟️ Shogi Master Arc – Focuses on Rei’s growth as a competitor and as a person, with matches that mirror his internal battles.

🌧️ Self-Acceptance Arc – Rei faces his demons, accepts his trauma, and finds a way to define life beyond shogi.

5. Powers & Abilities

While not a battle anime, “March Comes in Like a Lion” showcases:

• Shogi Mastery – Detailed, symbolic matches that represent emotional and psychological states.

• Emotional Resilience – Characters endure harsh circumstances and grow without superpowers—just strength of will.

• Empathy – Akari and Hinata demonstrate emotional superpowers of compassion and courage in the face of adversity.

6. Top Moments & Highlights

🍙 Rei’s First Dinner with the Kawamotos – A quiet but deeply emotional turning point.

💥 Hinata’s School Speech – A raw, powerful moment of honesty and defiance.

♟️ Rei vs. Shimada – A mentally intense match reflecting deep mutual respect.

🌧️ Rainy Bridge Scene – Visual symbolism of Rei’s depression contrasted by his slow healing.

🍩 Nikaidou’s Support – His loyalty and comic relief provide contrast and comfort.

7. Influence & Legacy

• Revered for its sensitive portrayal of depression, grief, and emotional growth.

• Widely praised by mental health professionals and educators for destigmatizing emotional struggle.

• Unique in combining shogi, a niche subject, with poetic introspection and visual storytelling.

• Influenced anime such as Your Lie in April and A Silent Voice in tone and thematic depth.

8. Anime & Manga Status

• Manga by Chica Umino: Ongoing, serialized in Young Animal.

• Anime:

  • Season 1 (22 episodes, 2016–2017)

  • Season 2 (22 episodes, 2017–2018)

• Produced by Studio Shaft, known for its distinctive direction and visual artistry.

9. Where to Start Watching?

📺 Start from Episode 1 of Season 1—the journey is emotional and best experienced linearly.

• No filler. Every moment is either a key development or a carefully placed emotional beat.

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

• The anime is very faithful to the manga, with added atmosphere via visuals and music.

• Studio Shaft’s direction adds rich symbolism, dream sequences, and striking metaphors.

• Manga delves deeper into some side characters, especially in later arcs.

11. Movies & Specials

🎥 Live-action movies:

• March Comes in Like a Lion (Part 1 & 2) released in 2017.

• Adapt the early arcs with strong performances but less visual symbolism than the anime.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🧠 Rei’s Future – Will he eventually leave shogi behind or find peace within it?

👧 Hinata and Rei’s bond – Hints at a future romance or lifelong emotional partnership.

♟️ Metaphors in the matches – Fans dissect each shogi match as symbolic mirrors of Rei’s psyche.

13. Final Episodes & Sequel Hints

• Season 2 ends on a hopeful note, with Rei becoming a mentor and finding his own emotional footing.

• A third season is widely hoped for as the manga continues developing characters and deeper emotional layers.

• No official confirmation yet, but strong fan demand and ongoing manga arcs suggest future adaptation is likely.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

• Two-part live-action film (2017) starring Ryunosuke Kamiki as Rei.

• Visually grounded, more literal than the anime, with strong emotional acting.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (9.2/10)

🧠 Emotional Depth: ★★★★★ (10/10)

♟️ Shogi Integration: ★★★★☆ (8.8/10)

🎨 Art Direction: ★★★★☆ (9/10)

🎵 Soundtrack: ★★★★☆ (8.9/10)

🖤 Mental Health Portrayal: ★★★★★ (10/10)

16. Recommendations

✨ Watch if you love:

• Thoughtful character studies

• Healing narratives and found families

• Symbolism-heavy, beautifully animated works

🌸 Similar Titles: Your Lie in April, A Silent Voice, Barakamon, Honey and Clover (also by Chica Umino), Fruits Basket