3-gatsu no Lion

Aired Date:2016-10-08

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:83/100

Genres:Drama, Slice of Life

Season:1

Total Episodes:22

Duration:25 min/ep

Studio:Aniplex

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Kenjirou Okada

Review:N/A/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Facebook Crunchyroll Netflix Bilibili TV

Synopsis

Rei Kiriyama is a 17 year old boy who recently started living alone, financed by his salary as a professional Shogi player. Despite his independence, however, he's yet to mature emotionally, and his problems continue to haunt him in his daily life. His relationship with his adoptive family is strained, and he has difficulties interacting with his fellow high school students. Meanwhile, his professional career in Shogi has entered a slump. Burdened with the heavy expectations placed upon him, his wins and losses are fluctuating as his record and progression into the ranks begin to stagnate. Acquainted with Rei are the three Kawamoto sisters: Akari, Hinata, and Momo. Unlike Rei, they live happily in their modest home, which they warmly welcome Rei into as if he were one of their own. He frequently visits the family, interacting with them and receiving the kind of care and affection he never quite had while under his foster home. This is the story of Rei's triumphs and failures, relationships new and old, and his growth as a person. (Source: TV Tropes)

Trailer

Characters

Hinata Kawamoto MAIN

Akari Kawamoto MAIN

Rei Kiriyama MAIN

Takashi Hayashida SUPPORTING

Ayumu Kouda SUPPORTING

Raidou Fujimoto SUPPORTING

Momo Kawamoto SUPPORTING

Noguchi Eisaku SUPPORTING

Hanaoka SUPPORTING

Rei no Chichi SUPPORTING

March Comes in Like a Lion: A Profound Journey of Shogi, Solace, and Self-Discovery

March Comes in Like a Lion (Sangatsu no Lion), a critically acclaimed anime adapted from Chica Umino’s award-winning manga, stands as a pinnacle of emotional storytelling and character depth in modern anime. Produced by Shaft and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Kenjirou Okada, this 44-episode series, spanning two seasons (2016-2018), is a masterclass in blending the niche world of professional shogi with universal themes of grief, found family, and resilience. Available on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and HIDIVE, this introspective gem has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a 9.1/10 on MyAnimeList and accolades like the 2017 Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best Drama. Optimized for search engines, this article delves into the anime’s narrative, production, themes, and cultural impact, ensuring fans and newcomers find a comprehensive guide to this heartfelt masterpiece.

Narrative: A Tapestry of Shogi and Soul

March Comes in Like a Lion follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player voiced by Kengo Kawanishi, navigating the isolating pressures of his career and the scars of a tragic past. Orphaned after a car accident killed his family, Rei was adopted by shogi master Kouda, only to face resentment from Kouda’s children, driving him to live alone in Tokyo. Season 1 (22 episodes, October 2016-March 2017) introduces Rei’s struggle with depression and his unlikely salvation through the Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who offer warmth and a makeshift family. From shogi matches against rivals like the eccentric Harunobu Nikaidou (Nobuhiko Okamoto) to moments of solace over homemade meals, the series weaves Rei’s internal battles with external challenges.

Season 2 (22 episodes, October 2017-March 2018) deepens the narrative, adapting volumes 7-11 of the manga. Rei confronts bullying in Hinata’s arc, a gut-wrenching exploration of adolescent cruelty, while facing high-stakes shogi tournaments like the Lion King title match. The story, covering chapters 1-117, balances Rei’s growth—mentored by teacher Hayashida (Takahiro Sakurai)—with the sisters’ struggles, like Akari’s sacrifices and Hinata’s resilience. Unlike action-heavy shonen, this slice-of-life drama uses shogi as a metaphor for Rei’s psyche, making every move a step toward healing.

Production: Shaft’s Artistic Triumph

Shaft’s signature style—vibrant visuals, surreal imagery, and dynamic angles—elevates March Comes in Like a Lion to an artistic zenith. Directed by Shinbo (Monogatari) and Okada, with scripts by Fuyashi Tou and character designs by Nobuhiro Sugiyama, the anime captures Umino’s delicate art. Rei’s loneliness is visualized through stark, muted cityscapes, while the Kawamoto home glows with warmth. Episode 11’s bullying montage, blending watercolor-like visuals and raw emotion, is a tearjerker. The soundtrack, composed by Yukari Hashimoto, weaves gentle piano and strings, with Yuji Nomi’s “Enfer” opening and YUKI’s “Flag wo Tateru” setting a poignant tone. Voice performances—Kawanishi’s subdued Rei, Ai Kayano’s nurturing Akari—breathe life into the cast, with English dubs (Khoi Dao, Laura Post) matching the nuance.

Themes and Impact: A Universal Resonance

At its core, March Comes in Like a Lion is about rebuilding a life shattered by loss. Rei’s depression, portrayed with unflinching honesty, resonates deeply—posts on X praise its “raw, real portrayal of mental health.” The Kawamoto sisters offer a counterpoint, their love a beacon of hope. Hinata’s bullying arc in Season 2, tackling peer cruelty and courage, earned acclaim for its sensitivity, with Anime News Network calling it “a masterwork of empathy.” Shogi, while niche, mirrors life’s strategic struggles, with matches like Rei vs. Souya (voiced by Akira Ishida) symbolizing personal growth. The manga, serialized in Young Animal since 2007 (18 volumes as of 2025), won the Kodansha Manga Award and Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, cementing its legacy.

Reception and Accessibility

With an 8.9/10 on IMDb and over 500,000 MyAnimeList votes, the anime’s universal appeal shines. Season 1’s slow build drew minor pacing critiques, but Season 2’s emotional crescendos silenced doubters. Stream it on Crunchyroll (sub and dub), Netflix (select regions), or HIDIVE, with Blu-rays via Aniplex of America. The manga, licensed by Denpa, offers deeper context. Airing originally on NHK General TV, its Spring 2025 rebroadcast on BS Premium keeps it alive.

Why Watch? A Timeless Journey

March Comes in Like a Lion transcends anime norms, offering a meditative look at healing through connection. Its blend of shogi’s cerebral intensity, Shaft’s visual poetry, and Umino’s heartfelt writing makes it a must-watch for fans of Your Lie in April or A Silent Voice. At 44 episodes, it’s a commitment, but every moment—Rei’s quiet victories, Hinata’s stand, the sisters’ warmth—pays off. Dive in, anime fans, and find solace in this lion’s roar. What’s your favorite moment? Share below!

Keywords: March Comes in Like a Lion, Sangatsu no Lion, anime, shogi, Chica Umino, Shaft, Rei Kiriyama, Kawamoto sisters, depression, found family, Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE, manga, emotional drama, bullying arc, anime 2025.