Watch March Comes in Like a Lion
- TV-PG
- 2019
- 2 Seasons
-
8.3 (3,493)
March Comes in Like a Lion is a Japanese anime television series that was produced and aired by NHK from 2016 to 2018. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and written by Yukito Ayatsuji, the show is an adaptation of the manga series of the same name by Chica Umino. The story follows the life of a young professional shogi player named Rei Kiriyama, who is struggling to balance his passion for the game with the challenges of everyday life. After losing his parents and younger sister in a tragic accident, Rei is taken in by the Kawamoto family, three sisters who live in his neighborhood. As he navigates his way through life as a professional shogi player and a member of the Kawamoto family, Rei must confront the emotional scars of his past and learn to face his inner demons with the help of those around him.
The series is divided into two parts, with the first season covering the first sixteen volumes of the manga and the second season covering the rest. Each episode is richly detailed and beautifully animated, with a strong emphasis on character development and emotional storytelling. The show explores themes of grief, depression, family, and friendship, and does so in a way that is both heartfelt and poignant.
Leading the impressive cast is Kengo Kawanishi, who voices the protagonist Rei Kiriyama. Kawanishi brings a quiet intensity and vulnerability to his performance, capturing the inner turmoil and emotional depth of his character with great sensitivity. He is supported by a talented voice cast that includes Khoi Dao as the Kawamoto sisters' grandfather and Ai Kayano as the eldest sister, Akari.
The anime's visuals are also a highlight of the series, with a distinctive art style that emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The show's use of color is particularly striking, with warm, vibrant tones used to highlight moments of emotional warmth and cool, muted colors used to convey a sense of melancholy.
Overall, March Comes in Like a Lion is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking series that explores the complexities of the human experience with great sensitivity and emotional depth. With its richly drawn characters, beautiful animation, and powerful storytelling, the show is a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and introspective storytelling.
March Comes in Like a Lion is a series that ran for 2 seasons (44 episodes) between June 4, 2019 and on NHK