Watch March Comes in Like a Lion

TV-PG
2017
2 Seasons
8.3 (3,542)

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 1, 2017 and on NHK

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Seasons

2 1

22. Episode 22

For the first time in a long while, Rei visits the Koda family who helped raise him. Later, he invites Hinata and Takahashi out to eat monjayaki.

21. Episode 21

Hinata is shocked to learn that a favorite classmate will go to high school in another town. The day before her entrance exams, she gets sick.

20. Episode 20

June 7, 2019

Though she can easily think up new ideas for desserts, Hinata can't seem to focus on her studies. Rei invites her to his school for a summer treat.

19. Episode 19

Mikazuki-dou will sell Akari and Hinata's new creation at the summer festival. The event brings back memories for Hinata.

18. Episode 18

The match that will determine Yanagihara's legacy enters its final stages. Though it looks like Shimada will win, Yanagihara plays with all his might.

17. Episode 17

It's the night before the last match of the tournament. While Yanagihara jokes with an old friend, Shimada sets his sights on a victory.

16. Episode 16

June 7, 2019

On the way home, Rei and Souya are forced to stop in Sendai because of bad weather. There, Rei begins to discover more about Souya's past.

15. Episode 15

June 7, 2019

The match between Rei and shogi master Souya has begun. The audience cheers on Rei as he desperately tries to keep up, but he makes a fatal mistake.

14. Episode 14

June 7, 2019

Yanagihara wins his first shogi match against Shimada. On his way to Shizuoka, Rei fights back nerves as he approaches his first match with Souya.

13. Episode 13

With Mr. Kokubun's help, Hinata's bullying problem may be on its way to a solution. Meanwhile, Hinata gets a letter from her best friend, Chiho.

12. Episode 12

June 7, 2019

Takajo's behavior is getting worse. After the previous teacher collapses from stress, Mr. Kokubun decides to hold a parent-teacher meeting.

11. Episode 11

As rookie-of-the-year, Rei gets to play a special match against Shogi master Souya. Meanwhile, Shimada plays against Sakurai Nanadan.

10. Episode 10

June 7, 2019

Yamasaki is dejected when he gets a bad score and his prized racing pigeon goes missing. It turns out he had a lot on his mind during the shogi match.

9. Episode 9

The day before Hinata's school trip, a stomach ache ruins her appetite. Encouraged by Hinata's words, Rei faces Yamasaki Godan at a match in Osaka.

8. Episode 8

June 7, 2019

While Rei tries to help Hinata, Mr. Hayashida gives him a friendly warning. Meanwhile, Nikaidou has a medical emergency during the semifinals.

7. Episode 7

Rei worries about Hinata, who gets so angry she gives herself a nosebleed. At the semifinals, he faces the famous hot-tempered Subaru Hachiya.

6. Episode 6

June 7, 2019

Rei visits the Kawamotos and asks Hinata about school. Later, Takahashi, the ace of the baseball team, invites Hinata to play catch together.

5. Episode 5

Rei talks to his teacher about the bullying issue. After coming up with a solution, he decides to raise funds by winning shogi tournaments.

4. Episode 4

Worried about her bullied best friend Chiho, Hinata suggests confronting the teacher about it. But when things get worse, Chiho moves to a new school.

3. Episode 3

June 7, 2019

Rei is shaken when Nikaidou points out something he hadn't realized. Meanwhile, back at the Kawamoto house, Hinata isn't her usual cheerful self.

2. Episode 2

Rei and Nikaidou are disappointed by the words of some senior shogi players. But Rei has mixed feelings when Gotou confronts them about it.

1. Episode 1

June 7, 2019

The warm winds of May blow in. As Rei and his friends from the Shogi Club watch a high-profile match on TV, they decide to make a snack of ramune.

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Where to Watch March Comes in Like a Lion

March Comes in Like a Lion is available for streaming on the NHK website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch March Comes in Like a Lion on demand at Amazon Prime.