March Comes In like a Lion [Anime Series] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
March Comes In like a Lion (Anime Series)
Genre: Coming-of-Age / Romance / Slice of Life
Japanese Title: 3月のライオン (Sangatsu no Raion); lit. “The Lion of March“
Year of Release: 2016 – 2018 (2 seasons, 44 episodes)
Origin: Japan
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
Production: Shaft
Manga: March Comes In like a Lion Manga 2007 – 2026 (continues) (18 volumes)
Anime Movies: –
Plot Overview
March Comes In Like a Lion centers on Rei Kiriyama, a remarkably gifted 17-year-old professional shogi player. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Rei navigating his life in the aftermath of the tragic loss of his family, a devastating event that has profoundly impacted his emotional state and left him with deep-seated feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. Living alone in a small apartment, Rei finds solace and a semblance of purpose within the structured world of professional shogi. Throughout the series, Rei’s isolated existence begins to change as he develops significant relationships, most notably with the warm and welcoming Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo. Their gentle presence and unconditional support gradually help him to confront his past traumas, to open his heart, and to grow not just as a shogi player, but as a human being.
Main Characters
- Rei Kiriyama: The young, introverted protagonist and a professional shogi player. He grapples with profound personal loss, emotional struggles, and the complexities of navigating relationships while living independently.
- Akari Kawamoto: The eldest of the Kawamoto sisters, Akari is a kind and nurturing figure who gracefully manages her household and cares for her younger siblings. She forms a significant bond with Rei, offering him a sense of belonging and understanding.
- Hinata Kawamoto: The middle sister, Hinata is characterized by her supportive and loyal nature. She is deeply devoted to her family and friends, and her interactions with Rei highlight themes of empathy and steadfastness.
- Momo Kawamoto: The youngest sister, Momo embodies innocence and warmth. Her presence in the Kawamoto household brings a pure and unadulterated joy, adding a crucial layer of lightheartedness to the family dynamic and Rei’s life.
Themes
- The series meticulously chronicles Rei’s arduous yet ultimately rewarding journey towards emotional maturity, self-acceptance, and finding his own strength.
- March Comes In Like a Lion deeply explores the pervasive impact of isolation and loneliness, while simultaneously celebrating the vital importance of forming meaningful relationships and finding connection in the world.
- The narrative delves into the profound and lasting effects of family tragedy on an individual’s identity, emotional well-being, and their capacity to love and be loved.
Style
The animation in March Comes In Like a Lion is remarkably distinctive, employing a sophisticated blend of traditional and modern animation techniques to convey profound emotional depth. This is achieved through:
- The series masterfully utilizes symbolic imagery, such as the recurring motif of water and the changing seasons, to visually represent Rei’s internal struggles, his emotional turmoil, and his gradual progress.
- The unique art style excels at capturing the subtlest shifts in character emotions, from fleeting moments of anxiety to profound instances of sorrow or joy, thereby enhancing the overall storytelling.
- The environments are meticulously designed to mirror and amplify the characters’ emotional states. From Rei’s sparsely furnished apartment to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the Kawamoto’s home, the settings create a rich and immersive viewing experience that resonates deeply with the narrative’s emotional core.
This powerful combination of compelling plot, nuanced character development, profound thematic depth, and a unique, evocative animation style has rightfully earned March Comes In Like a Lion its widespread acclaim as a poignant and unforgettable exploration of life’s intricate complexities.
