March Comes In like a Lion

Chica Umino published March comes in like a lion in Young Animal magazine starting from 2007.

It was her first work aimed at the seinen demographic.

Umino wanted to depict the harshness and tenderness of life, choosing shogi as a metaphor for her protagonist’s struggles.

She was inspired by the warmth and resilience of families, leading to the creation of the Kawamoto sisters.

The series is supervised by professional shogi player Manabu Senzaki, ensuring its strong authenticity.

Umino notes the title draws from the English saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb,” representing life's storms and calms.

The manga is set primarily in fictional neighborhoods modeled on Tokyo's Tsukishima and the shogi halls of Sendagaya.

Characters move between these places for daily life or shogi tournaments across Japan.

The story's shogi world contains seven major championship titles, similar to real-life professional shogi, though some names are fictionalized.

The Kawamoto household, a cozy wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop run by the three sisters and their grandfather, is the emotional heart of the series.

Rei's lonely apartment and the shogi world contrast with the Kawamoto’s warm home.

Early Volumes (Anime Season 1)

Rei Kiriyama, orphaned in childhood by a car accident, is taken in by his father's friend, shogi professional Kōda.

Rei quickly excels at shogi, but family tensions drive him to live alone in high school.

Struggling with isolation, Rei encounters Akari Kawamoto who brings him into the world of the Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo.

Through their warmth, he starts recovering from emotional scars, gradually participating in both shogi tournaments and high school club activities.

The shogi world presents both fierce rivalry and chances for self-discovery.

Middle Volumes (Anime Season 2)

Rei supports Hinata as she faces bullying at school after defending a classmate.

Rei’s own high school life improves as he forms a bond with his classmates and deeply commits to his shogi ambitions.

Hinata's courage and perseverance inspire Rei to tackle his own traumas, and a powerful sibling-like friendship forms.

Rei wins the Newcomer King Tournament, advancing professionally and gaining confidence.

Later Volumes

As life moves forward, the Kawamoto sisters’ estranged father reappears with selfish intentions, prompting Rei and the family to protect their home and each other.

Rei confronts stronger shogi players and faces pressure as his skills and fame grow.

Romantic feelings begin to emerge; Rei and Hinata deepen their relationship into shy, sweet young love.

Throughout, themes of personal growth, empathy, and resilience shine, as Rei’s circle continues to expand.

• Shogi: A Japanese board game similar to chess, central to both Rei’s identity and the story’s plot.
• Shogi Titles: The fictional shogi world features prestigious championship titles, such as the “Lion King” tournament, paralleling real Japanese shogi titles.
• Quiet Room: A recurring metaphor for Rei's depression and self-doubt, depicted as a dark, empty room he struggles to escape.

March comes in like a lion exists as a manga, anime, and live-action film.

Manga

Serialized since 2007 in Young Animal magazine by Hakusensha.

Collected volumes (tankobon): 17 as of August 2023.

Anime

Produced by SHAFT, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo.

Season 1: October 2016 - March 2017 (22 episodes)

Season 2: October 2017 - March 2018 (22 episodes)

Broadcast on NHK with nationwide coverage.

Live-Action Film

Two-part film released in 2017, directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryunosuke Kamiki as Rei Kiriyama.

The finale features an original confrontation between Rei and Masamune Gotō, ending with Rei challenging Tōji Sōya atop the scenic Mount Risshaku-ji.

Spin-Off

“March comes in like a lion: Showa Ibun – The Scorching Times” focuses on the prior generation and shogi's history.

Chica Umino’s primary aim was to blend the world of shogi with the heartfelt struggles of coming-of-age.

Production of the anime highlighted Umino’s wish to have Akiyuki Shinbo and SHAFT handle the adaptation.

Professional shogi players supervised both manga and live-action, lending credibility to the technical aspects.

The anime is known for its evocative theme music:

• “Answer” (BUMP OF CHICKEN) – Opening Theme (Season 1, first half)
• “Sayōnara Bystander” (YUKI) – Opening Theme (Season 1, second half)
• “Flag o Tatero” (YUKI) and “Spring is Here for Us” (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN) – Season 2 Openings
• “Fighter” (BUMP OF CHICKEN), “orion” (Kenshi Yonezu), and others – Ending Themes

The live-action films feature “Be Noble” (by Bokuno Lyric no Bouyomi) and “Spring Song” (by Sakura Fujiwara).

• Manga Taisho Grand Prize (2011)
• Kodansha Manga Award, General Category (2011)
• Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Grand Prize (2014)
• Book of the Year by Da Vinci Magazine (multiple years)
• Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division Grand Prize (2021)

The series has sold over 10 million copies by 2022.

Highly praised for its nuanced depiction of trauma, recovery, found family, and mental health.

The bullying arc, based on reality, has been commended for its realism and sensitivity.

March comes in like a lion collaborates widely, appearing on merchandise, special sweets events, and educational campaigns.

It’s considered a standout work in both the slice-of-life and sports manga genres.

• Real-life shogi events have been held in collaboration with the manga, including tournaments named after its fictional events.
• The series features multiple crossovers and references with Umino’s previous work, “Honey and Clover.”
• The manga incorporates aspects of shogi lore, as well as English proverbs and cultural exchanges.
• Its approachable treatment of complex emotional themes makes it beloved by both younger and adult readers.