March Comes In Like a Lion Review - A Powerful Story of Healing and Emotional Growth
- The Weebersons
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Introduction
March Comes in Like a Lion (Sangatsu no Raion) is a character-driven drama anime that explores depression, healing, and personal resilience. Based on the manga by Chica Umino and animated by Shaft, this slice-of-life series delivers a quiet emotional punch without relying on high-stakes action or fantasy tropes. If you're looking for an anime that handles real-world pain with grace and gentleness, this one stands out.
Plot Summary
The story follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who lives alone and struggles with depression, grief, and social isolation. After losing his family in a tragic accident, Rei carries the weight of unspoken trauma while navigating the pressure of competitive shogi. His world begins to shift when he meets the Kawamoto sisters, three kind-hearted girls who open their home and hearts to him. Their gentle presence challenges Rei’s isolation and helps him begin the long process of healing.
This anime blends slice-of-life storytelling with the emotional depth of a coming-of-age drama. While it includes plenty of shogi scenes, the real focus is on Rei’s emotional journey.
Themes and Genre
At its core, March Comes in Like a Lion is about healing, loneliness, connection, and identity. It doesn't shy away from heavy topics like depression, bullying, abandonment, and grief, but addresses them with maturity and restraint. The contrast between Rei’s internal despair and the warmth of the Kawamoto household makes each small step toward healing feel earned and sincere.
It’s a standout in the drama anime and emotional anime categories, appealing to those who value introspective storytelling and quiet character development.
Character Analysis
Rei Kiriyama
As the emotional anchor of the show, Rei is portrayed with incredible nuance. His growth is subtle but profound, shifting from a withdrawn teen to someone slowly re-learning how to accept kindness and care. His internal monologues and visual metaphors offer a moving portrayal of depression that feels deeply human.
Akari Kawamoto
The eldest of the Kawamoto sisters, Akari is a gentle and nurturing presence. Her maturity, emotional intuition, and quiet strength provide a stable foundation for her younger sisters—and, eventually, for Rei. She represents the kind of emotional warmth and traditional values that conservative audiences will find especially appealing.
Hina Kawamoto
Middle sister Hina gets a particularly strong arc in season two, dealing with school bullying and the pressure to stand up for what's right. Her resilience and moral clarity are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, making her one of the most admirable characters in the series.
Animation and Sound
Shaft's animation brings March Comes in Like a Lion to life with elegant direction and visual metaphor. Scenes of emotional weight are often expressed through symbolic visuals—shadows, water, and weather—to mirror Rei’s psychological state. The art style blends sharp realism with stylized flourishes, giving the anime a painterly, literary feel.
The soundtrack by Yukari Hashimoto is equally refined. The music enhances the tone without overwhelming the scenes. Opening and ending themes by artists like BUMP OF CHICKEN add emotional resonance and thematic depth.
Who Should Watch This
March Comes in Like a Lion is a family-friendly anime for teens and adults, but it does tackle mature emotional themes like depression and bullying. There is no sexual content, minimal language, and very little violence, making it appropriate for viewers aged 13 and up. Parents should be aware of the heavier emotional tone, but overall, it’s a safe and meaningful watch for families who value emotional literacy and compassion.
Final Verdict
March Comes in Like a Lion is a slow-paced, emotionally rich series that rewards patience with profound character growth and life-affirming messages. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. For those who appreciate quiet storytelling and strong moral undercurrents, this anime is a rare gem.
Pros:
Deep, realistic character development
Emotionally resonant themes
Beautiful art direction and symbolism
Family-friendly content with strong values
Cons:
Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
Heavy emotional tone throughout
Requires some cultural familiarity with shogi
Our Rating:
Similar Shows
If you enjoyed March Comes in Like a Lion, you might also like:
Sweetness and Lightning – another story of healing and family connection
Silver Spoon – from the same author, focuses on self-discovery and growth
My Roommate is a Cat – introspective and emotionally warm
A Silent Voice – addresses bullying and redemption with emotional depth
Violet Evergarden – explores emotional healing through grief, loneliness, and human connection
FAQs
Is March Comes in Like a Lion based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional story based on a manga by Chica Umino. However, its emotional realism and grounded character portrayals make it feel very authentic.
Is March Comes in Like a Lion suitable for kids?
It’s best suited for teens and older due to its emotional weight, though there's no inappropriate content. It's a good option for thoughtful young viewers.
Does March Comes in Like a Lion have romance?
There are light romantic undertones, but they’re secondary to the main themes of healing and personal growth. The anime focuses more on friendships and emotional bonds.
Why is March Comes in Like a Lion so emotional?
The anime explores deep themes like grief, depression, and the search for meaning with careful storytelling and symbolic visuals. It resonates strongly with viewers who value emotional authenticity.
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