March Comes in Like a Lion

Rei Kiriyama sits alone at his shogi board, the silence of his Tokyo apartment pressing against his chest. At seventeen, he is already a professional player, yet he carries the weight of a family lost to a fire years ago. Chica Umino's 3-gatsu no Lion follows Rei as he navigates a world where every move on the board feels like a step toward or away from despair. The narrative unfolds through quiet moments of daily life that contrast sharply with the high-stakes pressure of tournament play.

The story shifts when Rei encounters the Kawamoto sisters living next door. Akari, Hinata, and Momo bring noise, warmth, and chaotic kindness into his isolated existence. Their presence forces Rei to confront his grief and slowly rebuild his ability to trust others. Umino avoids melodrama, showing instead the slow, non-linear process of recovery from clinical depression.

The title references the weather proverb describing March's volatile climate, mirroring Rei's emotional state. As the series progresses, the harsh winter of his past gives way to a tentative spring. The work has garnered significant acclaim for its realistic portrayal of mental health and its intricate depiction of the shogi world. [edit]