March Comes in Like a Lion

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story, March Comes in Like a Lion is the perfect manga to pick up. The protagonist, Rei Kiriyama, lost his family in an accident and has been living in deep loneliness while striving to survive in the world of professional shogi. After losing his parents at a young age, he was taken in by shogi player Masachika Kōda and lived with his family until junior high. Unable to truly fit in there, Rei began living alone when he entered high school—until he met the Kawamoto family. The Kawamotos, made up of three sisters and their grandfather, had also lost their parents. Though far from wealthy, the sisters live with resilience, cooperation, and joy. Seeing their way of life slowly begins to thaw Rei’s cold, frozen heart. One of the biggest charms of March Comes in Like a Lion lies in its atmosphere and depiction of family love. It’s hard to explain the “feeling” of this manga without experiencing it for yourself—so I recommend reading it to understand exactly what I mean. Watching Rei interact with Akari, Hinata, and Momo, and seeing how their love as a family influences his growth, is truly moving. As the story progresses, Rei not only bonds with the Kawamotos but also develops friendships with mentors and peers. Even simple acts—like sharing a meal with family—begin to feel like precious happiness, and readers can’t help but be touched. Rei’s profession is that of a shogi player—a professional in Japan’s traditional board game similar to chess, but with the unique twist that captured pieces can be reused as your own. Do you need to know the rules of shogi to enjoy this manga? Absolutely not. March Comes in Like a Lion is primarily about Rei’s growth as a person, so prior knowledge isn’t required. In fact, the manga explains shogi rules clearly while also showing the challenges of being a professional player. I’ve read March Comes in Like a Lion over and over again, and every time, I find myself drawn back into its world, experiencing new emotions and moments of inspiration. It’s one of the rare works I can confidently say you will not regret reading.

August 10, 2025