Best Strategy & Board Games Manga You Must Read

Chica Umino

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Ongoing Series, Shonen, Slice of Life, Strategy & Board Games

March Comes in Like a Lion is a human drama manga by Chica Umino centered around the world of shogi (Japanese chess). The story follows Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who lost his family in an accident at a young age and has since lived with deep loneliness. Living alone in downtown Tokyo, Rei devotes himself to the shogi world while quietly carrying his emotional scars. One day, he meets the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who run a traditional Japanese confectionery shop. Through his interactions with them, Rei’s once-isolated life begins to warm. Experiencing kindness and human connection, his heart slowly starts to open, and he, in turn, begins to provide support and courage to those around him. The story gently depicts Rei’s personal growth as he faces the harsh challenges of the professional shogi world, confronts his inner struggles and painful past, and learns to deepen his bonds with others. Blending elements of family love, friendship, and romance, the manga explores themes of finding a place to belong and fighting through life’s battles—a heartfelt tale of recovery and growth.

Shueisha

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Hikaru no Go is a coming-of-age manga that follows Hikaru Shindo, an ordinary sixth-grade boy whose life changes when he discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Unbeknownst to him, the board is haunted by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian period who is unable to pass on to the afterlife due to his obsession with achieving the divine move, known as the “Hand of God.” Sai begs Hikaru to let him play Go once more through him. Although Hikaru has no interest in the game at first, he reluctantly agrees. As he begins playing under Sai’s guidance, Hikaru becomes captivated by the depth and complexity of Go. His interest deepens when he meets Akira Toya, the son of Japan’s top professional Go player. In their first match, Hikaru, guided by Sai, defeats Akira with overwhelming skill. Shocked that someone his age could be so strong, Akira becomes determined to rival Hikaru. Motivated by this rivalry, Hikaru begins studying Go seriously and sets a personal goal: to one day challenge Akira with his own strength, not Sai’s. Hikaru eventually joins the Japan Go Association’s training program for young players, where he trains alongside other aspiring pros, including international talents. Through competition, setbacks, and growth, Hikaru matures both as a person and a player. The story emotionally portrays Hikaru’s journey as he develops bonds with Sai and Akira, overcomes inner struggles, and steadily strives toward mastering Go on his own—ultimately aiming to reach the elusive “Hand of God.” It’s a moving and inspiring tale about passion, rivalry, and self-discovery through the ancient game of Go.

Mitsuru Adachi

Ongoing Series, School, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Ryuu to Ichigo is a coming-of-age story that follows Ichigo Aida, a middle school girl suffocating in her everyday life, who stumbles upon the world of shogi (Japanese chess) and unleashes her innate talent and pure fighting spirit. Despite being a complete beginner, Ichigo goes toe-to-toe with elite players and boldly challenges the male-dominated world of professional shogi—where no female professionals exist in real life. Unbound by traditional strategies or conventions, Ichigo is driven solely by her instinctual desire to win. Her eccentric personality, combined with the intense matches against powerful opponents, forms the heart of her journey. This is a story of a girl who once had no dreams or self-confidence, now carving out a path through shogi—facing every challenge head-on and growing stronger with every match.