March Comes in Like a Lion: A Deep Dive
An exploration of what makes March Comes in Like a Lion an essential manga.
Story Summary
March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion) is a poignant and heartwarming manga series written and illustrated by Chica Umino. The story revolves around Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player grappling with profound loneliness and emotional struggles. Having lost his family at a young age, Rei lives alone in Tokyo, his life primarily consumed by the intense world of competitive shogi.
The narrative beautifully intertwines Rei's professional life with his personal journey towards healing and connection. His life begins to change when he encounters the Kawamoto sisters – Akari, Hinata, and Momo – who offer him warmth, support, and a sense of belonging that he has long been missing. Their kindness and familial love gradually help Rei confront his inner demons and open himself up to new possibilities.
As Rei navigates the complexities of shogi tournaments and the pressures of maintaining his professional standing, he also learns valuable lessons about friendship, family, and self-acceptance through his interactions with the Kawamoto family and other individuals he meets along the way.
Key Characters
- Rei Kiriyama: The protagonist, a young and talented professional shogi player struggling with loneliness and the trauma of his past. He is introverted and emotionally reserved, but gradually learns to open up and accept the support of others.
- Akari Kawamoto: The eldest of the Kawamoto sisters, she acts as a maternal figure to her younger sisters and provides Rei with much-needed care and support. She works at her family's traditional sweets shop and is known for her kindness and nurturing nature.
- Hinata Kawamoto: The middle sister, a cheerful and optimistic high school student who becomes close friends with Rei. She faces her own challenges, including bullying at school, which she confronts with resilience and determination.
- Momo Kawamoto: The youngest sister, a playful and innocent kindergarten student who brings joy and laughter into Rei's life. Her innocent perspective often helps Rei see things in a new light.
- Kyoko Kouda: Rei's foster sister and a complex character with a troubled past. Her relationship with Rei is strained, marked by jealousy and resentment, but also a deep-seated connection.
- Masachika Kouda: Kyoko's father and Rei's foster father. He is a professional shogi player who recognized Rei's talent and took him in after the death of Rei's family.
Thematic and Narrative Analysis
March Comes in Like a Lion is a masterfully crafted manga that delves into themes of loneliness, grief, healing, and the importance of human connection. Chica Umino's storytelling is characterized by its emotional depth, nuanced character development, and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters.
The manga explores the psychological impact of loss and trauma on Rei, highlighting his internal struggles and his journey towards finding solace and healing. The Kawamoto sisters serve as a beacon of hope for Rei, offering him a sense of belonging and unconditional love that helps him overcome his past and build a brighter future.
Furthermore, the manga offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional shogi, depicting the intense competition, the dedication required to succeed, and the psychological pressures faced by shogi players. The strategic battles on the shogi board often mirror the emotional battles fought by the characters in their personal lives.
Umino's art style is distinctive and expressive, capturing the characters' emotions with remarkable sensitivity. The manga also makes effective use of visual metaphors and symbolism to convey deeper meanings and enhance the narrative impact.
Chapter Breakdown (Example)
Due to the ongoing nature of the manga, providing a detailed chapter breakdown is an enormous task. However, early chapters focus on establishing Rei's isolation and his initial encounters with the Kawamoto sisters. Subsequent arcs explore his shogi career, delve into the past traumas of various characters (including Hinata's bullying arc), and showcase the growing bonds between Rei and the Kawamoto family.
The series consistently weaves between Rei's professional challenges and his personal growth, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. Significant arcs often involve important shogi tournaments or pivotal moments in the characters' relationships, leading to significant character development and thematic exploration.
Did you know? Chica Umino is also the creator of the popular manga series Honey and Clover, known for its similar themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.