Loneliness. It’s a word that seems to crop up ever more frequently. In this age of social media and internet, more and more people are becoming isolated and aren’t really leaving their homes anymore, even more so now that the world faces this current crisis. And even if they are, it seems sometimes that they are more interested in looking at their cellphones, than actually engaging with other people. But it’s not the only cause. Some people just have trouble making contact with others period, maybe because they are shy, or feel they don’t fit in well. Or as it’s also sometimes called, are socially awkward. You might not have guessed it, but I am one of those people. I always have trouble making connections in real life, and whenever I am in unfamiliar surroundings about to meet people I have never met before, I feel more like running away. As such loneliness has become a part of me, and I battle it every day. It’s a terrible feeling at times, but I also know that I am still blessed every day. There are people that have it way worse than me, and don’t have anyone in their lives at all. I am lucky to have some very good friends, both here on WordPress and in the real world. And most importantly I have two loving parents that have cared for me all my life, and who really mean the world to me. The thing I fear the most, as my parents are growing older, is that eventually they will be gone. It gives me an empty feeling, and it’s something I don’t want to think about too often, but it does pop up from time to time.

That said, what if you lose your parents at a young age? It’s something I can’t even imagine, but my own mum for instance lost her mother when she was just a teenager. She still grew up as an amazing person, and is all the stronger for it. But that doesn’t mean everyone is the same. March Comes in Like a Lion is an anime series that deals heavily with both the aforementioned issues. As such you might think this is one heck of a depressing show, one that will leave you behind as a depressed wreck after having watched it. But no, you would be wrong. The anime is centered around Rey Kiriyami a socially akward 17 year old man, who has one important thing in his life and that is playing Shogi. We follow him as he struggles through every day life. When he was just a boy he lost his parents and was subsequently adopted by a good friend of his father a man called Masachika Kouda. He began to learn more of the art of Shogi through him, much to the annoyment of his adoptive sister Kyouko, which puts a strain on their relationship right from the start. Now that Rei has grown up, he lives alone, trying to get through school, his goal in life to become one of the best Shogi players. His frame of mind however becomes ever more depressing, as each day he tries to fight against his loneliness.

But then one day he meets three sisters that have had similar tragedies in their lives, but have a totally different outlook on life in general. Through them Rei is beginning to see a brightness in his life that was missing before he met them. That doesn’t mean it will be an easy journey to turn his life around though. March Comes in Like a Lion is a show that throughout this first season I have had quite a number of mixed emotions for. At some points I loved it, at other moments I cringed (don’t get me started on the Shogi song) and then there were certain point that it was so slow that I had trouble maintaining my focus for it. Overall though, my feelings on this show are definitely positive. The character of Rei is one that I felt a very strong connection with. His journey to try and take control of his life again, is one that you just want to see him succeed at. He is a tragic character, and one you can’t help but feel sorry for. The way he at times sits alone in his house, eating a bowl of noodles and in total silence you simply want for him to get up and leave for the outside world. Some of the most interesting scenes in the show were the confrontations he had with Kyouko. His love/hate relationship with her gives us some very dramatic scenes, and for me served up some of the best moments in the series.

But it’s not all doom and gloom luckily. The three sisters that he eventually gets to meet are a true ray of sunshine. Not to mention that the youngest, Momo, is pretty much what the word Kawaii (cute) was invented for. The scenes where he is at their house, are so incredibly heartwarming, and you want to shout at Rei to just stay there, and bask in their positivity. You know how some shows can make you feel good? That’s exactly what happens to you when you see how Rei comes alive through them. The game of Shogi is an aspect that is featured heavily in this anime, and I would argue that at times it was a little bit too much. Especially during the second half of this season, there were some episodes that consisted of almost nothing else than watching a match of Shogi. Time seemed to crawl to a standstill for me during that, and for me it was an aspect of the show that I was the least interested in. Don’t get me wrong I definitely get the significance and importance of the game for Rei, especially considering his awkward love/hate friendship with his rival Harunobu Nikaidou. But for someone who isn’t at all familiar with the game itself, I think at times the show focussed a bit too much on it.

Another aspect of the series that felt out of place (not all of the time though) was the crazy humor that popped up at the weirdest moments. It reminded me a lof of Your lie in April which also featured that. In fact the two shows have a lot in common I have to say. But where the latter show really achieved it to stab right into my heart emotionwise, that didn’t happen to me here. Yes, there were certainly moments that were heartwrenching, but it never did get to me as much as Your lie in April did. It’s always a little bit intimidating for me, to write a review for a show that has a pretty big reputation, and that a lot of people care for so much. Because what if you don’t pay it the respect it deserves, or maybe even have a slightly different opinion on it? As mentioned my overall feelings for this anime, having now completed it’s first season, are pretty positive. The journey and growth of the characters, as well as the story are very moving, and one of the main reasons to keep watching. At the same time I also have this slight feeling where I expected just a little bit more from this. Nonetheless, March Comes in Like a Lion is definitely an impressive show, and one that gives hope to people who fight against loneliness every day. It shows that no one can make it on their own in this life, and how important it is to have real human bonds with people. In the end, that’s what’s really important.
I give March Comes in Like a Lion Season 1 a 8 out of 10 score.
This seems like a very thoughtful and emotional series, Michel. Thanks for a very thorough review.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks as always for you comment Pete. It definitely was a bit of a rollercoaster ride emotionwise, that’s for sure😊 I have yet to watch the second season of this series, but I hope to that soon😊
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I’ve been waiting for this for so long!! 🙂. My feelings are similar in that the highest moments really out weigh the smaller slow down moments. It’s such an honest show that I can really admire how real it feels.
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Haha, yes this review is definitely been a long time coming indeed. Even I can’t believe it’s finally out😂
Seriously though, you are absolutely right. Overall this was a great series, and I enjoyed it for most of it’s running time. I hope to get started on season 2 somewhere in the upcoming weeks.
I think definitely one of the most relatable things of this anime is exactly that: how real it feels. Thanks for your comment Scott😊
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Ah, this is only season 1 review. I realized that part way through. Season one feels weaker than the second half by a good bit but it provides a fundamental foundation moving forward. That’s where the plot hits hardest and really brings it all together. The only real disappointment is the show definitely wants to, and can, continue but doesn’t.
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Yes, I have yet to get started on season 2, but from what I know of it, most people seemed to like the second season more, and it also came more emotional (I remember from reading Karandi’s posts back in those days). I might get started on the second season in the upcoming weeks of my vacation. Of course once finished I will give it a proper review!
Thanks for the heads up though, and of course for your comment! Always nice to hear from you! 😊
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This was a beautiful review. This anime has been on watchlist for a while, but I’ve been such an emotional mess lately with life that, even if it’s inspiring, it’s not something I can handle quite yet. But one day, I will sit down and watch it because I already know it’ll become a very dear series for me. Thanks for this thoughtful review.
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Thank YOU so much for the kind words and this great comment😊 Yeah, I know what you mean. For these kind of animes one has to be in the mood so to speak. I hope that once you get around to watching this one, it will definitely become a show that will become dear to you. I have this feeling it will 😊
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This is a wonderfully poignant review Michel. I’m going to have to hunt this one down.
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Thank you Kim😊 I did my best😅 But this series is on Netflix (it’s where I watched it myself), so you should be able to see it 😊
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I’ve added it to my queue.🤗
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Excellent review. This is one I see mentioned a lot, but haven’t gotten around to yet.
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Thanks so much! 😊 It’s been on my watchlist forever too, and I’ve watched it months ago (this review had been gathering dust). From what I’ve heard the second season should be even better…so I hope to watch that one somewhere in the upcoming weeks😊
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I’m actually surprised the manga hasn’t been licensed since the anime seemed so well-received. I didn’t care for the author’s Honey and Clover, so I have never been really interested in this. But I am do for a reread of Honey and Clover, and maybe that will be better than I remember and make me more interested in March Comes in Like a Lion.
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I had to google Honey and Clover as I didn’t know about it (sorry🙈🙈😅)Having read up a bit of that story, I can say this one is certainly different.That said, I have been putting off watching this series myself for a while too, as it didn’t appeal to me at first. I am glad I changed my mind though, as it really was a beautiful series. From what I have heard season 2 is supposedly even better, so I hope to watch that on somewhere in the upcoming weeks 😊
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This is on my watch list , Probably after I finished Hikaru no Go and Saki! So it will be a while but I have no doubit it will be good! People keep suggesting this one! So with your review as well it definitely will make the list!
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I had this one recommended to me as well, and for some reason I put it off quite a while before watching it😊 But glad I eventually caved in as it’s well worth it. I hope to get started on the second season somewhere in the upcoming weeks (from what I hear it’s supposedly even better😊). Hope you will enjoy it when you get around to it!😊
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Great review Michel, I love how you write. 😘
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Awww…now you have made me blush😊 Thank you so much for your kindness, always nice to see you😊😊
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I couldn’t get into this one I’m afraid. I lasted about four episodes. I don’t know if it was the Shaft habit of turning everything into a surreal head trip that put me off but I failed to see what everyone else was seeing in this show., which I know puts me in the minority.
Maybe it works better as a binge watch than a weekly one to follow the story easier. Glad you liked it though. Good write up! 🙂
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I can understand that. It certainly isn’t a series for everyone, and even I have to admit that it took some time for myself to get into it as well. That said, I still think it was worth spending time with, and eventually it does pay off in the end. As I mentioned though it still didn’t get to me like for instance a show as Your Lie in April, and while I enjoyed it enough, it still wasn’t as good for me as most people find it😊I am planning to watch the second season of this one soon, so we’ll see how that turns out😊 Thanks as always for your comment, and the kind words😊
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Nice review! And I share your experience of being shy. I too am lucky to have both my parents. They are awesome. Its sounds like this show depicts the themes of loneliness and loss pretty well, through the interactions of Rey with the more sisters, especially – similar perspectives are reassuring, and different perspectives, like those of the positive sisters to gloomy Rey, perhaps have the opportunity to be altogether transformative. I feel like we need both! E.F.
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I couldn’t agree with you more😊 It really is the stark contrast between them, that makes this so worth it😊And honestly helps finding a unique balance😊
It’s a show that’s definitely worth the watch, and I hope to get started on it’s second season soon😊
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Nice blog
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Thank you again for the kind words, I appreciate it😃
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I’ve always heard such good things about this series. Whenever I fancy an anime I always forget and try something else (Just started Akame ga Kill for example 😂 … hoping I remembered that name right).
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Haha, yes you remembered the name correctly😊 While this anime certainly isn’t for everyone, I thought is was very good for the most part, and certainly worth the watch. If you ever get to this one I hope you will like it 😊
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Great review! It does sound like a very moving story that is quite relevant today. I’ve seen quite a few game/sports themed shows that tend to focus a bit to heavily on that element at times rather than the character story. It’s hard to blend the elements just right. It sounds like the story in this one is able to overcome that shortcoming though. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Yeah this is one of those shows that I wanted to watch for a very long time 😊 It got recommend to me by various people, and I’m glad I finally watched it. Supposedly it’s second season is even better, and I will try and watch that one somewhere the upcoming weeks, if I can find some time for it 😊
It’s definitely worth it, despite it’s flaws😊
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Very poignant introduction to this review, Michel! Death and loneliness, they’re a helluva dynamic duo, ready to strike when you least expect it. This anime does sound pretty decent and you definitely made me curious enough to want to give it a chance. I won’t lie that the negative elements you pointed out here, including the random crazy humour, is a bit off-putting. I’m seeing it often in some manga where the mangaka kills the “serious” and “cool” tone with random humour, shown in a different more kawaii style too. Never been tooooo big of a fan of that. Great review as always, dude! 😀
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I know exactly what you mean with that random humor. I’m not a big fan of that either (that said I’m not a big fan of comedies period. Admittedly though, those scenes are luckily not much there and overall this is a very good anime, with a lot of memorable stories, and certainly one that’s well worth checking out. That said, it’s also not for everyone, so if you get around to it at some point I would love to hear your views on it. Thanks as always for a wonderful comment 😊
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