A thorough review of the deep emotion and growth story of March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2

The appeal and evaluation of "March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2"

"March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Chika Umino, which aired on NHK General TV from October 14, 2017 to March 31, 2018. It consists of 22 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was animated by Shaft under the direction of Akiyuki Shinbo. The series follows the protagonist Rei Kiriyama as he grows in the world of shogi, while also dealing with his own personal conflicts and relationships.

Story and Characters

"March Comes in Like a Lion" tells the story of high school student Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player. In the second series, Rei challenges himself to a shogi title match while also deepening his relationships with the three Kawamoto sisters and his friends. In particular, his interactions with the three Kawamoto sisters, Akari, Hinata, and Momo, are a source of emotional support for Rei and symbolize his growth. His shogi matches against rivals and his relationship with his teacher, Koda, are also explored in depth.

Rei's character continues to be portrayed as someone who deals with loneliness, but also values ​​the bonds he has with those around him, as seen in the first series. In the second series, his inner growth is particularly emphasized, and we can see his growth not only as a shogi player, but also as a person. The three Kawamoto sisters also have distinctive personalities, and Hinata's growth and Momo's purity in particular warm the hearts of viewers.

Animation and performance

Shaft's animations, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, are known for their unique sense of color and direction. In "March Comes in Like a Lion," the colors that symbolize Rei's inner thoughts and the camerawork that expresses the tension in the shogi game scene are impressive. In addition, the everyday scenes skillfully portray the warmth of the Kawamoto family and Rei's loneliness.

In particular, the shogi game scenes have the power to draw viewers in, with realistic portrayals of the players' psychological state and the tension on the board. Also, don't miss the fantastical scenes that are occasionally inserted to express Rei's inner conflict. These scenes faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of the original work, while taking advantage of the expressive power that only anime can provide.

Music and voice acting

The music was provided by BUMP OF CHICKEN, with the opening theme "Fighter" and the ending theme "Answer." These songs have lyrics and melodies that symbolize Rei's inner thoughts and the development of the story, stirring the emotions of the viewers. The music in the play also skillfully expresses Rei's feelings and the tension of the game, and is an important element in adding excitement to the story.

The voice actors are also impressive, with performances that bring out the individuality of each character, including Nobuhiko Okamoto as Rei, Ai Kayano as Akari Kawamoto, Kana Hanazawa as Hinata, and Misaki Kuno as Momo. In particular, Nobuhiko Okamoto's voice for Rei has a depth that conveys a sense of loneliness and growth, evoking empathy from viewers. Kana Hanazawa's voice for Hinata is both cheerful and kind, warming the hearts of viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2" is a work that beautifully expresses the deep themes of the original work through animation. The story, which depicts not only the world of shogi but also human relationships and emotional growth, gives viewers a lot of emotion and empathy. In addition, the unique direction of director Akiyuki Shinbo, the music of BUMP OF CHICKEN, and the luxurious voice actors also enhance the appeal of the work.

This series is recommended not only for those who are interested in shogi, but also for those who like human dramas and stories of growth. In particular, the story, which intertwines various elements such as Rei's loneliness and growth, the warmth of the Kawamoto family, and the tension of the shogi games, is sure to deeply move viewers. Also, for fans of the original work, the expressiveness and direction unique to anime bring out new charms, making it a must-see work.

Related information and recommendations

"March Comes in Like a Lion" is also very popular as the original manga by Chika Umino. The original was serialized in Hakusensha's "Young Animal" and was completed in 15 volumes. By reading the original, you can gain a deeper understanding of Rei's inner thoughts and the world of shogi. The original also contains many episodes that were not depicted in the anime, making it a must-read for fans.

I also recommend "Honey and Clover," another work by Chika Umino. This work is also loved by many readers for its story of human relationships and growth. It has also been made into an anime, so be sure to check it out.

In addition, I also recommend "All About Lily Chou-Chou" and "Hijiri's Youth" as works with the theme of shogi. These works also depict the world of shogi and human drama, so if you are interested, please take a look.

"March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2" is a work that has captivated many viewers with its deep themes, beautiful animation, and moving story. Please enjoy watching this work and feel the growth of Rei and the warmth of his human relationships.