3-gatsu no Lion


March Comes In Like a Lion

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Sangatsu no Lion
Japanese: 3月のライオン
English: March Comes In Like a Lion
German: March Comes in Like a Lion
Spanish: March Comes in Like a Lion
French: March Comes in Like a Lion
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Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 22
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 8, 2016 to Mar 18, 2017
Premiered: Fall 2016
Broadcast: Saturdays at 23:00 (JST)
Licensors: Aniplex of America
Studios: Shaft
Source: Manga
Genre: DramaDrama
Themes: ChildcareChildcare, Strategy GameStrategy Game
Demographic: SeinenSeinen
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.381 (scored by 281449281,449 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #1902
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #296
Members: 678,321
Favorites: 15,612

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Recommendations

Very similar main characters, facing similar complex and personal problems, in a similar isolated setting, similar messages... I could go on. Enjoy! 
report Recommended by Ausp
Like a bolt from the blue Chihayafuru striked to my mind while watching Sangatsu no Lion: - despite Sangatsu alternates quite some dark moments or very sad ones to the happy ones while Chihayafuru is rather cheerful most of the times, both series still have that colorful atmosphere and very heartwarming vibe that catches your heart. - both are heavily mainly focused on old traditional japanese games who are setted to be 1 vs 1 players type, Chihayafuru deals with Karuta and Sangatsu has Shogi instead. Both games are greatly introduced and developed in a charming way that could easily let you curious with the will to  read more 
report Recommended by EtnaEraclea
Besides the fact they're both from the same manga-ka, they are both stories about the interpersonal relationships with others, illustrated with the perfect contrast between other dynamic characters and the overall tone and color of their lives. The use of real-life based drama fleshes out the characters which genuinely immerses you to experience the lives of these characters. They're both aimed towards the adult demographic respectively! (Seinen and Josei) 
report Recommended by IchiroEX
deals a lot with depression and opening your heart to others. both are very good at changing your feelings with the mood it sets. some scenes can feel cold and distant, while others feel warm and welcoming. they're overall fluffy, feel good shows. both protagonists are quiet, antisocial, and not good at expressing themselves. both are also frequently taken care of by kind people who are not blood-relatives.  
report Recommended by fizzytastic
Both are coming-of-age stories that use sports as a tool for character development and focus more on the depth of the characters involved in the games and matches (even the minor ones). 
report Recommended by irasshai
Both series are about people who are passionate and talented in a specific thing (rakugo performance and shogi), and both give a very in-depth look as to the complicated feelings you can have toward something you dedicate your life to. Both have excellent character drama, writing, art, and directing.  
report Recommended by Xaeveax
Both focus on strong character development, the main male leads journeys are similar as well. Animation quality is high for both. 
report Recommended by Volvagia
Both is Slice of life ,you can enjoy watching the main character develop and the little girls in both are so cute in many ways :3  
report Recommended by Aya_Mugiwara
Both of these look heavily into self-loathing and self-discovery. They are, at their cores, stories about forgiving yourself and overcoming your own psychological weaknesses. They are about discovering what it is that you want to do in life and what your passions mean. Fantastic directing, art, animation, and style in both. Some of the best at setting a deeply reflective mood. Tons of good drama and character building as well.  
report Recommended by Xaeveax
I think that both touch your heart in way that you just want to cry all day long  
report Recommended by Licorys
Both series have characters struggling with something, as well they give the proper time to develop them, their struggles are more deep that a lot of idol/slice of life series, and both have great direction. 
report Recommended by Albertender
If you were able to watch and enjoy Hikaru no Go you will probably like 3-gatsu no Lion as well. Both are about characters trying to be / become professional board game players so the style is similar because you get to see the gameplays. In my opinion watching Hikaru matches was more interesting, while in 3-gatsu the life of the player in general is more developed and perhaps more troubled. But overall both very nice shows. 
report Recommended by Lylaaz
Both are about young protagonists chasing their dreams. While 3-gatsu is more dramatic, this hits much closer to reality for people who chase their dreams.  
report Recommended by jianhaoti
Music and a Game are two diferent things, but they also are a hobbie where one must have an iniciation at one point in life. So you will see how much they resemble each other having people with diferent backgrouds learning. They share an unusual tradicional japanese art form for modern high schoolers to learn. Both show characters believable and relatable backstories drama through their interactions and learning experiences. The best resemblence is that both have a main character who in the past were excluded from interacting with people the same age group and while being a expert/much experienced in their art then others, is trying  read more 
report Recommended by Sten_PT
Both shows are about aspiring professional shogi players. However, the approaches to the show are much different as in March, the MC is trying to make it into the world of shogi after numerous setbacks in life, and in Ryuo the MC is already a champion in shogi and is teaching girls to become pros. Both have cute girls in it, though it is far more pronounced in Ryuo as they are the center of attention, while in March the girls are just emotional support for the MC. If you like Ryuo, then I highly recommend March, though the other way around  read more 
report Recommended by GridironOtaku
It's hard to explain how they're similar but both shows leave you with this warm emotion. But I guess if you like shows that talk about relationships, existentialism, phylosophy and life in genereal. These two are a must watch. Though the plot is different, in one the MC is a shogi player while in the other the MC makes a dictionary.  
report Recommended by Seniacchi
both are heartwarming slice of life stories with the main character going over to a girl's house to have dinner; in amaama to inazuma the main character comes with his daughter to his student's house, while in 3 gates no lion the main character comes alone to the 3 sisters that live in the neighbourhood  
report Recommended by KuroYume-96
Despite having different subjects and themes, both shows are by studio shaft and share the same gorgeous art style, they also share some of the best dialogue in the entire medium of anime and are both criminally underated series's. 
report Recommended by Daredevil14
Both anime focuses on Shougi Both MC has a dark path that's related to Shougi Both MC are "fostered" and loved by their fostered family. 
report Recommended by aqing0601
The tears I felt watching both of these kept happening whether I wanted to or not. Both explore deeper themes of life and self much more than something like a tragic romance 
report Recommended by Space_Boyfriend
Finding yourself. Finding a place to belong. The way characters care about each other. I believe in terms of heart-warmness these shows are similar and I am amazed no one has made this recommendation before. The art style in both series is also really well done. So if you are looking for similar aspects in those regards, here you go.  
report Recommended by Lylaaz
Both are sports anime with focus on japanese games, and they share a similar vibe. 
report Recommended by Akaicrow5
Both anime are of the slice of life genre and revolve around a personal past being overcome. 
report Recommended by Enigmation
Both of these shows are compelling in their own ways. Given how the protagonists in both shows have personal demons of their own, they struggle to fit in with the rest of society, much less find a place that manages to effectively bring out the best in them both. Similarly to how Sangatsu treats its supporting characters, NHK fleshes out its supporting cast by giving each of them loads of subtle characterisation, namely refraining from exposition dumps and actually having them interact with the main cast in ways one would least expect. Both of them also feature female leads who serve to aid the main  read more 
report Recommended by Convectuoso
Both MCs doesn't know what to do with their life and future. They both wanted to escape their homes for similiar reasons. Both deals with depression though Silver spoon is on the lighter side and 3-gatsu does it in "show not tell" way. They're both very funny. Silver spoon has more comedy while 3-gatsu has more sweet moments that will give you diabetes. They're both incredible and deals with kind of the same things in different ways.  
report Recommended by Anondesuu
Both shares same premise , Rei and Rikuo (main protagonist from each title) basically have same personality, with Rei more shy. Both have slow pacing Thus is my first recommendation, I'm not native English speaker. I never speak other languages than my mother tongue. But I want to study more 
report Recommended by SmolPeePee69
Both are melancholic anime with cute character design and a lot of everyday problems to think about. 
report Recommended by Arijsu
Bocchi the Rock and 3-Gatsu no Lion are slice of life shows told from the POV of the main character. Hitori and Rei are very skilled in wath they do (Guitar vs Shogi), but struggle with crippling mental conditions (social anxiety vs depression). Both characters put in a lot of effort to overcome their shortcoming and are helped by some really great people during the history. It's also common for both shows to fully utilise the media to delivery they emotional payload at full strenght to the audience, begin a treat both to ears and eyes. 
report Recommended by emolano
It is not that 3-gatsu is a Romance Comedy, but there is just something about the mood that is similar. Both Kiriyama from 3-gatsu and Miyamura from Horimiya had a history of being alone. We see character development in both where they grow out of their bubbles and find people who care. There is just a warm and wholesome feeling in both animes.  
report Recommended by MetaChampion9
These are two series about family at their cores. They each have varying levels of familial bond, but their stories feature that bond (or lack thereof) as part of their core jumping off points. Excellent interpersonal drama. They also cover themes of self-loathing and self-forgiveness; overcoming ones past that is holding them back. The art direction is stellar as well, both having very unique styles that really lend themselves to their stories and worlds. 
report Recommended by Xaeveax
1. Both shows use superficial elements (mecha fights and shogi games) to emmmask a complex and deep psychological drama. 2. Teenage and antisocial protagonist who has suffered a terrible family misfortune. 3. Love-hate relationship between the protagonist and a grumpy red-haired girl. 4. The protagonist's special relationship with a boy (adult in Sangatsu) with white hair and "angelic" appearance. 
report Recommended by Chillida
Some of the animation scenes would remind you of Mushishi 
report Recommended by ccbestgirl1411
Both stories start off with a depressive main character who doesn't communicate much with other people. They live on their own. They are very good at their work but they lack interactions with others. As the story goes on they find that "something" that keeps them going further in life (it's different for either series!) If you like stories like these, check them out! 
report Recommended by Lylaaz
Both anime show how great professionals are born as we follow them through their struggles... Though bakuman is more little light-hearted with more comedy and does not have the long dialogues of the protagonist's thought train... I liked 3gatsu no lion better between the two :D 
report Recommended by otaku047
Yagate Kimi ni Naru is about self-acceptance and growth through romantic love. 3-gatsu no Lion is also about self-acceptance and growth, this time through the the warmest care I've ever seen animated, given by our 3 sisters who more or less adopts our main character into their household. Over time he learns to take care of himself, realises his identity, and in turn can begin to care for others.  
report Recommended by CloudeKr
Stories with very relatable and realistic characters, focusing on their growth and their relations with other people. 
report Recommended by Kww_121
Both are emotional and require close attention from the viewer from beginning to end. 
report Recommended by 16_y--o_Atheist
i dont really good at reviewing. really enjoy watcing this. at firs i think it will be boring story. right after "it" then i become "woooh" it has good story afterall. the story its good. a single parent mom raise two wolfchildrn, family, neighboorhood, ahh thast something i really want to have a life in those place. i like the art animation made by chizu. compare it with the anime series in that year 2011. it has smooth animation, with a good backsound made me enjoy watching this movie. overall i like it. very good  
report Recommended by Shikigami28
SOL in both, with the overarching theme of love in an organic form. 
report Recommended by TangoT
This is real similar to March Comes In Like a Lion. The way the sport gets really intense when are odds are against them, you can tell how closely they are. If you liked Hoshiai no Sora, you will love 3-gatsu no Lion. 
report Recommended by tanukiOnMAL
-both have a child prodigy -friend/rival -a connection to a popular character in their professions -competition -internal struggle -struggle with fitting in -struggle with family -light-hearted and can be heavy at the same time 
report Recommended by orewasharksan
3-gatsu no lion and Sora yori mo Tooi Basho are two animes that utilize good writing to its fullest while also engaging the watcher in every episode. both animes use Moe/slice of life as well as impactful dramatic moments to develop each character individually and keep you coming back for more. If you are a fan of dramas or character driven anime, both of these are extremely underrated and an absolute must much. 
report Recommended by Spicynuggy
Both shows revolve around a young student trying to find his place in the world, as they come to terms with their past and accept the environment they are in. They learn to depend on others and grow out their secluded shell, as the audience gets to watch them mature socially and struggle while taking on new challenges. 
report Recommended by ItsAMeMako
Both have an extremely relaxing slice of Life, due to the peaceful environment and mainly for their dearest characters, and speaking of them… both animes feature very well built and very natural characters (which pleases the genre more and more) 
report Recommended by kuranshi
Both shows make progress of how MC feels empty. It shows how both MC has nothing at first but builds towards something. Whether that's through shogi or riding motorcycle. They both find their happiness, place and friendship. Moreover, both represents that we keep moving forward with our life.  
report Recommended by PreciousYui
Both have MCs who professionalized at a branch at a very young age but struggling to find their way about their profession. Both of the MCs find warm, loving environments and have new friends throughout their journey in their professions. Both of them have family tragedies that they cannot get over. It is all about friendship, family, talent vs hard work... 
report Recommended by hhalidec
Both shows are adult slice-of-life anime with subtly harsh, but realistic themes about growing up and wanting friends/family. Rilakkuma to Kaoru is a rare josei with beautiful stopmotion while 3-gatsu is a rare seinen with beautiful Shaft art and animation. In other words, they are probably the best you'll find for both targeted groups in terms of aesthetic quality and slice of life and directly relatable anime. 
report Recommended by Space_Boyfriend
Both shows are about a protagonist that have a hobby that they like to do Both show a lot about Family and how important it is and all the funny moments and cheerful times there are. I really loved both shows and they reminded me of them both 
report Recommended by ItzElite
Little girl with pink hair, both are wholesome. 
report Recommended by beeandwin
Main characters look like each other on emotions, personal situation, feelings and personality. Both anime take school as a primmary or secondary element, and real life as instrument to tell the story. 
report Recommended by demonAnimeLic
A show about the daily struggles - a realistic setting in the present Japan. Very enjoyable and heartwarming. Also very true... 
report Recommended by Lightmezawa
Great slow-burn dramas that are both very engaging with strong character interactions.  
report Recommended by Hikool101
- Two sympathetic protagonists who are trying to avoid being consumed by a darkness in their hearts; initially losing this battle, they attempt to connect with different people in their lives and become functioning people. - They both deal with prejudice and bullying (especially Season 2 in Sangatsu's case) and society's inability to fix these issues. - Memorable casts with people from all walks of life, many of which attempt to reach out to the protagonist during dark times. - Dense story arcs with gradual build-ups and dramatic payoffs..  
report Recommended by Kyotso
These two anime have a calming nature, and if you are looking for a calm emotional input to the show, then look into this one. It's not for everyone, but nonetheless its a good show. Give it a go. 
report Recommended by Aukai
Have you ever felt like wanna cry when watching a heartwarming anime. Both anime can make you feels that way just by watching them doing sweet things 
report Recommended by Nanaichini
Family, in it's various forms, is at the heart of these shows. Dark, complex themes (like isolation, death and societal issues) are woven with bright, heart warming ones. Humor is also used to sharply contrast serious moments (in ways that some viewers may even find jarring). The direction is creative and beautiful in both; the music, the art, just everything about these shows elevates them and will pull at the perceptive viewer's heart strings. Still, with such distinctive directors both shows have their own voices and despite feeling related in many ways, they also feel very different upon viewing. 
report Recommended by flyingdolphin
Wholesome family time 
report Recommended by fatboylikesanime
A main character came into a family's life and disrupted them, which fractured the family.  
report Recommended by Sdrag
3-gatsu no Lion reminds me of Nisekoi in some shots. I know, it's not a big similarity, but both are very original and enjoyable shows. In addition, Hinata and Onodera have the same voice actress. 
report Recommended by chupacandados
They both use color and atmosphere to show the viewer what the world looks like through the eyes of a person with depression. Like how Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara uses black-and-white with muffled sounds to simulate how Hitomi's depression strips all joy and excitement from her life, 3-gatsu no Lion uses the sensation of being underwater to simulate how Rei's depression weighs down and constricts him. Finally, both anime show how human connection can break a depressed person's cycle of negative thinking and find worth in themselves and living. 
report Recommended by SAniyoukoso
-similar art style -slice of life -story about growing and friendship -feeling of loneliness 
report Recommended by Himitsu127
Both series slowly build a touching story of personal rediscovery. 
report Recommended by MegaDany97
Both anime are centered around the coming of age stories for a socially awkward main character (mc) The greatest similarity, imo, is with the overly melancholic and depressing atmosphere used to tell both stories. You could say; "While you go through the joys and sadness of life with him, he seems to be fighting a recurring theme of melancholy throughout his life." and it would he true for both/either mc. 
report Recommended by IAmDare
Depression? Well, both of these anime have it. But they access it very differently. Sayonara uses depression as kind of a comedy element, while 3-gatsu uses depression as a story element to make series more deep. Both are made my Shaft studio so you can expect similarities in many ways! 
report Recommended by Lylaaz
Both shows have a number of important similarities despite having opposite and completely different themes with Sangatsu being more light-hearted compared to BokuMachi's serious content. The male protagonists wear eye-glasses and tend to be silent or serious. They have their own dark and trouble pasts that often keeps on haunting them and they have to face them before moving on. They have friends who are ready to support them when they are sad and troubled. Aside from characters, there is also symbolism portrayed on both shows. If you like Sangatsu No Lion but want a more serious twist, then I recommend watching BokuMachi.  
report Recommended by FalloutShounen3
Two masterpieces. If you're looking to character development and drama, this is your choice.  
report Recommended by Licorys
School-age protagonists from broken families choose to live socially isolated. Their lives change after meeting a cast of lively and adorable characters. The story begins to fluctuate between the initial broody mood and a new lighthearted one. Through their new friends, the protagonists begin to better understand the marvels of companionship. 
report Recommended by Megumin
Both of these relatable, slice-of-life animes will let you ride the rollercoaster of depression and let you become invested enough to feel the highs and lows of the main character's depressing life. Perfect for emotional masochists. 
report Recommended by IAmDare
Depression being overcome through good friends 
report Recommended by ShadowBlade41
Both Anime's Have A Very Sweet Storylines Both Have Lighthearted Characters Both Are Relaxing To Watch Both Have Heart Touching Moments And Both Of Those Anime's Will Make You Smile And Cry As Well The Difference Is That March Comes In Like A Lion Is Involved A Shogi Player Named Rei Kiriyama And Lived With The Kawamoto Sisters, While Tamayura Is Involved A Girl Name Fu Sawatari Who Likes To Photographicing Just Like Her Father And Having Fun With Her Friends, If You Like March Comes In Like A Lion, I Would Highly Recommend You To Watch The Tamayura Series 
report Recommended by Madison_Brown
Both Anime deals with Characters who struggle in life and doesn't know what to do, while Sakura Quest has a more comical approach and Mach comes like a lion has a more melancholic one. Both animes states the same message which is You Matter. 
report Recommended by MetalTsundere
You must be scratching your head thinking, "how in the world are these two anime similar?" (This is a kinda long recommendation, but reading it would be appreciated) Well, the similarities lie in one key aspect and that is the fantastic usage of time. Saiki Kusuo utilizes 5 minute episodes to adapt a single chapter, and does so extremely well as the experience from start to finish is aimed at comedy first without anything in between. 3-Gatsu no Lion takes the chapters from the manga and adapts 2 per episode, which are about 25 minutes long, or 20 minutes if you take out the OP/ED. I'll admit that these two  read more 
report Recommended by any13th
Both anime have similar theme in regards to a young and slightly naive character that is accepted into a loving environment. Sadly Ikoku has a much cuter main character. 
report Recommended by AlexanderGremory
Both with great storytelling, while Rakugo using such poetic kind of narration that make a good clear picture to the audience, March Comes in like a Lion uses visual narration that symbolizes the whole point of a story. 
report Recommended by riorangel21
Short anime related to shogi. The story is about a Polish professional shogi player, as Rei in 3-Gatsu no Lion. If you have a 3 minute break, have a look! 
report Recommended by WhiteZuri
Both series deal with very difficult and stressful situations and show the analysis process and growth of the characters involved. Themes of the story, the animation, and the struggles of the characters in both series all deal with different moments of life and coming of age  
report Recommended by SuperFan123
Yes, they are in a completely different world setting and time line but they are so well written with so much depth to them! The lessons taught in these two shows are very valuable and some moments are even relatable - one might see themselves in the characters. I won't deny that they are rather very sad shows but will definitely bring out many emotions in you!  
report Recommended by DarkBlueMoooon
Both anime seem to have similar silly main characters that have a hard time in many areas. 
report Recommended by AlexanderGremory
3-gatsu no Lion and Kono Danshi heavily revolves around the theme of loneliness and opening yourself up to others. Both shows are mellow and contain beautiful artwork. While there may not be any shogi played in Kono Danshi, the main characters still want to rise to the top of each's respective life. 
report Recommended by Third-Impact
On the outside these anime aren't similar at all, however if you look inside each anime you will find stories of hardship through life, from characters with traumatising pasts. 
report Recommended by Akoram
3-gatsu and Shogi Hour both focus on Shogi. 3-gatsu uses shogi as a backdrop for exploring the life and psychology of the MC and supporting cast; on the other hand, Shogi Hour satirizes the slow pacing of televised Shogi. 
report Recommended by raegazel
The main characters of 3-gatsu no Lion and Houseki no Kuni try to find their place in the world. Rei was thrown into a situation he didn't choose (his dependency on shogi), and Phos starts off useless due to a condition (s)he didn't choose, in a society that requires a function from everyone. They experience how it's lonely at the top, and how much these at the top had to sacrifice in order to get there. As coming of age stories, they lay down the importance of these around you, and that yes, you have value. 
report Recommended by agendator
While much bleaker in tone, March Comes in Like a Lion still deals with the theme of how important family is and how difficult it can be to live in a dysfunctional family. 
report Recommended by Reldawin
Plotline and setting are different but I think if you enjoyed Natsume Yuujinchou, then you will enjoy 3gatsu no Lion, too. They have a familiar feeling I cannot explain well... -Main characters have similar background. Rei is an orphan who went through bad experiences and met nice people too. -Both have heartwarming and sad/bittersweet moments. -The narrative gives off a somewhat familiar feeling. -Both are slice-of-life and you can see the struggles of MC in both of them. 
report Recommended by Ad-Altiora
Similar to sangatsu, Mob Psycho is rich with well written characters. If you liked the introspective aspect Sangatsu and a well-paced coming of age story of a young relatable boy, then this is a good show to give a shot. 
report Recommended by atrx_manbearpig