3-gatsu no Lion

“The further you go, the steeper it becomes, and there won’t be anyone around you.” – Rei Kiriyama

I feel I lack the vocabulary and eloquence to adequately express how special Sangatsu no Lion truly is, but i'll attempt to do my best nonetheless.

Depression is a silent battle. Constantly waging war against yourself. What happiness you can grasp is constantly sinking into an ocean of nothingness. You are nothing, you have nothing.

Sangatsu no Lion does not shy away from showing it's viewers the reality of the soul crushing torment that depression is. The protagonist of the story isn't a faultless man embarking on ... the hero's journey, he's apprehensive, unsure of himself and engulfed in loneliness. Although this may be the case, Rei is a hero. A champion for the broken, a beacon in the night. He is you and I.

Rei's battle with depression is captivating to say the least. Losing his family and being adopted into another, he uses shogi to appeal to his foster father and gain his approval. Through his immense talent and hard work he becomes a professional in the shogi world, but as a side effect he alienates his adoptive father's biological children. He then decides to live alone and chase after shogi, isolating himself. It's at this point that the story begins.

The vicious cycle of win or become nothing becomes Rei's life. He isn't satisfied with how things have turned out but he continues to press forward because that's what is expected of him. His life has essentially become a vice as he suffers quietly in solitude.

The show is by definition a sports anime and doesn't shy away from that fact. Even if you were to peel away the dramatic story elements, the direction in the each shogi match is stellar. Every move is tense and efficient, as the players place their shogi pieces down with a satisfying clack, demanding the other player acknowledge their move. It's all extremely atmospheric, and you feel as if you were sitting right next to the board. Chika Umino has a deep understanding and respect for shogi and it definitely shines through.

Now, to pivot back to story elements.

The world of professionals is cutthroat and Rei soon comes to realise that the only way for him to remain one is to douse the hopes and dreams of each opponent he defeats. But why should he? Why should he be the one to attain victory? Why him?

Through all the uncertainty, self-doubt, self-loathing and pain, a figure appears and lends a hand to Rei as if to pull him from the depths of his mind to start anew. Akari, Hinata and Momo Kawamoto are thrust upon him.

Like Rei, the Kawamoto's have also experienced loss, the tragic death of their mother has left them incomplete. Broken but united, the Kawamoto family embraces Rei as one of their own. Through all of the pain, Rei begins to learn of the struggle of others. The Kawamoto sisters are as human as he is, they also all share the pain of losing a loved one and this commonality bonds them to each other. Scenes of Rei surrounded by the girls and simply having a conversation were enough to bring me to tears. The only way I think I could describe Rei's relatonship with the Kawamoto household in words would be 'sweetness'. It's this same sweetness that Rei must separate himself from as he feels he isn't deserving of it.

Depression is an irrational beast by nature and overcoming it is a arduous process. Through all the success he's achieved and friends he's made, he still feels lonely. This is the painful truth of mental illness. However, Rei decides to leap forward into the abyss and towards finding his own undeniable happiness. To say Rei's journey is inspiring would be an understatement. As someone who has battled with chronic depression for a majority of their life, Sangatsu no Lion portrays how isolating and painful it can be perfectly.

I've seen Sangatsu no Lion criticised for it's slow pacing while I on the contrary believe the slow, methodical building to be a necessity. Each character has a role, every dialogue exchange and scene has a purpose, to have such a unique and dynamic cast of characters would be impossible if it weren't for that fact that they all have backstories and lives that are completely fleshed out and interesting. You can't rush greatness.

As this is an adaptation, an animation studio must adapt it. Shaft's unorthodox approach to storytelling has often been hit or miss with me, ventures like the Monogatari Series often take a wildly esoteric approach to storytelling. The director of said series, Akiyuki Shibou, steers the ship that is Sangatsu no Lion. At a first glance I was definitely worried that he would employ the same over the top, no holds barred direction style that he's come to be known for but to my surprise he shows a more restrained, thoughtful direction style. Characters in close-up slowly turning to one another, quick cuts of a noisy shogi player fidgeting, it all lent itself to the atmosphere quite well, suffice to say I was surprised, even beyond that I was thoroughly and consistently blown away by his direction. Paired with Chika Umino's visionary level of storytelling, Sangatsu no Lion became a living, breathing creation. The art and music perfectly compliment each other as you feel chills run down your spine in tense scenes and your heart filled to the brim in the Kawamoto house. It's all masterful.

Through all of the suffering and anguish, the clouds will eventually part and you'll be exactly where you need to be, this is the powerful sentiment the show carries. Misery is combatable, you just need to be brave enough to face it. There is beauty in life, you just need to be able to see it.

Sangatsu no Lion might be the most powerful piece of media I've encountered to this date and for that i'm eternally grateful.

Please watch this show.

It has romance or not?
Some will ask this question before risking to see this anime and my answer is probably not, since if there is almost imperceptible but this did not guide you in the wrong way since if there are a couple of relationships with prospect, but dont expect a lot of them, it contains deep themes that can be appreciated in many ways depending on each one, every relationship that connects with the MC (main character) has its complex history and that puts you fuller in her, the characters You love them or hate them, even comes to play with your emotions, ... this is undoubtedly one of the best anime that i has seen, said this I beg you to give it a chance since you will not regret it and for those who are looking for romance, I am the same To you and the fact that there is no strong romance you love this anime.

This review is for people who don't like Slice Of Life anime and find them boring and unbearable to watch but want to venture into the world of Slice Of Life anime.....This is NOT the anime to start!!

I ventured into this anime hearing good things about it from all sources such as people recommending it online ,the fact that it won at the cruchyroll awards and also that fucker The Anime Man praising it

Plot/Story
When it comes to anime , im all about the action and higher meaning even sprinkle a little symbolism... But the story, for me, was too dull. I mean its slice ... of life and i did not have any high expections to start with but the plot here was all dull. It fails to grab the watchers attention in my case,Kiriyama who is an expert shogi player has the attitude of someone who has just given up on life,he is just so dull ,so unenergetic that he makes you feel the same way too when you watch. Kiriyama's tragic life story begins later on but by this time I was so uninterested to even care but for the most part,the plot is kiriyama going to his shogi matches,kiriyama going to school, kiriyama going to akari's place and helping them with whatever problem they have. But seriously this Anorexic kid's pitifull state of mind was the most off putting thing

Art/Sound
The art is good for the most part,I really like and appriciate the small things such as momo's design suiting her personalitiy,and the cats etc but there are certain things i don't like ...such as the fact that i HATE the way kiriyama's mouth is shaped .....sometimes especially when he is annoyed its really bad. The voice Acting was Superb! Couldn't have asked for better.... all the voice actors were so in tune with their characters and it was just a perfect fit espcially momo ,the cats and Kouda

In the end I'd like to state again that i wrote this review for a very niche group of people but you are free to take from it what you will.thanks for taking the time to read this

This anime is a very slow-paced story revolving around a spineless kid with no personality or heart. It's incredibly frustrating when the protag is constantly being pushed around by other unlikeable characters, and submitting to their abuse and nonsense. There was ONE redeeming quality of the story which involves a family who displayed a great deal of support for the protag and showed a great example of how friends should have your back with no expectation of anything in return. I WILL be continuing onto the next season, in hopes that it'll get better, but this one was pretty dreadful.

(This review has been adapted from my blog/reddit thread. Spoilers ahead!)

The pawns were my friends, the knights my family, and the queen my lover. For I was king.

When it came to chess, I was the best. In my corner of the world, anyway. I lived the sport as much as I could. Winning school tournaments, going to summer camps to learn new skills. Squaring off against multiple opponents simultaneously. Practicing with a plastic travel set and a versus timer and a book on named openings. For a while, chess was my calling. A passion that neither bishop nor rook could squander.

Today, that’s no longer the ... case. Writing, programming, and other -ing’s have replaced what was once my kingly domain. But, even today, having not played chess for years, I know that I could go back to that board. See the same familiar pieces. And they would invite me back with open arms (if they had arms, anyway).

Because, just as 3-gatsu no Lion would claim, what we experience never really leaves us – and that there’s always someone waiting to lend a loving hand.

STORY

3-gatsu centers on a young man named Rei Kiriyama. As only the fifth shogi player to become a professional while still in middle school, the prodigy engages in hard-fought battles in this sport of the mind. However, his most daunting battlefield occurs off the board. In a place simply called “life.” But thanks to Akari, Hinata, and Momo, three kindhearted sisters in his neighborhood who have taken him under their wings, Rei survives onward, fending off “attacks” all around him.

According to outside sources and information about the series in its current state, this season of 3-gatsu is merely the first of many. In what is meant to be a very long, very articulate journey (should the original author, SHAFT, and the anime gods will it). Thus, these introductory twenty-two episodes have the honor of setting up its story for the audience. What it entails, where it plans to go, and why any of it matters at all.

And like a shogi board primed for an upcoming match, 3-gatsu sets up said story with expert ease.

It doesn’t take too long to understand that shogi in and of itself makes for an important plot element for this anime. This sport forms the crux of many of the events and becomes the driving force behind Rei’s actions. It’s essentially Japanese chess except it includes a few extra pieces (the lance, the golden general, etc.).

While nothing extensive, 3-gatsu teaches the audience about these different pieces and the overall structure, letting the audience have a better grasp of this plot element on a technical level. And it does what it can to vary up the depicted matches. Quietness, sweltering heat, hyper-focus. While the board and the pieces never change, each match has a certain air about it that keeps them from falling prey to stagnation.

Admittedly, shogi is not the most thrilling of sports to watch. There’s no “action” besides the players picking up and placing their pieces. Moves often require many, many minutes of thinking. The environment calls for very little fanfare.

However, like most sports anime (and, indeed, most sports stories), shogi isn’t necessarily all about the spectacle. Rather, it’s a catalyst, a vehicle that allows 3-gatsu to carry its grander, more thoughtful ideas forward.

It starts by viewing shogi in a thematic sense. Yes, it’s just a bunch of wood carvings with Japanese words etched into them. But, in the larger context of the story, it means so much more.

Shogi is a singular sport; the player can only rely on himself or herself. In a way, it’s rather lonely, almost isolated. Yet it’s also a dual (and duel) sport. Someone else takes the other side of the board, forcing two minds, two ideals, and two people to clash. In a broader sense, shogi requires a winner and a loser (which is almost always the case based on the rules). Each player can only control his or her own pieces, meaning they themselves command their fate. And the game’s rooted tradition and strict etiquette mask the tumultuous feelings harbored within.

As described, and considering the context of 3-gatsu, shogi is a metaphor for life itself. Individuals act on their own and interact with others, controlling what they themselves say and do. They “win” and they “lose” all the time. They don’t always reveal how they feel, for emotions aren’t the simplest to explain.

The parallels here are important because, outside of shogi, where 3-gatsu truly matters, life and what it encompasses takes precedence on a thematic and narrative level.

For instance, one of the anime’s most pronounced characteristics is its tonal range. The story will often swing back and forth between extremely heartwarming and utterly crestfallen, raising and lowering the audience’s emotions without remorse. It can be slightly jarring at times, but this dichotomy speaks to life’s own emotional rollercoaster. How happiness and sadness are closer than one may believe.

Furthermore, both sides of the spectrum elevate 3-gatsu’s plot points and explore its vital themes. On the happy end, Akari, Hinata, and Momo’s nostalgic, loving home is Rei’s “kotatsu.” They implore the importance of togetherness. That a belly full of food, a few good laughs, and a company of loved ones is all it takes to warm the soul. On the sad end, Rei’s barren apartment with an equally lonely lifestyle stresses reality’s gloomier corner. While tough to stomach, depression is a formidable foe that cannot always be cured with a touching smile (let alone a silver general).

To reach these ends and continue its exploration on life, the show fills its space with even more thematic exploration. It focuses on family – Akari and the girls, Rei’s deceased family, his foster family – to highlight how such close bonds both heal and harm. It emphasizes certain mindsets like having no regrets and refusing to lose. It talks about self-worth and the challenges people face in their own lives.

Yet the most intriguing thematic element (besides shogi) is its most prevalent feature: water. For Rei, water symbolizes so many of his darker thoughts: suffocation, obstruction, restriction. But it also symbolizes what could possibly be: refreshing, buoyant, sustainable.

In one scene, a thunderous storm hearkens harsh ocean waves that drown his mind. Then, in another scene, he’ll take a swig from his plastic bottle at home to quench his thirst. Indeed, water is a constant in Rei’s life. A duality that, once again, plays to the anime’s strengths through its thematic connections to life and its clear, precise presence.

All this thematic discussion hasn’t even elaborated on 3-gatsu’s main plot points and story beats.

Part of what grounds the show’s story is how much Rei loses. Despite his prodigy status, his losses up the realism of his current situation while readying him for his eventual climb later. They also put into perspective where he is at in his life and the strength of his numerous opponents.

It also has its memorable scenes. More specifically, Rei’s breakdown in episode ten explodes out the emotions he has been keeping trapped inside himself. He basically yells at the world for making him think everything is always his fault, and that giving up or giving in is not an option for him or anyone. As Nikaidou would put it, Rei “doesn’t want to lose” – in every sense of the phrase.

And extra narrative facets keep the story progressing. Foreshadowing with the top shogi player as the beast to beat. A subplot involving Kyouko’s jerkwad “boyfriend.” Rei’s decision to stay away from Akari, Hinata, and Momo’s home for much of the second half of the season is not only seen but felt. The creation of the shogi club at Rei’s school makes for an optimistic finale moving forward.

Even after all this analyzing, 3-gatsu presents even more to its audience. Effective comedy. Interesting dialogue. Purposeful chapter structure. Simply put, as the introductory portion to this story, the anime roars like a ferocious lion preparing for what will unfold.

ART & ANIMATION

When watching 3-gatsu, its actual animation soars during scenes where it overexaggerates the Kawamoto sisters’ actions or forms a fantastical aside. (Shogi remains quite the stationary sport.) But it’s the impressive artistry and the technical finesse that allow this show to reach ever higher heights.

Above anything else, the anime loves its visual metaphors. From a pair of balloons floating upwards through the sky to gallons of water submerging Rei as he sits on the steps leading to the school rooftop, 3-gatsu constantly creates thoughtful, engaging scenes. They not only bolster the ideas of the show but also provide the audience with yet another thematic layer to think about.

The show has tons of flair, too. A first-person perspective obfuscated by strands of hair. Shifts in camera angles, like a top-down view of Akari as her cats whirl around her. Multiple styles shifted between seamlessly: rough, quirky, sharp, involved. The sheer amount of techniques employed, the obvious attention to cinematography, and the risks taken with its vast variance turn this slice-of-life drama into both an outstandingly diverse and an artistically worthwhile endeavor.

To go even further, 3-gatsu also focuses intently on the overall look and feel of the visuals themselves. Color choices reach across the rainbow, sparking lots of contrast between its melancholic mood (blues, greys, blacks) and its sweet serenity (oranges, yellows, pinks). A noticeably soft approach ushers in a calm setting while still carrying its weighty, solemn baggage. And its backgrounds – from inside the sisters’ home to the imaginative moments – persist as a constant example of the anime’s artistic integrity.

And one cannot ignore the designs of the characters, for they evoke the same sense of wonder that the rest of the visuals deliver. Generally, they’re rather unique in their facial details: lines fill out their eyes, their mouths are slightly thicker than normal, their gazes often exude a gentle aura.

Individually, Akari’s ponytail draped over her shoulder, her purple-colored eyes, small hairpin, cardigan sweaters, usual apron, and ample assets paint her as the womanly goddess she is. Hinata’s long twin-tailed hair, her smaller physique, girly outfits, and sincere smile captures her energy and kindness. Momo’s short, light-orange hair and wide eyes highlight her cute and childish status that much more.

There’s also Rei with his frazzled black hair, green eyes, glasses, white buttoned-up shirt, and jeans that give him a nerdy, quiet look that fits his character all too well. The girls’ grandpa’s squareness. Smith’s tall, Western vibe. Kyouko’s brown overcoat and devilish beauty. Nikaidou’s rotund shape and Shimada’s lanky frame. The characters’ designs are interesting and attractive and different.

Exactly like the rest of 3-gatsu’s artistry.

CHARACTERS

In 3-gatsu, the characters exemplify their respective roles: the main protagonist, the supporting cast, and so on. But they represent much more than just what a literary definition could ascribe. In fact, they continue the exploration of the anime’s themes through thoughtful ideas and progression of their own.

As the star of this tale, Rei Kiriyama doesn’t lead the most eventful of lives. He wakes up each day without anybody around. He puts on his clothes and munches on some convenience-store food before making the long walk and the sad train ride to his local shogi hall. He plays a couple of games in relative silence. Then he goes back home. To a desolate, no-drapes apartment where he practices the sport by himself – which is arguably one of the loneliest activities imaginable – in the middle of his wide-open room. Only to fall asleep, wake up, and go through the whole process ad infinitum.

Loneliness characterizes Rei to a depressing degree. From him eating his cold lunch by himself to sitting outside on the cold concrete as the wind howls about him, Rei is often alone. Sometimes of his own choosing, sometimes because it can’t be helped. But this void follows him nonetheless.

And it always has. The true beginning of Rei’s loneliness starts with the tragic death of his parents and his little sister in a freak car accident. Having lost those held most dear to him, he doesn’t know what to do. So, he latches onto shogi – to keep his thoughts focused and to numb the pain in his heart.

Rei describes his relationship with “the god of shogi” as an “ugly lie.” That he only agreed to like the sport so he could survive. Indeed, in lying, Rei’s father’s friend Kouda takes Rei in as a foster child.

Unfortunately for the young boy, loneliness just won’t let go. Rei’s presence in his foster family tears them apart. As Kouda favors the prodigy player, his other kids suffer. His son Ayumu regresses into seclusion, and Kyouko succumbs to rebellion and seethes with rage. Rage that she takes out on Rei through physical abuse.

This form of abuse is new to Rei, but abuse in general is not. For, as a school student, he has often been ignored or neglected by others, enduring mental abuse without really knowing it. Their bullying stops Rei from reaching out to anyone except for the ants on the ground. Even more loneliness for the lonely protagonist.

Rei, realizing what he (inadvertently) does to his new family, separates himself from them, choosing the path of a professional shogi player to keep his unluckiness from spreading. Sadly, despite his quick rise in the shogi world, Rei hits a block of sorts. With expectations of his future set high, and people (outwardly or not) questioning his abilities, loneliness further tightens around him.

Up to now, Rei is a “liar.” A “home-wrecker.” A “loser.” His situation is practically unfair and wholly unbearable. However, a wholesome, miraculous light in his life keeps him going: the Kawamoto sisters.

Across a couple of bridges and down a few roads, Akari, Hinata, and Momo accept Rei as one of their own. They brighten the atmosphere with delicious food, energetic actions, and cuteness galore. Through their personalities, nostalgia permeates the air. Warmth radiates outward. Kindness envelops everything.

Rei may not word it exactly this way, but, for him, their home is heaven on Earth. It’s one of the only places where he can truly feel at ease. Where his loneliness must wait at the door and his happiness grows to levels he never thought possible.

It’s all thanks to the girls themselves. Beginning with Akari, she dotes on Rei as much as she can. She saves him from his “friends” and their “drinking game.” She leads the charge in curing his cold. She speaks earnestly with him about matters. She directly invites him over or slyly involves him in other ways to get him active.

Akari’s thoughtfulness cannot be understated. She looks after her two little sisters by herself. She works at her grandpa’s shop and her aunt’s lounge. She remains emotionally strong despite the pain they have experienced in their own lives. And that’s not even the half of it. Akari is not only the best supporting character in 3-gatsu but also one of the best in all of anime.

Hinata doesn’t earn the same accolades, but that certainly doesn’t mean she isn’t without her own incredibly supportive nature. She is genuinely glad to see more sides of Rei’s personality. She thinks about how he’s doing when he’s not around. She overcomes “boundaries” like giving him food in front of and inquiring about Kyouko. Hinata’s heartwarming relationship with Rei proves that she cares deeply about him – more so than he may realize.

And Momo supports in her own way, too. She’s a toddler, so she understandably can’t do much. But, as she views Rei as her older brother and dances excitedly whenever he arrives, she subconsciously gives him a sense of responsibility and self-esteem that nobody can replicate.

Akari, Hinata, and Momo are amazing supporters. So much so, in fact, that they even know when not to support. While the second half of the season contains less of these three than one would prefer, them giving Rei space argues for the fact that, sometimes, it’s best to let a person focus on what he or she needs to so that they, too, can help themselves.

That’s not easy to do, though. Despite the girls caring for him, and despite his determination, Rei still struggles. He experiences agony. Arrogance. Anger. Just as the people in his life influence him, he affects himself through the actions and thoughts he takes. That is, loneliness cannot always be blamed on everyone else. It’s also up to that person to do something about it.

So, Rei does just that. He divulges his feelings to Yuusuke about going back to school and not wanting to run away. He reaffirms why he played shogi in the first place when he remembers the games that had his father really thinking hard. He agrees to forming the joint shogi-science club at his school to earn him a new set of friends.

Just as things start to look a bit brighter, Kyouko injects herself into Rei’s life. Now an adult, Kyouko preys on Rei. She isn’t laughably maniacal or in possession of some mega power. Instead, she simply uses her words. To spite, to hurt, and to poison her foster brother.

Kyouko’s manipulation, her uncomfortably forward physicality makes their relationship an abusive yet striking one. She loves him to death and despises his guts. She hates her father, she fell for a man one too many years her senior, and she is beyond selfish. As Momo would put it, she’s a “witch” – but also somebody in desperate need of support. Altogether, her complicated thoughts and her complex feelings turn her into one of the best “villains” to grace the medium in a long while.

As for Rei, despite her abuse and their unique relationship, he wants to help his foster sister. And it’s this reversal of roles, where he can be there for someone who is lonely, that ultimately gets at 3-gatsu’s most important theme.

To reiterate, Akari, Hinata, and Momo support Rei however they can. But they aren’t the only ones who do so. Nikaidou is Rei’s rival, motivator, and friend. Takashi may not always have tact, but he sincerely guides Rei as both a teacher and as an adult. His foster father calls him on his cell phone multiple times when he isn’t responding. Shimada mentors Rei in the art of shogi, shows him what it means to persevere, teaches him what matters most when all is said and done, and gives him the chance to finally be relied on.

In other words, there is always someone nearby who cares. Rei has lost. He has been bullied. He has been hurt. But he has never truly been alone. For, all around him, from the Kawamoto sisters to the man who “cracked open his skull,” people in Rei’s life love him in one way or another.

This sentiment applies to the audience, making it the biggest takeaway from this first season. Life can be cruel, mean, and unfair. Yet, despite the problems people face and the seemingly insurmountable terrors they confront, there’s always someone nearby who cares.

Sure, it may not be people as perfect as Akari, Hinata, and Momo. But maybe it’s a close parent or a significant other or a friend that hasn’t been spoken to in years. No matter the case, someone is out there. Right now. Ready and willing to replace that loneliness with support of their own.

MUSIC & SOUND

Just as 3-gatsu’s story, art, and characters demonstrate their power, the music and the sound that surrounds the entire experience does the same.

Its opening tracks, “Answer” and “Sayonara Bystander,” fill the air with optimistic tones, rhyming lyricism, strong vocal work, catchy instrumentation, and various emotions. They create a set of powerful songs which capture the anime’s drive to tell a tale that’s both thoughtful and real. Their ability to not only kick off each episode with the right mood in mind but also invoke a sense of longing in the audience stands as a testament to their overwhelming strength.

Its ending tracks have a similar level of strength but go down different routes. The first ED, “Fighter,” embodies its title with a determined beat, sincere singing, and an empowering background choir. In comparison, the second ED, “orion,” incorporates hip-hop, distinct snapping, and smooth harmonizing to uplift the audience with grounded delivery. Together, they represent the show’s grander sense of hope and perseverance against the odds and the adversity that life so regularly throws into the mix.

Continuing with the spirit of the show, 3-gatsu’s original soundtrack implements music that strikes at the heart of its own ideals. In one track, crystal rings loudly to chill the air and to hallow out the atmosphere. In another track, zippy xylophone playing and a pronounced tuba reflect the infectious happiness of the Kawamoto sisters. In other tracks, piano moves effortlessly from soft and melancholic to fun and free as the mood shifts accordingly. Combined with acoustic guitars, marching drums, grating sounds, and a whole host of other instrumental work, the OST dares anyone to denounce its craftsmanship.

The voice-acting performances likewise stand tall. Ai Kayano as Akari uses a mature and loving voice that brings calm and comfort in droves. Kana Hanazawa as Hinata ups the silliness levels with her boisterous tone. Misaki Kuno’s cheerful way of speaking directly equates to the toddler’s cute behavior. Kengo Kawanishi as Rei narrates his loneliness well while also ranging in his emotions throughout the season. And Nobuhiko Okamoto as Nikaidou yells and motivates with care and without end.

Two special side-shout-outs go to Ms. Kayano, Ms. Hanazawa, and Ms. Kuno. First for voicing the cats. 3-gatsuverbalizing the cats’ inner thoughts was unexpected and hilarious, the three leading women making it so. Second, and speaking of cats, the anime’s special ending track “Nyaa Shougi Ondo” also deserves props. It was cool to see the creators go out of their way to (some extent) teach the sport of shogi to the audience. Even more impressive was making it into a song, using a cat motif, and having the women once again contribute with singing of their own (and few “nyaa” lyrics).

None of these musical pieces and performances mention the show’s attention to other sound-effects. The clack of a placed shogi piece. A growing-ever-louder grandfather clock. The plunging of water. The anime goes everywhere with its metaphors, comedy, and emotions, and the included sound-effects always keep up, rounding out this aural experience in fantastic fashion.

ENJOYMENT

In my introduction, I wrote about my chess-dweeb era. It’s something that I will cherish forever. Practicing with my dad on the couch while we watched television together. Defeating my fifth-grade teacher for the first time. Laughing with my friends about the dumb moves we made. I rarely, if ever, pick up a pawn nowadays, but chess will always be a part of me no matter what.

Chess and shogi aren’t technically the same, but the show got me thinking about these precious memories of mine. Yet my connection to this anime goes deeper.

I haven’t lost my family. I’ve never been abused or bullied either. Meaning, I cannot claim that my situation in life has been anything like Rei’s. But I can empathize with his emotions – because I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to be put on a pedestal only to let everyone down. To succumb to loneliness. To not seek guidance out of misplaced fear and shame when those around me clearly want to help.

I’m saving the details of my own life-altering story for a more momentous moment. Suffice it to say, though, I connect with this show beyond just the sport it depicts. And it makes me so gosh darn happy to see how, wrapped around my personal connection to this tale, the anime does almost everything right that it possibly could.

The comedy makes me laugh a ton. Akari tapping her hands on the table back at Hinata. Hinata magically and hurriedly floating through the air and out the door. Momo asking Rei if he’s her older brother or not. If it isn’t already apparent, I adore the Kawamoto sisters.

The drama sucks me in. Kyouko’s manipulation. Takashi’s wise words. Rei’s troubled life. I became so interested in what was going on that I took half a day off from work just so that I could finish the remainder of the season because I couldn’t put it down.

The content itself means a lot to me. Purposeful themes treated with respect. All the creativity behind its visual direction. The strong writing throughout. Altogether, it’s an anime that appeals to my critiquing mind.

And, while I’ve already slightly talked about her already, let it be known: I have the biggest crush on Akari. Beautiful. Motherly. Kind. Thoughtful. Sincere. Attractive. Mature. Strong. She’s nothing short of angelic, and she has become one of my favorite characters of all-time without any shred of doubt.

In fact, this crush extends to the entire project here, for I love this anime. It’s the kind of show that only comes around once in a while. An anime that represents what this medium is and demonstrates what it can do. And I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to watch it.

At this point, there’s not much else I can write down. Which means there’s really only one thing left: give it the highest honors possible.

3-gatsu no Lion proves its outstanding worth in this medium through extreme execution. A thematically heavy story. Wonderful artistry. A host of awesome characters. Superb sound choices. A wealth of entertaining moments. Like any king, it has everything and then some.

And it’s only the opening.

SUMMARY

Story: Great, as a thematically rich start to this journey, the tale explores life’s duality of happiness and sadness through shogi, nuanced narrative elements, and purposeful plot points while delivering a meaningful and expressive slice-of-life drama

Art & Animation: Great, visual metaphors, impressive variance in artistry, and lovely character designs both engage the audience and bolster the themes therein

Characters: Great, Rei’s unfortunate abuse and struggles expound on the concept of loneliness, the Kawamoto sisters define supporting characters, smart writing crafts Kyouko into a stellar “antagonist,” and a heartfelt theme on there always being someone nearby who cares solidifies the cast’s incredible strength

Music & Sound: Great, a set of powerful OPs and EDs, an emotional OST, strong VA performances, and extra additions elevate the experience even further

Enjoyment: Great, personally relatable, downright entertaining, and Akari is beyond angelic

Final Score: 10/10

Sangatsu no Lion is filled with important life lessons that is taught to us in style. It has great music, quality animation and a fantastic art style. All of this added with the writing makes for an experience to say the least. I want to also mention that the first episode of this show made my heart ache pretty hard and it didn’t take long to understand why. I felt like I understood Rei’s character quickly because I was Rei at one point. I did everything not because I enjoyed it but because it was necessary, I was unsure of what I really ... wanted to do and how I wanted to live. I felt like I could disappear at any moment and no one would notice. Communicating with others was a chore and all I could really do is sit there and stare blankly at the person I was supposed to be communicating to. Looking back, it honestly felt awful.

Story/Characters/Writing (9/10):

The story of Sangatsu no Lion can be simplified to it being a story about life, but it is much more intricate than that. Like shogi there are many different pieces involved each with different roles to play. The author used shogi as a tool to give the viewer more insight on the characters and on life, this is done very well. Rei is the character who rightfully gets most of the character development. Other characters like the Kawamoto family is also focused on but nowhere near as much. I was completely fine with this as I was much more interested in Rei than others. The side characters are well used to further develop Rei’s character while they themselves get developed little amounts at a time. My biggest problem with this show was its comedy. Although it may not be tagged as a comedy, there was still a considerable amount of comedy in it, and it was very hit or miss. Sometimes it got a chuckle out of me, other times it just felt forced.

Art/Animation (9.5/10):

Each episode is presented to us with unique visuals that reflects what is being said perfectly, this all thanks to studio Shaft’s creative way of adapting works. Each time they switch styles it doesn’t throw me out of the experience, in fact it makes me feel more involved with the characters. They somehow made each style perfectly embody what the characters were trying to convey. Although I’m usually not into the more bright, bubbly type of art akin to shoujo works, I felt this was done extremely well.

Sound (8.5/10):

The voice actors did a wonderful job portraying their individual characters. Almost all lines I felt were delivered very well and held the emotion they were supposed to. The soundtrack was also very good. It was done by Yukari Hashimoto the same composer as Penguindrum, once again she delivers a wonderful soundtrack. I feel this one was even better though because of what Sangatsu no Lion is. I especially love the delicate piano pieces.

Overall (9.1/10):

This is very good, more than that even. I think this first season of Sangatsu no Lion was a considerable amount better than the second season. I could relate to it much more than the second season making it much more emotional than the second season. It has fantastic writing, its art and animation is too good, the voice cast is great, and the soundtrack is also very great. The only thing that held this show back from getting a higher score was its comedy.

I´m not really a fan of SHAFT Anime and I know that they are people who would killl me for saying so, but well at least 3-gatsu no Lion is the first SHAFT anime that I kinda enjoy watching.

SHAFT is always trying to create the most melancholic atmosphere in their anime, they use all common tricks and don´t back off stereotypes that you already saw a thousand times. That´s not the only point that bothers me. The design is kinda careless, but that´s just the typical SHAFT thing you have to deal with. Maybe you like blurred background and faceless side characters, maybe you like ... to know what´s happening next because you see that leant back SHAFT head, maybe 3-gatsu no Lion is exactly what you call perfect. I would not, I hoped for more.

But let´s talk about the characters and the story, since it´s the most important thing for me. Here we come to the points that I really like. There´s nothing new about an introverted main character that goes through a really hard time in his life, but Rei is kinda surprising you. He is the stereotype that you already know and still he makes decissions that don´t fit in his role. It´s like seeing a child grow and develop new characteristics. As you start the first episode, you are dead even with Rei because he doesn´t know much more about his surroundings.
The thing that keeps you watching this anime is the question about his past. A lot of things happend, really sad things, really disturbing things and you sit there watching it and waiting for an explanation.

Since I mentioned his really sad past, I have to comment that I´m still waiting for 3-gatsu no Lion to make me cry. It has so much potential to be a tear-jerker, but it´s just not happning. Every time you think that it will crash your feelings, SHAFT decides to get off the track. Shame on you. But thanks for explaining Shogi for dummies! xD

I just watched episode 11.5, so maybe it´s going to get better but if you´re just as disapointed as I am, you just have to concentrate on Momo and the cats. Those are some hilarious side characters.

Disclaimer: This review might contain spoilers on the anime "Sangatsu no Lion". Please excuse me if I make a mistake or you don't understand a part, as English is not my first language. Thank you.

Sangatsu no Lion, a jewel that did not make much noise


With the pace of current anime production it is impossible to see all the series. For that reason, some series only have a modest success, while others take all the fame. It is the case of Sangatsu no Lion, a jewel that went a little unnoticed.

I must confess that when it premiered, I saw the first episodes and then I left ... it there, parked. It was released in the fall of 2016 with Yuri !!! on Ice, Drifters, the third season of Haikyuu !!, Keijo !!!!, Bungou Stray Dogs season two, Occultic, Nine, Ajin 2nd season, Hibike! Euphonium season two, Shuumatsu no Izetta and Trickster, among others.
 
However, of that group, Sangatsu no Lion is the least obvious at first sight. It was one of two series produced by Shaft that season, best known for Monogatari Series, Madoka and Nisekoi, so I already had the credentials to take a look.

In addition, the manga of Umino Chika had been awarded with the Cultural Prize Osamu Tezuka in 2014, a more than respectable endorsement. But what attraction can a melancholic anime have on a boy who plays Shogi?

What is Sangatsu no Lion?


It is the story of Rei Kirishima, a professional shogi player - Japanese chess - who is only 17 years old. Orphan from very small, after the death in an accident of his parents and younger sister, ended up under the care of the best friend and rival in the shogi of his father. But although his new adoptive father treated him with affection and respect, he could not help but feel the loneliness after losing his family. Especially when in his new home he lived with the two biological children of the house, who resented him for receiving the attention of his father, being a talented player.

Without a real family, or friends, his attitude towards life is negative and frankly depressing. So much so that he is unable to see that in fact if he has friends, even if they are few. This begins to change when he meets the sisters Kawamoto, Akari, Hinata and Momo, who give some family warmth to their cold existence. In the course of the 22 episodes we meet her adoptive sister, the troubled Kyouko Koda. The girl serves as the "villain" of the story, but despite that has a link with Rei, although it is a very twisted.

They also introduce us to their rival / best friend, Harunobu Nikaidō, a young chubby and precarious health that, unlike our protagonist, has a passionate and positive attitude. The other great support of Kirishima is his teacher Takashi Hayashida, the only one in his school who knows that he is a professional shogi player. In addition, as the series progresses, Kai Shimada is introduced, a talented player who has not been able to reach the top due to the existence of Touji Souya. This one seems a reflection of Kirishima, but not much is known about him yet. Except that it generates admiration in Rei and that he is a genius of shogi.

An anime of contrasts


Sangatsu no Lion is definitely an anime series full of contrasts, between light and dark, with Rei Kiriyama in the middle, trying to get his place in life. The shogi is his lifeline and he clings to it with force, but that makes him lose his perspective. His way of seeing the same game that has guaranteed his survival in more than one way, isolates the world. But that is something that only happens in his mind, that is blinded and does not realize that he is not alone, neither in the Shogi nor in life.

The story is told slowly, almost parsimoniously. When Rei is alone, the feeling of isolation and loneliness is palpable. It is clear that depression overwhelms him. But the Kawamoto sisters are his oasis, they are, as he very well puts it later in history, his kotatsu. When Akari, Hinata and Momo are on screen, everything is energy, color, happiness. Life is vibrant, sweet and warm.

Even art mutates to fit the light and shadows in Rei's life. The music, full of beautiful notes, evokes nostalgia. If any weakness has this series, is that its pace is not suitable for everyone. It is not the kind of anime that we see to entertain us, it is one of those that make us reflect, look inside. Depression is a problem and this story of daily life has nothing new to say about it. Its purpose is another, it is to show us the joy of living even in the midst of a seemingly miserable life. It is to show us the evolution of a character that is maturing both in the Shogi and in life.

Sometimes the rhythm is slow and the tortuous exposition of Rei's life becomes too reiterative, which is a bit less.

Another conflictive issue is how the series concludes. His final is open, just at the beginning of a new semester at Rei High School and a new season of Shogi. In the middle we are presented with a flashback of Rei's childhood, which serves to contrast between the child he was and the man in which he begins to develop. It lets us see that the Shogi already knows not the ticket to save his life, but to live it. As a conclusion it is perhaps unsatisfactory, but fortunately it already has a new season airing until this day of January, 2018. So we can continue to see how the story unfolds.

In any case, the end of Sangatsu no Lion subtracts one more point from this anime. However, I can not stop recommending it, because it is a jewel. And I look forward to write about the continuation.

SUMMARY

Sangatsu no Lion presents the evils of depression and isolation in a way full of art. An art that mutates in light when its protagonist feels closely the love of three orphan sisters, like him. Its excessively contemplative rhythm and its open ending detract from this excellent anime.

Personal rating

8.5/10

this is a review of 3-gatsu no lion upto episode 15,it will be updated after i finish the show if my thoughts change.

Story : 10/10,The show's story is very unique,That is judging by most titles that are coming out now,it's about a 17 year old highschooler and a professional Shogi player named Kiriyama Rei,The show may be misunderstood as a game-centered show,but it's far from that,Shogi in this anime is not that huge of an aspect,so even if zero knowledge of Shogi,i enjoyed this show.the story centers on our Main character's life,interactions,friendships,relationships and past,the show is completely away from anything supernatural,it's pure slice-of-life but keep ... in mind this IS a seinen anime,thus if you're a fan of action or Very happy,non-complex anime,then don't give this a try,as it's rather complex.

Characters : 8/10,the series is still airing and i saw upto episode 15out of 22.and so far i can say that characters are this show's strongest point excluding it's story.The characters are a small cast,yet they're very unique and feel Very..Genuine.
we have our main character,kiriyama rei,a professional shogi player that is also a high schooler,we have his foster family That play a huge part in his life,we also have the 3 kawamoto sisters,consisting of the Mature and caring older sister,the childish yet Slightly mature middle sister,and the Moe-blob youngest sister that serves really well into the story despite her not being very complex,we also have Side characters like the shogi players who appear for around an episode ( sometimes more ) and Kiriyama rei's best friend,who serves as emotional support to our Main character,and of course the teacher who serves for comedic purposes and to lighten the mood up.

Art : 10/10,I mean there's nothing to complain about here,this is SHAFT.although 5 episodes passed with no head tilts,the others had enough head tilts To make me happy.everything is colorful and very genuine looking,although the eyes and lips are strange at first,you get used to it and start loving it later on.

Sound : 9/10,So far the soundtracks were beyond amazing,it was for the first time that i heard a French song in an anime which was very interesting and unique.the other soundtracks fit the scenes they were in perfectly,the first ed and op Done by Bump of Chicken were also quite amazing,and the second opening done by Yui,the second ed done by Kenshi yunezo were also As great,if not better than the first two

Overall rating : 10/10,This show is a masterpiece,and the title is well deserved.

Do i recommend this? most likely not,considering most people want to see action and romance this show is not for you,but if you're a person like me who does appreciate a well done story and a very complex story without the unnecessary action and gore,then go on,it's a great anime.

"The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; and the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves, and the more inwardly assured. This is one of the great spiritual laws of life." - Shoghi Effendi
His name is "Shoghi", how could I not quote him here?

March Comes in like a Lion, or Sangatsu no Lion in Japanese, is the newest work produced by studio Shaft, previously known for shows such as Madoka Magica and the Monogatari series. While those are the only shows I watched ... from them, at least at the time of writing this review, I was always intrigued to see what could they do if they adapted something with a realistic setting, without any supernatural elements that they could use to express their very specific, highly unusual style. I got an answer with this show, starting Fall 2016 I was once again introduced to all the things I grew to respect about both the directing and the writing talent working for that studio. How well did the transition from fantasy to realism work for me personally? Well, I'm here to share my thoughts on exactly that, so if you are interested to see it, even though you already saw the score I gave it and probably think I'm just an another fanboy, then I encourage you to keep reading.

*Slight spoilers for 3-Gatsu no Lion included*


Story: 9,5
Welcome to a world where a game of shogi means more than you could ever imagine, but at the same time it means less than you would ever anticipate. That's the world that the main protagonist - Rei Kiriyama - lives in on a daily basis. As one of the few players to enter professional shogi while also being a middle school student he decided to live on his own, making a living off of doing just that. However, Rei doesn't love shogi. It's not something he's ever passionate about, every match feels like a job to him, he only strives to be better because he needs to eat and pay rent. Shogi is the only thing he's really good at, taught by his now deceased father and other people, he has grown to be a recognizable face amongst the players and enthusiasts of the game. Even that doesn't bring him joy, as his dark past is always in the back of his mind, not letting him fully enjoy what life has in store for him. However, one day he begins to develop bonds with people. Throughout the show he meets both the ones interested in shogi and the ones that never played it, and through those encounters something starts to resonate within him. He starts discovering himself, his reason to push on, his motivations and goals and most importantly, why does it hurt so much when he loses at something he doesn't feel passionate about.
Just from the premise alone, the anime seems very complicated for anyone that isn't from Japan. Shogi isn't a game that's popular overseas to put it lightly. If you're afraid that it isn't suitable for you because of that fact alone, let me dispel those doubts. This is not a show that focuses heavily on the shogi board, but everything that happens around it, closer or further away. From the daily practice at home to the big tournament live streamed on national TV, we actually see very little of the games, not even once do we see one in its entirety, without any interruption. No, this isn't a show that focuses heavily on strategies to defeat the opponents or major conflicts being decided by a mere game. This is actually a drama, intertwined with several slice of life elements. Yes, shogi is in the middle of it all, but the show does a good enough job not to make it complicated for any newcomers, at one point even explaining the rules through special songs with cute cats as endings of some episodes, though I'm certain that anyone who has experience with the game will also find something to his liking, because even if the strategies and games aren't touched upon for too long, they're still there.
The story progresses quite fast, which is surprising considering how slow the dialogues are and how much time the show spends on some scenes. It's narrative feels sluggish, but it's somehow constantly pushing forward, with each encounter or event providing some sort of insight, some sort of a push towards the next episode.
Just like in real life though, this story goes through phases and constant development. It follows the current state of the main character, sees him clinging to new hopes and people without him even realizing it most of the time. Everything starts with the kindness he received from the Kawamoto family. The oldest sister - Akari - brought him in when she saw him on the streets and the rest of the people living in her house slowly started warming up to him. Rei, who never encountered such kindness, can't even begin to comprehend how he got into that situation. He can't understand where all the warmth and happiness he found came from. Nonetheless, this first push into being a part of society definitely helped him grow, he decides to go back to school and after many other events, he can finally decide on something in his life That's when the show starts changing, it pushes back the happy sisters and all the slice of life elements into the background and pulls shogi into the foreground. Personally, I was very satisfied with this change. It helped the show feel fresh and showed that it's able to leave its comfort zone to provide a different take on the progression of the plot and its themes. While for some this decision backfired heavily, for me it was the dream scenario, because this was the part where the fantastic script and directing could shine in the usual Shaft style, not saying that it didn't do so before, it just wasn't as prevailing.
As for the ending, even a 2 cour anime can't cover the entirety of the ongoing manga, but thankfully at the end of the final episode that the second season is coming in Fall, so there's no need to worry about an unfinished product. It's not like it left anything completely unconcluded, it's just that it needs more time to fully bring the story to an end.
From that point on it really started reaching for stars, for the place at the anime pantheon where the biggest analysts could forever argue about its themes and their messages to the characters and the viewer. A show that, amongst other things, already was a great commentary about the difficulties of being a pro at a young age, an issue that is becoming more relevant than ever before, starts to add the issues of people who were pros long before Rei's career started. This were supposed to be the key moments that would decide on this show's greatness. Did it truly reach that? For me yes, it did. It handled it very maturely, without rushing into conclusions and delivering the closure at a very good pace, it let everything build up to the point where I was excited for every new story that it wanted to show me, surprised by both the writing quality and the procurement by the studio. It kept on overtaking itself, at no point could I feel any signs of regression in its quality. Instead, the constant growth left me astonished. Even when the show went the more predictable direction, it always threw in a little twist so the viewer won't feel like he got scammed out of something. It truly was one of the most humane stories that I experienced.
Going back a bit, I want to touch upon the slice of life elements, as they truly split the community, at least during the time it aired. Besides the ones that didn't care or enjoyed everything all the same, we had the side that hated the heavy shogi parts and enjoyed the easiness and warmth of the scenes with the sisters, but on the other one there were people who preferred strong and thoughtful narrative without the cute moments that they considered worse. I am the one that didn't think it mattered. The outstanding work of directing both and mixing them in so they could become the perfect reverses of each other in my opinion brought out the best from both of them. While there were longer periods where one received more screen time than the other, they were easily swapped by different things. The happy feelings didn't came out only from the sisters, neither did the drama come out only from the shogi games. Different characters underwent multiple events that showed different sides and approached the same inner problems and conflicts Rei faced through their mindsets. This is another thing that 3-gatsu really excelled at.
Never before have I found myself seeing as many details as I did with this series. That's not to say they're not subtle, far from it actually, and I don't think it's just because I felt like I could relate to the story. Actually, the subtlety here is used more often than straightforwardness. That's why I, as the viewer, found more than I usually would. It operated its atmosphere really well and knows what it goes for. I can understand why some would say that slice of life-like moments ruin that, but I think the show really needs them. Just as any other show with this amount of pressure put on the viewer, it tries to take his mind off of it so he can smile but also think about everything that happened up to that point. You may use it as a breather at the very least. I'm just a moefag, I enjoy simple things in anime, especially when they're done as well as they were done here.
All in all, the story is deep, and it only goes further down the rabbit hole with each episode. Never stops trying to go above and beyond what it set for itself at the beginning. Always moving, but never stopping being alluring, charming, interesting and surprising until the very end.

Characters: 10
Everything will once again boil down to how you see certain genres. 3-Gatsu took a risk mixing the simple, moe cuteness and heavy, symbolic way of storytelling. I'm certain that it knew that people who don't enjoy one or the other could feel alienated when it took the main stage as I mentioned before, but I'm sure that if that's the case, then people could find something to enjoy in the characters. From the first episode it struck me as a series where everyone from the cast will have some problems they'll have to deal with, whether they will take the main stage or not was left as a mystery. What's surprising though is how many character profiles it managed to present. Each one has enough of a time spot to provide a valuable view on one of the story elements. For example, we get to see all types of shogi players, each at a different part in their private life, their professional career and with a different meaning they find in playing it. All of this affects Kiriyama's decisions and his way of life. It's not something that's brushed off, all characters are introduced at the correct times, so they could destroy Rei's view of the future, bringing either light or darkness into it.
I'll delve deeper into his character. As an orphan who moved into a house full of people with dream of shogi greatness he had to work hard for the status he got at the point where we meet him. He was adopted to a family where shogi skills were the most precious ones. His potential unfortunately started to bring sadness rather than happiness. People started seeing him as a shogi machine, rather than a kid. Because he was an adopted child, the arguments arose and after some time he decided to move out and live off of his earnings as a pro, which leads us to the beginning of the series. As a lost youngster, not understanding what he wants in life, never even trying to find it he mindlessly continues to pursue shogi and lives a monotonous life, but when he meets the Kawamoto family he starts seeing that it doesn't have to be like this.
The family consists of three sisters and their grandfather. Their mother and grandmother passed away. The oldest sister - Akari - works at a bar. One day she found Rei on the streets and took him home. There he also met the middle sister Hinata, who is a very passionate and reckless klutz, and the youngest Momo, who is the cutest little thing in existence. Their grandfather works at a sweets shop. They're not the most wealthy family, but they get through somehow. Any time that we get to see them together they provide a lot of lovely, happy feelings, but that doesn't mean they never undergo difficulties. Despite all that, they take Rei into their family as if he was their own kin, take care of him and invite him to dinners. They're very altruistic and as I mentioned before, they also had to go through the premature death of their family. But that's where the similarities end, because the Kawamoto family are the exact opposite of Rei. They're happy, hardworking, passionate and expressive. They think about their future, but try to not to keep their head in the clouds to maintain the household. This sudden meeting of two worlds really exemplifies what the show can do best.
Later we meet Rei's rival and friend Nikaidou, who despite his chubby appearance and loud, sometimes obnoxious way of being can provide thought provoking ideas and be friendly towards newly met people. His mentor - Kai Shimada - is, once again, mostly the opposite of him. He is skinny, lets thing get to his head, but he is also a much better shogi player that can blow someone's mind with his style of play. There's also Rei's teacher who tries to push him into doing what he really wants to do, even neglect his studies if necessary.
All the characters, including the ones I didn't mention, help Rei slowly understand something that he couldn't even begin trying to comprehend before. They show him their own worlds and as he begins to find his long lost strive for a better life their interactions end up being the pushes he needed to escape the enclosed dark place he found himself in. It's really hard for me to remember such a well balanced cast, with just the right amount of time provided so they won't feel dull or forced down the viewers throat, but 3-Gatsu achieves it and in a style that doesn't leave any other element pushed to the sidelines. The writing doesn't lose its goal for a second as it drives every character into a point where I could be satisfied with the time I spent with the, but with a room to grow and expand if needed.
Just as a quick note though, this show relies heavily on long monologues to develop its characters. I know that it's a problem to many, but unlike some other shows, this one also visualizes all the thoughts to make it more interesting. Still, if you don't feel like that's your thing or you simply don't feel like watching a show like this, you should be informed about it beforehand.

Art and Animation: 9
When it comes to anime directing I can't think of a more distinct style than the one of the person who single handedly made Shaft into what it is today - Akiyuki Shinbou. After watching one of his works, going into the next one the first thing you'll say is: "Oh, this is a Shaft anime". It's no different here. Sudden, sharp camera work, fast yet clear scene transitions, constant changes in the color pallet, a lot of close ups and the usage of colors and backgrounds as a way of showcasing emotions. It's all here. What I always wanted to see however is how he would continue his pursuit of imagery in a show without supernatural elements. The answer was easy enough, he simply visualized all the emotions, stuff that was going on inside the head of a character. Everything seems to have a consistent meaning, water is a symbol of being flooded by something a character can't fight with, foggy backgrounds mean that a character is deep in thought etc. so, directing wise, really damn good once again. Shaft really does deliver on this aspect, unless of course you don't enjoy this style of directing. If something I felt the severe lack of neck tilts. EVERYTHING NEEDS MORE NECK TILTS.
The art style is pretty, and there are definitely things that stand out, like the wide panoramic shots of the town during day and night or the cute, comedic chibi-like moments, but the character designs leave a little bit to be desired. A lot of the faces look similar, they're hard to read unless someone's making a very clear facial expression and their closed mouths are barely noticeable during most scenes. The characters themselves look good, distinctive and unique for the most part, theres one pair that I sometimes mixed up, but besides that I could always say who's who. The thick outlines definitely helped with that, those were the strongest point about the character designs.
The animation is really beautiful. Unless it's necessary to the feeling of the scene or it's simply a close up, character rarely stay in one place. Often there's something going on in the background, like the cats in the Kawamoto house, another pair playing their own games or a simple sparkle or a special effect. There are a couple of weird graphical choices, but they're more often then not fully aware choices to make something seem more comedic and cartoony.
By the way, the openings are directed even better than the rest of the series. Could talk for hours about their meaning, but time is precious and there's anime that's waiting for me as you read this, so I'll keep it short. First opening shows Rei falling into the water not being able to escape his memories, while the ending shows him getting out and meeting his past self, as he manages to get past his trauma. The second opening is a reminder of the road Rei had to go through and the future that lies ahead of him, while the second ED shows him once again falling down, but this time he has something that he can happily look forward and look up to and manages to continue on, even if he undergoes minor regression and faces many obstacles, especially mental ones.

Sound: 9
I'm not the one to judge music properly, but I do feel like the soundtrack screwed around with a lot of ideas and lacked consistency, even in the first episode one insert song was in French and after that we didn't get to hear any more and at times I didn't feel like the switches between the happy and sad music were done properly. The soundtrack on its own is gorgeous, really pleasant and ambient, it follows the themes of the show, complements the scenes themselves very well, often gets louder and more intense during important moments which is always nice, uses a lot of instruments and when it needs to, the show can get quiet to provide a nice breather for the viewer so he can think about what happened up to that point or what's about to go down. Lots of positives overall.
The voice acting here is great. A lot of the times, just when I started to think that the tone of someone's voice is about to get repetitive they either switch it, stop talking or the music changed to keep it fresh. We get to hear the voices of popular seiyuu such as Kana Hanazawa, who once again voices a cute girl, Nobuhiko Okamoto, who once again voices a very impulsive character, Miki Shinichiro, who once again voices a stoic character, alongside many others such as Marina Inoue, Takahiro Sakurai, Ai Kayano and others. A fresh seiyuu that voiced Rei also do a good job, he can put on a good, emotional performance, talk in a steady, melancholic tone, act surprised and provide a lot of other expressions. At times I even felt like the characters were created for the voice actors and not the other way around.
The OP's and ED's, besides the great directing, sound great and really fit the rest of the soundtrack both with the lyrics and the music itself.
Toshiki Kameyama isn't one of the most memorable sound directors, his more notable work are probably Kokoro Connect, original Escaflowne, Nisekoi and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, but he really did hit it out of the park this time. He really does fit the realistic Shaft style. Great work.

Enjoyment: 10
Beyond the slower start, this series really provided me with one of the most unique and special experiences to date. The subtlety in every scene and the care put into all the details, while a bit slow paced, definitely made the series into something that I always wanted to see. It really felt like I went through the story alongside Rei, not only as a passive observer, but as someone who attached himself to his ideals and waited to see more of it each time an episode ended. Not often was a series that doesn't actually build up huge amounts of tension, or at least not up to a specific point, left me so empty upon finishing it. I'm sure it won't be a feeling I'll forget any time soon.
As I'm writing this I feel completely entranced by what I got out of it, debating over meanings of certain situations and looking back at my life realizing how many similar decisions I had to make, while quite a few series were able to do this, March comes in like a lion was able to do it week after week, episode after episode, key moment after key moment. That's why this show is truly one of my favorites, an unforgettable piece of art that I'll gladly revisit once I cool off. The second season has already been announced, so my rewatch will have to wait a bit. Not that I'm complaining of course.

Overall: 10
I was a fan of other Shaft works before I started 3-gatsu, but this cemented it's place as one of my favorite studios. Their works are always consistent and bring something special to the genre they tackle. While everyone gushes over how Trigger saves anime, I'm just here watching how Shaft tries its hardest to make it into a place where masterpieces can be born. The amount of talent in the staff that gathered to create this one show, that I could have never expected to turn out as well as it did, put out something that I think current dramas should look up to in almost every element. Not everything works at all times, but when it all clicks, then it's worth every minute of the time I spent with it. I'm seriously glad I started watching anime when I did, because seeing something like this being put out into the world is a magnificent feeling. I'm certain that when someone in a couple of years finds this little gem amongst thousands of new anime, he'll be able to enjoy it just as much as I enjoyed it when it aired. It's that universal and timeless.
Am I overstating it all?
Probably, but those are my honest feelings and they're as pure and heartwarming as happiness on Momo's face when she sees Rei coming her way, Hinata's passion in life or Akari's concern for other human beings.
Now, excuse me while I go and weep about all those little moments that I just remembered.

As always, this is purely my opinion and I highly recommend you to develop your own.

We've all felt a bit lonely at some point in our lives. Yet, when we're asked to describe loneliness, it becomes somewhat difficult to express it. We take for granted the comfort of others, the warmth of a hug, and even just the presence of someone who recognizes that you exist. We feel as though there's no point to life if there's nobody to experience it with. After all, we're only human.

I think that 3-gatsu no Lion perfectly captures this type of feeling. It's one of the few shows that tells an honest story that is made only by someone who had also experienced such ... emotions. The show's use of imagery to captivate the audience, the story that is borderline tear jerking, and the music to embrace the atmosphere of the situations presented truly made this anime one of the few stories that drove me to awe every single episode.

As someone who experienced loneliness and depression before, I feel as if 3-gatsu no Lion is directly speaking to me. Though the shogi in this show is an important part of the story, I've never felt overwhelmed by all the terminology that the characters use. It is safe to say that you don't need to know a lot about shogi to appreciate the story. The story is about Rei Kiriyama and his relationship with others as he traverses through the trials of life. At the beginning of 3-gatsu no lion, we're introduced with a beautiful French song that coincides with a sweeping view of Rei simply getting ready and walking from his apartment to his next shogi game. In the background we see Rei's apartment, ragged and without furniture, the cup ramen on the floor, and a beautiful landscape of the area around him. We also see his clothes and how he conducts himself every morning as he prepares for the day. While he's walking to the shogi hall, we see him enshrouded in a crowd of people, as if he were simply a background character, emphasizing his loneliness in this sea of people living their day-to-day lives. By the end of this segment, we already know what Rei is like, and the entire scene is almost entirely without dialogue. Such masterful storytelling is very rare in anime nowadays. Whereas other anime tell their stories entirely through exposition and boring conversations, 3-gatsu no Lion tells it entirely through its animation and music to effective results. The beautiful French music mixed with ordinary scenes that many could relate to in this first episode is the epitome of this. It is moments like this that make me go, "This is why I watch anime."

The story doesn't just show Rei as a depressing character. It also shows how he tries to overcome his situation, by persevering through his sad emotions, and by strengthening his resolve and give meaning to his career in shogi. Throughout the course of the show, his past constantly comes back to haunt him, yet we see him trying his best to overcome it. Rei changes from someone who lives only for the sake of living, to someone who enjoys spending time with his newfound companions. And the change is almost unnoticeable until you take a step back and look at his character. It is thanks to the show's wonderful pacing that neither feels rushed nor too slow that helps you know Rei more on a personal level.

The side characters are also wonderful to watch, especially the moments with the three sisters -- Akari, Hinata, and of course Momo. The moments with those three just bring so much life to the show that I just wish that they had more screen time in the second half of the show. I want to know more about them and go more in-depth to their family situation and problems. And this problem extends to some of the other characters as well, as some just completely disappear. It's really a shame that they didn't get as much development as Rei did over the course of the story, but luckily there's a second season for that (hype!). Another more prominent supporting character worth mentioning is Shimada. At first, he seemed like a character who wasn't as important when he was first introduced, but I was surprised at how much depth and focus he was given in the latter half of the story. His dedication and reason for playing shogi is one of the most relatable and emotional story arcs I have ever seen, and it just goes to show the ability of the writer to make amazingly lovable characters. It just irks me that some characters didn't seem to get as much love.

The art and animation is simply stunning. Shaft really outdid themselves this time. Instead of raising the number of head tilts and the surreal, mind numbing imagery seen in their previous works, Shaft manages to strike a perfect balance between realism and dreamlike symbolism. The art style evokes a sense of comfort in the mundane, awe in the inspiring scenes, and even beauty in the depressing scenes. I often find myself just sitting in my seat appreciating the level of detail in the scenery of the background and the images that Rei conjures up in his internal monologues, never feeling overwhelmed or taken out of the story by the animation. The show is simply a master of blending art and animation with storytelling, which is what all anime should strive to do.

Of course, the music is also an important component to the memorable scenes. Where in most anime the music is there for the sake of being there, in 3-gatsu no Lion the quieter tunes add on to the scenes and build emotional resonance. For example, in a conversation when Rei is having a conversation someone who deeply admires him and asks Rei why he went back to high school, the piano in the background starts off quiet and harmonized in the background. But once the conversation became more intimate and Rei connected with this person, the piano gradually grew louder and created a sea of emotions, making this scene one of the most amazing scenes I've ever seen in anime. I was almost left in tears once that scene was over. The soundtrack is so beautiful that it is a sin not to appreciate it.

3-gatsu no Lion is such an enjoyable watch that I'm baffled that many haven't watched this amazing show yet. Not many anime could match this sort of quality, and it's a shame that shows like this get buried underneath all the mediocrity that comes out every year. If you're like me and crave for a more emotional story of striving for success and happiness in life, then this is a show for you.

March comes like a Lion has an interesting history. Despite being a Shaft show and having garnered relatively high praise for having an amazing opening episode that paved the way the story would play out, it didn't seem like anyone was really watching the show while everyone turned their heads towards different things. It really was a shame that this show never got the attention that it deserved, because it truly is an amazing watch.

Story: We start with Kiriyama Rei, a professional shogi player who barely attends high school, make his way to the shogi hall to play his routine matches. Quietly, ... he sits as he plays a game until his opponent admits defeat and leaves without saying a word. He makes his way to the three sisters that live in a house on the other side of the river and utters the first of his lines in the series.

A dense, twenty-two episode journey, 3-gatsu's story is wrapped around Rei and his journey to break out of the shell that he has spent around eleven years in and open himself to the world around him. Utilizing Shaft's (or particularly Shinbou's) style of visual storytelling, each episode is filled to the brim with each of our characters' stories and gives us insight to the personal struggles they live with, or the trials that they've overcome through the use of visual metaphors and internal narrative in order to convey the feelings and emotions that are pasted on-screen. While I personally don't find the style of Akiyuki Shinbou to fit a lot of things, 3-gatsu is one of those exceptions where I find his style to work VERY well and would work pretty poorly without it.

At its core, 3-gatsu is a character-based show that spends the lion's share of its runtime with character development and interaction. It has this slow but consistent build-up from the start of episode one to the last episode that builds up how its characters change over time, culminating into a something that can only be described as beautiful. But every rose has its thorns.

The show is very dense with content and really wants to give us the story of everyone they introduce, but given the time constraints and just how dense the story feels, many if not all of the stories feel incomplete. Not only that, but the story feels like its running off of the tracks in the latter half of the series by shifting to a completely new character and having Rei take a backseat in the background. While the quality of the series during this period was still consistent, I couldn't help but feel a little cheated due to the fact that the series at this time wasn't about Rei, and I feel like this period of time created a gap between his story and the audience that almost makes him feel less important despite being the main character.

Not only that, but the show has comedic moments that hurt the series sometimes. While the comedy that the show exhibits does coincide with the situation that they're placed in, a lot of it clashes with the seriousness of the situation before it, thus creating this VERY jarring shift in tone that I personally wasn't a big fan of seeing. It kind of erased the seriousness of the situation and I wished they could've handled it better so that every profound statement that Rei was saying wasn't followed up by some crazy shenanigan from the crazy cast of characters that were following behind him.

Despite that, the show managed to pull off a fitting ending to the series that backtracks and shows the emotional journey that the audience went on while seeing Rei grow out of his shell and ride into the light away from the darkness that he secluded himself in. The ending provides a look into the fruits of his labor and is honestly one of the most satisfying endings I've seen in a while.

Overview:
+ Great pacing with a dense, investable story
+ Lots and lots of character development
+ Satisfying, cumulative ending
- Comedic timing hurt more than help
- Second half makes the show fall off a bit

Characters: Characters act as the most important aspect of a slice of life drama, as without them, the story has no way to push itself forward, and if done poorly, will give the audience no reason to bother rooting for the characters since they'll have no attachment to them.

First and foremost, Kiriyama Rei, our main protagonist. A professional shogi player in high school with a relatively high ranking, Rei first comes off as an introverted recluse who doesn't seem to want to associate with anyone. As the series unfolds, the story behind those glasses comes forth and we get to see more of what lies beyond that unhappy and silent exterior. A good portion of the series is split between Rei's development in the present time as he becomes accustomed to the people that have forced themselves into his life and backstory where we learn more about how the young man known as Kiriyama Rei came into being. Both aspects help make Rei's story feel real and impactful and turn him into a character that feels very much like a real person. While we do see a lot of the former, the latter leaves a lot to be desired. I feel like the backstory of Rei in certain aspects could've been handled better. The story on how he met the three sisters didn't feel like it had that much detail, and his relationship with someone who beat him up in the past feels like it could've used some attention. I feel like these are both story aspects that could've been looked upon, but weren't used simply because they ran out of time, which is a real shame.

Then we have the three sisters of Akari, Hinata, and Momo. The three sisters had a lot of potential at the start of the series as they helped crack Rei's shell at the beginning of the series, and seemed to have their own story to tell as a sort of sub-journey that we could go on. But sadly, this never came to fruition. As the series goes on, the three sisters are used less and less, and by the time the second half shows up, they're barely in the series anymore and replaced with other characters. I say this because the series synopsis heavily advertises the three sisters, yet they don't feel as important as they're let on to be. Which again, is a real shame because they seemed like they had the potential to give us an interesting story to watch.

I also want to bring attention to Shimada Kai, the character who I would argue is the protagonist of the series in the second half of the series. Kai takes the spotlight due to the shift in story arc that the series has in the second half, thus bringing his own story and struggles into the grand scheme of things. His development plays a lot like Rei's, where we're given the struggles he has both in the present day and when he was younger through backstory in internal narrative. His story is a lot shorter than Rei's, but feels a lot more complete. My only complaint with Kai is the fact that to accommodate his story, Rei had to be shelved off to the side that I occasionally forgot at times that this show was supposed to be about Rei because of how hard and drastic of a shift it was.

Beyond them, the cast is filled with varying characters with varying degrees of importance. A few have their own stories to tell, with some feeling more complete like Nikaidou's, while others feel lacking and I really feel like could use more detail like Kyouko and Gotou's. Mostly I complain about these holes in their story because I feel like the time constraint with such a dense story forced the cutting of some of its parts, making it feel incomplete.

Overview:
+ Rei's development
+ General character development for the majority of the cast
- Backstories felt incomplete
- The three sisters feel very underwhelming/underused

Art: Produced by Shaft, 3-gatsu comes out of the gate with a handdrawn artstyle with rough linework and muted colors similar to that of another show the company has made, Madoka Magica. As such, the show's art lends itself to be a flexible style that lets it effortlessly flow into serious scenes or comedic scenes without any sort of shift in its art.

As mentioned before, the visual storytelling that 3-gatsu showcases creates stunningly animated metaphors that, alongside the easy flexibility that the art has, adds to the visual experience that 3-gatsu executes. And since this is a Shinbou show, yes, there are headtilts, yes there are closeups, and yes there are the general shinbouisms that persist throughout the series. (Wouldn't be a Shaft show otherwise) Despite that fact, they don't actually use them that much throughout the series, so if you're not a fan of them like me, then goo news, there's not much of that to see.

Overview:
+ Unique, flexible artsyle
+ Stunning visual metaphors
+ Not too many shinbouisms (And yes, I consider this a good thing)

Sound: The show has two OP and ED tracks as per usual for a show spanning 2 cours. The first half has the tracks "Answer" and "Fighter", both by Bump of Chicken, while the second half has "Sayonara Bystander" by Yuki and "Orion" by Kenshi Yonezu where the tracks by Bump of Chicken and Yuki are done in emotional rock while the last ed is done in emotional piano with some synthesization.

All four of these tracks reflect Rei's struggle with clawing his way forward out of the hole he put himself in, and with the visuals that they're complimented with, that metaphor becomes all the more clear. That being said, I find the tracks by Bump of Chicken to be the most memorable if not the only tracks worth remembering. I say that mostly because the tracks in the second half don't stick out to me all that much, and the style of music that Bump of Chicken just fits the series so well that the two feel intertwined and inseparable.

Overview:
+ Good tracks
- Only about half of them are memorable

Personal Enjoyment: 3-gatsu was a series that I was determined to watch when I first read about it. Despite my rather unfavorable history with Shaft and how much I dislike Shinbou's style of storytelling, I was determined to watch it no matter how many shinbouisms were thrown at me because I truly believed it was gonna be something special even when I found out that not that many people really watched. And honestly, while it may not rank high score-wise, this is a series that speaks to me personally, and I'm really glad that I decided to watch it.

What did I like about this series?

I've already praised how much I like Bump of Chicken's work on the series's tracks and how well the character development was weaved into the series despite its flaws, so I want to get into specifics here. I think hands down my favorite moment of 3-gatsu was the ending scene of episode 10. The amount of raw emotion and power behind that scene in that point of the series was a huge catalyst for how everything else played out after that and it was honestly bone-chilling hearing those words, sticking out as one of my favorite scenes of anime to date.

What didn't I like about this series?

If I may be honest...I don't like Nikaidou. Obvious characters you're supposed to not feel sorry for aside, NIkaidou is that one character I found to be kinda irritating despite how big of a role he played in the series. There's something about that cheerful arrogance that irritated me and I wanted to poke him with a needle so he'd deflate like a balloon.

Would I recommend this series?

Yes. If you haven't watched this series, I would highly recommend putting this on the watchlist because this is one of the better series of the 2016 year. It saddens me that this show wasn't on a majority of people's radars, and as someone who saw through the whole thing and shares his opinion with of many of those who watched the series, 3-gatsu is a powerful, emotional journey that should be experienced, especially if you suffer from depression. Trust me, as someone who's suffered the same shit, this was a very positive and heartwarming experience to have.

Rating a series or movie where I feel a strong connection to the lead character is unusually difficult. Depending on how that character is represented, those feelings can skew far in either direction. And yes, Rei Kiriyama is rather similar to me in a number of ways, mainly in his personality. I've never played shogi and I'm only passable at chess, but the kind of social isolation and hunger for inclusion that he feels is something I very strongly associate with, as they characterized a number of my formative years. So, while I am tempted to just make this a review of his character, I'll ... try to keep this broader before getting back to the characters, saving him for last.

This largely focuses on Rei's experiences, specifically those with his high school, the young Kawamoto family raised by their elder sister, his own apartment and prior home life, and, of course, the more dynamic world of shogi. While not all of these are fleshed out (the school feels mostly empty despite a handful of important characters, and his prior home life is largely focused on his experiences there), the characters they include really make these locations work, particularly the Kawamoto home which is nothing but character. The shogi experience is rather unique for a series like this. I'm unused to a series that focuses on a single sport spending so little time exploring the specifics of that sport. It largely skims over it, with a couple of notable exceptions. That unfortunately makes it difficult to connect with the activity itself and to feel the hype of its bigger moments.

That being said, this series is a character study first and foremost, and it most definitely excels. The entire Kawamoto family is always a pleasure to have on screen and one of the more important influences in Rei's life. While it doesn't quite have the heart of Lilo and Nani Pelekai, this kind of family always stands out to me for the love and infighting in equal measure.

I don't think I could consider any of those three individually - they come as a matched set. Kai Shimada ends up being the kind of mentor character that I can appreciate for how flawed he is. Clearly exceptional at shogi and driven by the people he surrounded himself with as a child, he's the kind of person who serves more as an example of that drive rather than a teacher, though he is both. Harunobu Nikaidou is also a pleasure to watch, serving mainly as both a foil and a booster for Rei. The most interesting character is Kyouko Kouda, Rei's adoptive sister who has long been eclipsed by him in the world of shogi and is desperately trying to find her place in a world that she feels rejected from. I couldn't shake the impression that she looked like she was drowning and the only life preserver she could find was Rei, the person who she sees as having thrown her into the deep end himself. She treats him terribly, but there's more to her than just a ball of resentment.

There are many other characters introduced, but with a couple of surprising exceptions among Rei's opponents, none of them get this kind of attention. I'd love to know more about Rei's adoptive father and brother, about his actual parents and sister, and most importantly, the black box that is Touji Souya. Maybe that's being saved for S2, but these are some pretty big blanks to fill in.

As for Rei himself, he's a complex web of emotions. An introvert who nonetheless craves connection, the most fascinating thing about him is his relation to shogi. He's very good at it, but he never developed a connection to it beyond one of necessity, or so he thinks. Many of the bonds he makes and sustains in the show are through shogi, and while it takes him a while to admit it, he wants to prove himself. He's desperate to do more than survive in this world, which means excelling at shogi, graduating high school, and finding connection and support. He's still finding his direction, but now he's more deliberate.

Overall, I think this is a great season of anime. It shows how capable this show is at building out characters in beautiful fashion, and while it probably focuses a little too much on a subset of them, season 2 will probably do a lot to expand on that. I wish the series would do more to invest me in shogi, as it feels like it could theoretically be replaced with a different game and be a similarly affecting anime, but it's the kind of show that reminds me strongly of Run With the Wind for how well it invests me in its characters' journeys, and ends up getting the same score from me.

Looking back, how did I discover this series?

Well, I was looking for feels to be honest... I forgot what exactly I was doing back then that made me add this show to my watchlist but I don't regret doing that. In fact I was glad to have discovered this series. As I read its synopsis, I noticed that this series was focused around a game, and that game is Shogi. Shogi is commonly known outside of Japan as "The Japanese Chess" and I am no stranger to that term because I already saw this game being played in other anime series although I did ... not bother to learn the rules on how to play it. Luckily, this series did not need prior knowledge of the game to understand the story.

So what does the story have in for us? Well, let's check my first opinions as I started rolling the first episode.

So, the first episode starts off with the opening. Quite a tradition to older series of anime but good thing there were no spoilers, it just leaves you kind of confused but it is nice. I remember anime series by their iconic openings and the more marvelous an opening is, the better I remember the scenes of the series. But let's not focus on that.
The first episode already gives off a lot of melodramatic feel and it hints that the show is somewhat heavy on the mood. There's plenty to think about when you start watching. As you progress more and more, the story highlights that this is all about the internal struggles of the main character. Well, I shouldn't any more than that since spoilers are something I would never bequeath upon thy audience.

The art, well... It is something truly unique. I have some words to say about this element of the show. I cannot really fathom this art style because it feels as if it was based heavily from the manga's art style and it feels that they gave incredible animation to each page of a volume. Well I cannot really describe it properly but to be honest, I haven't really gotten used to the art yet. It does not particularly bother me, but I just can't seem to notice it everytime a character does an action. The transition for each chapter is so well done and it does not kill the mood.

The sound is something top-notch. The BGMs and soundstracks fit so very well and the staff found great music producers for this show. Everything fit so well with the mood and even the sound effects are excellent as well.

There will always be characters that you will hate but I do not particularly have any of them in this series. Well, maybe not yet. However, I found that the characters lacked a bit of development and detail during their screen times.

As I previously said, this show is not light on the mood but it is not particularly that heavy as well. But as the struggles went by, the anime also alleviates the pain by itself amidst the struggleswhich is a great feature for a show that has drama. This anime is truly something that prioritizes the mood because you can feel it wrap around your heart. You can feel both pain and joy when the mood calls for it. It's like having a spoon of ice cream after drinking a hot cup of coffee. Another element of the story that I noticed is that it frequently displays the deafening silence in the environment. Silence is something considered as peaceful but it also can be a main factor among the chaos. Although the show was not all that bad, I can't help but think that it felt kind of empty with no direction.

Well this first season was alright, but I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.

"Happiness is something you can find wherever you are."
- ep. 21

If you could pinpoint one depressing moment and one delightful moment in your memory, could you notice the difference between the two? Rather than focusing on your negative thoughts that you had or struggle that envelopes your moves, both physically and mentally.

Was there anyone by your side?

When you're feeling down and unsupported, of course not. If there is, you would at least taste a sense of warmth inside your heart. So warming that it might makes you want to cry at that very moment. The lump stuck in your throat, now bursting to come out through your tears. Because you'd realise even against the ... world, you're not alone. The seat beside you is only empty, temporarily. You don't have to sit through it alone, all the time.

And you'd smile.

You'd cry. Because that's what everyone does, no matter how strong we force yourselves to appear. There's just this uncertainty inside our heart and our brain. Without even us realising it, we calculate the best route to stay in our comfort zone and enjoy little things, one at a time. No matter how hard depression hits, how heavy the burden feels.

I could never understand what you feel.

What everyone's been through, because it's unique for them. I dare to say that no two people has one hundred percent similarity in experiences. Some excels in shogi, some great in making new friends, some good in creating science experiments, some love baking traditional sweets, some love cooking and caring for others, while some are simply living their lives true to themselves. But, no matter how diverse our lives from each other, no matter how disconnected we are from others, bonds can still be created.

So, what makes Sangatsu no Lion special?

I'd say it is its idea on the pursuit of happiness. Because even if all the changes keep emerging and changing their shape, you'd still be you. With your own judgement, emotions and experiences to conquer it. If you can't, it's always better to find someone to reduce the portion of stress you're holding. It's an universal fact that proves one way or another, there's one thing that makes people happy and Sangatsu no Lion executed it smoothly.

A worthwhile relationship.

An anime about a dude who plays a board game called shogi. The first half on the anime is very good, the second is bad.

In the first half, the main focus is on Rei, the main character, and a really cute family of sisters that cheer him up - this is where the story is very good, the characters are very good and it's really fun to watch. It's really comfy to watch.

In the second half, the main focus is on the actual board game itself which means unless you're a hardcore fan of shogi, you'll find that the episodes get more and more ... boring. You wont see the cute sister family anymore but instead follow some middle-aged man playing the board game - it's as if it just disregards everything that happened in the first half. I'm annoyed it ended up like this.

Sorry for any mistakes. English is not my native language.

Sangatsu no Lion is not just an anime about Shogi. It's a beautiful story about overcoming!

Story 10/10:

The story of the anime is based on the battle of Rei Kiriyama, a 17 year old boy and professional player of Shogi, who suffers with a deep loneliness, and sadness. But this gradually changes, when he meets the Kawamoto family, especially the 3 sisters, Hinata, Akari, and Momo.

Art 10/10:

... I particularly love the Shaft studio style of doing anime.
Besides the beautiful scenery and the good use of the color palette to represent each environment, and moment, the characters' feelings are portrayed in a unique way. This is what I expect from an anime, he can convey that feeling to whoever watches it, and Sangatsu no Lion does it with mastery.

Soundtrack 10/10:

The soundtrack, even if subtly, was always in harmony with that moment, be it sad or happy, bringing an immersion with the anime much larger.
But it's not only that, even the openings and endings can stand out, with a beautiful lyrics, which portrays the anime very well.

Characters 10/10:

The characters are captivating, most of them being well developed, and having a good personality.
They are normal people with normal problems, and trying to move on even with their of the past wounds.


General 10/10:

Sangatsu no Lion is a unique anime, a rare jewel among so many others.
The anime may not have the recognition it deserves, but it's worth seeing!

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[PT-BR] Version

Sangatsu no Lion não é apenas um anime sobre Shogi. É uma bela história sobre superação!

História 10/10:

A história do anime é baseada na batalha de Rei Kiriyama, um garoto de 17 anos e jogador profissional de Shogi, que sofre com uma profunda solidão e tristeza. Mas isso vai mudando gradativamente, quando ele conhece a família Kawamoto, especialmente as 3 irmãs, Hinata, Akari e Momo.

Arte 10/10:

Eu particularmente amo o estilo do estúdio Shaft de fazer animes.
Alem do belo cenário e o bom uso da paleta de cores para representar cada ambiente/momento, os sentimentos dos personagens é retratado de maneira única. É isso que eu espero de um anime, ele conseguir transmitir aquele sentimento para quem o assiste e Sangatsu no Lion faz isso com maestria.

Trilha sonora 10/10:

A trilha sonora mesmo que de maneira sutil, sempre ficava em harmonia com aquele momento, seja ele triste ou feliz, trazendo uma imersão com a obra muito maior.
Mas não é só isso, até as openings e endings conseguem se destacar, com uma bela letra, que retrata muito bem o anime.

Personagens 10/10:

Os personagens são cativantes, a maioria deles sendo bem desenvolvidos e tendo uma boa personalidade.
São pessoas normais, com problemas normais e tentando seguir em frente mesmo com suas feridas do passado.


Geral 10/10:

Sangatsu no Lion é um anime único, uma jóia rara em meio a tantas outras.
O anime pode não ter o reconhecimento que merece, mas vale a pena ser visto!

The first word that comes to my mind when I try to describe this show is 'beautiful'. It is that simple and yet not simple at all. I start the show and the beautiful french song wins me over. When I finished 3 episodes I saw all the potential for this to eventually become one of my favourites. Although the route the show took was not what I was expecting, I am glad the feelings I was expecting were met.

For starters, the show deals with our protagonist Rei and his journey to find the happiness he has been looking for. Like everybody who has been ... through their teens, Rei asks himself a lot of questions we all can relate to. It's not something that no one has thought of before but what it does is help you go through all those years you probably spent thinking about the things our protagonist thinks about. It's a journey where you can reinvent yourself. You can identify and understand people who are going through similar phases and be more pleasant to them at the same time. The show is easy to understand and yet the best parts of the show are pretty subtle. You are a human, you've been through things, you have felt things and you have to ask yourself the questions. The more human you are the better you can appreciate this show. After reading this much, the show probably seems like an edgy show about teen problems with sad and gloomy atmosphere all the time. In fact, it is pretty different. Although the things brought up in 3 gatsu no lion is pretty deep at times but it never tries to sell it too much to the audience. It tries to keep the atmosphere as easy and every day like as possible, just what you would expect from a slice of life. It can be an everyday smile and spread smile show one moment and then manages to cover it with beautiful relatable sadness the very next. It makes sure not to overdo the depressing themes and tries some very not funny comedy. The purpose of the comedy never seems to be about making people laugh. Rather it's about making them feel warmer and more vulnerable to digest the more serious concepts.

The show focuses on shogi and people who build their life around shogi. But no one has to understand Shogi to truly appreciate the show. Rather its the story of people choosing a not so lovely life, the struggles they face because of it and their reasoning to continue. The answers to the questions are pretty simple and it is presented that way but they still manage to hit hard because of the sheer presence of realistic natural emotions that can easily win people over. The pacing is slow because of those things of course. But that shouldn't affect people because the show never really loses the magic it attracts its audience with. The show is better of being slow because that is what allows it to excel as well as it does.

The artwork is fantastic. The use of environmental description and portraying them beautifully adds a lot to the strategy of making things warm to the viewer. It adds to character development through the imagination of the characters.Not only does the artwork look good but with great animation, it also serves a strong purpose to why it is what it is. It just feels very real. It is a very special show.

The sound in 3 gatsu no lion is also wonderfully done. Good storytelling through opening and ending, meaningful lyrics and nice songs as well. The soundtrack is mostly chill as if there's a touch of sadness and recovery to it, like the nature of the show itself. No matter how many emotions the show portrays it rarely goes out of its soothing way of music. No matter what the problem is it's natural. People go through them. Hence they can feel better with a few drops of tears. The music portrays everything as soothing and calm. Time for a mandatory Steven Wilson quote-

"Those are the things that make me want to express or exercise something through my songwriting.

"There's a lot of beauty to be found in sadness and melancholia.

"One of the things that you find time and time again - not just with music, but with literature - is that things that appear to be quite depressing on the surface can ironically be very uplifting and touching to other people.

"When you hear something that really reminds you that you're not alone in feeling sad, depressed, melancholic, angry - I think that can actually be a very cathartic experience.

The soundtrack works in a similar fashion for 3 gatsu no lion.


Now I talk about my favourite aspect of this show of course. The characters! The characters in 3 gatsu no lion have a lot of development in a short period of time. Rei Kiriyama is a pretty successful yet unhappy teen. He doesn't enjoy shogi but still plays on because it is the only thing that gives meaning to his life. His sense of survival is the thing that keeps him ticking. He isn't proud of his reasons and wants to find more to himself. The show's best parts are about Rei's inner conflict and self-discovery. The 3 kawamoto sisters are people that can make Rei feel different. Their purpose in the show is strong. They are pretty detailed characters who are supposed to contribute to building a warm environment for the entire show. They have their own emotions and they easily feel sympathy and care for other people.

2 other characters I would like to talk about is Rei's adoptive father and his adoptive sister. Rei's adoptive father is the kind of person who would give more importance to his passion of shogi than to his own children. That would result in a messed up psychology for Rei's adoptive sister Kyoko who is another important character in the series. Her presence creates doubt and problems for Rei which plays a vital role in his development

Rei's relationship with his homeroom teacher is one of the highlights of the show and certainly one of my favourite things. Basically, some of Rei's traits is also some of our most pathetic sides that we often can't let go. His conversations with his teacher address those and is a life lesson for the audience in general. One other character of importance shows up as Rei's mentor later in the series. His development is also something to admire and reminds us just why we love this series in case we ever forget in the middle of all those attempted comedy that we might not appreciate all the time.

How much did I enjoy the show? It is not something people would watch for entertainment.The journey itself is rather the draw here.It is not a show where you leave easter eggs to have the people talk about and discover vague meanings and how technically superior it is to other works.It's better than that. It's just very relatable, has a strong purpose and feels very warm and soothing.

Conclusion: Of course season one leaves things to be desired but that is why we got a season 2. Hopefully, season 2 will be just as good if not better. I hope they don't go downwards from here. As for season 1 as a stand-alone, well I am very happy no doubt. Would recommend everybody to watch it the right way for sure.

3-gatsu no Lion is a rare bird. Unlike many of today’s shows, it eschews fast-paced, action heavy plot in favour of using its characters and their interactions with each other as vehicles to explore themes common to us all. Its reflective tone, stunning visuals, and emotionally-charged music also help set this show apart.

Story
If you’re looking for a no-holds-barred, adrenaline-charged thrill-ride, 3-gatsu no Lion is not the show for you. Few significant events occurred within the show’s 22 episode runtime. This did mean that it dragged from time to time and I was never on the edge of my seat desperate to see what would happen ... next, particularly as I have no real interest in shogi. However, 3-gatsu no Lion persistently ambled along at a relaxed, steady pace, its focus love and its various expressions, including sharing with each other, be that a hobby/interest, a meal, or a special occasion, and the loneliness that we all feel from time to time as human beings. Whilst these two subjects may seem dichotomous, 3-gatsu no Lion, in a contemplative, thoughtful way, wove them together, reminding us that intense loneliness can be remedied through seeking solace in the people around us. At times it can be nice to watch a more contemplative show such as this. Life can often be draining, with its many pressures and demands. Shows such as this can, therefore, act as a soothing balm to a weary soul, encouraging us to unwind and immerse ourselves in its soft, gentle world.

Characters
3-gatsu no Lion is more character than story-driven. Its characters develop more in their interactions with each other than in response to their circumstances. To me, that is 3-gatsu no Lion’s greatest strength. It was less about shogi and more about Rei’s poisonous relationship with his adoptive sister, Nikaidou’s one-sided rivalry with Rei (which was often played for comedic effect), Shimada’s sense of obligation towards the people of his hometown, which was both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness, and the Kawamoto sisters’ intense love for each other, which overflowed into love for the lost. And whilst many of these characters’ issues were not resolved, I didn’t feel like that was a problem. I’ve always appreciated the realism of Umino’s works. Sometimes it isn’t possible to wave a magic wand and fix all of your problems, sometimes you will wrestle with an issue for what feels like a lifetime. But, as 3-gatsu no Lion hints, as long as you have the support of the people you love, you can continue to fight without giving up.

Art/music
I absolutely adored 3-gatsu no Lion’s art. Umino’s art and character designs are among my favourite of all manga-artists and have transferred well into the medium of anime. The use of soft, pastel colours, beautiful scenery (that often reminded me of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night), and delicate pen/brush strokes, alongside the show’s contemplative, relaxed pace, combined to give the show a real dream-like feel. And whilst its background music wasn’t especially memorable, the opening and ending tracks were also beautiful and emotionally-charged.

Overall enjoyment
Whilst 3-gatsu no Lion’s meandering pace made me feel restless at times, I found the show to be extremely enjoyable overall. It proved that, with a strong enough cast of characters, a show doesn’t need to be full of action to hold your interest. If your cast are interesting and likeable enough, you’ll care about even the most minor details of their lives and the smallest of trials they undergo. And the cast of 3-gatsu no Lion did just that. They had me watching and waiting to see if they could overcome the difficulties that they faced right until the show’s conclusion.

Strong first half with minor problems folowed by unfocused second half and a very unsatisfieng end.

Story (7)

(spoilers)

The generell blend of sport and slice of life elements works really well in this one, because it's presented more as a character study then a tournament arc. It works best when it's either especially dramatic, or focusing on the warm, but somewhat melancholic relationship between the sisters and Rei. The (to me) most intresting aspect was Reis incredibly negative relationship with his "sport", something you rarely see, and defenetly not that well done. That being said, the show kind of fell apart it's second half. I think ... up to the introduction of his Mentor everything still had enaugh focus, but afterwards, the story shifted it's focus way more to Reis school life, which had been mostly glossed over before, and basicly wraps that up in a happy ending in like 4 episodes. The conflict between him, his sister and his dad is dangling in the wind, the 3 sisters never talk to him about it (on screen).... The whole last episode shows reis relationship with shogi in only a positive light, as if it only brought him good things. There wasn't enough time spent on his changing emotions towards it.

Art (9)

Pretty good, only the toddler looked a bit...wierd... at times. Some of the positive imagery alsso looked too goofy/childich at times, and didn't mesh well with the darker images of the show.

Sound (6)

Can't really judge the soundtrack, seemed mediocer. The voice actors on the other hand...most of them were consistently okay, though often overeager. Even in happy moments, more toned down acting would have helped the atmosphere a lot. Rei'S voice actor sounds really great when he's contemplating or talking while holding back or calm, but way to old whenever he has to be loud or energetic. A younger voice would have propably been more convincing.

Enjoyment (6)

Since i like to suffer, i enjoyed most of it quite a lot! Especially the 3 sisiters and rei's interactions were great, and the dramatic stuff. But the aprupt and unfitting end, that didn't ty up most of the storys, as well as the implied incest love story /thing/ made me enjoy it a lot less then i should have. It defenetly had more potential, wich only serves to make me angry.

Overall

Still propably the best anime of that season. If you like characterdriven, moody slice of live Dramas, you should have a good time - or at least something pretty to look at