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Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
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Is March comes in like a lion Finished? Everything You Need to Know Before Watching

Drama Psychological Romance Comedy Tournament Ongoing Manga
Table of Contents

Is the Anime Really Finished?
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If you are planning to dive into March comes in like a lion (also known as Sangatsu no Lion), it is important to understand the gap between the animated series and the source material. The anime adaptation consists of two seasons, released in 2016 and 2017. While these seasons provide a beautiful experience, they do not cover the entirety of the story.

For those seeking a definitive conclusion, the anime alone will not be enough. The original manga, which began serialization in 2007, is significantly more extensive. According to recent reports from September 2023, the manga has only recently reached its “final stretch.” This means that to see the full resolution of Rei’s journey, you will need to continue with the source material after finishing the anime.

If you want to own the complete story as it unfolds, you can buy the manga here.

Themes, Appeal, and Audience
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March comes in like a lion is a poignant blend of drama, psychological exploration, and slice-of-life comedy. The story follows Rei, a 17-year-old professional shōgi player who struggles with intense loneliness and the pressures of his career. Having no real family or friends, his life begins to change when he meets Akari and her two young daughters, Hinata and Momo—and their many cats.

This series is best suited for viewers who appreciate:

  • Character-Driven Narratives: The focus is heavily on Rei’s emotional growth and mental health.
  • The “Found Family” Trope: The heartwarming relationship between Rei and the three sisters is the emotional core of the show.
  • Tournament Tension: For those who enjoy the strategic and competitive nature of professional games (shōgi).
  • Atmospheric Storytelling: A mix of psychological weight and lighthearted romance and comedy.

You can watch the anime on Prime Video to experience this emotional journey for yourself.

The Recommended Watch and Read Order#

Depending on how much of the universe you want to explore, here are the best ways to approach the series. For a detailed visual guide on how these entries connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.

The Standard Experience (Anime Only)
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If you prefer animation, the release order is the best way to go:

  1. March comes in like a lion (2016)
  2. March comes in like a lion (2017)

The “Completionist” Path
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For those who want every single detail, including side stories, the following order is recommended:

  1. The original March comes in like a lion manga (starting from 2007).
  2. The anime adaptations (2016 and 2017).
  3. The spinoff manga, March comes in like a lion: Shakunetsu no toki (published between 2015 and 2020).

The Hybrid Path (For Manga Readers)
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If you enjoy the anime but want to see the story through to its actual conclusion, follow this path:

  1. Watch the 2016 anime season.
  2. Watch the 2017 anime season.
  3. Pick up the manga to follow the story from where the anime left off until the final chapters.

If you’ve enjoyed this breakdown and want to help us keep providing detailed anime guides, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!

Useful Extras
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Whether you are a fan of the professional shōgi matches or the cozy atmosphere of the sisters’ home, there are plenty of ways to bring the series into your daily life. You can buy official merchandise here to show your support for the series.

March comes in like a lion • manga • 2007-07-13 (serialized in Young Animal)
  └─(adaptation)→  March comes in like a lion • anime • 2016-10-08
   └─(sequel)→   March comes in like a lion • anime • 2017-10-14
  └─(spinoff)→  March comes in like a lion: Shakunetsu no toki • manga • 2015-04-24 to 2020-03-27 (serialized in Young Animal, 2015 #9-2020 #7)

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