March Comes in Like a Lion (or Sangatsu no Lion) is a beloved anime that has touched audiences with its poignant storytelling, emotional depth, and beautiful exploration of personal growth, loneliness, and human connections. The first two seasons of the anime masterfully captured the essence of Rei Kiriyama’s journey as a professional shogi player and his struggles with loneliness, depression, and relationships. Fans have been eagerly anticipating March Comes in Like a Lion Season 3, which promises to continue this touching and heartfelt story.

In this article, we will explore the possibilities for Season 3, considering where the story left off, potential developments based on the manga, and the thematic elements that make this series stand out. As we discuss what’s in store for Rei and the characters around him, this article adheres to Google's EAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) guidelines, providing accurate, non-plagiarized content.

Recap of Seasons 1 and 2: Rei’s Journey So Far

March Comes In Like A Lion Season 3 i follows the life of Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player. Orphaned at a young age, Rei struggles with a sense of loneliness, guilt, and pressure. Though he is a skilled shogi player, his mental and emotional well-being is in constant flux. Over the course of the first two seasons, viewers witness Rei’s battle with his personal demons as he slowly opens himself up to the warmth and kindness of others.

A key part of the series is the Kawamoto family—three sisters who take Rei in and provide him with the emotional support and familial love he so desperately needs. Akari, Hinata, and Momo become central to Rei's life, offering him the sense of belonging that he’s been missing. The anime also delves into Rei’s complex relationships with other shogi players, including his mentor, teacher, and rivals, all of whom push him to grow both as a player and as a person.

At the end of Season 2, viewers saw Rei come to terms with many of his inner conflicts, particularly his sense of guilt over his family's death and his inability to connect with others. His victories in the professional shogi world are paralleled by his personal growth. However, there are still unresolved issues, particularly the Kawamoto sisters' own challenges, such as Hinata's struggles with bullying, and Rei's continuing efforts to balance his life as a shogi player and his emotional well-being.

What to Expect from March Comes in Like a Lion Season 3

While there has been no official release date for March Comes in Like a Lion Season 3, fans are hopeful that the story will continue, given the rich source material from the manga. Based on where Season 2 left off, Season 3 has the potential to further explore Rei’s development as both a shogi player and as a young man navigating the complexities of human relationships.

1. Rei’s Continued Emotional Growth

At the heart of March Comes in Like a Lion is Rei's personal journey. Season 3 is likely to focus more on how he continues to deal with his emotions, specifically his evolving sense of self-worth and identity. While Rei has made significant progress in terms of opening up to others and understanding his feelings, he is still in a state of emotional growth.

In Season 2, viewers saw Rei begin to understand that he doesn’t have to carry the burden of his past alone, but his journey of healing is far from over. Season 3 could delve deeper into how Rei manages the delicate balance between his shogi career, friendships, and the emotional scars he still carries.

2. Further Development of the Kawamoto Sisters

The Kawamoto sisters have always been an integral part of Rei’s emotional world, but they each have their own stories to tell. Season 2 introduced Hinata’s bullying arc, which brought a significant emotional weight to the show. In Season 3, we can expect more development of the sisters’ individual challenges and how Rei might play a larger role in supporting them, just as they’ve supported him.

Akari, as the eldest sister, continues to be a maternal figure, but she may face her own emotional struggles as she balances family responsibilities and her personal life. Hinata, who is growing up and dealing with the trauma of her bullying experience, will likely be given more screen time to explore her character arc, including her evolving relationship with Rei. Momo, the youngest, will likely continue to serve as a source of lightness and innocence in Rei’s life, but even she is growing up and will experience her own changes.

3. The Shogi World: New Challenges and Rivalries

The shogi aspect of the show is much more than a backdrop; it’s an integral part of Rei’s identity and a major vehicle for his personal development. Season 3 will likely introduce new challenges in the world of professional shogi. Rei’s ascent as a player will bring him into contact with new rivals and mentors who push him to his limits, not just in terms of skill, but also in how he views himself and his place in the world.

We can expect more intense shogi matches that are not just about strategy and gameplay, but also serve as metaphors for Rei’s inner struggles and his relationships with others. In Season 2, Rei faced off against powerful opponents like Souya, the reigning Meijin, and these matches pushed him to grow. Season 3 could introduce even more formidable adversaries or revisit old rivals, deepening the story’s focus on competition and personal resolve.

4. Themes of Loneliness, Connection, and Healing

The overarching themes of March Comes in Like a Lion—loneliness, connection, and healing—will continue to be central in Season 3. The series has always explored how individuals cope with loneliness and trauma, and how human connections can lead to healing. Rei’s journey is a testament to the power of kindness and understanding in overcoming personal struggles.

Season 3 will likely explore how these themes manifest in the characters' evolving relationships. For Rei, the bonds he has formed with the Kawamoto family and his shogi peers will continue to serve as a source of strength, but they may also present new emotional challenges as he grows closer to the people around him.

5. Animation and Visual Storytelling

The animation in March Comes in Like a Lion has always been praised for its ability to convey deep emotional states through symbolic imagery, color schemes, and powerful visual metaphors. Studio Shaft has consistently delivered stunning visuals that reflect the characters' emotional landscapes, from Rei’s moments of isolation and despair to his moments of connection and warmth.

Season 3 will likely maintain this high standard of visual storytelling, with the same careful attention to detail and artistry that fans have come to expect. The animation will continue to enhance the emotional depth of the story, making even the quietest moments resonate deeply with viewers.

Conclusion

March Comes in Like a Lion Season 3 is highly anticipated by fans who have been moved by Rei Kiriyama’s journey of self-discovery, emotional growth, and healing. While the anime’s future hasn’t been officially confirmed, the rich material from the manga and the emotional depth of the story make it likely that Season 3 will continue to explore the complexities of human relationships, personal struggles, and the search for meaning.