Ever feel like you're watching a really intense chess match, but instead of queens and rooks, it's fueled by awkward silences, heartwarming meals, and enough emotional baggage to sink a small ship? Then you've probably stumbled upon the wonderful world of Hina March Comes In Like a Lion.
This isn't your typical sports anime. Yes, shogi (Japanese chess) is a central part of the story, but it's really about life, loss, and finding your place in the world.
More Than Just Shogi: A Family, Found and Forged
At the heart of the anime is Rei Kiriyama, a young shogi prodigy battling crippling loneliness. He's basically a walking, talking, highly skilled, and perpetually anxious cat.
Enter the Kawasumoto sisters: Akari, Hinata, and Momo. These three vibrant, loving girls become Rei's unlikely surrogate family.
Akari is the eldest, a kind and motherly figure. Hinata is a ray of sunshine, pure and empathetic. Momo is the youngest, a bundle of boundless energy and adorable mischief. Their messy, chaotic household is a stark contrast to Rei's solitary existence.
The Power of Warm Meals and Fuzzy Feelings
Forget epic battles and power-ups! The real battles in Hina March Comes In Like a Lion happen over steaming bowls of homemade food.
The Kawasumoto sisters are masters of comfort food. Watching them care for Rei, offering him a warm meal and a listening ear, is genuinely touching.
Suddenly, shogi isn't just about winning or losing. It's about connection, about finding solace in the face of despair, and about realizing that even a small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
Humor Amidst the Heavy Stuff
Don't think it's all doom and gloom! Hina March Comes In Like a Lion has a surprising amount of humor.
From Momo's adorable antics to the over-the-top reactions of the shogi players, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
These moments of levity are crucial. They help balance the heavier themes of depression, grief, and social anxiety that the show tackles head-on.
Unexpected Friendships and Rivals
The world of shogi is filled with quirky and memorable characters. There's Gotou Masamune, Rei's fierce rival, a man with a gruff exterior and a complex past.
And then there's Shimada Kai, a kind and supportive senior player who becomes a mentor figure to Rei. These relationships, both competitive and supportive, add depth and richness to the story.
Why You Should Give It a Watch
Hina March Comes In Like a Lion isn't just an anime about shogi. It's a story about human connection, about finding family in unexpected places, and about learning to navigate the complexities of life.
It’s a poignant and beautiful series that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even inspire you to try your hand at shogi (or at least bake a comforting cake).
So, if you're looking for something a little different, something that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling a little more hopeful, give Hina March Comes In Like a Lion a try. You might just be surprised at how much you love it.
It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a little warmth and kindness can go a long way.
