March Comes in Like a Lion Season 1 Episode 1 Episode 1

In the first episode of March Comes in Like a Lion, we are introduced to the main character, Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player. We find him living alone in a small apartment in Tokyo, struggling to keep up with his schoolwork and maintain relationships with his friends and peers. Despite his success in shogi, he feels empty and alone, haunted by his troubled past and the loss of his family.

Rei's monotony is interrupted when he receives a rare invitation to dinner from one of his shogi opponents, the wealthy and influential Tatsuya Kawamoto. At dinner, he meets the Kawamoto family, a warm and welcoming trio of sisters who immediately take a liking to him. They invite him to come to their home and play shogi with them, and after a brief hesitation, Rei agrees.

During their match, Rei is surprised by the sisters' skill and enthusiasm for the game. Recognizing that they are struggling with some personal issues of their own, he begins to open up to them about his own struggles, expressing a vulnerability that he rarely shows to anyone. Through their conversation, we learn more about Rei's past and the traumas he has endured, giving us a greater understanding of the weight he carries with him.

In addition to their support, Rei also finds comfort in his relationship with his shogi mentor, Masamune Goto. Though their conversations can be combative, Goto is a fatherly figure to Rei, and his tough-love approach pushes Rei to become a better player and a better person.

As the episode ends, we see Rei heading back to his dark and lonely apartment after spending another evening with the Kawamoto family. However, this time, he is greeted by a message from one of the sisters, Akari, telling him to take care of himself and letting him know that they are thinking of him. It's a small gesture, but one that leaves Rei feeling less alone in the world.

Overall, the first episode of March Comes in Like a Lion introduces us to a complex and deeply troubled character, and sets the stage for an emotionally rich and nuanced exploration of family, friendship, and self-discovery. With its stunning animation and evocative score, the show draws us into Rei's world and invites us to feel his pain and uncertainty as he navigates the challenges that lie ahead.