Ep 4. Episode 4

The show March Comes in Like a Lion season 1 episode 4 is titled "Chapter 4: Damashi Dango" and explores the theme of loneliness.

The episode begins with Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player, waking up early and practicing his moves before heading to school. In the classroom, he gets into a heated argument with his classmate, Hina Kawamoto, who accuses him of being cold and distant. Rei, who is still struggling with the trauma of losing his family and being alone, doesn't know how to respond and leaves the class feeling depressed.

As he walks around the school, he encounters the sisters from the Kawamoto family: Akari, Hinata, and Momo. They offer him a "damashi dango," a sweet treat made from rice flour that is meant to lift one's spirits. Though hesitant at first, Rei takes a bite and is immediately transported back to his childhood memories of eating damashi dango with his family. This flashback shows a happier time for Rei and allows him to momentarily forget his current troubles.

The rest of the episode follows Rei's interactions with the Kawamoto family as he helps them with household chores and spends time with them. He realizes that they are a warm and loving family that he has come to rely on without even realizing it. The sisters, especially Hina, offer him a sense of belonging that he hasn't felt in a long time.

However, the episode doesn't shy away from the fact that Rei is still struggling with his own inner demons. The Kawamoto family provides him with temporary comfort but can't solve his deeper issues. There is a touching moment near the end of the episode where Hinata tells Rei that she knows he's sad and she wishes she could make him happy. This scene shows that even young children can pick up on someone's emotional state and want to help them.

Overall, "Chapter 4: Damashi Dango" is a poignant and heartwarming episode that tackles the themes of loneliness and family. It shows that sometimes even the smallest gestures, like a sweet treat or a kind word, can have a big impact on someone's emotional well-being. The Kawamoto family serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still light and love to be found.