Ep 5. Episode 5

In Episode 5 of March Comes in Like a Lion, we see the continued growth and development of protagonist Rei Kiriyama as he navigates his relationships with the three Kawamoto sisters.

The episode opens with Rei spending time with the second eldest sister, Hinata, as they search for a gift to give to the eldest sister Akari. Hinata demonstrates her deep care and concern for her family through her thoughtful consideration of what gift would truly bring Akari joy. This scene sets the stage for the rest of the episode, which explores the theme of familial love and support.

As Rei spends more time with the Kawamoto sisters, he begins to open up and share more about his past and his struggles with loneliness. The sisters offer him comfort and remind him that he is not alone, which helps Rei to feel more connected and supported. However, Rei also becomes acutely aware of the burden his problems place on the sisters, and he struggles with guilt and the fear of being a burden to those he cares about.

The episode also sees the return of Rei's adoptive father figure, Masachika Kouda, who invites Rei to dinner. Over the course of the meal, Kouda reveals that he has been aware of Rei's difficult past and has quietly been keeping an eye on him from afar. Kouda's kindness and understanding provide a much-needed source of comfort and validation for Rei, who has long struggled with feelings of inadequacy and shame about his past.

Throughout Episode 5, we also see Rei's growth as a competitive shogi player. He faces off against one of his strongest opponents yet, who initially taunts him and undermines his abilities. However, Rei manages to stay focused and ultimately triumphs in a moment of tense and dramatic gameplay. This victory serves as a reminder to Rei that he is capable of overcoming even his toughest challenges, and gives him the confidence to continue pushing himself to improve.

Overall, Episode 5 of March Comes in Like a Lion is a poignant exploration of the power of familial and emotional support to help individuals navigate difficult times. Rei's struggles with loneliness, guilt, and shame are sensitively portrayed, and the love and compassion demonstrated by the Kawamoto sisters and Kouda offer a hopeful message of healing and growth. Additionally, the episode's focus on shogi as a means of redemption and self-empowerment highlights the themes of perseverance and determination that underpin the series as a whole.