Finished the beautiful, heart-wrenching journey of the March Comes in Like a Lion anime? You’re likely wondering where to pick up Chica Umino’s incredible manga to continue Rei Kiriyama’s story. Finding the exact chapter is key to a smooth transition.
The second season of the March Comes in Like a Lion anime concludes by adapting the manga up to Chapter 89. To continue the story without missing any content, you should start reading from Chapter 90, which marks the beginning of Volume 10 and directly follows the anime’s final scenes.
Based on cross-referenced community data and fan consensus, this guide provides the definitive starting point. You will learn the exact chapter to begin, see how faithfully the anime adapted the source material, and get a spoiler-free glimpse of the compelling story arcs that await you.
Key Facts
- Definitive Starting Point: To continue the story after the anime, you must start reading at Chapter 90, which is the first chapter of Volume 10.
- Anime Conclusion: The second season’s final episode (Episode 44) faithfully adapts the events of manga Chapters 88 and 89.
- Adaptation Fidelity: The anime is widely regarded as a near “one-to-one” adaptation of the manga, meaning you can switch mediums without missing any significant plot points.
- Manga Status: The manga, written by Chica Umino, is still ongoing as of 2026, providing a substantial amount of story content beyond what the anime has covered.
- No Season 3 Confirmed: As of February 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a third season of the anime adaptation by studio SHAFT.
Where Exactly Does the March Comes in Like a Lion Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The definitive answer is that the anime concludes with the material covered in Chapter 89 of the manga. Based on community consensus and cross-referenced sources, this is the final point of adaptation. This means your journey into Chica Umino’s source material should begin right at the next chapter to ensure a seamless continuation of the narrative. This specific mapping makes it easy for viewers to transition from the world of the anime to the pages of the manga without any confusion or overlap.
The anime’s two seasons, totaling 44 episodes, meticulously cover the initial major arcs of Rei Kiriyama’s professional shogi career and his profound personal growth. The story follows his journey from a state of deep loneliness to finding a warm, welcoming place with the Kawamoto family. The anime finale leaves Rei at a pivotal moment of self-reflection, and the manga picks up immediately from this point, carrying his emotional and professional development forward.
To visualize the transition, think of it this way:
* Anime Season 2, Episode 44 concludes the story.
* This directly leads into Manga Volume 10, which begins with Chapter 90.
What Is the Exact Chapter and Volume to Start With?
Start at Chapter 90, which is the first chapter of Volume 10. This is the official and most direct starting point in the manga after watching Season 2 of March Comes in Like a Lion. The final scenes of the anime’s last episode (Episode 44) perfectly align with the content of Chapters 88 and 89. Chapter 90 immediately begins a new narrative sequence, picking right up on Rei Kiriyama’s personal and professional journey. By starting with Volume 10, you are diving straight into the next phase of his story and his evolving relationship with Hinata Kawamoto and her family.
How Does the Final Anime Episode (Episode 44) Align with the Manga?
Episode 44 of the anime, titled “The Other House / Child of God (Part 5),” is a direct adaptation of manga Chapters 88 and 89. This final episode covers the celebration following the Newcomer Tournament and concludes with Rei Kiriyama’s poignant internal monologue as he reflects on his journey and connections. This one-to-one mapping provides viewers with absolute confidence that starting at Chapter 90 means they won’t retread old ground or miss any crucial setup for the upcoming arcs. The anime’s ending perfectly mirrors the manga’s concluding panels for that part of the story.
How Faithfully Does the Anime Adapt the Manga?
The March Comes in Like a Lion anime is widely considered an exceptionally faithful adaptation of Chica Umino’s original manga. Fan communities and reviewers consistently praise its “one-to-one” accuracy regarding plot, dialogue, and character development. You can transition from the anime to the manga with full confidence that you have not missed any significant story beats or character moments.
Here are the key points of its faithfulness:
* ✔ No Skipped Arcs: The anime does not skip any major plotlines or character arcs from the first nine volumes of the manga.
* ✔ Accurate Dialogue: The dialogue in the anime is taken almost verbatim from the manga, preserving the original tone and intent of the conversations.
* ✔ Emotional Integrity: Studio SHAFT’s adaptation is lauded for its ability to visually represent the manga’s powerful internal monologues and abstract emotional states, such as Rei’s depression, enhancing the story rather than altering it.
While the anime adds its unique and beautiful visual metaphors, these serve to amplify the manga’s emotional core, not replace it.
| Feature/Aspect | Manga (by Chica Umino) | Anime (by Studio SHAFT) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot & Pacing | Sequential and character-driven | Highly faithful, follows manga’s pacing closely | Near 1:1 Match |
| Character Arcs | Deeply explored through internal thoughts | Accurately portrayed with visual metaphors for emotion | Highly Faithful |
| Dialogue | Direct and poignant | Directly adapted from manga with minimal changes | Highly Faithful |
| Overall Tone | A blend of melancholy and warmth | Perfectly captured and enhanced with music and visuals | Perfect Match |
What Story Arcs Can You Expect in the Manga After Season 2?
Diving into the manga after the anime finale opens up a world of compelling new stories and deeper character development. While avoiding major spoilers, here is a glimpse of what awaits you in the volumes that follow, demonstrating that Rei Kiriyama’s journey is far from over.
You’re about to explore:
* 🏆 Rei’s Ascent in the Shogi World: The story delves into Rei’s participation in even more prestigious tournaments. You’ll see him face formidable new opponents and navigate the intense pressure of climbing the professional shogi ranks.
* 👪 The Evolution of the Kawamoto Family: The bond between Rei and the Kawamoto sisters deepens significantly. The manga continues to explore Hinata’s future, her relationship with Rei, and the family’s ongoing challenges and triumphs.
* 🤝 Deeper Dives into Supporting Characters: Many beloved supporting characters get their moments to shine. The manga expands on the personal lives and motivations of rivals and friends like Harunobu Nikaido and Kai Shimada, enriching the world of the series.
* 💪 New Personal and Professional Hurdles: Rei confronts new emotional challenges and professional setbacks that test his resolve and force him to grow in ways you haven’t seen yet.
Where Can You Officially Read the March Comes in Like a Lion Manga?
To officially and legally read the March Comes in Like a Lion manga in English, you have excellent options for both physical and digital formats. Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the author, Chica Umino, and the publishers who make this incredible story available.
- Physical Volumes: The official English print version of the manga is published by Denpa Books. These beautifully translated volumes can be purchased from major online booksellers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as at many local comic book shops. Collecting the physical copies is a great way to appreciate the detailed artwork.
Digital Chapters: For those who prefer reading on a tablet or computer, official digital chapters are available on platforms like MangaPlaza. This allows you to purchase volumes or chapters individually and read them instantly, which is perfect for continuing the story right away.
![KOREAN Edition Manga [3월의 라이온] Vol. 10 (March Comes in Like a Lion)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MZOY8PaIL.jpg)
By choosing these official sources, you are directly contributing to the series’ success and helping ensure that more of Chica Umino’s work can be translated and shared with a global audience.
FAQs About where does the march comes in like a lion anime leave off in the manga
Will there be a Season 3 of March Comes in Like a Lion?
As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a third season of the March Comes in Like a Lion anime. While fans remain hopeful due to the manga’s ongoing story and the anime’s critical acclaim, the studio SHAFT has not confirmed any plans for a continuation.
What manga chapter does Season 1 of the anime end on?
Season 1 of the anime concludes around Chapter 46 of the manga. However, the adaptation is not strictly linear, as the final episode incorporates some elements from chapters closer to 50 to provide a more conclusive season finale. The second season then picks up from this point.
Is the March Comes in Like a Lion manga finished?
No, the manga by Chica Umino is still ongoing as of 2026. It continues to be serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine in Japan. This means there is a significant amount of story content available to read that has not yet been adapted into the anime.
Who is the author of March Comes in Like a Lion?
The creator, writer, and illustrator of the March Comes in Like a Lion manga is the acclaimed artist Chica Umino. She is also famous for her previous work, Honey and Clover, and is known for her distinctive art style and emotionally resonant storytelling.
How many volumes of the manga are covered by the anime?
The two seasons of the anime (44 episodes total) adapt the story from Volume 1 up to the end of Volume 9 of the manga. The post-anime content begins with Volume 10, making it the perfect volume to purchase to continue the story.
Are there major differences between the anime and manga?
No, there are no major plot differences. The anime is praised for its faithfulness. The primary “difference” is the medium itself; the anime uses music, voice acting, and visual metaphors from Studio SHAFT to interpret emotional scenes, while the manga relies on Chica Umino’s original paneling and artwork.
What is the main theme of the story after the anime?
The main themes continue to be overcoming trauma, the meaning of family, and finding one’s place in the world through passion. The manga delves deeper into Rei’s professional shogi challenges and his evolving role within the Kawamoto family, exploring these themes with even greater nuance.
Do any other characters get more focus in the manga?
Yes, the manga provides more depth and side stories for many supporting characters. Characters like Harunobu Nikaido, Kai Shimada, and the other professional shogi players receive further development that expands the world and their individual struggles and triumphs beyond what is seen in the anime.
Is it worth reading the manga from the beginning?
While not necessary due to the faithful adaptation, it is highly recommended for dedicated fans. Reading from the start allows you to experience Chica Umino’s original artwork, paneling, and pacing firsthand. It offers a different but equally powerful way to experience Rei’s journey.
What genre is March Comes in Like a Lion?
March Comes in Like a Lion is primarily a seinen (targeted at young adult men) slice-of-life and drama series. It uses the world of professional shogi as a backdrop to explore deep psychological themes such as depression, loneliness, grief, and the healing power of human connection.
Key Takeaways: March Comes in Like a Lion Anime & Manga Summary
- Your Starting Point is Chapter 90: The anime’s second season adapts the manga up to Chapter 89, making Chapter 90 (the start of Volume 10) the perfect place to continue the story.
- The Anime is Extremely Faithful: You can transition seamlessly to the manga without fear of missing crucial plot points, as the anime is a highly accurate “one-to-one” adaptation.
- The Story is Far From Over: The manga is still ongoing as of 2026 and contains numerous significant story arcs that explore Rei’s professional career and personal relationships far beyond the anime’s conclusion.
- No Season 3 Has Been Announced: Despite the anime’s critical success and available source material, there is currently no official news regarding a third season.
- Reading from the Start is a Valid Option: For fans who want to experience Chica Umino’s original art and nuanced paneling, starting from Chapter 1 is a rewarding experience, though not required to follow the plot.
- Deeper Character Exploration Awaits: The manga continues to develop the stories of the entire cast, offering more depth on the Kawamoto family, Nikaido, Shimada, and other members of the shogi world.
- Official Reading is Accessible: You can support the creator by purchasing official physical volumes published by Denpa Books or by reading digitally on platforms like MangaPlaza.
Final Thoughts on Continuing Your Journey with March Comes in Like a Lion
Transitioning from the March Comes in Like a Lion anime to the manga is a rewarding decision for any fan of the series. You now have the precise starting point—Chapter 90 in Volume 10—to continue Rei Kiriyama’s story without missing a beat. The manga not only continues the plot but deepens the emotional resonance you felt while watching the anime, further exploring the lives of its rich and complex characters.
By picking up the manga, you are stepping back into a world defined by gentle warmth, fierce competition, and profound human connection. The journey ahead is filled with the same heartfelt storytelling and beautiful artwork that made the series a masterpiece. Which part of Rei’s continuing story are you most excited to discover first?
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
