March comes in like a Lion season 3

March Comes In Like a Lion Season 3: Everything We Know So Far

March Comes In Like a Lion (aka 3-gatsu no Lion) is a beloved romantic and slice-of-life anime series, adapted from the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Chica Umino, who is also known for ‘Honey and Clover’. The series first aired in 2016 and has since captivated audiences worldwide. To date, the anime has aired two seasons, with the first season premiering in 2016, and the second season airing between October 14, 2017, and March 31, 2018. Fans have since been eagerly anticipating news of a third season. The anime was animated by studio Shaft, which is also known for other acclaimed works such as Magia Record. Let’s explore the most recent updates and key details about the anime’s future.

What is the Plotline of the Anime?

March Comes In Like a Lion tells the emotional and sometimes heart-wrenching story of Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player who is deeply introverted and struggles with depression. Having lost his family at a young age, Rei is now living with an emotionally distant adoptive family. Despite his success in the world of shogi, he remains isolated and haunted by personal struggles.

Rei’s life changes when he meets three sisters: Akari, Hinata, and Momo, who live with their grandfather and have faced their own difficulties but maintain a joyful and positive outlook on life. These three sisters, each with their unique personalities, form a close bond with Rei and begin to slowly help him confront his past and emotional turmoil. The anime explores themes of loneliness, family, and the healing power of friendship.

March comes in like a Lion
The Picture: @Aniplex USA / YouTube

Will There Be a Third Season of March Comes In Like a Lion?

As of January 16, 2025, March Comes In Like a Lion has still not been officially renewed for a third season. The wait between seasons in the anime industry is not uncommon, and while there has been no official announcement, fans remain hopeful. The potential for a new season depends on several key factors, including the availability of source material, popularity, and sales figures.

Let’s break down these factors and examine the likelihood of a third season.

Manga Status and Source Material

The anime is based on the manga by Chica Umino, which has been serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine since 2007. The manga currently consists of 16 volumes, with the final volume released on September 29, 2021. The first season of the anime covered the first 5 volumes, and the second season adapted up to volume 9. With 179 chapters total, the manga still contains enough content to continue the story with multiple seasons.

For fans who want to get ahead of the anime, the remaining story can be found starting from Chapter 90 of the manga. The English translation of the manga, which had not been available in full before, will be published by Denpa starting in the summer of 2022, which is great news for international readers.

49%
Manga adaptation rate

Disc Sales and Other Revenue Factors

In the past, disc sales played a crucial role in determining whether an anime would receive a new season. To fund a new season, an anime typically needs to sell at least 4,000 units in disc sales. The first season of March Comes In Like a Lion sold 6,228 units, which was above expectations, while the second season sold 2,273 units. While sales for the second season were lower, they were still respectable, but not high enough to guarantee a third season.

In addition to disc sales, Netflix and Crunchyroll have helped popularize the series worldwide, ensuring a solid fanbase outside of Japan. The involvement of NHK in the production committee further strengthens the possibility of a renewal, as the network has a vested interest in the series’ success. Despite these factors, however, global popularity remains somewhat lower compared to other anime, with Google search trends for the series remaining below the average.

MyAnimeList currently ranks anime at 307th place, corresponding popularity score of 89.2% based on our calculation and its Twitter page has over 90,000 followers. These numbers, combined with the critical acclaim and strong fan base in Japan, still make the case for a potential third season.

March comes in like a Lion season 3
3rd Season Chance of March Comes in Like a Lion
Popularity on Mynanimelist
88
Popularity on Social Media
80
Popularity on Google Searches
53
Success in Disc Sales
70
Reader Rating1 Votes
88
Positives
Perfect Reviews (8.39 on MA, 8.3 on IMDb)
Good Popularirty in Japan
Sufficient Manga Source Material Availability
Multi-season continuity
Big Distributors Worldwide
Additional Income with Live-action film
Above Average Disc Sales
Negatives
Below Average Popularity (Outside Japan)
No Best Seller Manga
No Renewal Since 2018
40
Renewal Possibility

When is the Release Date of March Comes In Like a Lion Season 3?

As of now, there is no official release date for March Comes In Like a Lion season 3, and no confirmation of its renewal has been announced. However, based on our analysis, we estimate a 40% chance of a third season being greenlit. The primary obstacle remains the international popularity of the series, which has been somewhat muted outside of Japan. That said, the success in Japan and the backing of major streaming platforms such as Netflix could be enough to drive a renewal.

If a third season is announced soon, fans can expect the new season to premiere around the mid-2026 timeframe, though this remains speculative.

March Comes In Like a Lion Season 3 Plotline

This section contains spoilers for the potential third season.

In the anticipated third season of the anime, new, darker characters are expected to be introduced. Among them is Fujimoto Radio, a powerful shogi player who is known for his lion-like hair and imposing presence. His character will add a new layer of challenge and intrigue to Rei’s already complex life. Another key addition is Seijiro, the estranged father of the three sisters. His return to their lives will introduce further drama and tension, especially as he attempts to reconcile with the family.

Additionally, Rei’s relationship with Akari may develop into a romantic subplot, with other characters, such as Professor Hayashida and Shimada, showing interest in her. These emotional and character-driven plotlines are expected to add depth to the story and further explore themes of love, family, and personal growth.