March Comes In Like A Lion (Sangatsu no Lion) (2016)

“Grey toned as life itself Sangatsu no Lion it's a bittersweet take on professional competiton and life trials, following the steps of Kiriyama Rei. A loner young prodigy of shogi, we get to know his depression, familiar tribulations and persona redemption. With a passionate animation team, Shaft, well known for its kitschesque direction delievers the manga's powerful narration alongside its unique touch resulting in this melancholic tale.” read more

This year's animu. Probs ranked. (9 tv items)

"Winter (Second half of season 2) Now in his second year of high school, Rei Kiriyama continues pushing through his struggles in the professional shogi world as well as his personal life. Surrounded by vibrant personalities at the shogi hall, the school club, and in the local community, his solitary shell slowly begins to crack. Among them are the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who forge an affectionate and familial bond with Rei. Through these ties, he realizes that everyo"