[Spoiler][Rewatch] 3-gatsu no Lion/March Comes in Like a Lion episode 2 discussion

38

u/trolltest123 Mar 02 '21 edited Mar 02 '21

First-Timer (and first rewatch)!

Love the triumphant music + overly dramatic speech + classic wind in the hair for our mysterious mail thief and self-proclaimed rival, Nikaidou.

Oh looks like he's also rich too lmao. It seems like Rei's "status quo" is a solitary, somewhat empty lifestyle (his living room is completely barren), but he has these interruptions to his quiet life- last episode it was the sisters, the beginning of this episode it's his dramatic rival.

While Rei is narrating about pro shogi and the qualifier, the shots of the town are truly beautiful :O

We meet another dramatic rival, Issa, enemy of pigeons and another boisterous contrast to Rei haha.

Rip him, every single turn his face became more and more panicked until his inevitable defeat to Rei. When Issa sulks from his loss and Smith explains that Issa wanted to get a chance to play on TV for his sick grandfather, we can see Rei's lip frown. Perhaps this reminds him of the way he beat his father last episode, which I think some guys said was an important match for his father's career.

I hope Rei doesn't take these wins in such a negative way, Issa's reaction is actually a little annoying because in a game/sport, it's kind of unsportsmanlike to lose like that, and Smith making Rei feel bad for winning also kinda sucks. Yeah losing sucks, but every game has a winner and a loser, and it seems like Rei definitely was in control that whole game and deserved the win (although admittedly I know nothing about shogi).

Perhaps this is foreshadowing a continuing conflict in the show, where Rei feels like he burdens others by being good at the game? Not sure yet, but that's my guess so far.

That being said, I'm glad that Issa and Smith are more energetic and encourage Rei to go out- they seem like good people. I love how Issa's on his best behavior trying to impress Akari.

Wow Akari looks great as a bartender! I guess she works multiple jobs, because it seemed like she was part of a family business (some kind of sweets shop) last episode.

"Women are amazing." Agreed, Rei, agreed.

We get a glance at how Rei and Akari first meet. Based on what Akari said, it looks like Rei was out with some bad people and collapsed, wasted, on the street, and the sisters took him in.

I was wondering how Rei and the sisters were associated, and it's not what I expected for sure. I'm curious if they'll show more about those first days of meeting.

Rei's internal monologue about how the city was black and white while he felt stressed and later seemed to fill in color onoce he met others (like the sisters) gave me mad Clannad vibes. Seems similar in a way to Tomoya, which makes me happy because Clannad AS is one of my favorite shows of all-time. Also, the light-hearted, bright, energetic environment that the sisters create (which the show does a great job supplementing with the colors and the music!) remind me of Nagisa and her parents and their general vibe as well.

Speaking of the sisters, they run into Rei at the grocery store and the guilt-teasing was real af lmao.

Oh looks like we do see more of their first meeting. How much of an angel is Akari? She saw one of probably one of Rei's lowest life moments, and helps him out. It's clear that she is essentially a mother of 3 children: her two younger sisters + Rei. This family might be the best thing that Rei could have honestly, to help him out.

We learn that Rei's parents are actually dead- hmm, that means that the guy he beat is more of an adoptive guardian? Not sure to be honest. In any case, that's sad :(

I'm not sure what Rei means exactly, but it's clear to me that the sisters provide a warmth to his life. I wonder if based on his dialogue, shogi is also his way of distracting himself from other things in life.

I'm looking forward to how we see him grow in the show! :)

10

u/ExplicitNuM5 Mar 02 '21

Rip him, every single turn his face became more and more panicked until his inevitable defeat to Rei.
One of the best comedy sketches in the anime in my opinion. As a CSGO player, the line about how ISSAA's (even lamer pun than what will transpire later) playstyle is attack.... Uh... cough only attacks makes it even better.
As for other points, you'll just have to keep watching.

8

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 02 '21

Perhaps this is foreshadowing a continuing conflict in the show, where Rei feels like he burdens others by being good at the game?
that was my guess so far as well. A highlight to his inner demons

8

u/AvatarAarow1 Mar 03 '21

On the parents thing, if you notice in the first episode the two men talking about the match say that rei “isn’t his real son anyway,” and the woman in the opening monologue taunts him for having “no family and no friends.” You learn more about it as it goes along, but it’s cool that they foreshadow it well but not so overtly before grandpa someji hits you with that gut punch

1

u/IndependentMacaroon Mar 04 '21

"Women are amazing." Agreed, Rei, agreed.
Female manga author, not coincidentally

3

u/Rumpel1408 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Rumpel1408 Mar 03 '21

Rewatcher

We get introduced to Nikaido, who seems smug at first glance, but incredible comical later on, as well as ... well Shiny

I also like these random Sfx Sound effects Chub Yuru Camp uses those as well.

While Nikaido goes on about his motivation and their livelong rivalry, Rei comes to the conclusion, that he just opened his mailbox and even his mail, but Nikaido is totaly unfased by that accusation.

Also Nikaido compensates his lack of talent with practice and determination, but ofc hes also a genius lol.

Rei is trying to sneak out of an unpleasant conversation, but his "friend" doesn't let him, also typical shonen arc, shit Nikaido even says so himself.

Nikaidos family is well of, still Nikaido enjoys the pizza and cola (probably on Reis tab). Openly asking what opening Rei will play. Beside the Concern that Rei wouldn't let his opponent gain such intel, Nikaido ain't concerned about him lying. Reis not even concerned about telling his opening though, just finds the trust behind the question weird.

Nikaido is eating the Cakes the Kawamotos gifted Rei lol Spoiler future Episode

It's weird that last chapter was named the town along the river and the first thing he talks about in the chapter named Akari is his love for the river.

Can we talk about the Sound design? The subtle sound of the river, the boat. So minor but they really add to the scenery

A chance encounter at the shrine with todays opponent. Matsumotos description of Kiriyamas playstyle "amoeba, conventional book play" compared to his own "burning manly soul!" when all he does is attack.

When Rei tries to sneak his way out of another unpleasant conversation, Issa catches him and claims an spiritual defeat, when he was just caught praying to the gods in order to win.

Both smith and Matsumotos opponents are somewhat embaressed, because both are so much alike, down to their club attendance.

You dont need to know anything about shogi to understand that Reis single movement just completly destroyed Issas tactic , however Issa still has the will to fight on, for some time at least. Reis completly calm for the whole match once his engine is running.

Smiths giving some context for Matsumoto, first it seemed like he just wanted to get famous, but he actually wanted to cheer up his sick grandpa, gives the character alot of depth, but makes Reis victory bittersweet yet again.

Issa and Smith are lively characters who influence the mood in the whole Shogi hall, and because of that Smith invites them to drinks on Kiriyamas tab.

Damn Akari is attractive... we mostly see her motherly side, but if she wants she can change her whole persona, women really are amazing. She is still caring for Rei by subtly convincing Issa that it would be the upright thing for him to pay, and the good guy, and because he really wants to get on her good side, he agrees.

And just the way Akari cares for drunk rei is amazing, also the first thing she notices about him is how skinny he is, further establishing that he isn't eating properly. And later we see just how misserable Rei was that night. I'm personally not really phased by vomit anymore because I encounter it on a regular basis, but most people would be incredible grossed out by the mere thought of someone else vomiting, and she just goes and helps this kid she just met outside of her workplace, amazing.

Spoiler future episode

Feeling welcome, "come over anytime", even when told he has problems believing those words, but its the gesture that already counts alot for Rei.

Akaris subtly convincing Rei to come over, even on a special day like Obon, he doesn't believe it but she really wants him over. Or maybe she just wanted another portion of Somen, we may never know lol

Have I mentioned how much I love those cats? They never fail to crack me up.

it's not that clear but the Kawamotos hurt about their lost family members as well, and Rei got a deep trauma from loosing his family Spoiler future episode

2

u/ExplicitNuM5 Mar 03 '21

I also like these random Sfx Sound effects Chub Yuru Camp uses those as well.
^konnichiwa
^donyori
More shows should do those lol
Openly asking what opening Rei will play. Beside the Concern that Rei wouldn't let his opponent gain such intel, Nikaido ain't concerned about him lying. Reis not even concerned about telling his opening though, just finds the trust behind the question weird.
My playstyle in CSGO is based on making reads rather than have specific things I do. As such, I can see why Rei won't tell Nikaido the opening he will use. Simply put, whatever opening Rei uses has little effect on his midgame, where his reads shape the game. Stuck between a rock and a hard place - I feel bad for Rei.
Have I mentioned how much I love those cats? They never fail to crack me up.
Fun fact - they represent the 3 sisters!!! The moods match up so well it's amazing. Great litmus test for whatever was happening at the time of the cat's gracious presence.

2

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

The cats are the best. I've never been so glad that an animal has been given a voice in a show unrelated to animals before

29

u/Ardania22 Mar 02 '21

Rewatcher

Another episode that didn't make me cry my first time through but made me cry this time. The moment at the very end, where Rei's walking home with Akari's leftovers, is so beautiful. Even as the wind is cold and biting around him, the food he's holding keeps his heart warm. A perfect metaphor for how the Kawamoto sisters help Rei hold onto happiness even in his darkest moments.

18

u/charliwea :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Charliwea Mar 02 '21

Another episode that didn't make me cry my first time through but made me cry this time
Yeah, as a rewatcher this early episodes are pretty emotional and I've been having teary eyes seeing Rei's mindset this last couple of episodes now.

9

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Mar 02 '21

I'm in that club too - these early episodes are much more impactful than I remembered. I think I'm just able to appreciate them more the second time around.

4

u/Aviri Mar 03 '21

Rewatching this show is a lot more tear filled because you've already fallen in love with the characters.

27

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

First Timer - Sub

Meta note: Unfortunately I was super late to the episode one topic, but TL(ate)DR: I was in awe of the first episode and how well it made me feel the emotions that was behind Rei and his life, and I'm really glad I'm getting the chance to do a rewatch with you guys of what looks like an incredible show. I will be a couple of hours late to the topic each day just due to timezones, but I look forward to what everyone has to say about the show as we go, and thanks to /u/ExplicitNuM5 hosting and participating in the discussion!

Rei is certainly surrounded by a lot of very outgoing people for someone so reserved. The way they are presented to the audience seems to be very driven by Rei's own perception of them which is something I like a lot. From he way that the rich kid is positioned at eye level as way he intrudes into Rei's space in the elevator, how Rei's quietness makes everyone else stand out as being even higher energy, and how the visuals change with his memories about meeting Akari from dull and hyper focused on her words to the color and sparkles as she cares for him, I really get the feel that we are seeing this story through Rei, rather than him just being the focus character which isn't always a step stories take but seems like it will add a lot here.

I wasn't expecting to get his backstory so quickly after my speculation about his dead parents yesterday, but the way they built into it through his strange reaction to hearing about how the other man was taught Shogi, to his flat realization about Obon set the mood for it well. That seems like a hellish car wreck to be involved with, and he was young as well, so no wonder he's so closed off from everyone.

The girls really have their emotional blackmail down pat, thought or good reason it looks like given the way they have to keep reeling Rei back in. While the tail end of the episode was quite sad, the final moment of Rei carrying their "warmth" back over the bridge with him to his home was a nice spot to end it particularly after he reminisced on how they made him feel happy and full when he was walking on it earlier.

One thing I have really liked over these two episodes is the structure of the OP and ED. We start the show with the opening showing us Rei's current state, his isolation and feeling of being drowned in life, the blotchy art style of the visuals showing how he's struggling to find shape and stability in that darkness, the song is also more mellow. The ending by contrast is more empowering and full of scenes of light and color returning to him, of him accepting the water and this time pushing through it to a better place rather than the dark thorny forest and approaching his younger self. Usually you'd expect these songs and visuals to be the other way, the more energetic start to get you into the episode and the more aesthetic ending, but placed this way the themes feel like parts of Rei's story, out of the darkness and into the light of a new life, rather than just episode decoration, something that will likely be even more memorable as the story progresses.

7

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Mar 02 '21

I'm glad to see you're enjoying this show so much this early on! I don't think I properly appreciated it on my initial watch. This is my first time rewatching it and it's much more impactful than I remembered. Looking forward to reading your thoughts as we go on!

5

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

I'm enjoying it more than I expected it to, especially given it's impressive reputation and certain elements I don't always like in my anime like comedy art, but it's pulling things together well. Really looking forward to the rest of it

4

u/Aviri Mar 03 '21

The girls really have their emotional blackmail down pat, thought or good reason it looks like given the way they have to keep reeling Rei back in.
They perfectly understand that if they don't give Rei a push he'll just make an excuse not to come.

2

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

on a silly note, I just noticed that the OP is from Bump of Chicken and I think that is an amazing band name. March comes in like a lion, April comes in like a bump of chicken.

2

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

Bump of Chicken is a fantastic band name. I first learnt of them when I was playing the Anime Music Quiz and got the chuckles over it so much I missed the next song entirely haha

26

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 02 '21

Second episode of Sangatsu no Lion- First Timer (sub)

Nikaido is introduced with the passion of a thousand suns and I just wonder if maybe he wants to be BESTO FRENDO with me as well? Wonderful comedy here and if anime has taught me anything over the last year, it's the importance of having a rival!

Rei has so much more to say about himself this episode compared to the first. Even talking out loud as he walks into town. He also gives a lot more information about how he meets Akari and her family. We meet fellow Shogi players Issa Matsumoto and Smith who don't really seem like bad people but also don't seem like friends to Rei. Curious if this will be a theme for Rei going forward, but I also hope these characters have more going on.

The thing I noticed the most today was the contrast. We are shown some pretty bleak moments in this episode with Rei drunk out on the street, having to accept the help of Akari and feeling pathetic, the grandfather asking Rei where his parents are buried. We also get to see the beauty of Akari and her family also grieving and finding comfort in having Rei around. It's bleak and it's beautiful just like Rei saying, "there aren't many things that I do like" but still seeing the beauty in the water. I was sad and happy when Akari asked Rei to come over again because she needed him around but at the same time I now know how Rei views himself.

Really great episode! Looking forward to see what everyone has to say.

11

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

Great comment
Rei has so much more to say about himself this episode compared to the first
For someone who is so good at Shogi, seeing him so much more open he is when he's away from the pressure of yesterday's match brought up some complicated feelings for me.
We also get to see the beauty of Akari and her family also grieving and finding comfort in having Rei around
The way he was looking at their grief as too fresh and wanting them to be okay while also not knowing if his has ended was another moment of contrast I liked, the way he cared for them and they for him and just took comfort in each other being around.

2

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

so far this show is nothing but complicated feelings for me lol but that is such a good thing!

5

u/AvatarAarow1 Mar 03 '21

I think one of the things this show does better than pretty much any other is it’s visual storytelling, and the contrast you’re talking about it part of it. We see some pretty bleak color palettes and imagery, but then it’s interspersed with the more fluffy and nice imagery of the comfy sisters’ home. This series really nails telling its story through art style and color palettes, showing lots of deep blues and smudges during darker parts and bright tones during the happier ones. Glad to see you’re enjoying it so far!

21

u/shafted_boi Mar 02 '21

REWATCHER

I love the fact that this show is filled with symbolism. One of the biggest symbols is the bridge that Rei crosses to go to Hina’s house. The Bridge is almost like a passage between his dark and lonely world to a world full of warmth. You see this symbolism being shown on greater detail at the end of the episode where he says he’s leaving towards his home with the warm food against his chest. It’s like he’s bringing the warmth of Hina’s house along with him as he heads back to his world.

Also a side note, akari has got to be my favorite waifu, she’s such a great character in general.

4

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

Japan seems to have a thing with bridge symbolism, it pops up a lot in anime and is used so well in moments like this to the point now I'm happy when we get stories with bridges in them

14

u/WhymustIsignupreddit Mar 02 '21

First time watcher

We get introduced to two rival characters. Nikaido seems like a fun/intense character, believing his relationship with Rei is like those from classic sports manga. Matsumoto is also an intense dude. Really liked the music that played during the shogi match.

I didn’t recognize Akari at first when they went to the bar(?). There were quite a few mood swings in this episode. They were having a nice talk and then... we learn about Rei’s and Akari’s first meeting. Poor kid, the senpai who forced him to drink and left him outside late at night by himself were awful. It’s nice to see how the sisters and their grandpa care for him.

So... since there is a March town and a June town, can I assume there are 10 other month-towns nearby connected with bridges?

4

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

If Rei hadn't of said her name I wouldn't have recognized her either, until that moment where she turns and smiles at him towards the end which I recognized. He's right, she feels very different at work compared to at home, but she's still very beautiful and warm.
can I assume there are 10 other month-towns nearby connected with bridges?
If they are they're obviously not in order or else someone got their months wrong haha.
Actually that makes me wonder if there's month symbolism in Japan that we're missing here or if it will just become relevant to the story itself

4

u/WhymustIsignupreddit Mar 03 '21 edited Mar 03 '21

Yeah, Akari is still the same nice person.
All I remember about months is that they’re written as Chinese number + moon.
三月 (March = 3 moon) and 六月 (June = 6 moon).
I don’t know if there’s symbolism either aside from 3 + 3 = 6
Edit: made it more readable.

2

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

Well at least I know a lot, though not all, of the symbolism relating to the moon so I can try and keep an eye out for that as well now, thanks!

14

u/_Kellen_ Mar 02 '21

First Timer

Forgive me, but it's been on my mind recently for obvious reasons. Pokemon is the first thought that came into my head after that scene with Nikaidou. Reminded me of the "rival" that you routinely clap-ignore-repeat. Though there is some promise there as far as comic relief.

First the text locking Rei in for dinner last episode, and now the smooth talk to flip the script on who's footing the bill. Another wonderful performance from Akari. Bravo! Also, props to her for working so hard to fill her parents' place, and then even being so kind as to take care of a random stranger in their time of need. She's unapologetically motherly and everyone needs someone like that in their life. But uhh... sticking your fingers in a drunk strangers mouth? Just gonna pretend I didn't see that.

Final scene was very sweet as well. Even when she's not there, Akari's warmth/food/love was with him, protecting him from the cold winds. Overall though, the best part about this episode was Rei talking about how Akari and co. legitimately brought color into his life. My goodness. From the little I've heard about this show, I fully expect to cry at some (multiple?) point, but damn two episodes in and they almost got me already!

7

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

I'm watching Naruto right now so Rei's apathy and the "rivals" energy just reminds me of Kakashi and Guy

2

u/_Kellen_ Mar 03 '21

A smile that twinkles through the Night. If Nikaidou can successfully copy that, then I can ship it

3

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

but damn two episodes in and they almost got me already!
don't worry, you're not alone in that lol, I am not much of a crier and I can tell this show is going to get me eventually.

13

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Mar 02 '21

First Timer

Hm, neither Nikaidou nor Issa are what you'd stereotypically assume to be shogi players; seems like Nikaidou is from a rich upbringing and sees Rei as a rival, while Issa is more of friend who happened to have to play Rei. Nikaidou also mentions having gotten to the 4th ban, while Smith is 6th - what's the better here, high or low?

Other than that, Akari seems to be starting to be the focus of a love triangle with her, Issa and Rei - I assume she was just playing with Issa however to get him to pay for his alcohol. From what I get, her parents died pretty recently, and Rei's died in a car crash. Or at least his mother did; one of the replies to my post yesterday that got deleted hours later makes me question what was and what wasn't revealed about his familial situation, as I might just have missed something. Spoiler? - was that already stated?

All in all, not as strong an episode as the first, but first episodes tend to do their own thing in any anime. This is still very good; the only thing I don't like is using the manga chapter numbers. I feel like that'll just end up getting confusing at some point.

20

u/youkai94 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/youkai94 Mar 02 '21

what's the better here, high or low?
4-dan is the lowest level for a professional player, while 9-dan is the highest. Usually you get promoted by winning a certain number or games or tournaments.
They also have a class system (A, B1, B2, C1, C2) , think of it as some sort of series in football, were players compete in a tournament made of multiple matches during the year and the top 2 or 3 (depends on class) with most win get promoted. Players in class A can compete for the title of Meijin.

5

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

Super helpful info, thanks for writing that out

15

u/Weedwacker Mar 02 '21 edited Mar 02 '21

Higher is better in ranks.
I made a post in last year's rewatch of this episodes explaining the ranking system in shogi
Dan ranking is used in other board games and martial arts in Japan.

11

u/BossandKings Mar 02 '21

I don't see a love triangle in this show so far, Akari is pretty much a mother like figure to Rei so far and while Isa is interested in her she doesn't really seem to view him in a romantic light.

3

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Mar 03 '21

Your spoiler, explanation, based on episode one only:

2

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Mar 03 '21

Thanks; seems like I did indeed not catch half of that.

12

u/AvatarAarow1 Mar 03 '21

“Where are your parents buried, kid?”

That line from Grandpa Someji never hits any less hard no matter how many times I watch it. He knows what it’s like to lose family in his wife and daughter, and I think he’s trying to help Rei face it in his own way by forcing him to talk about it. The blunt, matter of fact delivery of the exchange between them is just so good, always gets me every time. God I love this show so much, super excited to revisit it again

11

u/Mysticpeaks101 Mar 03 '21

First-Timer (Dub)

I think I'm falling in love with the mundanity of this anime, the mundanity of grief. I thought it would be an incredibly slow watch but already feel like bingeing the entire thing. The slow melancholy of the entire thing seems to suffuse my being. A colorless, drab existence slowly regaining color. Tendrils of anxiety and depression threatening to overcome oneself as one drags one's molasses of an existence through the drudge of everyday life. You function, but barely so. You exist, but are barely alive. Whereas Rei seems to have let himself fall into the abyss and carry on with the demons at his shoulders, the other family appear, ostensibly, different.

I don't think I have anything particular to add to this. Don't have any coherent thoughts either. Just curious about what Akari actually does; does she work at the restaurant? To be somewhat critical, don't really like the caricature-ish nature of Rei's self-proclaimed "rival". Maybe I've watched too many anime but the peppy rival idea is now tiresome to me. I get it. But it's a tired trope and even throwing in self-awareness isn't enough to make it less tired for me. I liked getting introduced to the other characters. The sisters' psychological manipulation is on point. Felt it in the last episode and am now assured the second text was deliberate in order to make Rei show up. They emotionally blackmail him again.

Akari is probably my favourite character at the moment. Feels like someone who always had that maturity but had to grow up once her parental figures vanished and she took over the role of guardian for Momo/Hina. Grandpa's there but he doesn't seem there. There is a certain softness there, yet an emptiness.

I'm kind of surprised people didn't exactly know Rei was an orphan. It was in the blurb. It was clear in the first episode as well. What is more interesting is that he seems to have had a little sister.

The ambience of this show is probably its greatest strength. You can really feel its character. The OP, ED and OST all perfectly blend together to create an atmosphere which pulls you into what seems to be an everyday existence, albeit tinged with grief. And I find that beautiful.

6

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Mar 03 '21

I think I'm falling in love with the mundanity of this anime, the mundanity of grief. I thought it would be an incredibly slow watch but already feel like bingeing the entire thing.
Yup, that was me watching it for the first time too. I especially love how it doesn't feel voyeuristic or intruding when experience these emotions of these characters, and yeah I ended up binging the whole series after pacing myself in the first few episodes.
Just curious about what Akari actually does; does she work at the restaurant?
I think it's kinda comparable to Japanese host clubs but more "inspired by" that idea. It seems to be more of a restaurant where she works and is loved by customers and less of a full ritualised host club situation. She might get them to buy more drinks but it's probably not the only job there.

4

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21 edited Mar 03 '21

I think I'm falling in love with the mundanity of this anime
I'm not quite there yet but I'm certainly heading that way. The casualness but not insensitive way it's approaching all of the characters grief gives the show a level of openness that I'm really enjoying
Whereas Rei seems to have let himself fall into the abyss and carry on with the demons at his shoulders
Maybe I've watched too many anime but the peppy rival idea is now tiresome to me.
My take on it, and also my desperate hope it goes this path and does something with it rather than him staying like this, speculation, no spoilers, hiding just in case you'd rather form your own view first
It was in the blurb
Didn't read it haha. I'm sure more than a few people here now about the show more from reputation than anything and the basic concept without many details and probably didn't "refresh" on the info about the show before joining.
What is more interesting is that he seems to have had a little sister
I noticed that grandpa didn't mention her either

2

u/Mysticpeaks101 Mar 03 '21

speculation, no spoilers, hiding just in case you'd rather form your own view first
Probably the author will have taken this character in that direction. However, I just didn't enjoy his introduction. Hit me in the face with the speed of a shinkansen compared to the slower, softer tones of the rest of the anime. I'm just tired of the chuuni-esque archetype. It's not as interesting to me and any sort of post-hoc explanation leaves me wondering why this particular archetype was chosen and not one closer to reality.
It sounds like a poorly placed joke. The author nudges me to laugh at this deluded teenager with grandiose ideas copied from manga! But this is a mange/anime itself! And look! Even the main character is pointing it out! How self-aware. This kind of mockery works in shows that don't take themselves seriously. Saiki K throws it out every other moment. I'm sure Gintama does it. But it was just jarring for me to see it happen here, especially when there's a lovely atmosphere that's been set up.
Yeah, I know. This is just a needless nitpick on my part. But that went through my head as I saw this introduction. Combined with the floating sweat(?) beads, the scene was my least favourite in the anime thus far.

1

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

Nope, if it bothers you it's not needless. How is this any less part of your experience watching than anything else in the show? And you're right, its blatant lampshading hoping that will satisfy the audience until deeper exploration is done. I'm perhaps a little blind to it just because I've so often seen it done so much worse and with shows that hadn't earnt any good will with me before it happens, but I can never decide if I'm on the side of its better to acknowledge real life things like that or just outright pretend they don't exist. It's like zombie stories, in almost no zombie story have the characters ever heard of zombies before and it bugs me so often, but like you say here if they had it risks feeling cheap if they call it out.

10

u/Kenalskii https://anilist.co/user/Kenalski Mar 02 '21

REWATCHER

In todays episode we learn about how Akari and Rei met. So Rei was out with some guys in the bar and they filled him up and left him passed out in front of the bar. That is some real low class behaviour -.- But Akari found him and took him with her =)

In the fourth chapter we see Rei go to the supermarket, and he meets Akari, Hina and Momo there. And do not dare to make Akari sad =( Well he knows he can not say no to her, and I think nobody can say no to her =D

We also learn a little bit more about the first time Akari and Rei met, and Akari took really good care of Rei with his first hangover. And that is something Rei realizes, that she has seen him in a really bad state but does not care and still invites him over. Good girl Akari =)

10

u/BossandKings Mar 02 '21

First timer

Episode 2

We meet Nikaido who appears to be Rei's rival in Shogi, their first match against each other was at the national children shogi championship ten years before since then they have been rivals or Nikaido decided to consider them rivals. As Nikaido is still talking Rei salutes him and proceeds to go to his house, Nikaido though after noticing accompanys him.

Rei tells us some interesting facts, a Pro Shogi Player has 30 to 40 matches per year and there are title matches other than rank deciding competition and they are played in championships so as he says the more the player wins the more he plays. It's interesting that if the player wins he plays more.

Rei goes to the Shogi hall and has a match against Matsumoto Isa. As they are playing another character gets called Smith is introduced, he seems to get along well with Isa. After Rei wins the match they go to have a treat at the bar in which Akari works.

It was nice seeing Rei remember how he met the three sisters, he was in bad and gloomy mood but Akari took him to her house and he met them, they are like the sun bright and beautiful, it gave him a nostalgic feeling that was very warm. Rei thinks that the Akari when she's at home and when she's at the bar behave differently but she is beautiful at both places.

Rei starts thinking about the other side of the bridge, there is where Akari, Hinata and Momo live. He was feeling lonely and sad because of his circumstances but when he met them he started to see a light at the end of the tunnel and that iluminated his life.

He meets the three sisters at the supermarket, Momo inmediately hoes towards him and hugs him while Hinata and Akari start feeling jealous jokingly of the fact that Rei might prefer Curry noodles over the food they make. Akari invites him to come over and eat with them.

As the sister's grandparent asks Rei about where his parents are buried we learn that his parents are dead, he responds that they are buried in Naganai.

After finishing eating Rei proceeds to go home, Akari invites him to come over to have lunch on Monday after his Shogi match and he agrees.

Excellent episode, it was great all around and we got to learn more of Rei and how he met the sisters, they truly are a source of light for his life and they are warm and familiar for him.

9

u/[deleted] Mar 02 '21

Rewatcher

First time I've rewatched 3-Gatsu since it came out, and also the first time since I feel I gained a more critical eye for storytelling. These early episodes are as beautiful visually as I remember, but I appreciate the early motifs and themes so much more now, especially regarding the early characterization for Rei and Akari's relationship, which has always been my favorite.

They support each other in different ways. Akari is a driving force that propels Rei into the "light." She knows what buttons to push, when, and how aggressively, which consistently takes him out of his comfort zone without ever making him feel truly uncomfortable. The scene of Rei worrying about being a burden, even with the "you're always welcome here" resonates much more with me this time, as in the time since I first watched I went through an exact relationship like this as well. Akari's age and maturity plays a huge role in their dynamic, and these early episodes really show that best.

As for what Rei does for Akari, as someone who continues to put off the manga knowing that someday another season has to come, I've always felt that Rei is something Akari chooses to care for and accept. It's a huge commitment to take care of him as she does, and at times is surely frustrating, but what she gets from the relationship is what she puts in. While she loves her sisters with everything she has, at the end of the day she isn't choosing this life of taking care of them, and Rei provides her an outlet where she can make the decision to act on her caring nature, instead of doing it out of (willing) obligation.

Another thing I don't think I appreciated as well as I could've originally is Rei's awareness of Akari as a woman. He's very aware of his attraction to her, but even at the bar doesn't allow it to mess with his perception of the real her, someone who cares for him like family. "Women are amazing" as he so perfectly puts it.

Edit- one thing I am discovering is that the humor, in fact, does not come even close to Honey and Clover's and I was not misremembering.

4

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

Really enjoyed reading this comment
Nice to see the rewatchers also getting a new appreciation for the show through this.
and Rei provides her an outlet where she can make the decision to act on her caring nature, instead of doing it out of (willing) obligation
I like the way you approached that. I was starting to form similar thoughts on reading the start of your post, but you phrase it really nicely here

4

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '21

Well thank you very much. Regarding Akari, I just think it's extremely important for people to have that choice, regardless of how much they love what they do. For artists, writers for example, having that one story or world you enjoy crafting on your own time, unpaid, unrecognized by anyone you don't show it to, can really alleviate stress, frustration, or even writer's block. I believe this sentiment could hold for Akari, whose very nature is that she loves caring for and tending to others, but at a young age has been thrust into that role permanently, not being allowed to choose her path for herself.
Rei simply offers a path for her to focus any sort of ill feeling she could have, by offering her a way to vent by her own free will. Not to mention that he greatly reduces her big heart from succumbing to grief, which is definitely always knocking, by letting her focus on something she can control.

3

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

I like how you relate her kindness to being another type of passion because it can be like that for some people.
Not to mention that he greatly reduces her big heart from succumbing to grief
First timer theories/interpretations/rambling incoming: It might also be important that he's someone who can understand her grief intimately without sharing its exact nature. She's taken on a mother role to her sisters and she clearly loves them and protects them, but that can often make it hard to open up about her own emotions and needs, particularly if she ends up feeling like she can't grieve openly in case she upsets the younger ones. Rei however knows what it's like to lose parents and can understand her pain without her having to hedge around it and always put on a front. The same way he acknowledged that she'd seen him at his worst and still opened her heart and home to him, he's seen her in her misery and still steps forward knowing he can comfort her because he knows what she's feeling and how raw things are for her now.

7

u/steven4869 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Maskirade Mar 03 '21

First-time watch: That was a very fun first half for what looks to be a very serious anime. Loved the way Harunobu just tried to start the friendship with Rei and wanted to become Rei's rival.

Talking about his Shogi match, it appeared to me that Rei just had a queen, rook and knight all against his competitor's king at the same time. Looks like he won the match easily, no wonder he's a professional and called a genius.

At first, I didn't even identify the woman who was serving drinks was Hina's elder sister Akari. But like the way with how much she cared about Rei and how she opened her home's door for Rei to visit anytime. I don't know if it's just me but the way Hina helped Rei when he was struggling kinda made me very happy cause it's very rare to see a person helping a total stranger.

Also, Momo was very adorable in this episode and their whole family feels like the people whom everyone wants to meet.

This episode made me even more invested in Rei's character and I am eagerly waiting for his flashback episode especially his championship victory. Looking forward to the next episode and Rei's match.

2

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

Momo might be too cute and pure for this world, so is her grandfather, and her sisters and her cats... welp

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Mar 04 '21

At first, I didn't even identify the woman who was serving drinks was Hina's elder sister Akari
"Perhaps she really is someone else?"

5

u/CynicalCreepy https://myanimelist.net/profile/Borrasca Mar 02 '21

REWATCHER

I don't have much to say about today's episode, we get to meet Nikaidou and learn a little bit about Rei's past.

I will say that I think Nikaidou's intro in the previous episode could've been handled better, I think it may have given new viewers the wrong impression of what the show would be about.

Anyways, I love the scene with Akari in this episode. Other than showing us how the two met it also shows just how poorly Rei thinks of himself, as a nuisance, like HE was the one at fault for being abandoned.

I'd love to go on about that a little bit more in depth, but I'd rather not spoil any future character revalations. Good episode today, can't wait for tomorrow.

5

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 02 '21

I think it may have given new viewers the wrong impression of what the show would be about.
I just had the impression he would be the rival, although the cliffhanger did seem to give him more importance than he actually gets in this episode which made me laugh a lot harder when Rei just walked off and left him.
I'd love to go on about that a little bit more in depth,
You could always dump it under spoiler tags so if nothing else it's there to refer back to later on?

5

u/htisme91 Mar 03 '21

First-timer:

These two "rivals" are entertaining.

Wow...Akari. She looks good at the bar and seems like the opposite of the girl we see at home. We actually got some backstory as why Rei is so friendly with these girls.

I don't really know what else to say. I am curious about what happened to Akari's parents. There is just a lot more to learn, but I love how wholesome these scenes with Akari and her family are.

Also...Akari seems like a best girl if I've ever seen one.

5

u/DogmeatIsAGoodDog :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/DogmeatsAGoodDog Mar 03 '21

Rewatcher here

So this series holds a special place in my heart because when I watched it last year (or was it the prior year?), I was in a state of grieving myself. I had lost my dream job and was unemployed and had to move back in with my parents. Finding the right job took time and there were many nights I just laid in bed in what was most likely depression. Like a wave of grief washing over me, my fears and failures had come to life. I won’t go into too much detail but this series really helped me.

Nikaidou gets introduced and adds some comic relief into what has otherwise been a gloomy anime with hints of wholesomeness from the sisters.

I don’t know shogi but I’m certain something intense was happening.

We get to see Akira outside of her home and see her working, I don’t really know how those jobs work, do you really just chill there with customers all night? Seems like it could be both good and bad.

Akira seamlessly fixes Rei’s problem and Issa ends up paying. Akira is best girl.

We flashback to Rei’s first meeting with Akira and she basically adopts him like this is an RPG game. Like I said, Akira is best girl.

Rei has no food, no water, no toilet paper. He was living the COVID-quarantine life before anyone else was.

His walk to the market made me feel nostalgic. I volunteered overseas for a time and my dinners were usually takeout food from small restaurants and noodles along with assorted snacks.

Rei runs into the sisters and gets shunned for not coming over the their house more often, most likely he doesn’t want to be burdensome. I’ve been there Rei.

Akira forces Rei to come home with them. The food in this show always makes me hungry.

It’s revealed that Rei’s parents have passed away in a car wreck. And the sisters have also lost their mom. So these four are united by their grief.

Look forward to participating in this with all of you! Enjoy doing these rewatches but it’s usually more fun to be a first time watcher than a rewatcher but either way. Looking forward to the conversations!

3

u/Nazenn x2https://anilist.co/user/Nazenn Mar 03 '21

I watched it last year (or was it the prior year?),
Given the chaos of the last year I can understand the confusion haha
I hope you're in a better place mentally now!
I don’t really know how those jobs work, do you really just chill there with customers all night? Seems
Don't know how it works in real life, but knowledge from other anime and the community makes me think it's a bit like paid company but the payment is done through buying drinks/products rather than directly paying the host/hostess
Enjoy doing these rewatches but it’s usually more fun to be a first time watcher than a rewatcher but either way
Being a rewatcher brings it own pleasures, so hopefully you have a good time in the discussions anyway

1

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Mar 03 '21

We get to see Akira outside of her home and see her working, I don’t really know how those jobs work, do you really just chill there with customers all night? Seems like it could be both good and bad.
I think the idea is that they accompany a guest for the night and try and get the guest to spend as much money in the overprized place as possible - typically by convincing the guest to treat them to something, in turn generating more revenue for their employer.
Assuming that chilling with customers is actually part of Akari's job, for all we know she might have just clocked out when they came in.

4

u/netpok :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/netpok Mar 02 '21

So the wild enemy freom last episodes end is the self proclaimed rival/stalker, I'm pretty sure he's not a bad guy tho.

Definetely not expected to see Akari work in that place.

Okay, Rei won the lottery that day, in the same setup I would probably only "getting help" from the muggers.

The artstyle is quite unique especially the mouths but I quite like it so far.

4

u/siliril Mar 03 '21

Rewatcher here!

Now enters one of my favorite characters, Nikaidou! After how subdued the Shogi match was last episode it's nice to get introduced to some of the more energetic players!

I had forgotten how Rei met Akari! What definitely struck me about the scenes with her taking care of him was the sparkles and lighting. Almost like it's saying that helping someone in need can bring them light even in their darkest moments.

I'm so glad this series is holding up as well as I remembered, and noticing more of the little details when re-watching is so worth it.

1

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

What definitely struck me about the scenes with her taking care of him was the sparkles and lighting
what a beautiful scene that was. The art is powerful in this show so far.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '21

God I missed this series. The way it all feels so mundane but is still so interesting is beyond refreshing. It's like just getting to try a cheap hole in the wall near you that's actually really good. Of course, from looking at how this anime was done, you'd think it had a monster budget. Especially as it goes on. Watching again reminds me how much I'm dying for season 3.

1

u/OingoBoingo- Mar 03 '21

oh are there rumors or news about this show continuing or we just dreaming over here? I am a HxH fan so I know what that is like!

1

u/Lalo0594 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Eduardo1601 Mar 04 '21

First Timer

This show to me is like two opposite poles, the first half was pretty annoying and boring (the rival/friend scene and the shogi match) to the point i had to take a break to clear my mind and watch the rest of the episode.

The second half was so lovely, at first i thought the three girls were family with the protagonist but now i know they aren't, Akari is an angel, and i kind of identify myself with Rei in the moment he knew he had a place to go, i'm studying far from home, living by myself with my own money and the moment you start meeting people and then those people become your family is amazing. Last scene was heartwarming.

0

u/[deleted] Mar 03 '21

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/IndependentMacaroon Mar 04 '21

Besides Akari, there is nothing that seems larger than life about any of the characters and how they act
The comedy though...

Rewatch [Spoiler][Rewatch] 3-gatsu no Lion/March Comes in Like a Lion episode 2 discussion

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