Chica Umino's acclaimed shogi drama manga March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion) has published its latest chapter in Hakusensha's Young Animal Issue 21, released on October 23, 2026. The issue also confirmed details regarding the upcoming "March Comes in Like a Lion Diary 2027," scheduled to hit Japanese retailers on November 27 with pre-orders currently open across major bookstores.
Shogi and Human Warmth
Serialized in Young Animal, Umino's award-winning narrative chronicles the life of Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old professional shogi player overburdened by past trauma and existential isolation. His routine shifts as he forms a deep bond with the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—whose welcoming household gradually restores his emotional well-being. The manga previously received a celebrated two-season television anime adaptation by studio Shaft between 2016 and 2018, as well as a two-part live-action feature film starring Ryunosuke Kamiki in 2017.
Magazine Highlights
Beyond Umino's centerpiece feature, Young Animal Issue 21 highlighted several notable titles from the publication's roster. Author Shoji Gatoh and artist Koushi Kawanaka's Succubus Daikou opened with a color lead page, alongside World Ender by Kei Sazane and Suzu Ameyu. Additionally, the issue announced that the manga adaptation of Jirai Guriiko has been greenlit for a live-action drama series, coinciding with the release of its fifth collected volume on October 29.
