No, March Comes In Like A Lion Season 3 isn’t confirmed yet. There has been no official announcement or release date from Studio Shaft as of September 2025. The second season concluded way back in March 2018, and despite a wealth of source material and a passionate fanbase, there has been complete silence on the production of a third season.
Hasn’t it been an agonizingly long wait? After investing countless hours into the beautifully melancholic world of Rei Kiriyama and the heartwarming Kawamoto sisters, the absence of a third season feels like a void. The emotional depth and stunning visuals of the first two seasons left a permanent mark. So, what’s the real story behind the hold-up for Season 3? Let’s dive into everything we know.
Is March Comes In Like A Lion Season 3 Confirmed?
As of right now, the answer is a firm no. There has been absolutely no official word, green light, or even a hint from Studio Shaft or any production committee members about a third season. The official social media channels for the anime have long been dormant regarding a sequel, leaving fans in a perpetual state of waiting and wondering.
Why Hasn’t a Third Season Happened Yet?
There’s no single official reason, but it’s likely a combination of factors. Anime production schedules are incredibly complex. Studio Shaft, the animation studio behind the series, has been occupied with other major projects, including their work on the Monogatari series and a new original film series, Virgin Punk, set for 2025. Prioritizing these new and continuing projects could be a primary reason for the long delay.
Is There Enough Manga Material for Season 3?
Yes, absolutely. This is the most hopeful piece of information for fans. The first two seasons of the anime adapted approximately up to chapter 88 of the manga. The manga, by Chica Umino, is still ongoing, although it has entered its final arc. With over 200 chapters published, there is more than enough content for a full 22-episode third season and likely even a fourth, making a lack of story a non-issue.
What Would Season 3’s Plot Be?
Should a third season get the green light, it would pick up right where Season 2 left off, adapting from chapter 89 onwards. This would plunge viewers deeper into Rei Kiriyama’s journey as a professional shogi player. We would see him navigate more intense and high-stakes matches while continuing to grow personally. The story would also further explore the lives of the beloved Kawamoto sisters, particularly Hinata’s journey and Akari’s personal life, all handled with the same emotional nuance that defined the series.
Who Would Return for Season 3?
It’s a safe bet that the core voice cast and staff would be essential for a new season to maintain the show’s quality. This would include Kengo Kawanishi as Rei Kiriyama and the voices behind the three Kawamoto sisters: Misaki Kuno (Momo), Ai Kayano (Akari), and Kana Hanazawa (Hinata). The return of director Akiyuki Shinbo would also be crucial to preserving the anime’s iconic and visually distinct style.
Where Can I Watch Season 1 While Waiting?
For those wanting to re-experience the magic or for newcomers ready to see what all the heartfelt fuss is about, the first two seasons of March Comes In Like A Lion are available for streaming. You can find all 44 episodes on Crunchyroll, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Rei’s emotional and professional struggles while waiting for any news on a potential continuation.
Will Fans Ever Get March Comes In Like A Lion Season 3?
While the prolonged silence is discouraging, hope is not entirely lost. The series remains critically acclaimed, and the manga continues to be popular. There’s a significant amount of unadapted source material just waiting for an anime treatment. It’s not uncommon for popular anime to go on long hiatuses between seasons. The decision ultimately rests with the production committee, but the passionate demand from fans has not faded.
Is the Manga Finished?
No, the March Comes In Like A Lion manga is not finished, but it is approaching its conclusion. In August 2023, it was announced with the release of the 17th volume that the manga was entering its final stretch. Creator Chica Umino is still carefully crafting the story, meaning there is still new content being created for Rei’s journey.
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My name is Jan Varga, but you can call me MaskaThor. I'm the founder of AnimeNextSeason, a site I built out of frustration with the internet's clickbait problem.
