March comes in like a lion meets Bump of Chicken

This special collaborative release centers on the intersection between Chica Umino’s celebrated manga series, March comes in like a lion, and the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken. The project was conceived as a tribute to the deep thematic ties between Umino’s poignant exploration of professional shogi and isolation, and the band’s emotive musical style. Bump of Chicken provided the iconic opening theme 'Fighter' for the anime adaptation, which served as the primary catalyst for this commemorative project.

The visual design features Umino’s signature whimsical yet melancholic art style, blending the manga’s protagonist, Rei Kiriyama, with the distinct aesthetic of the band’s iconography. The collaboration was released to critical acclaim within the anime and music communities, praised for how effectively the artwork captures the introspective atmosphere of the series. It remains a sought-after piece for fans looking to commemorate the synergy between Umino’s storytelling and the band’s contribution to the series' emotional resonance.