The BEST episodes directed by Kenjirō Okada

Ladybug Bush / Feelings
star
8.74
60 votes

#1 - Ladybug Bush / Feelings

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 4

Hinata has been friends with Chiho since elementary school, but now that they’re third-year middle school students, Chiho has become the target of bullying by classmates. While other students pretend they don’t see anything happening, only Hinata calls out to Chiho and still tries to be her friend. However, the situation only gets worse...

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Black Mist / Light
star
8.67
50 votes

#2 - Black Mist / Light

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 12

After Hinata’s class returns from the trip, the atmosphere in the classroom changes again in a different and strange direction. At long last, Hinata's guardians are being called in for a parent-teacher-student conference.

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The Other House / Child of March Town
star
8.42
46 votes

#3 - The Other House / Child of March Town

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 22

Rei finally pays a visit to his adoptive mother's residence, after neglecting to visit ever since he moved out. Afterwards, Rei invites Hina and Takahashi for some monja as a last farewell. But before Hina starts high school, she decides to do something drastic.

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Small World / Letter
star
8.41
52 votes

#4 - Small World / Letter

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 6

When Rei visits the Kawamotos, Hinata talks to him about school. Little by little, she confides in Rei about the classroom atmosphere. But one day during lunch, the baseball team’s ace and all-around popular guy, Takahashi, pops in to Hinata’s class?!

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Small Palm / Sunny Place
star
8.40
46 votes

#5 - Small Palm / Sunny Place

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 13

Mr. Kokubu continues to remedy the class bullying problem. As the situation seems to be winding down, Hinata finally get a letter from Chiho.

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Kingdom
star
8.35
46 votes

#6 - Kingdom

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 9

On the night before she leaves for a school trip to Kyoto, Hinata has dinner at home with Rei and her family, but can't finish the food on her plate because of a stomachache. Rei also leaves the same day as Hinata, but goes to Osaka to challenge Junkei Yamazaki for the Newcomer Tournament final.

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Passing Time / Spring Comes
star
8.34
46 votes

#7 - Passing Time / Spring Comes

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 21

Hinata has been studying intently for the high school entrance exams, when she learns in shock that Takahashi, the classmate she has long admired, will be going to a school far away. People she had assumed will always be with her keep leaving her… Depressed Hinata ends up getting a fever just days before the exam. Nevertheless, Rei comes by on the day of the exam, to walk to school with her.

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Silver Wings / River Scenery
star
8.30
49 votes

#8 - Silver Wings / River Scenery

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 10

In the world of shogi, one can only continue making an effort, but Yamazaki finds that Nikaidou and Rei never falter and always throw themselves into the “deep end.” Nevertheless, Yamazaki is determined to win and after beating Nikaidou in the Newcomer Tournament semifinals, he faces Rei in the match that will decide the next Newcomer King.

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Feelings / Confession
star
8.26
52 votes

#9 - Feelings / Confession

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 5

Rei sees his former homeroom teacher, Mr. Hayashida, for advice about bullying. Hayashida offers many examples and concludes with sound advice. After racking his brain, Rei also arrives at his own conclusion about what he can do to help Hina. Meanwhile, Akari has been carrying doubts in her heart about the incident, and opens up to Rei...

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New School Term / Fighter
star
8.24
73 votes

#10 - New School Term / Fighter

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 22

Rei begins a new school year, and embarks on new adventures. While looking back at the past, we'll look forward to the future.

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Midday Moon / Adventurers
star
8.15
47 votes

#11 - Midday Moon / Adventurers

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 8

When the struggling Rei tells Mr. Hayashida that he wants to help Hinata and her family, his former homeroom teacher advises him to do what he can, one thing at a time. Taking those words to heart, Rei goes on a smooth winning streak with his matches. On the other hand, Nikaidou has suddenly been hospitalized?!

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Agreement / Over the Cuckoo's Nest
star
8.13
90 votes

#12 - Agreement / Over the Cuckoo's Nest

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 5

Rei must pick up Momo from kindergarten. Nothing can go wrong with doing this errand, right? Unfortunately, this leads Rei to remember more of his past.

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Summer Vacation (Part 2) / New Year
star
8.04
47 votes

#13 - Summer Vacation (Part 2) / New Year

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 20

Hinata has been coming up with new ideas for sweets one after another all throughout summer vacation, but struggles to focus on her studies and deciding which high schools to apply to. Rei decides to invite the three Kawamoto sisters to some nagashi somen fun at his school. When Hinata meets the members of Noguchi's Shogi Science Club and Hayashida, she begins considering Komahashi High, Rei's high school.

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Kyoto
star
8.01
70 votes

#14 - Kyoto

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 20

The second day of the fourth match for the Lion King Tournament begins. Rei sure does get caught up with strange people.

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Rainy Season / Hachiya
star
7.96
48 votes

#15 - Rainy Season / Hachiya

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 7

Hinata is so enraged by her classmates and homeroom teacher. When Rei arrives for a visit at the Kawamoto home, he treats Hinata with kindness in his own way. On the other hand, the semi-finals of the Newcomer Tournament are here. Rei’s opponent is Subaru Hachiya, the “Irritated Prince of the East.” How will Rei fare against this strong, irritable yet irritating player?

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The Old Year / The New Year
star
7.96
70 votes

#16 - The Old Year / The New Year

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 11

All of Rei's matches are done for the year, but a small tragedy happens as the year comes to a close. Will Rei be able to overcome it?

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Burnt Field (Part 1) / Burnt Field (Part 2)
star
7.93
44 votes

#17 - Burnt Field (Part 1) / Burnt Field (Part 2)

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 17

Rei and Nikaidou are to be the board commentators for the final Kishou Championship match between Yanagihara and Shimada. All of the reporters and staff members that attend the pre-game reception turn out to be old friends of Yanagihara, who has been the reigning Kishou champion for years. Despite the immense pressure of an “away game” for the challenger, Shimada, he is determined more than ever to win his very first title.

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When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom / Small Murmur
star
7.93
73 votes

#18 - When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom / Small Murmur

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 21

The fourth match of the Lion King Tournament has finally ended. But for some reason, Rei finds himself in a very unfamiliar territory.

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Being Here / Summer Vacation (Part 1)
star
7.91
44 votes

#19 - Being Here / Summer Vacation (Part 1)

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 19

Crescent Moon will put up a food stand at the March Town summer festival featuring "sweet chilled rice flour dumpling and syrup," an idea that Akari and Hinata came up with. Hinata also visits Chiho at the beginning of summer vacation. Chiho has gotten her smile back, even though she still bears the emotional scars of bullying.

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Burnt Field (Part 3) / Burnt Field (Part 4)
star
7.90
42 votes

#20 - Burnt Field (Part 3) / Burnt Field (Part 4)

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 18

It’s the final match of the Kishou Championship and the honorary title of “Eternal Kishou” is on the line for Yanagihara. As the shogi game approaches the final stage, Shimada is dominating. Yanagihara reflects on how he’s been entrusted with metaphorical relay race-like “sashes” from friends who have given up or retired from the professional shogi world. Even while feeling bound by this pressure, Yanagihara continues to play.

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Harunobu / Beyond the Night Sky
star
7.88
95 votes

#21 - Harunobu / Beyond the Night Sky

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 3

Showdown between Rei and Harunobu in a shogi match! Will Harunobu finally defeat his lifelong rival? Tune in as we celebrate the end of Obon.

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Where the Sun Shines / Small World
star
7.86
41 votes

#22 - Where the Sun Shines / Small World

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 11

Just when Rei thought he found a happy place within school, that place begins to disappear. Meanwhile, Shimada has a match against Gakuto Sakurai 7th-Dan, as they vie for the right to challenge Yanagihara, the venerable reigning Kishou champion.

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Something Given
star
7.85
67 votes

#23 - Something Given

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 10

Rei's next match is with Mr. Yasui. Mr. Yasui's memories with his daughter are on the line, so will Rei throw the match, or will he bring misery to others by winning?

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Flowing Away / White Storm
star
7.83
47 votes

#24 - Flowing Away / White Storm

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 14

Chairman Jinguuji focuses more on attracting customers to the commemorative match between Souya and Rei, though Shimada warns him that neither Souya nor Rei are comfortable being the center of attention. On the eve of their match in Morioka, Rei and Souya attend a reception in honor of it, even though Rei is extremely nervous about playing against the Meijin for the first time.

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What Lies on the Opposite Shore / Black River
star
7.83
70 votes

#25 - What Lies on the Opposite Shore / Black River

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 12

Rei runs astray a little bit, but gets right back on track. Can he bear the cold jokes from his latest opponent, Tsujii, and emerge victorious?

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White Storm / Restart
star
7.80
45 votes

#26 - White Storm / Restart

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 16

On the way back home from their commemorative match in Morioka, Rei and Souya are forced to stay in Sendai for a night because of a typhoon. Rei is relieved after they find lodging, but soon gets a phone call from Chairman Jinguuji, who tells him a certain secret. Meanwhile, Nikaidou is out of the hospital and ready to make a comeback in the first qualifying round of the Jeweled King Tournament.

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White Storm
star
7.77
47 votes

#27 - White Storm

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 15

The commemorative match begins between Rei and Meijin Souya. There’s a clear gap between their levels, but Rei holds on tight to his opponent, which causes a lively discussion among staff members who are watching the match in a waiting room. However, during the middle stage of the match, Rei makes a move that will probably cost him the game. Even so, he doesn’t give up and continues to play, searching for the best possible move each turn. How will the match turn out in the end?

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June / Ladybug Bush
star
7.75
51 votes

#28 - June / Ladybug Bush

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 3

During a lunch break between matches, Nikaidou pressures Rei to win all his matches so they can battle in the finals. Rei looks on coolly until Nikaidou points out feelings Rei never realized he had. Meanwhile, at the Kawamoto house, Someji, Akari, Hinata and Momo have a brainstorming session about Crescent Moon’s new summer sweet creation. Momo proposes novel ideas, but the usually cheerful Hinata seems down...

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Torrent / Passing Time
star
7.74
68 votes

#29 - Torrent / Passing Time

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 18

The Lion King Tournament is underway, although things are not looking good for the challenger. Still, he will not give up, and is determined to press forward.

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Teach Me How to Play Shogi / Image / Distant Thunder
star
7.73
75 votes

#30 - Teach Me How to Play Shogi / Image / Distant Thunder

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 8

Let's continue to learn Shogi! In this episode, we'll also discover a little more about Rei's Father, and not to mention that special guest he has..

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Moonlight / Lump of Ego
star
7.72
68 votes

#31 - Moonlight / Lump of Ego

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 15

And now begins two of three matches to determine who will go up against Master Souya in the Lion King Tournament!

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Akari / Beyond the Bridge
star
7.70
107 votes

#32 - Akari / Beyond the Bridge

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 2

Who was that mysterious figure who stole his mail? And Akari's job is what?! Tune in as we continue to explore Rei's past.

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Hina / V.S.
star
7.67
88 votes

#33 - Hina / V.S.

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 4

Will Hina be able to give her home made lunch to the person she is concerned about? Tune in as a fateful meeting unfolds in front of our eyes...

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Silver Thread / Water's Surface / Base of the Blue Night
star
7.67
69 votes

#34 - Silver Thread / Water's Surface / Base of the Blue Night

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 17

The Lion King Tournament finally begins. Rei continues to grow with his workshop buddies, but also runs into some trouble with his sister.

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Important Things. Important Matters / Teach Me How to Play Shogi
star
7.66
76 votes

#35 - Important Things. Important Matters / Teach Me How to Play Shogi

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 7

What will Kiriyama and Takahashi talk about? Will it end well? Let's hope the cute kitties can teach us how to play shogi!

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Child of God
star
7.65
78 votes

#36 - Child of God

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 6

Does Rei want to go somewhere, or just run away? Let's discover more of the Shogi world as Mr. Hayashida comes to the rescue!

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Setting Sun / Ramune
star
7.64
57 votes

#37 - Setting Sun / Ramune

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 1

The After School Science Club merged with a proposed shogi club to become “the Shogi Science Club.” Club activities include Rei teaching the members how to play shogi and Rei being taught various science experiments. Rei realizes that he’s delighted to have a warm place where he belongs at school. With ramune in hand, he heads for the Kawamoto home.

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Passing the Night / Kyoto
star
7.63
73 votes

#38 - Passing the Night / Kyoto

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 19

Match Four of the Lion King Tournament begins in Kyoto. We find out a little more about the Challenger, and the reasons he continues to persist.

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Chaos / Kumakura
star
7.59
50 votes

#39 - Chaos / Kumakura

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 2 - Episode 2

Rei is at the Shogi Hall with Nikaidou and other players to watch the live broadcast of the final game for the Meijin Championship between Souya and Kumakura. Meanwhile, veteran player Yanagihara describes the game as “chaos,” but what does that portend for the Meijin Championship?

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Blinding Darkness / Just a Little Water
star
7.56
66 votes

#40 - Blinding Darkness / Just a Little Water

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 14

Shimada and Rei's battle continues as Rei begins to drown in his embarassment. Watch as their battle finally comes to a close

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Distant Thunder
star
7.53
73 votes

#41 - Distant Thunder

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 9

Rei has a match with the old Mr. Matsunaga. If Mr. Matsunaga loses one more game, he'll have to retire. How will Rei handle the match?

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Running Through the Night / Middle of the Slope
star
7.50
67 votes

#42 - Running Through the Night / Middle of the Slope

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 16

Master Souya's challenger in the Lion King Tournament has been determined! Also, Rei decides to take a step in the direction that will benefit him in the long run.

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Rei Kiriyama / The Town Along the River
star
7.41
134 votes

#43 - Rei Kiriyama / The Town Along the River

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 1

Rei Kiriyama moves in to town, and his past is slowly revealed. Alongside battling opponents in shogi, he also wants to find that missing something...

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Black River / Beyond the Door
star
7.23
68 votes

#44 - Black River / Beyond the Door

March Comes in Like a Lion - Season 1 - Episode 13

Smith prepares for his battle with the intimidating Gotou, and Rei is determined not to lose against Shimada. How will their matches go?

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It's Proof of the End of a Friendship
star
6.86
37 votes

#45 - It's Proof of the End of a Friendship

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story - Season 1 - Episode 2

Iroha remembers that her wish was to cure her younger sister, Ui’s, illness; however, there is no sign of Ui’s existence in her life. She goes to Kamihama City to find clues about her, but is attacked by a Witch and subsequently saved by a trio of Magical Girls, Momoko, Rena, and Kaede. There is a rumor going around about the Friendship Ending Staircase at Rena and Kaede’s school. Momoko and the others believe that a Witch is involved in the rumor, so they’ve been investigating it, but…

Sorry for Making You My Friend
star
6.85
33 votes

#46 - Sorry for Making You My Friend

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story - Season 1 - Episode 3

Rena wrote Kaede's name on the Friendship Ending Staircase. Kaede apologizes to Rena, but she is kidnapped by the Chain Monsters, confirming that the rumor about the staircase was true. In order to find Kaede and bring her back, Momoko and her companions come up with a strategy to lure out the Chain Monsters. Yachiyo has joined the group after being asked by Momoko to help them. Yachiyo claims that Iroha will hinder the operation and refuses to let her participate in the battle with the Chain Monsters.

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I'll Do Anything
star
6.69
26 votes

#47 - I'll Do Anything

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story - Season 1 - Episode 6

Iroha wanders into Kosho Ward in Kamihama City. On the street, she is offered some Lucky Owl Water, which is said to bring good fortune, and without much thought, takes a sip. Another Magical Girl named Felicia also happens to drink the Lucky Owl Water. Wherever they go together they have extremely good luck. They have such good luck, in fact, that Iroha finds it a little strange. Felicia makes a living as a mercenary, and offers her services to Iroha to help find Ui, but…

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Why Is This So Unbearable?
star
6.52
23 votes

#48 - Why Is This So Unbearable?

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story - Season 1 - Episode 12

With Yachiyo in low spirits, Iroha and company leave her behind and head for the Memory Museum. Touka Satomi, a friend of Iroha’s sister, Ui, awaits them there to give them a lecture about the truth of Magical Girls. Yachiyo’s past memories give her a push, and she decides to go find Iroha. However, at that very moment Iroha is already in the midst of a "vicarious practical learning" course prepared by the Magius.

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I Want to Go Home With You
star
6.48
25 votes

#49 - I Want to Go Home With You

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story - Season 1 - Episode 7

Felicia was asked to join the Wings of the Magius, an organization that works within the shadow of rumors. She betrays Iroha and her friends and joins them. Kyoko is also invited by the Wings of the Magius and decides to join the organization. Iroha and company track Felicia down to an underground waterway, where the Wings of the Magius lurk. When the good luck count from the Lucky Owl Water reaches zero, it is said that unimaginably bad luck will befall whoever drank it.

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