TV-Series
Description
Issa Matsumoto is a professional shogi player in the anime March Comes in Like a Lion, holding the rank of five-dan. He is introduced as a lively and energetic presence within the shogi community, often serving as a source of humor and warmth among his peers. Physically, he is depicted as a tall individual with a height of 181 centimeters and is in his mid-twenties, with one source placing his age at 26 early in the story. His appearance is youthful, characterized by short, light brown hair and an approachable demeanor that contrasts with the more reserved personalities of some other characters.
Personality-wise, Issa is defined by his boundless enthusiasm, sociability, and a genuine, uncomplicated nature. He is often described as the life of the group, with a knack for lightening the mood in the often intense and solitary world of professional shogi. His approach to the game mirrors his personality, as his playing style is notably aggressive. In fact, he is described by the protagonist Rei Kiriyama as not just being offensive-minded, but as someone who knows how to do nothing but attack. Despite this seemingly one-dimensional strategy, his passion for shogi is authentic, and he brings a sense of joy to the competition.
Issa's role in the narrative is largely centered around his interactions within the shogi hall, where he acts as a supporting and often comedic figure. One of his most significant early appearances involves a match against Rei during a qualifier for the NHK Cup, a tournament that would guarantee the winner a chance to play on national television. The true weight of this match is revealed after Issa loses to Rei. His fellow player and close friend, Smith, explains that Issa's grandfather, who taught him how to play shogi, was very ill and lived in the countryside. Issa's desperate motivation for winning was to have his grandfather see him play on TV, making the loss a particularly bitter one. This moment provides a poignant look at the personal stakes behind every match, a recurring theme in the series.
His key relationships help define his place in the story. He shares a close and frequently playful camaraderie with another player named Smith, who often acts as his companion and foil. Their dynamic highlights the lighter, more social side of the shogi world. Issa also has a well-known, if somewhat one-sided, affection for Akari Kawamoto, the eldest of the three Kawamoto sisters who work at a hostess bar the shogi players frequent. After his match with Rei, the group visits the bar where Akari works, and Issa quickly perks up at the prospect of seeing her, showcasing his easily distractible and lighthearted nature. His interactions with the introverted Rei are often humorous; Issa's energetic and openly affectionate approach can sometimes overwhelm the quieter Rei, but it also represents a form of inclusive support from the wider shogi community.
While a minor character, Issa undergoes small but notable developments that add depth to his role. Later in the series, he goes mountain climbing with another shogi player named Gakuto Sakurai. During this trip, Sakurai saves him, leading Issa to become a devoted follower or "disciple" of Sakurai. This event further illustrates his impressionable and loyal nature. Aside from his aggressive shogi tactics, Issa does not possess any unique or superhuman abilities; his primary function is as a social catalyst and a representation of the camaraderie that exists among the professional players. His boundless energy and genuine warmth provide essential moments of levity and connection, reinforcing the series' exploration of community and support against a backdrop of intense personal struggle.
Personality-wise, Issa is defined by his boundless enthusiasm, sociability, and a genuine, uncomplicated nature. He is often described as the life of the group, with a knack for lightening the mood in the often intense and solitary world of professional shogi. His approach to the game mirrors his personality, as his playing style is notably aggressive. In fact, he is described by the protagonist Rei Kiriyama as not just being offensive-minded, but as someone who knows how to do nothing but attack. Despite this seemingly one-dimensional strategy, his passion for shogi is authentic, and he brings a sense of joy to the competition.
Issa's role in the narrative is largely centered around his interactions within the shogi hall, where he acts as a supporting and often comedic figure. One of his most significant early appearances involves a match against Rei during a qualifier for the NHK Cup, a tournament that would guarantee the winner a chance to play on national television. The true weight of this match is revealed after Issa loses to Rei. His fellow player and close friend, Smith, explains that Issa's grandfather, who taught him how to play shogi, was very ill and lived in the countryside. Issa's desperate motivation for winning was to have his grandfather see him play on TV, making the loss a particularly bitter one. This moment provides a poignant look at the personal stakes behind every match, a recurring theme in the series.
His key relationships help define his place in the story. He shares a close and frequently playful camaraderie with another player named Smith, who often acts as his companion and foil. Their dynamic highlights the lighter, more social side of the shogi world. Issa also has a well-known, if somewhat one-sided, affection for Akari Kawamoto, the eldest of the three Kawamoto sisters who work at a hostess bar the shogi players frequent. After his match with Rei, the group visits the bar where Akari works, and Issa quickly perks up at the prospect of seeing her, showcasing his easily distractible and lighthearted nature. His interactions with the introverted Rei are often humorous; Issa's energetic and openly affectionate approach can sometimes overwhelm the quieter Rei, but it also represents a form of inclusive support from the wider shogi community.
While a minor character, Issa undergoes small but notable developments that add depth to his role. Later in the series, he goes mountain climbing with another shogi player named Gakuto Sakurai. During this trip, Sakurai saves him, leading Issa to become a devoted follower or "disciple" of Sakurai. This event further illustrates his impressionable and loyal nature. Aside from his aggressive shogi tactics, Issa does not possess any unique or superhuman abilities; his primary function is as a social catalyst and a representation of the camaraderie that exists among the professional players. His boundless energy and genuine warmth provide essential moments of levity and connection, reinforcing the series' exploration of community and support against a backdrop of intense personal struggle.