What is anime about chess?

There are several anime that feature chess as a central theme or plot device. Some popular examples include:

  1. Hikaru no Go - Although not strictly about chess, this anime is about a young boy who becomes obsessed with the ancient board game "Go" and sets out to become a professional player. The series covers various aspects of the competitive world of Go, including tournaments, rivalries, and strategy.

  2. Shion no Oh - This anime follows the story of a young girl named Shion who witnesses the murder of her parents and becomes a mute as a result. She takes up the game of shogi (Japanese chess) as a way of coping with her trauma and eventually becomes a professional player.

  3. March Comes in Like a Lion - While primarily about the life of a young shogi player named Rei, this anime features several scenes of the characters playing the game and discussing strategy.

  4. Akagi - This anime is about a young man named Akagi who is a genius at mahjong (a tile-based game similar to poker). While not strictly about chess, mahjong is often compared to chess for its strategic depth and complexity.

Overall, anime about chess (or similar games) tend to focus on the strategic and mental aspects of the game, as well as the intense competition that arises between players. They also often explore themes such as perseverance, ambition, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing a passion.