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A review by gwenolabarr
I Hear the Sunspot by Yuki Fumino
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This series is still ongoing, and my review of the overall series is subject to change. Note, this review encapsulates my thoughts for all I Hear the Sunspot releases (including Theory of Happiness, Limit, and Four Seasons).
The I Hear the Sunspot series by Yuki Fumino is a heartwarming, beautifully crafted exploration of love, ableism, and the experiences of the deaf community in Japan. The series portrays a thoughtful, respectful, and deeply moving depiction of what it means to navigate relationships while also dealing with physical and societal barriers.
The series also does a fantastic job of depicting the subtleties of everyday ableism, how small, often unintentional actions can marginalise people. What stands out is how these moments are handled with care, neither sensationalised nor downplayed, which gives the narrative an authenticity that’s rare to find in many manga exploring disability.
The relationship between Kohei and Taichi is not only realistic but also deeply moving. Taichi’s energetic and caring nature provides a wonderful contrast to Kohei’s reserved and more guarded personality. Their relationship is not defined by Kohei’s hearing loss, but the story doesn’t pretend that his disability isn’t a factor. Instead, it explores how it affects their communication, understanding, and growth as individuals.
This series is particularly special because it educates without ever feeling like it’s preaching. It’s a tender story of love, friendship, and acceptance, wrapped in a thoughtful exploration of ableism and the need for better accessibility and understanding in society.
The I Hear the Sunspot series by Yuki Fumino is a heartwarming, beautifully crafted exploration of love, ableism, and the experiences of the deaf community in Japan. The series portrays a thoughtful, respectful, and deeply moving depiction of what it means to navigate relationships while also dealing with physical and societal barriers.
The series also does a fantastic job of depicting the subtleties of everyday ableism, how small, often unintentional actions can marginalise people. What stands out is how these moments are handled with care, neither sensationalised nor downplayed, which gives the narrative an authenticity that’s rare to find in many manga exploring disability.
The relationship between Kohei and Taichi is not only realistic but also deeply moving. Taichi’s energetic and caring nature provides a wonderful contrast to Kohei’s reserved and more guarded personality. Their relationship is not defined by Kohei’s hearing loss, but the story doesn’t pretend that his disability isn’t a factor. Instead, it explores how it affects their communication, understanding, and growth as individuals.
This series is particularly special because it educates without ever feeling like it’s preaching. It’s a tender story of love, friendship, and acceptance, wrapped in a thoughtful exploration of ableism and the need for better accessibility and understanding in society.