I Hear the Sunspot

a story about being hard of hearing with people who happen to be interested in the same sex.

the romance is more of a subplot so if you approach it with that view i think you will be able to enjoy this a lot more. Hopefully that isn't a deterrance because I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere and plot points explored throughout the story. Instead I hope the statement would be treated as more of a way to manage your expectations as to not be disappointed for those who come in due to the BL/Gay romance tag.

Review:
Taichi is an unbelievably likeable protagonist and Kazuhi is one that you want to root for. The drama overall follows and explores the life of someone that is hard of hearing and the various things that people can overlook when it comes to such a complicated disability. It's satisfying to watch both Kazuhi and Taichi open up and even more so with the introdocution of Maya. I personally really enjoyed Maya. Where Kazuhi had more of a exhausted outlook, I appreciated Maya somewhat spiteful and harsh one. The actors are unbelievably talented and convey a beautiful depth of emotion and the supporting cast play their roles perfectly as the 'support'. I especially loved Shiraishi Yua (as Maya) and I loved the scenes betwene her and the main cast.

The development of Taichi and Kazuhi's relationship tapers somewhat early-middle and focuses more on internal conflicts and the like. I think they have wonderful platonic chemistry and their romantic development is there, just it doesn't get explored much, if not at all. While I don't neccesarily think this is a bad thing because the drama actually handles most, if not all of the other aspects of the story really well but the majority of the show felt more so like a 'drama' or something idk like it's not painfully heavy but I would put something like that as a genre wayyyyy before the romance part. Overall I would recommend this even to someone who isn't neccessarily into BL and i think it was worth the watch

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A sweet gem

STORY:
I loved this story and I could shamelessly end my review here, but I’ve missed a chance to yap and so I will continue. Seeing some dissability representation in a drama, especially in a BL, is so indescribably welcomed. I’m not deaf/hard of hearing myself and so I’ll always leave room for thsoe who are to have the final say, but to me, it was incredibly respectfully done. Not once did I feel like Kohei was infantalized or viewed as lesser than (besides during scenes of bullying, and even then those were kept short and without overdoing it).

Half way while watching did I pop by here to read some reviwes, head over heals already and curious for what others thought, and what I read did lower my expectations and thrill towards the series (momentarily). Reading how people were unsatisfied by the pacing, how the story seemingly began to drag on after the first 1/3, running in circles etc, I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be yet another title I ended up dropping. I’m so glad I didn’t.

Yes, it’s truly a slow burn of a stituation due to Taichi being being a bit dense (so one sided slow burn I suppose).
Yes, I also wish there had been at least one proper kiss (Japan, stop with these awkward hovering fake-kisses).
Yes, Kohei and Taichi weren’t on screen together every given scene.
All of this aside, will I challenge with that we as viewers have gotten too comfortable recieving fast paced feelings and explicit scenes. I didn’t find this story slow in a boring way - perhaps if the episodes had been longer, but 25 minutes felt like nothing - at any point, I never felt that they backtracked or ran in circles, and while no kissing did we get SO many exclamations of love (whoever said it was a bromance need to look up the definition of ”Aishite” because that’s some serious confessions) near the end, which is exactly when I (personally) want to see it.

As for Taichi’s slow processing of his own feelings, do I feel like it made perfect sense to the character. Evidently is he very attentive to others feelings and emotional states, something that’s a very impressive detail to rember to add to a character who’s been evidently neglected by both parents. This is one of the few critques I have - I wish this had gotten more room in the story.
Of course Taichi isn’t giving genuine room to think and feel about more than the necessities, when he was made to feel like a problem and chore to have to do with. Too much, if you will, dropped at his grandpa’s in lack of anywhere else to stay. I’m sensing that, while surely a growing boy in need of sustainance, Taichi is using food as a form of emotional regulation (and shield). It’s a need that can be easily met, understood and if criticised - impersonal. I don’t think Taichi was taht far behind Kohei in terms of growing feelings, but while Kohei has a loving and understanding mother who listens to him and give him room to feel as well as the tools to express them (when and if he wants), Taichi tucks his away to not be in the way (or unwanted) AND seemingly don’t know how to properly go about the times he can’t (example: him crying while talking to Kohei right before the kiss).
While not the centre plot, it was something that shook me violently seeing only to then be forgotten about; one of many reasons why a season two would be lovely.

I liked that it took him time, I liked that he got discouraged by Koheis choice of words once he tried to open up at the end, I liked that Kohei found him and I really liked that once it was said, Kohei struggled grasping that it was reality whole Taichi’s character stayed true, too: no embarrassment or issue with it.

I also loved that ”I love you” wasn’t held at gunpoint. Kissing in all honour, but verbal affirmation matters just as much. Kohei signed it and Taichi found out what it meant by own accord. Taichi then said it aloud to Kohei. And at the end, that was so evidently what Kohei mouthed at Taichi. It felt right for this specific series and it was made clear again and again that they /like/ eachother. + Thos elittle napkin ”ghosts” outsie Taichi’s hoem going from one to a pair was such a obvious symbolisim.

Regarding Maya and this hate-train towards her: can’t say I was mad about that, either. Frustrated, sure. But certainly didn’t hate it. I think it was one of the better depictions of this specific plot tool; no strange straight romance side-plot rendering the girl to some tool, she had plenty for personality, valid reasons for how she behaved although definetly a shitty attitude and in the wrong for how she let it show, and didn’t push anything onto Kohei. He was in love with Taichi, and even if she didn’t understand WHY he liked him, she never tried to insert herself. Just my own five cents.

What I would have wished being done differently, or seen more off, would (again) be Taichi’s home situation; there was so much more that could’ve been done there and that would’ve further deepened his character.
They could’ve polished Kohei’s more straight-on approaches - I like that he communicated it, I just wish it had been a little less towards this stereotypical ”I’ll do what I want with you regardless of what you feel” take that East asian dramas are fond of pulling.
The kiss could’ve been a proper one - I’m sure the actors wouldn’t have minded. No need for a makeout, just lip-on-lip.
Dare I say a bit more on the topic of Kohei’s hearing going worse. It just felt like it got left behind a bit. I’d rather take that any day over them rendering him to only a deaf kid, but you know, it’s taxing feeling like your body betrays you.
Probably something more but I gave the story a 9 for a reason.

ACTING/CAST:
Only reason this isn't a 10, is because I’m a tad sensitive to that over-the-top acting that Taichi’s actor did at times, which is purely a personal preference. I’m raised on Scandinavian movie acting, which is all about less-is-more and so it can break the illusion for me and remind me that I’m watching a movie.

Besides that did everyone, and I mean everyone, do an incredible job. The casting for each character was brilliant, and never in my life have I felt and believed that every side character in fact also have an everyday and isn’t just conveniently around when needed the way I did while watching IHTS. The actors gave so much personality to their characters as well as suited them beautifully. Whoever did the casting cared deeply about each character.

Nakasawa (Kohei) and Kobayashi (Taichi) had insane chemistry. I believed every second of their affection towards one another. The way they looked at eachother, the way their bodylanguage changed when interacting - it was beautiful. I want a season 2 for the chance of seeing them work this new relationship out. Didn’t hurt that they also look very good together.

MUSIC:
Giving it a 7 because no song really struck my feelings, it was just really forgettable. BUT, and this is a huge but, even if not a striking soundtrack, did every song suit its scene, wasn’t too loud or weirdly cut.

REWATCH VALUE:
This is a comfort type of show for sure, and I could see myself go back and rewatch scenes. Maybe not the whole thing, but who knows? It’s short, dense episodes and (to me) great pacing with plenty of butterfly-inducing moments, not to forget that it’s visually gorgeous.


FINAL THOUGHTS:
I love this type of dramas. I like when not everything happens too fast or too intense, I don’t mind less intimacy (I fear I hate unnecessary sex scenes for the sake of explicity) and I love pining/longing with all of my heart. Also the lack of pushy stereotypes (top/bottom especially) is so refreshing you all don’t understand. Perhaps my first BL having been Love Sick: the series (2014) with 48 episodes, 45 minutes each, with one (unreleased, mind you) kiss and so much back-and-forth you wouldn’t BELIEVE, shaped me, but I like the slow; the tender; the gentle. If I can tell the characters like one another, and look at eachother as if they hung the moon respectively, then it’s a winner in my books. And "I hear the sunspot” had just that. Definetly a new favourite of mine.

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Unique Plot but dragging storyline

What I LIKED about the series is first, the main characters have good chemistry but most importantly the plot tackles the struggles of a a specific disabled community which made the storyline unique. The acting is good as well, production is also good. The particularly liked the ending song at the end of each episode. Which is why, I could not stop watching episode 1 until episode 6.

Normally, in a series, I would be very happy if there are a lot of long epsidoes, but What I DIDNT LIKE, is that after episode 7 on wards, it felt really dragging and o found myself falling asleep, there was little to no romantic development, no kissing scenes,confusing storylines, irrelevant characters and so on. I felt like they could’ve just squeezed it all in in a few episodes and highleted important parts. Which is why my Rewatch Value is so low, as o felt like I waited for nothing.

Overall it was a cute and bubbly BL series but the second half was dragging for me.

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Heartwarming

Okay, so I have watched the movie adaptation of this a long time ago and I don't exactly remember the events but I remember the what I felt when I watched it. So when I heard there's gonna be a drama adaptation, I was beyond stoked.

The casts: I was pleasantly satisfied with the actors' performance. They all felt real and their interactions as well as how they are in their day-to-day lives all felt natural. Those nuances, little details like their facial expression even when they're just in the background or the camera is not focused on them, felt natural.

The story/plot: I have not read the manga which this was based on but I read somewhere that the drama was not far from the source material. Even Maya's appearance was accurate. Contrary to other violent reactions towards Maya, I did not find her character and her actions annoying. However, they could've removed Maya's parts and replaced it with other situations that would help or progress the relationship of Kohei and Taichi. However, I also do understand that it’s also important to have another perspective when it comes to hearing impairment.

The music: Yuuhinoue by Takaya Kawasaki is probably one of the best song I've ever heard. The first time I heard it, I immediately teared up. So imagine every time it plays in the end of every episode, I just couldn't contain my emotions. It's one of kind.

Rewatch value: Definitely rewatchable.

Overall, I did not rate this a perfect 10 stars because it was too short lol. Or perhaps they could've have made the last episode longer to give a more proper conclusion and ending. It felt a little abrupt.

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It’s simply a BEAUTIFUL bl, it doesn’t focus only on romance, but shows the daily life and the difficulties of a partially disabled person, how much others change just by knowing that the person is slightly "different". Kouhei always made it clear that Taichi was his safe person and that he trusted him for everything, in a way, also showing his feelings for the second mentioned.

The couple's development is very slow, Taichi is a little slow and Maya's appearance didn't help either, but at the same time, it seems that the couple was forgotten in the middle of the series. In a way, it gave a more melancholic shape to the couple, with the arguments and distancing, which gave Taichi time to realise his feelings.

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A feel good for the soul

High Points
Visuals: The cinematography was serene and aesthetic, just like most other Japanese BLs. They have a knack for making visuals pleasing to the audience's eyes.

Acting: The acting was phenomenal, pulling you in from the very beginning.

Representation and Relatability: The characters had vulnerabilities and insecurities that they learned to accept and overcome, making them incredibly relatable. From small details to certain personality traits and circumstances, there was something for everyone to connect with.

Endearing and Humorous: The drama kept you engaged throughout with its endearing characters and humorous moments, making it easy to binge-watch in one sitting.

Slow Burn Realism: The romance was a slow burn, focusing on the lives of the main characters beyond their relationship. They grappled with their own personal issues and navigated life together, creating a more realistic portrayal.

Thought-Provoking Themes: The drama explored thought-provoking themes that made you reflect on things you hadn't considered before.

Portrayal of Disability: The portrayal of the main character's disability, being hard of hearing, was well-done. It showcased the challenges faced in an ableist society and how prejudice and systemic barriers can shape one's mindset.

Low Points
Lack of Communication: While the lack of communication was partially due to the main character's disability, it was still a frustrating plot device at times.

Inconsistent Pacing: The pacing was inconsistent, with the first few episodes being fast and engaging, followed by slower episodes filled with flashbacks. This was a problem even in the manga.

Angle Kiss and Lack of Intimacy: While this wasn't a major issue for me, as I enjoyed the strong plot and chemistry between the characters, it might bother some viewers who prefer more intimate scenes.

Unsatisfactory Ending: While the ending was heartwarming, it felt rushed and could have been more fulfilling (or maybe I'm just being fussy pants)

Overall
This drama has a specific target audience. If you're looking for a fast-paced, fairy tale-esque romance, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you appreciate thought-provoking themes, slow-burn relationships, and a focus on personal growth, it's worth a watch. The series delves into topics like friendship, love, disability, and mental health, exploring how characters overcome life's challenges. While romance is present, it's not the central focus. Instead, the emphasis is on the characters' journeys and their connections to each other. This makes it a heartwarming drama that encourages reflection and offers unique perspectives.

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Their heartbeat of love and life is heard; it is loud and concise

Its first scene from the first episode was a pouring rain and it already had an impact on me, associating with the main couple’s emotional life story. Japanese BLs always give us a heart-fluttering show with a distinguished script, truly a gem to the industry. The concept of “notebook taker” was fresh and adorable. It also showcased the struggles of people with hearing disability.

An elevated narration that focuses on Kohei’s POV. Living his life tenderly and emphasizing that living with special needs does not make someone not normal. It serves as an eye-opener to its audience that they do not desire pity but instead need warmth and embrace to treat them belong to the world.

We also got Taichi’s POV - a jolly young man with a touching background. As a child with divorced parents, this boy manages to be positive in life all thanks to his grandpa. His decision to quit the university is understandable. Education is an important part of someone’s life but not everyone has the privilege to pursue it. He even wears the same shirts revolving with text from different U.S. states throughout the show but still acts beyond grateful for all the delicious meals he has eaten. From taking numerous part-time jobs to fully committing to focus on his new employer which provides a well-compensated salary, earning money became his top priority.

Their chemistry and pairing were adorably great. An energetic cutie meets a shy and reserved lover boy. I love them so much! But as the episodes went by, I felt that the drama failed to provide a romantic progression. They focus on the youth life drama so much that I badly needed to see more of Taichi and Kohei’s slow-burn romance. They should at least give us a more passionate ending for a couple instead of just confessing and finally accepting each other’s feelings. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that this is one of the top BLs of 2024 that brings authentic charisma and a teary-worthy life story.

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