A Sign of Affection is a slice-of-life anime that follows the protagonist, Yuki, a college student who has been deaf since birth and communicates with her family and friends through lip reading, writing, and sign language. The anime adaptation of Suu Morishita’s ongoing romance manga began airing on January 6, 2024, and while there is no announcement for Season 2 yet, it has already captivated audiences with its unique narrative.
The anime follows Yuki’s journey of meeting her first love, finding a job, and navigating the world as a young adult with a hearing disability. On a train ride, she meets Itsuomi, a fellow college student who travels extensively and has a passion for learning languages. Despite their differences, Itsuomi becomes intrigued by Yuki and grows incredibly fond of her. His willingness to learn sign language and his thoughtful gestures demonstrate that love and effective communication can exist without words, highlighting the phrase: “Actions speak louder than words.”
Their relationship blossoms through heartfelt actions, whether through a comforting touch or spending quality time with each other. The anime beautifully illustrates that true connections can be formed in silent, meaningful moments. Itsuomi’s dedication to bridging their communication gap and Yuki’s openness to new experiences showcase that relationships are built on understanding and respect which can be expressed without the use of spoken words.
A Sign of Affection also addresses how society views individuals with disabilities. By featuring a deaf protagonist, the anime challenges the various stereotypes and encourages its viewers to understand and empathize with Yuki’s experiences. It highlights the value of inclusivity in relationships and society and prompts audiences to consider how those with disabilities navigate the world.
Yuki’s story serves as a reminder that having a disability is not an inconvenience; rather, it offers opportunities for personal growth and the chance to build meaningful relationships. In a creator interview, Suu Morishita speaks about A Sign of Affection, explaining the inspiration behind the manga stating: “Sign language is difficult to express visually, and it’s rare to see a deaf protagonist in shojo manga. That’s why [Nachiyan and I] wanted to take up this challenge.”
Suu Morishita is the shared pen name of the creator duo: writer Makiro and illustrator Nachiyan, who collaborate on many shojo manga projects. In addition to A Sign of Affection, they are also known for their works Shortcake Cake and Hibi Chouchou. Their partnership has gained attention for its unique storytelling and beautiful art, and with A Sign of Affection, they continue to explore the themes of love, communication, and inclusivity in ways that make it stand out compared to other manga.
A Sign of Affection is more than just a love story—it serves as a testament to the beauty of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating that the most profound emotions can be expressed without a single word being spoken. The anime invites audiences to see the world through Yuki’s eyes, capturing the silent yet deep moments that shape her world. It demonstrates that the most meaningful connections are not defined by words but by the heartfelt actions and bonds we share.
