” I Hear the Sunspot” Series Review (Ep.3 to 12)

In a world filled with sound, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. In a world of silence, it’s easy to get lost in the stillness.

Adapted from the manga Hidamari ga Kikoeru by Yuki Fumino, the Japanese BL I Hear the Sunspot explores the themes of sound and silence through the journey of two young men who find solace and understanding in one another.

Starring Nakazawa Motoki as Sugihara Kohei and Kobayashi Toranosuke as Sagawa Taichi, I Hear the Sunspot follows deaf student Kohei as he navigates university life, feeling isolated behind the barrier his hearing loss has created. Everything changes when he meets Taichi, an outspoken, cheerful student whose lively, somewhat naive personality is impossible to ignore—and all too easy to fall in love with.

Thus begins a beautiful story of a friendship sparked by a chance encounter, growing into something far more profound. I Hear the Sunspot is an emotionally driven narrative that explores the dynamic between two very different personalities. Kohei, once handsome and popular, is confronted with a frightening world of insecurity, misunderstandings, and communication barriers as he loses his hearing. Meanwhile, Taichi, blunt and straightforward, speaks his mind without hesitation. Though his loudness might initially put some off, his deep empathy allows him to understand others in ways he often overlooks in himself.

Together, Kohei and Taichi form an endearing pair, clearly meant for each other from the start. Despite their differences, they balance one another in a deeply meaningful way. Kohei sees in Taichi what Taichi can’t see in himself, while Taichi becomes the light that helps Kohei break free from the isolation that has consumed him. They inspire each other to reach for things they didn’t realize they needed.

It’s a beautiful journey to witness on screen. The cinematography, music, and performances are masterfully crafted, with everyone involved clearly giving their all—and it shows in every moment. Even the secondary characters play a pivotal role in expressing the reality of communication in a world where people tend to ignore or push aside anything they don’t understand.

I Hear the Sunspot is an experience in silence and sound, allowing viewers to fall in love with two people who walk the line between the world they live in and the world they create for themselves.

For a series that resonates with the heart more than the ears, don’t miss I Hear the Sunspot, now streaming on Gagaoolala and iQiyi.

Rating- 4 out of 5

One thought on “” I Hear the Sunspot” Series Review (Ep.3 to 12)”

  1. For me the most interesting aspect of this series is how it examines the continual quiet decisions each person must make between staying with the status quo vs. taking a chance.

    The obvious choice maker in the series is Kohei, but Taichi also must decide between the path his peers and society expect of him – going to university – or opting for something that may be more fulfilling. And of course the two must also do some thinking – lots of thinking – about whether they are what’s best for the other one vis-a-vis their uncertain futures.

    This is a lowkey series that plays with the concept of volume in more ways than one.

    4 out of 5

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