How a manga duo mastered sign language to tell a silent story
In short: When Suu Morishita set out to write a manga centered on sign language, they faced a significant hurdle: neither had any experience with it. To ensure authenticity, they embarked on a rigorous research journey involving books, teacher interviews, and professional supervision to capture a world of silent communication.
The manga series 'A Sign of Affection' (Yubisaki to Renren) follows Yuki Itose, a 19-year-old university student with congenital hearing loss. The narrative explores her 'silent world' as she navigates public life, communicates through text and lip reading, and eventually falls in love with a multilingual senior named Itsuomi. The story is noted for its delicate artistic style, achieved by the authors using specific tools like Copic Multiliner brown markers for outlines and Dr. Ph. Martin's color ink for coloring.
Because the authors lacked prior knowledge of sign language, they prioritized accuracy over convenience. Their research process included consulting with teachers and reading specialized literature to ensure the portrayal of the deaf community was respectful and correct. This commitment to detail helped the series earn significant critical acclaim, with reviewers comparing its emotional depth and visual beauty to other acclaimed works like 'A Silent Voice.'
The series has achieved substantial commercial and critical success since its debut in July 2019. The eleventh An An manga award's top prize was secured by this title, which also garnered several high-profile nods, such as the Kodansha Manga Award for four straight years (2021–2024). Its popularity extended to a stage musical in 2021 and a television anime adaptation in 2024, which was nominated for multiple awards including Best Romance and Best Drama.
Beyond the central romance, the story explores complex interpersonal dynamics, including a protective childhood friend who uses sign language and a web of unrequited loves among the supporting cast. By focusing on the nuances of Yuki's experience, the work serves as both a romantic drama and a study of accessibility and communication.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A Sign of Affection
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