A Sign of Affection (2024) redefines romance anime with its tender portrayal of Yuki, a deaf college student navigating love and communication with the multilingual traveller Itsuomi.
These underrated series echo its themes of connection, overcoming barriers, and heartfelt character development, offering nuanced storytelling for fans of authentic relationships.
1. Hidamari ga Kikoeru (2017)
- Streaming: Limited availability (DVD/rental)
- Plot: College student Kōhei, who is gradually losing his hearing, forms a bond with Taichi, who helps him navigate campus life through shared lunches and growing mutual respect.
- Similarities: Focus on hearing loss and communication; slow-burn, realistic romance.
- Rating: MAL 7.2 | Film (130 mins)
- Studio: Toho
2. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A wheelchair user named Josee and university student Tsuneo bond over art and dreams, challenging societal limitations.
- Similarities: Themes of disability and empowerment; heartfelt, growth-driven romance.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | Film (98 mins)
- Studio: Bones
3. Recovery of an MMO Junkie (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: NEET Moriko finds love and purpose through an MMORPG, blurring virtual and real-life identities.
- Similarities: Adult-oriented romance; focus on self-reinvention and genuine connections.
- Rating: MAL 7.5 | 10 episodes
- Studio: Signal.MD
4. Honey and Clover (2005)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Art college students grapple with unrequited love, friendship, and career aspirations in this bittersweet coming-of-age story.
- Similarities: College setting, emotional depth, and ensemble character growth.
- Rating: MAL 8.1 | 36 episodes
- Studio: J.C.Staff
5. Nodame Cantabile (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Eccentric pianist Nodame and perfectionist conductor Chiaki navigate music school, blending comedy and classical romance.
- Similarities: Quirky character dynamics; growth through mutual support.
- Rating: MAL 8.3 | 45 episodes
- Studio: J.C.Staff
6. The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague (2023)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Office worker Himuro, a descendant of a snow spirit, bonds with pragmatic Fuyutsuki in a supernatural workplace romance.
- Similarities: Soft-spoken protagonists; gentle, episodic bonding.
- Rating: MAL 7.4 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Zero-G
7. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (2018)
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Plot: Office otaku Narumi and Hirotaka navigate adult romance while embracing their geeky passions.
- Similarities: Mature relationship pacing; humor without melodrama.
- Rating: MAL 7.9 | 11 episodes
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
8. Say ‘I Love You’ (2012)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Socially isolated Mei opens up after popular Yamato confesses his feelings, challenging her self-doubt.
- Similarities: Introvert-extrovert dynamics; quiet emotional resonance.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Zexcs
9. Tsuki ga Kirei (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Middle schoolers Kotarou and Akane experience their first love through texts, club activities, and shared shyness.
- Similarities: Realistic young romance; subtle, heartfelt progression.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 12 episodes
- Studio: feel.
10. My Little Monster (2012)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Studious Shizuku is drawn into the chaotic world of Haru, a socially inept troublemaker who blends rivalry with quirky affection.
- Similarities: Opposites-attract chemistry; humor with emotional undertones.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Brain’s Base
11. Lovely Complex (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: Tall Risa and short Otani bond over height-based insecurities, parodying rom-com tropes with sincerity.
- Similarities: Odd-couple dynamics; humor-driven emotional growth.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 24 episodes
- Studio: Toei Animation
12. Orange (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Naho receives letters from her future self, urging her to prevent a friend’s suicide while navigating high school regrets.
- Similarities: Emotional depth; focus on communication and empathy.
- Rating: MAL 7.8 | 13 episodes
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
13. Hitorijime My Hero (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: High schooler Masahiro forms a bond with his teacher Kousuke, exploring mentorship and unexpected romance.
- Similarities: Gentle BL storytelling; focus on trust and healing.
- Rating: MAL 6.9 | 12 episodes
- Studio: Encourage Films
14. Given (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Guitarist Mafuyu and bandmate Ritsuka navigate grief and love through music in this BL series.
- Similarities: Emotional vulnerability; art as a bridge for connection.
- Rating: MAL 8.3 | 11 episodes
- Studio: Lerche
15. ReLIFE (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: NEET Arata gets a second chance at high school, confronting past regrets while bonding with classmates.
- Similarities: Redemption through relationships; mature themes in a school setting.
- Rating: MAL 8.0 | 13 episodes
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Why These Anime Work for A Sign of Affection Fans
- Authentic Communication: Series like Hidamari ga Kikoeru and Josee explore how love transcends physical and societal barriers.
- Quiet Growth: Tsuki ga Kirei and Recovery of an MMO Junkie prioritize subtle emotional shifts over dramatic plot twists.
- Character-Driven Bonds: Wotakoi and Given showcase relationships built on mutual respect and shared passions.
- Underrated Gems: Lesser-known titles like Honey and Clover and Orange offer depth without mainstream recognition.
For fans of A Sign of Affection, these series prove that love’s most profound moments often lie in life’s quiet, genuine exchanges.
