7 Best Anime Like ‘A Sign of Affection’ You Should Watch Next!

Written and illustrated by Suu Morishita, A Sign of Affection is a romance manga series that has been published since July 24, 2019, and has, as of the time of writing, been collected into 10 volumes. The series focuses on Yuki Itose, a university student with congenital hearing loss, and Itsuomi Nagi, a student who is three years her senior and falls in love with her. The series has become extremely popular and only five years after the manga’s premiere, an anime series premiered in January 2024. The series has also gained a lot of attention and that is what actually motivated us to write this article.

In this article, we are going to bring you a list of the seven best anime series like A Sign of Affection. If you loved A Sign of Affection, you are certainly going to enjoy the titles we are going to recommend to you here. The titles are not going to be ranked in any particular order, but we are going to provide you with some information about them, as well as their ratings.

1. A Silent Voice: The Movie

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

What it’s about: Nishimiya is a kind and considerate student. But because she has hearing loss, Ishida harasses her every day. The young girl is alone and faces rejection after being reported for his actions. After acquiring sign language five years prior, he sets out to find the young girl.

Why you should watch it: A Silent Voice shares the same general theme as A Sign of Affection, but the storyline is a bit different. Still, the story’s progression is different, but A Silent Voice is a wonderful and heartwarming story that is the most similar title to A Sign of Affection here.

2. Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You

IMDb rating: 7.8/10

What it’s about: Sawako Kuronuma, a high school girl, is shunned by her peers because of hearsay about her ability to see ghosts and hurl curses. This is because her name is akin to Sadako from The Ring. With the exception of popular newcomer Shōta Kazehaya, who treats her normally, the other pupils dread her and shun her. Their lives change drastically when they begin to communicate. Sawako tries to interact with others and establish new acquaintances like any other schoolgirl, with Shōta’s help.

Why you should watch it: While the topic of hearing loss is not present in Kimi ni Todoke, the series is a shojo romance classic and one of the best works of the genre you will find. The romance aspect is very similar to A Sign of Affection so we’re certain you’ll enjoy it.

3. Komi Can’t Communicate

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

What it’s about: A popular and attractive student at Itan High, Komi Shouko is well-known for her apparently cold personality. On the first day of class, Komi’s neighbor Tadano Hitohito learns that she suffers from a communication issue that keeps her from talking to people and forming friendships. After hearing about her difficulties, Tadano pledges to help her reach her objective of making one hundred friends.

Why you should watch it: Komi Can’t Communicate focuses on a communication disorder, and while it isn’t completely identical to hearing loss, it is a major aspect these two series share. Komi Can’t Communicate is a wholesome series filled with humor and heartwarming moments that you will definitely enjoy.

4. Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride)

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

What it’s about: Because of persistent rumors from her middle school days, the main character, Futaba Yoshioka, goes to tremendous measures to evade attention from men. She is trying to create a new, more subdued identity because she is determined not to repeat the past. Futaba’s determination is put to the test, nevertheless, when her ex-boyfriend Kou Mabuchi (formerly Kou Tanaka) shows up at her school out of the blue and becomes the popular boy.

Why you should watch it: While Blue Spring Ride has wholly different foundations than A Sign of Affection, the series explores the complexities of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating past relationships in the pursuit of genuine connection, which is why it is a perfect anime for romance fans and why we’re sure you’ll love it.

5. Say I Love You (Suki-tte ii na yo)

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

What it’s about: The protagonist of the story is 16-year-old Mei Tachibana, who feels alone because she has never had a partner. When popular classmate Yamato Kurosawa shows interest in her, everything in her world changes. Mei develops feelings for Yamato, and their friendship turns into a sincere and deep connection. Opposition arises, especially from Aiko Muto, as they share their first experiences together and traverse a variety of obstacles. Mei has new acquaintances throughout time, and Aiko learns to accept their connection.

Why you should watch it: Say I Love You is another classic on this list and a story that shows all the complexities of romantic relationships. We definitely think you need to watch this series, as it is one of the best and most popular ones on the list and will have you fall in love with it (pun intended).

6. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

What it’s about: Josee has spent her entire life in a wheelchair and only exists in her own imaginary world created by books, drawings, and her imagination. She tumbles down a slope one day, and Tsuneo’s prompt arrival keeps her from collapsing to the earth. Tsuneo, a student studying marine biology, hopes to encounter an orange fish that is unique to Mexico one day. Tsuneo meets Josee’s grandma by chance, and she offers him part-time work as the girl’s caregiver. Tsuneo chooses not to crumble in the face of the demanding and self-centered Jose, despite the fact that she makes things difficult for him. This reciprocation is causing the gap in their hearts to gradually close.

Why you should watch it: Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish is another movie on this list, and while it deals with disabilities from a different perspective (as the main heroine is paraplegic), it tells us a fantastic and wonderful tale that will truly captivate your hears in a similar way to A Sign of Affection.

7. The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague

IMDb rating: 6.7/10

What it’s about: The protagonists of the tale are Himuro-kun, a contemporary descendant of Japanese folklore’s Yuki Onna, and Fuyutsuki, an amiable but oddball and distant colleague. In addition to having a secret infatuation with Fuyutsuki, he has a tendency to freeze objects nearby or call forth a snowstorm when he is upset. Nevertheless, she is essentially unaware of everything around her.

Why you should watch it: The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague has a cool title and the story is quite captivating, but the main reason why we decided to add it to the list is to give you a fantasy romance to enjoy, as we think that it would be a refreshing take for you to broaden your shojo experience with this great title.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!