I'm glad others were moved by this series as much as I was. I've been watching a lot of Jdramas for the past few years and they always have an emotionality and heartwarming humanity that's unique.
I watched this gem 20 years after its' release, but honestly it didn't feel like it's 20 years old. I mean, obviously the haircuts, clothes etc look like they're from 20 years ago, but for me they looked perfectly fine and hip for college graduates because that's what I was back then! And I looked a lot like that and still do lol. Personally I still prefer that style so not only did I not mind it, but it made the series more fun and pleasing to watch too.
I'm pretty sure this show was huge back when it was broadcast in Japan, and rightly so. All the actors are great, the classical music and the sign language elements are very interesting, and the ways disability, friendship, family, and the transition to adult life are portrayed are so well made. And of course the main love story. Nothing cringe or cheesy, just a pure bond that you can't help but root for. The writers and the director did an amazing job in every single element they included, offering us an amazing viewing and emotional experience. Arigato gozaimasu!!
Edit: It's been a couple of weeks since I finished watching this and I miss it!! I can't find anything to replace it, I keep starting different Kdramas and Jdramas and dropping them.
Also, I find my fellow Greek's comment below hilarious and awesome at the same time, because it sounds exactly like me when I first started watching Jdramas!