This drama in one word: comforting.

I keep returning to it whenever I feel down, sometimes even rewatching the entire thing in one go (my sleep cycle be damned).

The story itself is a classic tale of mastering a craft, with a clear progression that feels natural (Reminicent of sports stories).

The characters are endearing, their struggles both authentic and relatable. They are all different and distinct – and yet still somehow fit together perfectly.

The rivals-to-friends-to-go-partners-for-life is perfect, I kid you not. The way the characters spoke of eachother, looked at eachother, cared for eachother (often without the other person knowing) is everything I did not know I needed (They are OBSSESED with eachother and so am I).

The game of Go is used as a plotdevice with PURPOSE, reflecting both character relationships (and their evolution) as well as inner and outer conflict. I started out knowing nothing of the game and now know a little.

Straight after watching it, I read the manga (which I also adored). Now all I need is watch the Anime – and to find something to replace the Hikaru-No-Go shaped hole in my heart lol