It's because I couldn't imagine being interested in a series about a game I know nothing about. How shortsighted of me! If I hadn't heard AvenueX speak so highly of it in one of her videos, I really might never have experienced the overwhelming delight that watching this became.

Given that I did not know the background information of the story, I had nothing to measure it against or compare it to. I had the pleasure of being unexpectedly delighted from start to finish on every single aspect of it (even the sobbing for an entire day part as it neared the end). I feel like I received several years' worth of free therapy through those incredibly poignant and heart wrenching episodes. Honestly I will need a few weeks, maybe months, to fully integrate the deeper meaning and wisdom behind their individual and collective journeys.

The fact that I'm from NA and watching very much as an outsider to the culture and backdrop of these shows has truly been the most incredible journey and education on so many levels I don't even recognize myself any longer(8 months into watching Chinese series). I deeply appreciate the perspectives, family dynamics, emotional landscapes and rich history I am beginning to discover. So much more than a distraction or escape, it has become a much needed expansion on what has been my very limited awareness of a fascinating culture. I found that watching Hikaru no Go brought me immediately through the discomfort of knowing nothing about the game Go and proceeded to effortlessly and wholeheartedly capture my interest and imagination. It was so brilliantly executed and completely relatable on every level that I felt I had been warmly ushered into a good friend's home, offered the most comfortable chair, a glass of good wine and then spent the rest of the night having the best heart to heart imaginable. This series went far beyond entertainment for me. It was skillful mentorship on how to be a passionate and brave human being. There really aren't enough words in the dictionary to properly express my appreciation for Hikaru no Go, so I will close with encouraging those who have not experienced it yet to go ahead and give it a try. I feel it is well worth watching and though a completely different style than my all time favourite so far, Nirvana In Fire, it sits solidly right next to that masterpiece!

Deep gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this remarkable story to life!