I don't hand out 10/10 very often. The movie or series I reward with such a high score, has to be a masterpiece in almost every single detail. To this drama I can't give anything but a 10. The visual work wasn't outstanding in any way. There was no amazing costumes, makeup nor special effects. The musical score was very good, but not fantastic. There is no epic, earth shattering plot. There was just the story of a guy, of a disease and of life. Just that simple. And just that amazing. Carried by actors with talent, sincerity and emotional depth. Everyone in the cast made a good job, even though some of the actors were shining just a little bit more than the others. Tabe Mikako made a beautiful and tranquil portrait of a strong woman and good performances were given also by Asada Miyoko as her mother and Kazama Shunsuke as the likable Mamoru. I liked Fukikoshi Mitsuru as the neurologist Dr Tanimoto and found Nomura Shuhei as Takuto's younger brother Rikuto, entertaining and endearing in his role as the socially awkward guy - who very clearly has Aspergers syndrome (even if it's never said outright.) But the monster performance of tremendous impact was of course by Miura Haruma, who shines brighter than a star in the role as Takuto. I believe there could not have been any better choice of actor for the role, Miura nails it completely and absolutely CRUSHES any competition from Eddie Redmayne and "The theory of Everything". Stephen Hawking is an inspirational person and that movie was rather good, but how I wish that this series would be the one praised and well known. Sorry Stephen and Eddie, but Takuto and Miura Haruma kicks your asses big time regarding inspirational impact and acting. I have always liked Miura but now he leapt right up to the #1 spot in my "Best asian actors" list. As for the emotional impact of the drama - wow. I have personal experience of the disease. My father died of ALS some years back, only 58 years old, about 2,5 years after diagnosis (rather fast) and 3,5 years after onset of symtoms. I worked as caretaker for him and am very familiar with everything related to the disease, it's progress and the care given to the patient. And I am very impressed by how meticulously every little detail was worked out and how Miura acted his role physically - it was very realistic. And the agony, the emotions... I was completely blown away. I believed his acting every single minute of the series, I never once thought of him as an actor, but only as Takuto. I still can't shake off the belief that Takuto very much exists, that's how good Miura was. It's sad, very sad. And painful. And agonizing. It WILL make you cry. A lot. And I mean A LOT. But it's also beautiful, humorous, heartwarming, insightful, thought provoking and inspiring. But more than anything else - it's hopeful. I honestly feel that this story changed my life in a way. It made me think. A lot. About who I am, what I am, why I am like I am, how I want to be, what I wish for. What my goal is. Like Takuto, I will try to find my goals.