Kamiya Utako Is Not at the Graduation Ceremony

Synopsis

Kamiya Utako is not at the Graduation Ceremony is a poignant 2022 Japanese TV drama centered around the mysterious absence of Kamiya Utako, a beloved student, during a critical milestone—the graduation ceremony. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Mizuki Kayashima, Utako’s close friend, as she delves into the reasons behind Utako's unexpected disappearance. Exploring themes of friendship, societal pressure, and the complicated emotions tied to endings and new beginnings, the series delicately balances moments of introspection with emotional drama. Set against the backdrop of the traditional and symbolic graduation day, it offers a heartfelt portrayal of youth, loss, and the search for understanding during transitional phases of life.

Cast

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  Mizuki Kayashima

  Utako Kamiya

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  Daiken Okudaira

  Fumiya Terashima

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  Ririka Tanabe

  Shizuka Ando

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  Daisuke Nakagawa

  Kensuke Kudo

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  Riko

  Moe Miyata

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  Kazuto Mokudai

  Manato Kobayashi

Reviews

Critical reception of Kamiya Utako is not at the Graduation Ceremony has been generally positive but with some reservations. On IMDb, the show holds a rating of 7.3/10, with viewers praising its emotional depth and strong character development. Reviewers from Asian Movie Pulse commended the series for its nuanced storytelling, highlighting Mizuki Kayashima's performance as a standout element. The series' subtle exploration of social themes garnered praise for avoiding melodrama, instead opting for a restrained, realistic tone. However, some critics, such as those at The Japan Times, pointed out the pacing can feel slow at times, potentially affecting viewer engagement. Rotten Tomatoes has yet to provide an aggregated score due to limited critic reviews. Overall, the series is appreciated for its heartfelt narrative and evocative depiction of youth, though it may resonate more with audiences who favor contemplative dramas over fast-paced storytelling.