Welcome Home, Mone

Synopsis

Welcome Home, Mone (おかえりモネ) is a captivating Japanese morning drama (asadora) series that aired in 2021, starring Kaya Kiyohara in the lead role. The story follows Mone, a young woman from a small coastal town who faces the challenges of both her personal growth and professional aspirations. After enduring the aftermath of a natural disaster affecting her hometown, she pursues a career as a meteorologist to better understand weather phenomena and protect her community. The series weaves elements of family, resilience, and ambition, portraying Mone's journey as she balances traditional values with modern scientific ambitions. Richly detailed and character-driven, the drama highlights the nuances of everyday life, the bonds of community, and the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.

Cast

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  Kaya Kiyohara

  Nagaura Momone

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  Seiyo Uchino

  Nagaura Koji

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  Kyoka Suzuki

  Nagaura Ayako

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  Aju Makita

  Nagaura Michi

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  Tatsuya Fuji

  Nagaura Tatsumi

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  Keiko Takeshita

  Nagaura Masayo

Reviews

Welcome Home, Mone received generally positive reviews for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, particularly praising Kaya Kiyohara's nuanced portrayal of the protagonist. Critics highlighted the show's authentic depiction of rural Japanese life and the meteorological theme, which provided a fresh twist on the traditional asadora format. For example, Japan Times praised the series for its "refreshing take on personal growth and family ties," though noting the pacing could feel slow at times. On IMDb, the show holds a solid rating of around 7.2/10, with viewers commending its emotional depth and scenic cinematography but some mentioning that the narrative might be too slow for those expecting fast-paced drama. Review aggregators like AsianWiki reflect similar sentiments, emphasizing the series' warmth and inspirational message. However, a few critics found the weather science elements overly didactic, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the story. Overall, Welcome Home, Mone stands out for its heartfelt performances and thematic depth, resonating well with fans of character-driven and slice-of-life dramas.