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Updated every Friday, "I'm so excited for Welcome Back Monet" is a diary. It's over...! Today, right after the drama ended, I received a message from a friend saying, "Thank you for your hard work on the Monet Diary until the end," and I was very grateful.
Well... I always start writing my thoughts after the show has aired. So I wrote my thoughts on the final episode while thinking, "It's not over yet, you know?"
There will also be a letter section next week. I hope that Moneros fans will join in and enjoy the afterglow.
Now, let's take a look back at the last week's broadcast. Illustrations and text by Sayumi.
*From here on, spoilers from the 24th week broadcast will be included. If you haven't watched it yet, please return now.
October 10th (Monday) The person in front of you
Suganami-sensei arrived in Kesennuma too early. The episode starts with him and Ryo-chin talking in front of Monet's radio booth!
Last week, Professor Suganami spoke the mysterious phrase "19 to 5," and the answer is "The number of years you've spent on the island with everyone, plus the number of years since you met me." Wow, that's good. Last week, I confidently wrote "I solved it right away," so I was relieved to find out that it was correct.
More than that, Professor Suganami's confident expression when he said, "I'm not so unconfident that I'm shaken by something like that" is just so self-confident. It's the same as when he said to the Tome Forest Association, "I'll meet you on the weekend." He's so confident that I can't imagine him from the past! People can change, you know.
Ryochin asks Dr. Suganami, "Don't you get scared if someone is that important to you?" This question was also the reason why his relationship with Mi-chan had not progressed. Dr. Suganami responds, "Yes, it is scary," and "There is no way to face fear other than to cherish the person in front of you as much as possible." If you are afraid of losing, you will not gain anything. Perhaps it was because he did not know Dr. Suganami well that he was able to have such an honest conversation. Ryochin has always stayed in his hometown and may not have had much experience talking to "people with whom he has little relationship." Considering this, it was really nice that he was able to have this conversation at this time.
Then Ryochin heads off to meet Mii-chan.
Umm... first, can I just clarify the meaning of the conversation between these two?
Ryo-chin and Mi-chan don't really know what it means to date or anything like that, but they said they liked each other and communicated nice feelings to each other, right? As always, I'm not sure how to interpret the romance part... Are all the people in this drama participating in a "contest to express your feelings without using the word 'like'"? I'm having a really hard time interpreting it! Having said that, I'm having fun!
"I'll make you laugh someday" and "I've been wanting to meet you, Mi-chan" - I guess this combination means I like you. Anyway, I'm happy. That was good. Yes, that was good!!
I wondered if it was a good place for Ryo-chin and Mi-chan to hug, but I think it was good that it was in a bright place! It tends to have a dark mood. When they came back from the ship on a stormy day and were talking with Monet, I wondered if the pairing was okay, but I also thought that it was because of these two that they could understand each other.
Next up is Suganami Sensei's greeting to the Nagaura family. The father is not there! Well, if I were the father, I'd want to avoid anything so formal. After all, he didn't say he was coming to give a "marriage announcement". If I were the father, I'd probably say "Just let him know by LINE and that's fine." What? You say it's not like that? No, I love Suganami Sensei, but... Apart from that, just thinking about "My Monet giving a wedding announcement"... honestly makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. Am I being too honest? Because it would be lonely! Well, this is just my personal opinion... That's all for today!
Tuesday, October 10th: It has to be the teacher.
Dad runs away from Dr. Suganami's greeting. Grandpa also gets up from his seat, and Mone follows him. Ayako and Dr. Suganami are the only ones left in the living room. Ayako is wonderful as she takes Dr. Suganami's side by saying, "It's nerve-wracking when he comes from outside." Isn't Ayako really the best mother? The way she treats her family, and the way she is considerate of those around her... And the way she treats her father!
In the end, the family meeting was disbanded because not enough people showed up. As Monet was showing people around the house, she was having a serious discussion with Dr. Suganami about the future... when her drunk father showed up to get involved. I know Suganami is a good guy. He's a doctor and seems like a decent guy. But you know! It's just not interesting. From a father's perspective! Because I'm watching it from the father's point of view. Maybe up until now I've been watching this story from Monet's parent's point of view.
However, while talking about the future of Nagaura Fisheries, it seems that the teacher and my father have become close! In summary, they are not planning to get married anytime soon, but from now on, they have decided to "respect each other's desires." Because Monet said, "It has to be you." I get it. If you say that, all we can do is watch over you. Right, Dad? ... Shall we have a drink?
And Mi-chan and Ryo-chin also said, "It seems like we've communicated our feelings to each other!" Hey, Mone-chan, what does "we've communicated our feelings" mean? Are you dating? Are you just best friends, more than friends but not quite lovers? I want to know more specifically... that would be rude. Well, I'm glad! I had the same reaction as my dad, "What's up with you today?"
Even so, it's good to have a family that you can report and rejoice about such things. The doctor pats Monet's back as she tears up at Mi-chan's report. When you think about it, these "treatments" have been a great way for the two of them to connect with each other. Monet and the doctor are a pair! Their close mom and dad, the "original pair," watch over them! Wow, today is the best day ever, filled with happiness!
However... their wonderful family and happy couple were so dazzling that I started to feel dizzy... My usual bad habits... ugh, darkness... but in exchange for me...! No, it's okay, it's okay. It's okay, you don't have to fall into darkness. Just remember the hardships of the Nagaura family. In any life, there are pains and there are pleasures. Everyone who is feeling a little tough right now, let's do our best and live together!
The next morning, Dr. Suganami received a call from Dr. Nakamura. The footsteps of an infectious disease were finally heard. After all, there are many things that happen in life.
But if you've been able to live happily up until now, that's wonderful in itself, and even if things are tough, you can manage as long as you're alive, it's okay if you're always being helped, and in the first place, it's good that there are people, and even things that don't seem to matter can be useful to someone somewhere. All of this is what this drama taught me. What good things to say, this drama!
Wednesday, October 10th I can't leave.
The episode starts with a scene of Dr. Suganami leaving Monet and returning to Tokyo. In this scene, Dr. Suganami's steps are slow, which gives a slightly ominous feeling. I'm really glad that there was no monologue like, "This is my last time with Dr. Suganami..." After this, I have a feeling that a major epidemic will occur in the drama, so perhaps this atmosphere is hinted at...
The scene changes and Mizuno, a university student volunteer, comes to Monet's workplace. She went back to Tokyo for a while, but has now returned to Kesennuma. Monet tells Mizuno, "It's not about what you can do," but "The important thing is that you came again." Right. That's right. It's okay if you can't do anything. So don't worry too much.
Monet played a song on the radio while remembering her conversation with Mizuno. The song was one that Miyata, who had given up playing the horn due to illness, had played for Monet and Suganami Sensei at Shiomiyu. Radio DJ Takahashi said with tears in her eyes, "Music really is great," as she recalled playing music on Disaster FM. Although little is said about Takahashi's past in the drama, I think she too saw many things in Kesennuma after the disaster. After the disaster, Monet quit music, saying, "Music is useless." But now, music gently resonates in our hearts and gives someone a push forward.
And the final scene. Mii-chan says, "I'm thinking of not going to college." Finally, she reveals the emotional wounds she had been hiding. The reason is from that day. Mii-chan confesses that she "left my grandmother behind and ran away." After the shaking of the earthquake, Mii-chan, a middle school student who remained on the island, goes to her grandmother's house to evacuate her, but she doesn't move. After that, her grandmother is saved by adults and is able to evacuate, but Mii-chan says, "I can never forgive myself." Feeling guilty for "abandoning my grandmother," Mii-chan stubbornly refuses to leave the island.
I didn't expect this story to come up with only two episodes left. Only those who have had a similar experience can understand Mi-chan's pain. Other people can easily say, "It's okay. It's not your fault." But Mi-chan herself cannot say that to herself. It must have been hard to bear it alone...
Eh? So, there are only two episodes left...? I'm starting to get a little worried!
Thursday, October 10th I'm here.
"I left my grandmother behind and ran away," is something that Mi-chan has never been able to say since the disaster. It was an incident that changed Mi-chan's outlook on life. I spent the whole day yesterday wondering if it was okay to bring up such a big theme at the very end, but today I think I understand why.
Before that, let's start with the scene where Sayaka suddenly comes to Mone's workplace. Mone reminisces about the time they lived together and says, "I'm really glad I was able to go to Sayaka's place then." "I wonder if there was a place for Mi-chan that was like Sayaka and the forestry association to me." That's right! That's an important part. Mi-chan definitely needs that kind of perspective from the outside, people of different generations, values, and environments, and relationships with all kinds of people!
And Monet says, "I want to be like Sayaka." "To welcome whoever comes, to send them off whenever they want, and to say 'Welcome back' when they come back." Ah... I get it. Kesennuma is that kind of town. Because it's a port town. It welcomes ships from all over the place, sends them off, and says 'Welcome back' when they return. That's the kind of town it is. When I thought about it, something touched me...
The scene changes and Sayaka is relaxing at the Nagaura house. Ryuuki asks Sayaka, "Aren't you lonely?" Sayaka replies, "Because you told me. I want to be like you." "I'm inside you. That's enough." Sayaka was always thinking about how to end her life, saying things like, "It's okay to be alone again. This is life," and "Let's live coolly until the end." Even though she says things like, "Humans die twice. When the body perishes and when people forget about us," Sayaka probably felt that even if she was gone, her feelings would be properly passed on in Monet's heart. I want to be an adult like Sayaka. First of all, I'll dye my hair blonde.
And now for the highlight of today. Or maybe it's the highlight of the whole drama. Monet and Mi-chan come to the beach and start talking quietly. Monet has met many people in many places, such as the forestry association, the weather experts, and Shiomiyu, and has changed. Now it's time to send Mi-chan off on her journey.
The guilt that Mi-chan felt from the earthquake will never go away. Mone says, "If you find yourself unable to forgive yourself again and again, I will say it every time." "Mi-chan is not at fault." I know this may not be of any use, but I will say it.
If you think that this won't solve Mii-chan's suffering, you're right.
The disaster left emotional scars that could be life or death. A huge, painful event. A loss that can never be brought back, a past that cannot be changed... It cannot be forgotten, and there is essentially nothing that can be done about it. In other words, Mi-chan's guilt will never completely disappear. Whether "Okaeri Mone" continues to be broadcast for another year or for another 1 years, there will never be a scene that will make Mi-chan's pain go away.
That's why, even though it may be a small and useless thing, I will continue to do what I can...I thought that the story would end here, with that promise in mind.
When the story ends, we realize that our lives continue here and now. Surely there is something that we can do for someone, somewhere. This book made me think of that.
The scene ends with the grandmother's narration, "It's important not to forget, but it's painful," and "So forget sometimes and smile." This is also very important, because people who have experienced something painful don't have to look sad forever. It's okay to have guilt, pain, sadness, and suffering along with happiness!
From here on, it can be said to be an epilogue. Marianna Riko Kamino, who works hard at the Sendai Central Broadcasting Station, comes to interview Monet. Mi-chan naturally gets accepted into college, and a congratulatory letter from Udagawa-san is shown on screen. Su-chan and Mamo-chan continue to get along well. I wonder if Ryo-chin was able to buy a boat?
And the childhood friends team gather at the Nagaura house for a celebration of Mi-chan's passing the exam and a farewell party. The last thing Monet brings is a saxophone case? It seems to be like a time capsule with something inside. Ryo-chin also appears late, and the usual members are all together. It's finally the final episode!
Friday, October 10th. Have a nice trip and welcome back.
Today is the final episode!
The childhood friends gather in the living room of the Nagaura household. The box that Monet brings to everyone is a saxophone case. Inside, besides the saxophone, is a flyer for the graduation concert scheduled for March 2011, 3. "Were you afraid to open it because you were afraid to see it?" "I think that was the case at first," Monet begins to tell everyone what's on her mind.
Monet was not on the island at the time of the disaster and was unable to share the pain. That was the first pain she felt. Even after she left the island and met many people and grew up, she was still afraid that she would return to the time when she felt powerless. However, Monet returned to the island and faced the pain of others. Wanting to help someone is just a nice thing to say. It's not easy to save someone. Monet knows this, but she stubbornly stands up every time. She can't do much, but she doesn't give up on trying to do something. "I thought I'd never go back," "I don't think I can do anything anymore," Monet said, making a strong decision.
When Monet returned to the island immediately after the disaster, an invisible wall of division had emerged between her and the others, dividing them into those who had been affected by the disaster and those who had not.
Although the level is different, for example, when you think "I wonder if I should offer my seat to someone" on the train, you may think "I would hate it if they refused" and not be able to say anything. There is a wall there. At that time, if you can think "It's ok if they refuse," "It's no big deal if I get refused," or "Because that's what I want to do," I think that wall will be removed. Then you won't be afraid to take a step forward.
Even if she is told that her words are "pretty words" or rejected with "what do you know," she doesn't care if it hurts her, and instead tries to face the other person more. Monet continues to do this after returning to the island. The pain and sadness that we endure unreasonably cannot be resolved by righteousness alone. Caring for others, being considerate, empathizing with others... I thought that what Monet continued to do... is the "love" that I have been talking about many times since the middle of this story.
The nine years since the disaster were a long journey for Monet. He met people, his heart changed, he grew, and with the power of love, he finally broke through that wall!!
...Hmm... I suddenly feel a bit embarrassed when I start talking about the power of love, but, well, that doesn't really matter anymore. There's nothing to be embarrassed about! Maybe this is the power of love too!
And there it was, "Welcome back, Mone!" It was Ryo-chin who said it!! Ayako-san had said "Welcome back, Mone" beforehand, but this was the real title payoff! Congratulations to everyone who guessed right!
Now, time has passed and it is February 2020. It is time to see Ryochin off on his boat! It was so cute that Ryochin called Mi-chan's name before Monet. The hanten coat that Shinji handed to Ryochin is called a "tairyo kanban," which is something fishermen receive to celebrate a big catch. So this is probably something Shinji received when he was a fisherman. In other words, Ryochin is about to set sail for the sea with Shinji and Minami's feelings in his heart! This is so touching...
But Koji was not there to see Ryochin off to sea. "If they see the two of them together, they will be relieved. It can't be that simple," he said, and did not come. As I wrote yesterday in "About Mi-chan," the emotional scars of Ryochin and Shinji will never disappear. I think Koji thought that he should not forget that pain, either. This is the love of Koji, who refuses to give up on accepting Shinji.
Ryochin goes to the sea. Shinji goes to land. Mi-chan goes to Tokyo. Dad and Grandpa go to the oyster farm. Mom goes with her children. They each walk their own path in their own place.
A few years later...
Even though time has passed and they are apart, Monet and Suganami-sensei remain the same. This is what the future will look like. They showed a wonderful relationship until the end. Personally, I thought that marriage was not the only way for the heroine to be happy, so I was satisfied with the development.
When everything is in order, the rain will fall. This is the end of the story.
To those who are leaving, say a cheerful "have a nice trip."
To those who have returned, welcome back.
Kesennuma is such a city.
Thank you so much to everyone who has read this far!
(The end of "I'm so excited for Mone to come back" diary)
Ah, it's really over now...
It's over!!
I thought I would burn out and turn to ashes... but what is this excitement? Is this a Mona's high...?! (When I think of it, I can't help but say it.)
I had a lot of fun writing my thoughts like this every day!
As someone who enjoys fantasizing, the detailed portrayal of characters other than the protagonist and the fact that there is some wiggle room at the end made this drama perfect for me.
After watching the drama to the end, I realized that this story is one that continues in our lives today.
I felt this especially in the final part of the story, where Shinji's life changed and Mi-chan's emotional scars were revealed. Shinji accepted the loss of Minami, but refused to go back to being a fisherman. Mi-chan chose to go to college, which is what she really wanted to do, but the guilt she felt for the disaster continued to linger... That's how the story unfolded. If a happy ending is when everything goes well, then this may not be a pure happy ending.
But that's the reality, too.
I believe one of the purposes for making this drama is to depict the disaster-stricken areas 10 years after the earthquake.
The passage of time is the best thing that heals the hearts of those who are hurt, but just because 10 years have passed does not mean that the time since the earthquake has "ended."
We hope for a happy ending not for the sake of the person who was hurt, but for our own sake. That's why I felt like the ending of this drama was saying, "Let's wait together for the heart of the person who was hurt to change."
What did you all think?
This is the end of the diary "I'm so excited for you to come back, Mone."
(There is one more Monday newsletter column left.)
This diary exists thanks to all of you who read it!
I would like to thank all the readers and everyone who made this drama possible. I may have been the one who enjoyed this drama the most. Thank you very much.
#I'm so excited for Welcome Back Mone
#WelcomeBackMone was so much fun
#Take care
#welcome home
#See you in Kesennuma
(Text and illustrations by Sayumi)
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