Spoiler alert for Grey's Anatomy Season 21!
Midori Francis played the feisty and determined Mika Yasuda on Grey's Anatomy. She exited the show in the season 21 fall finale that aired on November 21, 2024. The episode "Drop It Like It's Hot" was the story of Yasuda's decision to leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after her sister Chloe died.
According to Deadline, Francis left the show after two and a half seasons with the feeling that her storyline was coming to an end and that she had reached a period in her character's story that needed it to be wrapped up. In her last episode, Dr. Yasuda, who debuted as an intern in season 19, is sad and shows survivor's guilt.
This inner conflict culminated in a very emotional confrontation with her mentor, Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson), that made her realize she had to leave the hospital to heal. According to showrunner Meg Marinis, the exit was "full-circle" storytelling, where Yasuda's story was iconic and emotionally touching.
Below, we discuss Yasuda's journey, thoughts on why the actress left, and what lies next for both the actress and Grey's Anatomy.
Dr. Mika Yasuda’s final storyline on Grey's Anatomy
Dr. Mika Yasuda left Grey's Anatomy because of her sister Chloe's (played by Julia Rose Gruenberg) sudden death. The story begins with a car accident Chloe faces, that results from Mika getting very tired after staying up all night at the hospital.
Chloe dies because her health is already horrid after cancer treatments. This changed Yasuda because she found it difficult to set apart her work and grief. In the fall finale, Yasuda returned to work, where she broke down during a patient emergency, evidencing her unresolved pain toward her mentor, Dr. Bailey.
Later, a deeper talk between Yasuda and her fellow intern Simone (Alexis Floyd) revealed her inner conflict. However, even though there was comfort, such as the romantic moment with an intern, Jules (Adelaide Kane), Yasuda finally chose to leave Grey Sloan to seek peace.
Francis thanked the writers for her character's story, saying to Deadline,
“The writers created something incredible for me to play. It was such a full-circle moment for me as both an actor and a fan of the show.”
What Midori Francis said about leaving Grey's Anatomy
Midori Francis has left Grey's Anatomy for creative and personal reasons. In an interview with Deadline, she said that this series is the one she used to watch when she was a teenager and that it is a "wild, beautiful ride."
She worked well with the showrunner, Meg Marinis, to develop a change that would respect the character growth of Yasuda. Francis appreciated the depth Mika's last storyline was given, mentioning that the show let her explore both aspects of her character: serious and funny.
“To do both sides of the iconic Grey’s pendulum in one character—I was so, so happy about that,” she said.
Francis has not said she won't come back, but she is looking at new opportunities because she indicated there might be a film project soon.
The future of Grey's Anatomy's renowned diversity
With Francis leaving and the loss of Jake Borelli as Levi Schmitt, it leaves a pretty big gap for queer representation on the show. Borelli spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his exit and hopes Grey's Anatomy continues telling diverse stories.
Showrunner Meg Marinis admits that the rest of the series is still keen on telling interesting stories, promising,
“The characters we’ve lost will always be part of the Grey’s family, but their departures create space for new stories to unfold.”
The fall finale ended with a surprise that put Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Adams (Niko Terho) in danger. See what happens as the show returns on March 6, 2025.
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You can stream Season 21 on Hulu.
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