What is “mono”? Here’s what you’ll find in this article
- A quick and friendly introduction to the anime “mono”
- Complete list of TV channels and streaming platforms where you can watch it
- Story summary, highlights, and key production details
- Original manga info and fan reactions ahead of the broadcast
Perfect for anime newcomers and fans of relaxing, slice-of-life stories!
1. Introduction
Starting April 2025, the much-anticipated anime “mono” will begin airing. It’s the latest work from manga artist Afro, known for the beloved series Laid-Back Camp.
“mono” continues his signature style—gentle storytelling with a touch of emotional depth—offering a cozy yet thought-provoking viewing experience.
Set in a high school’s photography club, the series explores friendship, creativity, and personal growth through everyday moments.
With heartfelt characters and beautifully drawn scenes, “mono” captures the fleeting beauty of youth and the importance of preserving memories.
🔗 You may also enjoy these character-rich or must-watch Spring 2025 anime:
- 🌟 Looking for another heartfelt story with quirky characters?
Don’t miss Please Put Them On, Takamine-san — it’s bold, fun, and unexpectedly emotional! - 🔮 Want a story with mystery and a glimpse into the future?
Check out Miru: Watashi no Mirai — a thought-provoking journey full of surprises. - 🌕 Ready for something a little more epic and visually stunning?
Explore the world of Moonrise — a gripping sci-fi tale with breathtaking animation.
2. Where to Watch?
TV Broadcast Stations (Japan)
| Station Name | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TOKYO MX | Tokyo area | Late-night broadcast |
| Tochigi TV | Tochigi | |
| Gunma TV | Gunma | |
| BS11 | Nationwide | BS Digital |
| MBS | Kansai area | Mainichi Broadcasting |
| AT-X | Nationwide | Re-runs available |
| Yamanashi TV | Yamanashi |
Streaming Platforms (some with same-day release)
| Service | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ABEMA | Simulcast | Free and no sign-up required |
| d Anime Store | Subscription-based | Anime-focused platform |
| FOD | Subscription-based | Operated by Fuji TV |
| U-NEXT | Subscription-based | Broad genre selection |
| Anime Hodai | Subscription-based | SoftBank users’ anime service |
| Bandai Channel | Subscription-based | Veteran anime distribution platform |
| Hulu | Subscription-based | Also offers foreign shows & movies |
| Lemino | Subscription-based | Rebranded from dTV |
| Prime Video | Subscription-based | Amazon Prime members only |
| Netflix | Subscription-based | Available worldwide |
| Nico Nico Channel | Rental | Includes user comments |
| DMM TV | Subscription-based | Part of DMM’s digital offerings |
| TELASA | Subscription plan | TV Asahi-related platform |
| J:COM STREAM | Subscription plan | For J:COM users |
| milplus | Subscription plan | For specific provider users |
With so many options, you can choose how and where to enjoy “mono” based on your viewing preferences. ABEMA offers the fastest release, perfect for fans who want to stay ahead!
3. Trailer & Early Buzz
Official Trailer: The first promotional video has been released, showcasing key characters and the show’s calm, friendly atmosphere.
The soothing music, warm visuals, and natural conversations have already captured fans’ hearts.
| Category | Score (out of 10) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Story | 8/10 | The narrative is gentle and emotionally resonant, with a well-paced structure focused on everyday life and subtle personal growth. |
| Characters | 8/10 | Each character has a distinct personality, and their relationships develop naturally. Viewers can easily relate to and empathize with them. |
| Animation | 9/10 | The visuals are soft and beautiful, with particular care given to lighting, scenery, and background art—perfect for a show centered on photography. |
| Music | 7/10 | The BGM supports the tone well with calm piano melodies. While not groundbreaking, it’s soothing and fits the atmosphere. |
| Worldbuilding | 8/10 | Though grounded in reality, the setting feels rich thanks to the detailed environments and focus on photography and creativity. |
| Slice of Life Charm (Custom Category) | 9/10 | As a slice-of-life anime, mono excels at creating warmth, calmness, and moments of reflection. It’s immersive and healing to watch. |
Fan Reactions: On social media and anime forums, fans are calling it the new “healing anime of spring.” Phrases like “beautiful backgrounds,” “a guaranteed cozy watch,” and “Afro never misses” are common.
Staff Comments: Director Ryota Aikyo shared, “I hope this series inspires viewers to pick up a camera and appreciate the everyday.”
4. Basic Info
- Title: mono
- Air Date: April 12, 2025 (Saturday) at 24:00 JST
- Animation Studio: Soine
- Director: Ryota Aikyo
- Scriptwriter: Yoko Yonaiyama
- Character Designer: Takuya Miyahara
- Music: Hajime Hyakkoku (Anohana, Saekano)
Main Cast:
- Satsuki Amamiya (CV: Kazuki Mikawa)
- An Kiriyama (CV: Aoi Koga)
- Sakurako Shikishima (CV: Hikaru Tono)
- Haruno Akiyama (CV: Reina Ueda)
- Hanako Komada (CV: Maki Kawase)
Official website and official Twitter(X)
5. Story (Spoiler-Free)
Satsuki Amamiya, a second-year high school student, is left a little lost after her photography club’s beloved president graduates. Her best friend, An Kiriyama, encourages her to keep going.
One day, a camera Satsuki ordered online doesn’t arrive. Tracing the seller leads the girls to a local candy shop—where they meet manga artist Haruno Akiyama.
Surprising connections form, and soon they’re joined by former film club member Sakurako, forming a new group: the Cine-Photo Club.
As they document life through photography and video, the girls begin to discover new sides of themselves and the world around them.
6.🌟 Meet the Main Characters of mono
One of the biggest charms of mono lies in its characters—five unique girls, each with their own emotional journeys, creative passions, and connections with one another.
Whether you’re a fan of quiet slice-of-life moments or emotionally rich character dynamics, there’s someone you’ll relate to here. Let’s take a closer look! 📸✨
🧡 Satsuki Amamiya (CV: Kazuki Mikawa)
📸 The Passionate Photography Club Ace
- Personality:
Bold, emotional, and honest to a fault. Satsuki always gives her all, even if it means stumbling along the way. Her earnestness makes her incredibly endearing. - Background:
After her beloved senpai graduates, she becomes one of the last photography club members standing. Through new connections, she rediscovers her love for capturing moments. - Why We Love Her:
She’s impulsive but full of heart—and watching her grow is seriously moving. She’s the emotional spark of the group!
💙 An Kiriyama (CV: Aoi Koga)
🎀 The Supportive Best Friend with a Smile
- Personality:
Gentle, thoughtful, and always watching. An’s easygoing charm hides a sharp mind and deep empathy. - Background:
Satsuki’s longtime best friend and the silent glue of the photography club. She prefers supporting others from the sidelines. - Why We Love Her:
She may be quiet, but her presence is powerful. Her “soft leadership” style keeps the group grounded—and her moments of insight will surprise you.
💜 Sakurako Shikishima (CV: Hikaru Tono)
🎬 The Stoic Former Film Club Prodigy
- Personality:
Calm, composed, and a bit of a mystery. Sakurako rarely speaks unless she has something meaningful to say—and when she does, it sticks with you. - Background:
Formerly part of the film club, she brings a more technical and storytelling-focused mindset to the photography team. - Why We Love Her:
Underneath her cool exterior is a deep passion for visual storytelling. If you love quiet characters with big impact, she’s your girl.
💚 Haruno Akiyama (CV: Reina Ueda)
✒️ The Enigmatic Local Manga Artist
- Personality:
Quietly eccentric, deeply creative. Haruno sees the world through a storyteller’s lens, always curious, always observing. - Background:
A young manga artist who works from a cozy candy shop. She ropes the girls into her creative world, but ends up finding inspiration from them too. - Why We Love Her:
She’s a mentor and mystery rolled into one. Her reflections on art and emotion give the show its philosophical soul.
💛 Hanako Komada (CV: Maki Kawase)
🧁 The Soft-Spoken Sassmaster
- Personality:
Sweet and reserved—until she drops a perfectly timed sarcastic remark. Hanako is the queen of quiet impact. - Background:
A newer member of the club, she quickly earns her place with a keen eye and unmatched observational skills. - Why We Love Her:
She’s the hidden heart of the group. Her subtle emotional strength and witty timing often steal the scene.
📝 Final Thoughts
Each character in mono brings something special to the table—be it emotional growth, humor, or heartfelt creativity.
Together, they form a dynamic team that turns the everyday into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re here for the vibes, the visuals, or the friendships, this cast will absolutely charm you.
7. Original Work
- Based on: Yes
- Manga Title: mono
- Author: Afro (Laid-Back Camp, Tawawa on Monday)
- Publisher: Manga Time Kirara Carat (Houbunsha)
- Anime Adaptation History: First anime adaptation of mono
Afro’s signature blend of relaxing vibes and creative themes continues in mono, making it a highly anticipated title among fans.
8.✨The Ultimate Highlight Guide: Why You Shouldn’t Miss mono! ✨
📷 Photography × Youth × Healing = A quiet emotional treasure box! 🌿🎞️
💡1. The Characters Feel So Real—You’ll Fall for Their Journey! 💕
What makes mono truly shine is its cast of five high school girls, each with distinct personalities and emotional depth. They feel so genuine, you’ll forget they’re animated ✨
- 🌞 Satsuki is passionate and straightforward—but also a little clumsy, which makes her lovable!
- 🎀 An is Satsuki’s best friend and the club’s cheerful mood-maker. Her quiet kindness really hits home.
- 🎬 Sakurako, a former film club member, is smart and composed—with hidden fire in her heart 🔥
- ✒️ Haruno, the local manga artist, seems mysterious and mature, but is secretly super pure 🍬
- 🧁 Hanako comes off gentle and spaced-out… until she drops a sharp one-liner that has you laughing 🎯
Their friendships grow naturally, with subtle emotional changes and touching progress in how they relate to each other.
It’s so heartfelt, you’ll feel like you’re watching real friends grow together 😭🌸
📢 Warning: You’ll struggle to pick just one favorite character!
🎥2. Photography Meets Filmmaking!? A Unique Take on Creative Youth 🎞️📸
mono takes place in a high school photography club—but this is way more than your typical school club anime 💥
It beautifully incorporates elements of video and filmmaking too!
- 📷 Everyday scenes captured through the lens become little pieces of art ✨
- 🖼️ The background art is stunning, with careful attention to color, light, and composition 👀💎
- 🎞️ The idea that “every photo tells a story” runs through the entire show—and it makes you want to start taking pictures!
For anyone who loves photography, cinematography, or just thoughtful visuals—this one hits the sweet spot! 📹💖
🎶3. Healing BGM + Gentle Voice Acting = A Feast for the Ears 🌿🎧
The soundtrack is another highlight!
Composed by Hajime Hyakkoku, the BGM is full of soft, comforting piano melodies that fit the anime’s mood perfectly 🎼
- 🎹 The gentle piano music gives the show a beautiful sense of calm and transparency
- 🎤 The voice actors deliver wonderfully natural performances—you’ll feel every breath and emotion
- 🌙 OP/ED themes haven’t been announced yet, but expectations are high for some emotional bangers!
📺4. The Perfect Weekend Watch—Calm, Comforting, and Full of Heart ✨
No over-the-top battles or wild plot twists here. Instead, mono offers:
✅ Thoughtful day-to-day moments
✅ Emotions hidden in small conversations
✅ Backgrounds and settings that quietly move you
It’s all about the kind of gentle beauty that stays with you 💫
📌 Want something relaxing after a long day?
📌 Looking for a show that makes you feel without overwhelming you?
📌 Love taking things slow and cozy?
This anime is your weekend soul-healer 🎯✨
9. Final Thoughts — Why You Should Watch “mono”
If you love peaceful stories that explore creativity, friendships, and the beauty of everyday life, “mono” is a must-watch this spring.
Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or just starting out, there’s something warm and special waiting here for you.
Recommended for:
- Fans of slice-of-life and healing anime
- Viewers interested in photography or creative hobbies
- Anyone looking to unwind and feel inspired
Pre-watch Tips:
- Watch Laid-Back Camp to get a feel for Afro’s storytelling
- Try similar photography-themed anime like Tamayura for added appreciation
Mark Your Calendar!
- Premieres: April 12, 2025 (Saturday) at 24:00 JST
- Available on: TOKYO MX, BS11, MBS, ABEMA (simulcast), Netflix, U-NEXT, and more!
🔗 You may also enjoy these character-rich or must-watch Spring 2025 anime:
- 🌟 Looking for another heartfelt story with quirky characters?
Don’t miss Please Put Them On, Takamine-san — it’s bold, fun, and unexpectedly emotional! - 🔮 Want a story with mystery and a glimpse into the future?
Check out Miru: Watashi no Mirai — a thought-provoking journey full of surprises. - 🌕 Ready for something a little more epic and visually stunning?
Explore the world of Moonrise — a gripping sci-fi tale with breathtaking animation.
コメント