From Kagoshima, Japan, emerges a talent built on craft rather than hype. This Japanese actress carries an artistic legacy in her very name, inspired by French painter Claude Monet.
Her journey began at thirteen with a remarkable achievement. She won the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 Toho Cinderella Audition against fierce competition.
Kamishiraishi Mone balances dual careers with precision. She moves between film sets and recording studios without losing authenticity.
Exposure to multiple languages shaped her worldview. This informs her multilingual performances and global appeal.
At twenty-seven, she holds a diverse filmography. It spans anime blockbusters, period dramas, and romantic comedies that showcase true versatility.
Early Life and Initial Forays into Entertainment
Her artistic foundation was laid in the contrasting landscapes of Kagoshima and Mexico. A three-year stay abroad during her early school years, due to her father’s work, expanded her worldview dramatically.
She returned to Japan fluent in English and conversational Spanish. These language skills would later become valuable assets.
Growing Up in Kagoshima and Life Abroad
Kagoshima shaped her core identity. But the time spent overseas added a layer of cultural fluency rare for a Japanese artist of her generation.
This unique background prepared her for a global career from the very beginning.
First Steps: The Toho Cinderella Audition and Musical Debut
Back in Japan, her musical school teacher saw exceptional talent. The teacher encouraged her to enter the 2011 Toho Cinderella Audition.
It was a pivotal moment. Against thousands, she won the Special Jury Prize. Her vocal strength and natural screen presence stood out.
This victory led to her television debut in the final episode of the NHK Taiga drama “Gō.” A year later, she made her musical debut in “The King and I.”
Parallel ballet training during this time built the physical discipline that supports her stage and screen work to this day.
| Year | Event | Role/Project | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Toho Cinderella Audition | Contestant | Won Special Jury Prize; launched professional career |
| 2011 | Television Debut | NHK’s “Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku” | First acting credit on screen |
| 2012 | Musical Theater Debut | Louis T. Leonowens in “The King and I” | Established prowess in live musical performance |
Mone Kamishiraishi: The Rising Star
Her breakthrough came not with a whisper, but with a song. It arrived in a film that tested every skill she possessed.
The project was “Lady Maiko,” a musical film directed by Masayuki Suo. It demanded a lead who could act, sing, and dance with equal conviction.
Breakthrough with “Lady Maiko” and Early Success
She was chosen from 800 applicants for the pivotal role. She played Saigo Haruko, an aspiring geisha named Koharu.
The character navigated the delicate balance between Kyoto’s strict traditions and modern ambition. The actress met this challenge with remarkable precision.
Her performance extended beyond the screen. She also recorded the movie’s theme song, “Maiko wa Lady.” It was released as a single under her character’s name, Koharu.
This move beautifully blurred the line between actress and musician. It showcased a cohesive artistic vision.
Critical acclaim was swift and significant. Her work in the film earned several prestigious awards.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Fumiko Yamaji New Actress Award | 2014 | New Actress |
| Japan Internet Film Award | 2015 | New Face Break |
| Japan Academy Prize | 2015 | Newcomer of the Year |
This role was more than a success. It was a foundation. It proved she could carry a major film and leave a lasting impression with her voice.
Transitioning from Stage to Screen
Her transition from musical theater to historical television was a natural evolution of her skills. The live discipline of the stage prepared her for the intimate demands of the camera.
This shift began early. Her first role in a Taiga drama was a brief appearance in 2011’s “Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku.” It introduced her to Japan’s most prestigious drama format.
Over time, her roles grew in complexity. By 2018, she played Saigō Kiyo in “Segodon.” This part required deep emotional depth and historical precision.
Taiga dramas demand a special kind of commitment. Actors must master period speech and wear elaborate costumes authentically.
She returned to the format in 2021 for “Reach Beyond the Blue Sky” as Tenshō-in Atsuhime. Each role cemented her reputation as a trusted ensemble player who respects historical storytelling.
From The King and I to Iconic Taiga Dramas
Her journey reflects a steady climb. She moved from a musical debut to significant historical parts. Each project built upon the last.
Collaborating with top directors and actors, she studied each figure she portrayed. This dedication shows in every performance.
| Year | Drama Title | Role Portrayed | Character Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku | Tokugawa Masako | Introductory role in the prestigious format |
| 2018 | Segodon | Saigō Kiyo | Complex supporting role showcasing maturity |
| 2021 | Reach Beyond the Blue Sky | Tenshō-in Atsuhime | Ensemble role affirming her status in historical drama |
International Impact Through “Your Name.”
The year 2016 marked a turning point when her voice became the heart of an international cinematic phenomenon. This anime film reached beyond Japanese borders to capture global attention.
Voice Acting and Global Recognition
Mone Kamishiraishi voiced Mitsuha Miyamizu in Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece. Her performance carried the emotional journey of a girl connected across time and space.
The film earned over $380 million worldwide. It introduced her talent to international audiences who discovered her through this animated story.
She won the Best Actress Award at the 11th Seiyu Awards for this role. The recognition highlighted her skill in bringing animated characters to life.
| Category | Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Box Office | $380+ million worldwide | Global commercial success |
| Award Recognition | Best Actress at Seiyu Awards | Industry validation of vocal performance |
| Cultural Reach | International phenomenon | Expanded fanbase beyond Japan |
| Character Legacy | Mitsuha Miyamizu role | Defining voice acting achievement |
She later reprised the role in “Weathering with You,” delighting fans with a cameo appearance. This anime movie remains her most recognized work internationally.
Voice acting proved to be as powerful as on-screen performance. The global reach of this film demonstrated how animated stories connect across cultures.
Diverse Filmography and Television Roles
Her career path reveals a deliberate choice in projects, moving seamlessly between genres and formats. Each role adds depth to her growing portfolio.
Film Highlights: Anime, Films, and Live-Action Roles
The “Chihayafuru” trilogy featured her as Kanade Ōe, a knowledgeable karuta player. She brought authenticity to this competitive world.
In “L-DK: Two Loves, Under One Roof,” she portrayed Aoi Nishimori navigating romantic complications. The film showcased her comedic timing.
“Startup Girls” cast her as Hikari Komatsu exploring business ventures. This role mirrored real entrepreneurial energy.
Television Dramas and Asadora Breakthroughs
“An Incurable Case of Love” became a cultural phenomenon in 2020. She played Nanase Sakura pursuing an unrequited romance.
Her first NHK asadora role came with “Come Come Everybody.” Selected from over 3,000 applicants, she played Yasuko Tachibana across generations.
“Home Sweet Tokyo Season 4” allowed her to use bilingual skills as Setsuko. Each drama expanded her television presence.
| Year | Project | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | Chihayafuru Trilogy | Kanade Ōe | Ensemble karuta film series |
| 2019 | L-DK: Two Loves, Under One Roof | Aoi Nishimori | Romantic comedy lead |
| 2020 | An Incurable Case of Love | Nanase Sakura | Breakthrough television drama |
| 2021-2022 | Come Come Everybody | Yasuko Tachibana | First NHK asadora role |
These projects demonstrate her ability to handle diverse characters. From startup energy to historical depth, each role builds her legacy.
Musical Achievements and Discography Highlights
Her musical career began not with a solo spotlight, but from within a character she brought to life. This foundation in storytelling shapes her entire approach to song.
Singles, Albums, and Theme Songs
The 2014 single “Maiko wa Lady” launched her music career. Released under her character’s name, it proved her ability to sell a song as convincingly as a role.
Her 2016 cover album “chouchou” reached third on the charts. It featured her version of “Nandemonaiya” from the anime film “Your Name.”
Original works followed with the studio album “and…” in 2017. This project explored her voice beyond covers, collaborating with skilled composers.
A significant theme song, “Happy End,” captured longing and hope for the film “L-DK.” It showcased her emotional range as a vocalist.
The 2020 album “note” climbed to third place. It included “Ichiru,” a powerful track written by Yojiro Noda of Radwimps.
She also recorded “From The Seeds” for the anime “7SEEDS.” This rock-influenced song expanded her musical palette.
In 2021, she released the cover collections “Ano Uta -1-” and “Ano Uta -2-.” These albums revisited classic Japanese songs with fresh arrangements.
They ranked sixth and seventh, proving her interpretations resonated deeply. Each project reflects a musician who respects craft and challenges her artistic identity.
Award-Winning Performances and Industry Recognition
A collection of awards spanning different mediums marks a career defined by versatility. The performer’s trophy shelf reflects consistent, award-worthy work across voice acting, film, and television.
Seiyu Awards and New Actress Honors
Critical recognition began early for this talented actress. Her 2011 Special Jury Prize at the Toho Cinderella Audition launched a pattern of industry acknowledgment.
The 11th Seiyu Awards honored her voice performance in “Your Name” with Best Lead Actress. This validation showcased her skill in anime voice work.
Television success brought dual wins at the Television Drama Academy Awards. Both honors recognized her compelling role in “An Incurable Case of Love.”
| Year | Award | Category | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Toho Cinderella Audition | Special Jury Prize | Audition Performance |
| 2014 | Fumiko Yamaji Award | New Actress | Lady Maiko |
| 2015 | Japan Academy Prize | Newcomer of the Year | Lady Maiko |
| 2017 | Seiyu Awards | Best Lead Actress | Your Name |
| 2020 | Television Drama Academy | Best Actress | An Incurable Case of Love |
Mone’s awards celebrate individual performances while acknowledging her range. Each honor served as momentum for the next challenging project.
At a time when many specialize, her recognition across mediums proves versatility wins respect. The industry consistently rewards her ambitious choice of roles.
In-Depth Interview Insights: Behind the Scenes
The camera captures the final performance, but it’s the unseen work that truly defines an artist’s journey. Interviews reveal the discipline behind each character.
Personal Stories and Career Challenges
Her multilingual upbringing shaped how she approaches roles. Living abroad added cultural depth to her character work.
For “A Forest of Wool and Steel,” she learned piano from scratch. Months of practice allowed authentic portrayal of a musician.
Childhood ballet training shows in her physical presence. This foundation supports both stage and screen performances.
In 2021, she published “Iroiro” through NHK Publishing. The book offers personal reflections on balancing acting and singing careers.
Audiences see a different side of her on TBS’s “Sekai Kurabete Mitara.” As regular MC since December 2020, she showcases wit beyond scripted roles.
This first time hosting revealed her comfort with improvisation. She connects with guests through genuine reactions and humor.
Fans know also about her sister’s career under the name “adieu.” Their shared artistic background creates a unique family dynamic.
The actress singer balances serious preparation with lighthearted moments. Behind-the-scenes content shows her authentic approach to craft.
Influence on Contemporary Japanese Entertainment
Her impact on the industry is measured not just in awards, but in a shifted blueprint for success. This actress and musician reshaped expectations for what a young performer could achieve.
She proved that voice work, live drama, and music careers don’t have to exist in separate lanes. Versatility became her signature.
The year 2020 was a landmark. Her role in the television drama “An Incurable Case of Love” made her a household name.
This surge was reflected in public recognition. She topped Oricon’s Break Actress Ranking and won the Yahoo! Search Awards.
Model Press named her “Face of the Year,” and she earned Best Smile of the Year. These honors speak to deep public affection.
Younger performers now cite her career as proof that audiences respect artists who move between genres. She navigates anime, historical pieces, and modern romance with equal credibility.
Her path offers a clear blueprint. It shows the value of starting young, working hard, and choosing collaborators wisely.
As both an actress and musician, she proves that contemporary entertainment rewards those who refuse to be easily categorized. Her influence continues to inspire a new generation.
Balancing Dual Talents: Acting and Music
True artistry often demands mastering more than one language, and for this performer, that language is both acting and music. She treats each discipline with equal seriousness, ensuring neither career overshadows the other.
This balance is most evident in her live performances. Her 2020 online live concert, “i note,” proved she could command a digital stage. The show felt intimate, bridging the gap between screen and audience.
Integrating Stage Presence and Vocal Prowess
She followed the digital success with a full national tour in 2021. The “yattokosa” tour brought songs from her albums to life with full band productions. Her stage training informed the cinematic feel of each show.
A major milestone arrived in 2023 with her first concert at Budokan. For any Japanese musician, this venue signifies lasting power. It was a definitive moment for the actress singer.
Collaborations with top-tier songwriters like Yojiro Noda ensure her music carries significant artistic weight. Her work is far from a vanity project.
As a regular MC on a TBS variety show, Mone showcases spontaneous wit between drama cycles. This visibility reinforces her multifaceted appeal. Commercials for major brands leverage this dual identity perfectly.
She built both careers with a startup mentality—taking risks and trusting her craft. The result is a career where dual talents amplify each other, not divide them.
Final Reflections on Mone Kamishiraishi’s Inspiring Journey
Thirteen years of dedicated work have built a career that defies simple labels. From the breakout role in “Lady Maiko” to the generational scope of “Come Come Everybody,” each project showcases a commitment to craft over fame.
Time has refined a performer audiences trust. Whether anchoring a romantic comedy like “An Incurable Case of Love” or voicing hope in a blockbuster anime film, the consistency is remarkable. She shows up prepared and respects the material.
Her musical output, including the “Ano Uta” albums and theme songs for shows like “Startup Girls,” proves she understands how a song can deepen a story. The voice, both spoken and sung, carries an honest quality that fans cherish.
With a Budokan concert achieved and new projects like the 2025 drama “Hotei no Dragon” ahead, this journey stands as powerful proof. Lasting success is built on talent, discipline, and the integrity to choose roles that matter.
