Everything we know About Midori Francis’s Grey’s Anatomy exit

Even before Grey’s Anatomy season 21 began airing, fans knew there would be some exits. The first to go was Levi, and in the fall finale, the show bid farewell to Midori Francis’s Mika Yasuda. 

In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind her departure, both off-screen and on-screen; and if she can return to the show. 

Why did Midori Francis Leave Grey’s Anatomy?

Midori Francis joined the cast in season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy. However, her character’s departure was announced before season 21 began airing. The actress returned to wrap up her story in the show. 

As for why she left, it has been confirmed that there was no conflict between Francis and the showmakers. So, everything was amicable. As per Deadline, the actress left the show to pursue other opportunities after signing with WME. 

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What Happened to Mika Yasuda in Grey’s Anatomy?

The fall finale episode of season 21 of Grey’s Anatomy focused on a patient suffering from a heatstroke who needed ice to cool down. However, he suddenly began coding and Mika had a breakdown. This led to her screaming at Bailey to save the patient.

However, in her screams, she went from talking about saving the man to referring to saving her sister and taking her instead. Bailey understood that Mika had come into work to distract herself from her grief of losing her sister, but it had only led to her breakdown. So, she advised Mika to take time off to grieve properly. 

Mika realized that everything reminded her of her sister Chloe. Even though when Chloe died Mika wasn’t awake, but she knew where it had happened, and this unknown made her mind wander. Ultimately, Mika realized that she couldn’t work at Grey Sloan Memorial any longer. So, Bailey reluctantly accepted her resignation. 

Will Midori Francis’s Mika Yasuda Return to the show? 

There’s a possibility that Midori Francis will return to Grey’s Anatomy since Mika isn’t giving up her medical profession. She is just leaving Grey Sloan Memorial. So, she might just work somewhere else like Izzy ended up doing. 

Grey’s Anatomy is also known for bringing back old characters so Mika Yasuda can return as well. In an interview with Deadline, Francis was asked if she would return in the future and she said that she “would be so delighted.” 

She elaborated, “These people and this world has become part of my trajectory of acting families, and I would be absolutely delighted to return. I don't know if Mika would, I think for Mika it would be triggering."

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When will Grey’s Anatomy Return? 

Grey’s Anatomy will return on ABC on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The episode will stream the next day on Hulu.