I, Kurihara Ichito, advocate 24-hour, 365-day support.
I work at Honjo Hospital in Matsumoto-district, Nagano Prefecture.
I'm a gastroenterologist in my fifth year.
(whimpering)
It's okay. It's okay! Thank you.
Doctor, your ears... Please don't worry, take care of yourself.
I'm sorry. Please, ma'am, come here.
Today's emergency room duty is at 11:00 p.m.
The emergency patients keep coming in, and I'm as busy as ever.
Doctor, I'm down with something. Hmm?
So give me some eye drops for hay fever.
I work during the day, so I only have time at night.
I mean, this is the only hospital that's open, right?
I understand.
Even if you explain the meaning of first aid to someone like him...
Doctors are often reminded that they are in the service industry.
Please go to the reception desk and get your medicine.
But how long do you expect me to wait for a bottle of eye drops?
If that's the case, you can buy it at the drugstore.
The emergency patient is a 54-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis and vomitting blood
his name is Yokota-san. Yokota-san... again? Yes.
Yokota-san, I'll drop you off.
Yokota-san, we're at the hospital. Can you hear my voice?
I can't drink anymore
Mr. Yokota, you drank again, didn't you?
I've always told you to stop drinking.
Aren't you Dr. Kurihara?
Thank you for your hard work at this late hour.
Bring him to Chief Nurse Tonomura, to Red Bed Number One! Bleeding patient!
All hands! One, two, three!
Solulact* line connected. Airway secured. Blood pressure checked. *saline bag
Dr. Kurihara, ambulance is on its way in 10 minutes. 9-year-old girl, sudden and intense abdominal pain.
She is losing consciousness. I'll consult
You're a real puller, Kurihara. Are you going to keep the emergency department awake tonight?
I regret to inform you that you must prepare yourself, Chief Nurse Tonomura.
On the nights I'm on duty, I get 1.5 times as many emergencies as usual.
That's why the emergency department calls me "Kurihara the puller".
By the way, the reason my speech is a little old-fashioned is because
I was influenced by Soseki Natsume, whom I have admired since my school days.
Dr. Kurihara, please start working on the outpatient clinic as well.
Wait for me. Blood test, blood gas.
EKG, x-ray, check, and SB tube.
Hold it.
Good morning, Kuri-chan. It's morning!
Last night there were six ambulances and 36 patients?
That's not normal. Ahahahahahaha!
This is the new head of the hematology department at Honjo Hospital.
It's Dr. Shindo Tatsuya. Tatsu!
DOCTOR OF HEMATOLOGY SHINDO TATSUYA
Kurihara. It's Tatsu!
Ehh? What? Do you know him?
Yes, Tatsuya Shindo is my classmate at Shinano University School of Medicine.
He is my only friend and a good opponent in the chess club.
How have you been? Tatsu. Yeah.
I'd say you too, but you were taking a nap in the doctor's room.
That's right. This is the usual Dr. Kurihara.
and this is the usual Honjo Hospital, Dr. Shindo.
I mean, Shin-chan* *"chan" is usually used for girls, although young boys who are very close also use it
Shin-chan?
Director, Professor Tatsu graduated first in his class from medical school.
He won a spot at the Teito University Memorial Hospital in Tokyo.
He's a Shukaikeichu man!
SHUKAIKEICHU - Beautiful on the outside and intelligent on the inside
We're the conscience of the medical school. You're out of line, Kurihara.
I can't say it enough. Tatsu has the strength of 100 men!
Dr. Raccoon. Who's the Raccoon?
So, Kuri-chan, I've asked you to show Shin-chan around the hospital.
Yes.
A big racoon? There's also an Old Fox doctor
He's the Deputy Director of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Kurihara is always surprised by me.
A big raccoon and an old fox. Sounds like a fun hospital.
Well, it's all subjective, but I can tell you that it's so busy that it's unprecedented
Anyway, why did you come back to Shinshu? Tatsu.
A man of your stature should be chief of internal medicine in Tokyo.
I'm sure of it. I have my reasons
Well then, I won't ask.
Ah, yes, how is Kisaragi?
Is this about Chinatsu? Yeah.
Well, you know, I think you guys have
a four-year-old daughter. How is she?
Well, yeah.
I'm glad to see you, Kurihara. Me too.
I congratulate my friend on his triumphant return.
It's not a triumph, it's a fall from grace. If it's a fall from grace, even more congratulations.
You can focus on being more human than getting ahead
Now, let me show you around the hospital. I have to tell everyone.
But first, let's play a game.
It's been five and a half years. I approve
Kurihara. hm?
There's something I need to tell you. What is it?
There's a shortage of doctors in local hospitals, even more than in Tokyo.
I'm aware that I'll need to push the envelope.
But I'm going to do it my way.
That much is obvious. I'm sure you will persevere
Let me take a break for once
Welcome to the lower class of health care.
Drama Special Kamisama no Karuta Night Two
Dr. Kurihara.
Why is he so cool?
The nurses in the internal medicine ward are in an uproar.
About me? What? No,
The newly arrived hematologist, Dr. Shindo Tatsuya.
Stands to reason. But you know what, why did Dr. Shindo
come from a university hospital in Tokyo?
Why would he come to the middle of nowhere?
Did he screw up back there?
An affair? Tozai
Don't worry. I'm devoted to Dr. Kurihara.
The other nurses aren't like that.
I have a wife, and Tatsu has a daughter.
Tatsu's family owns a soba noodle shop near Matsumoto Castle.
With only one mother and one child, Tatsu probably came here
because he was worried about his mother.
While at his prime?
That's the kind of man Tatsu is.
He is an honorable young man.
Hmm.
Oh, hello!
Dr. Kurihara, Chief Nurse
Hello. Are you going for a walk? Toyo-san.
I thought I'd show Toyo-san the mountains.
Then I'll take you there, Mago-san
No, I'll take her.
Right, Toyo-san. - Yes?
I'm happy to have Mago-san take me there.
Hahaha. Goodbye....
Toyo-san is 88 years old. Mago-san is 89 years old.
They've been married for 70 years this year.
70 years. Is Toyo-san OK to go home?
If she catches pneumonia again, it'll be difficult.
70 years.
Seventy years of marriage? What wedding is that?
You mean like a golden wedding or a silver wedding?
Yeah.
Oh...
Ouch. Ouch. Ichi!
Ichi! Hey!
Hey, hey, hey. Hmm?
Is it true that Tatsu is here? Yes.
I can't believe three of my peers got together at a hospital in the middle of nowhere.
It's a great miracle, isn't it? You were in the same class, how can you have forgetten?
I remember you.
Especially the Shogi club love triangle incident.
A love triangle between men?
No, it's a woman.
It's a love story from our college days, Chief Nurse!
What's with the weird... love stories?
Tozai, why are you so surprised? Tell me more, Dr. Sunayama
It's not a big story! Don't be modest!
The context may be funny, but it's really not a big deal.
Back then, there were only two people in the chess club, Ichi and Tatsu.
A girl one year their junior joined the club.
Her name was... hmm, what was it?
It's Kisaragi. Yes, yes, Kisaragi.
It's Kisaragi Chinatsu. Ichi and Tatsu are fighting over her.
In the end, the Shogi club was dissolved...
Wait... this is a big deal!
So, Tatsu was torn between love and friendship.
He went to university in Tokyo, and Kisaragi followed him.
After being rejected, Ichi became a freak...
Hello, Mizunashi-san.
Hello, Dr. Sunayama.
Is that... is that disinfectant?
Ah... yes.
I'm free right now. I'll help you.
Thank you.
How do you do?
It looks like the monster (of surgery) was waiting for Mizunashi to show up, in spite of Tatsu.
What is it? Tozai.
Even the eccentric Kurihara had a heartbreaking youth.
Don't listen to half the stories coming from that monster
Huh~.
(Siren)
Yamashita-san, we're at the hospital. Please hang in there a little longer!
Yamashita-san, 52 years old. She's complaining of severe abdominal pain!
Yamashita-san, we're at the hospital!
The conscience of the medical school?
That's right.
Aah!
Shinano University is so old and decrepit that one winter when we were in school.
There were times when the heating system in the medical classroom broke down, and it was below freezing for days on end.
I would have frozen and won't be able to study.
But the university was stingy with repairs.
The students could not complain and had to endure.
Just then, a lone man stood up to the university demanding repairs.
That was my friend Shindo Tatsuya.
I grew up in Shinshu, so I can tolerate the cold.
However, some students come from warmer climates.
It would be a shame for Shinshu students to be forced to put up with unreasonable things.
Wow, what a reliable person.
So I followed Tatsu's lead and took action.
You too, Ichi-san? That's Ichi-san.
It's not a big deal.
At the time, there was a professor of physiology who was renowned for his eccentricity...
All the past students have been studied in this environment.
Don't be indulgent.
What an overbearing professor.
So I sneaked in one night and closed
all the gas heaters leading up to the physiology classroom!
Oh? What? The next morning, the professor
ended up teaching in a freezing classroom.
He didn't dare to say that all the past professors have been teaching in this environment,
I ended up spearheading the heating repairs. Ahahahahaha...
What a delightful story. But, Doctor...
Was it okay for you to that, Ichi-san?
I was called in and scolded severely.
But Tatsu, on the other hand, had been steadily making the rounds with the professors.
We finally won the heating repairs.
We've called Tatsu the conscience of the medical school ever since.
Hmm, brilliant.
That man must have been very popular with the ladies, huh?
Hmm? Oh...
Well...
Kurihara-senpai, Check!
What's wrong? Ichi-san.
Hmm? Ah...
Danshaku, you're making it sound
as if Tatsu and I were fighting over a woman.
Huh? Huh?
Oh, no, no, Haru.
It's a really old story. Old?
It was a long time ago... about five and a half years ago.
I haven't seen Kisaragi once in the last five and a half years!
Kisaragi-san. Doctor.
No, Danshaku. Though Kisaragi is in my memory.
Tatsu's arrival reminded me of her, he's recently taken up residency...
You haven't seen her in five and a half years. She's come back into your life recently
Ichi's old girlfriend.
Haru, that is a terrible misunderstanding.
Haru.
You're digging your grave at an alarming rate, Doctor.
Danshaku, a grave is a place where you have something to be ashamed of.
Of course.
But if by any chance you should ever cause Princess Haruna to cry...
By the honor of my nobility.* *literal translation of Danshaku is "Baron"
I will challenge you to a duel! Definitely
Ten days later, Ms. Toyo Tomekawa's condition suddenly changed.
It could be pulmonary aspiration pneumonia. Add 4 liters of oxygen.
I'm sorry it's Sunday.
Her breathing got worse in the afternoon.
Is there no hope for Toyo-san?
There's nothing to worry about yet.
Mago-san, get some rest.
I will attend to Toyo-san every day.
It would be terrible if Mago-san got sick too.
But if I go back to my house without Toyo-san...
I have nothing to do.
Please let me stay.
Excuse me, Chief Tozai. Mikage-san, what's wrong?
Shiga Yoko-san has a fever of 39 degrees Celsius.
That's high. Um, where's Shiga-san's doctor?
It's Dr. Shindo. I've been trying to call, but I can't get through.
That's okay, I'll go.
I'll be right back.
APLASTIC ANEMIA PATIENT SHIGA YOKO
400 milligrams of acetaminophen, 50 milligrams of teprenone.
Yes. Excuse me.
Shiga-san, if you'll excuse me too.
There is a patient who is seriously ill and I can't take my eyes off her.
If anything happens, I'll be back soon.
Am I... going to die?
Yeah, aplastic anemia can be a little tricky.
It is not an incurable disease.
Shiga-san?
As Dr. Shindo has explained... I haven't been given an explanation!
You haven't? What do you mean you haven't?
How is it different from leukemia?
What do you mean, "blood disease"?
I have so many questions, but Dr. Shindo...
He should be here for his rounds. Ask for explanations at that time...
He rarely comes by. Even if I ask him a question.
He always says later.
Don't worry about it. He said he'll get back to me later.
I'm sorry that you are so uncomfortable.
Tatsu, it's me. I have a question for you.
(answering machine)
At the sound of the beep...
On this Sunday, Tatsu did not answer the phone once.
(answering machine)
What do you think you're doing, Tatsu? You're Izumi's doctor!
Hey, say something, Tatsu!
Where the hell were you yesterday, man?
Do you have any idea how many times I've tried to reach you, Tatsu? Hey!
I heard that an 85-year-old patient named Izumi passed away last night.
The person who took care of her was Dr. Sunayama, who was on duty.
I heard that his doctor, Dr. Shindo, didn't show up at the hospital until the very end.
Jiro: Izumi-san didn't want to prolong her life.
Whether I came or not would not have changed the outcome.
Hey, it's not about the outcome! If the condition of your patient suddenly changes
as the attending physician, shouldn't you rush back?
You're sadly unchanged, Jiro.
Do we have to stop him?
Dr. Kurihara, you always surprise me.
Old Fo..., Assistant Director, how long have you been there?
Naito-sensei was here from the beginning.
Really?
This is, you know, a matter of principle, so there's no point in stopping it
Jiro, we're not students anymore.
Grow up.
Tatsu... Hey, what are you talking about? Tatsu!
Jiro is a crude but serious doctor.
Because he is serious, he is crude
If you take away the seriousness from him, he's just a crude monster.
Smoking is unusual for you. Does Kisaragi allow you to smoke?
It's not Kisaragi. It's Shindo.
After she became my wife, Chinatsu Kisaragi became Chinatsu Shindo.
Why did Chinatsu join the chess club?
Did you know, Kurihara?
Of course I know.
Um.
You're from Shinano University, right? I see you on campus sometimes.
What is it?
I'm sorry, I forgot my wallet. Can I borrow some money for bus fare?
Ah, sorry. Ah... Huh.
Kisaragi was so conscientious that she sought me out on campus the next day.
She returned the bus fare. She also visited the chess club.
She joined our chess club.
She want to visit?
Chinatsu has liked you for a long time.
It was love at first sight, apparently.
She was brave enough to make your acquaintance.
and also joined the chess club.
I haven't heard that before
But you were completely oblivious to Chinatsu's feelings.
All you did was play chess. For a year.
Kurihara-sempai, Check!
I felt sorry for Chinatsu when I saw her.
I'm the one who hooked up with Chinatsu.
The chess club disbanded, and you and I went our separate ways.
Gentlemen, this is the whole truth about the shogi club love triangle incident.
Separate paths.
We've been walking different paths for five and a half years.
That's why you didn't answer the urgent call.
You didn't even try to alleviate the anxiety of your patients.
You threw him under the bus when he was dying.
Are you asking me to tolerate this?
Kurihara, you haven't changed a bit, sadly.
I'd like to know what you mean by "sadly"
I heard you only rested for three days in a whole year at this hospital.
Doctors aren't allowed to eat or sleep properly...
My intention is to see if you're okay. I know it looks unreasonable.
I'm a doctor after all. Your wife...
is she satisfied with that?
My wife?
Healthcare in Japan is
barely making ends meet at the expense of doctors and their families.
They are able to save face by putting pressure on our conscience
That's... that's crazy.
Is this what Kisaragi said to you?
It's not her.
It's me.
Chinatsu became a pediatrician at the Teito University Memorial Hospital.
Our only daughter, Natsuna, was born, and we were happy.
But after her maternity leave was over and Chinatsu returned to the field...
Our family...
What happened?
After only a few months of maternity leave, Chinatsu became Urashima Taro*
Urashima Taro is a character from a folktale where the moral of the story is helping people doesn't always lead to good things
New reagents, new medical devices, new cases.
Medical care is ever-evolving.
Especially at the Teito University Memorial Hospital, which provides state-of-the-art medical care.
Chinatsu tried desperately to catch up.
But... she collapsed from overwork.
If you take just one day off
She was blamed by the parents of a child with leukemia that she was in charge of.
If you're the attending physician, you must risk your life for your patients.
That's unreasonable.
But the hospital removed Chinatsu from the child's treatment team.
Something inside Chinatsu was broken.
I left Natsuna in the care of a babysitter and had to stay over for days at a time.
Increasingly, I had to leave early to take care of Natsuna.
"I'm not sure you can be a doctor if you're only taking care of your kids"
Excuse me, Chief Medical Officer. - No, no, not you.
It's your husband.
They said Dr. Shindo became useless after the baby was born.
I heard whispers in hematology.
Thank you for your attention.
My wife and I have been arguing a lot.
But then again, before a doctor becomes a doctor,
he is just a single human being
Last year, Natsuna came down with whooping cough.
she cried that she missed her mom.
She seemed to be in pain.
I took Natsuna with me to the doctor's office.
But Chinatsu didn't even glance at Natsuna because she was so busy.
Something broke in me then, too.
I turned in my resignation and took Natsuna back to Shinshu with me.
Chinatsu is still working as a pediatrician at the Teito University Hospital.
Tatsu...
All I can say now is...
And on top of that, she's ruined this family to keep working as a doctor.
The people around her said she was a fine doctor.
So I'm going to have my way here.
My little girl without her mother comes first, no matter what.
That's why I don't answer my phone after hours.
I don't respond to calls.
The rounds will be shorter.
The end of life for patients who don't want life-prolonging treatment.
I'll leave it to the other doctors.
Let's go back.
Start my outpatient visits
Our only certain reward is that we are not ashamed of our conscience.
Do you remember that? That's what Theodore Sorensen said.
That was a favorite phrase of ours in medical school.
When you're in the medical field, where there's no sleep, no rest, and no reason to be.
What do we take to heart?
You drew on Sorensen's words and told me.
The only reward for a doctor
is not to be ashamed of his conscience.
I still remember it.
Do you remember that?
KYUBEI
What were you thinking about? Dr. Kurihara.
I was thinking about my conscience.
I see. Perhaps Dr. Shindo is now
is in a tight spot. But you know what?
Dr. Sunayama, Dr. Kurihara, you all have friends here.
You know, when you're in a tight spot, you're not alone.
That's very important.
I didn't expect a freak like me or a monster like Jiro to be my friends.
Tatsu is also an unfortunate man.
(chuckles)
Well, my friend might be the same
A friend of the doctor's?
Director/Doctor Itagaki
You know, when I was in medical school, I made a very important promise to him.
It's been 40 years since then.
Well, we've been there, too, many times.
We were in a tight spot, too
The only thing that got me through...
was because we were there for each other.
(Sneeze)* *Japanese people believe you will sneeze if someone is talking about you behind your back
I think that is true
What is the most important promise you made during medical school?
We will build a hospital in this town where everyone can be seen at any time.
That ridiculously large signboard is....
That was our idea
When the director was still in junior high school.
his mother suddenly collapsed in front of him.
At the hospital, they suspected a myocardial infarction.
she needed emergency catheterization... and it was the only thing that could help her
Unfortunately, Shinano University Hospital had the only one.
So the ambulance had to detour 50 kilometers again.
It was during this time that his mother passed away.
There were about three hospitals, including Honjo Hospital.
But they didn't have a cardiologist. They couldn't do emergencies.
That's why they didn't accept her.
So, the director, the night of his mother's wake...
I heard that he made up his mind that he wanted to become a doctor.
Even if we have hospitals, we can't save lives if we don't have doctors.
He thought, "Let's not have this sadness any more"
Then I said, "Let me help you". That was 40 years ago
That signboard is such a signboard.
Do you regret that promise, doctor?
I do. I'm regretting it almost every day.
Because I'm just an ordinary doctor.
I'm normal. I'm ordinary.
But Dr. Raccoon, that man...
In other words, he's an unparalleled Toji* *Chief brewer at a sake brewery
Toji? The Toji who makes sake? Yes, yes... Toji.
Yes, from the hands of Dr. Raccoon,
Ginjo sake, the ideal medical treatment, gushes out endlessly.
It's a sake that is based on the sacrifice of doctors and their families.
It's also delicious. I like it. I drink it.
Yeah, it's good.
Thank you very much. This sake, however,
gives me a really bad hangover.
Yeah...
This is Shiga Yuko with aplastic anemia.
The doctor has changed her medication, and I'd like to know why.
Shiga-san wants to know. Her family does, too.
They're in the hospital room now
Informed consent will be given tomorrow. To Shiga-san and her family.
Tell them it will be at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Dr. Shindo, I'm asking you to do something for me.
I have five minutes left in my shift.
Look, it's not something that can be easily explained.
But you always leaves early, and your phone is always disconnected.
You can't even find the time for a little IC* *Informed Consent
Neither Mikage-senpai nor the rest of us are convinced at all!
In any case, the new medication is on schedule.
IC is tomorrow.
ICは明日だ｡
Supporting such a Doctor... I just can't.
I don't support either. Me neither.
I won't do it either.
Caffeine acts on the cerebral cortex, relieving drowsiness and fatigue.
It has been pointed out that it can improve thinking and concentration.
I don't remember hearing about the benefits of caffeine. Okay.
You've been talking too much in your sleep.
I wondered if you weren't getting enough caffeine.
Chief Tozai, go find her.
A freak and a cold-blooded guy are going to beat each other up. Yes!
Kurihara...
There are some things I can put up with, and some things I can't.
Life is made up of absurdities from the very beginning.
Even if you put all your strength into the oars.
There are many times you won't move forward
Oars?
If you still wish to advance the ship,
you open a line to call on the other ships to open the way
because you wish to head there
You will explain the situation to the nurses and then you can leave
I think you should pay a visit to Shiga-san before going home
If you wish to advance the ship...
you have to choose one or the other.
Your unprecedented style...
It reminded me of our school days.
Does that mean you forgot about it until now? Tatsu.
I've never forgotten it.
And my friendship with you.
If you're talking about either of them taking time....
let's choose a patient.
Kurihara
I'd like to borrow your lab coat. It's a small price to pay.
You'll have to pay for the dry cleaning.
Of course.
I don't care how much it costs, you can't just dump coffee on people.
It's your fault you weren't there.
It's been two hours.
Shouldn't we go check on him?
Mikage-san, where's Dr. Shindo?
I... misunderstood.
What is it now?
Dr. Shindo's IC is very thorough.
Any questions from Shiga-san and her family.
he answered them well....
I was listening beside her and started to cry...
Shiga-san finally trusts Dr. Shindo
Chief, I've never been so moved by an IC before.
From now on, things will definitely go well
And Dr. Shindo? He is making rounds
to the other patients, all over again
Medical rounds? What? Now? Yes.
To be honest, he's not the same person as before. That's not true.
He's always been a different person, until now
I'm sorry.
The time for visiting is over.
No, no... thank you for everything you've done for me.
My name is Shindo Setsuko, mother of Shindo Tatsuya.
My granddaughter. Ah, Natsuna, here, say hello to everyone.
Natsuna. Good evening.
I'm sorry. She's very shy.
Her mother is not around, so I'm a little unstable.
No mother? Mom!
Shh! No, Natsuna.
I run a store at night.
Tatsu's supposed to take care of her.
It's late tonight, and she wouldn't stop crying, so I brought her here.
Pappa!
Your papa, he's seeing a patient.
Sorry. He's almost done
Your name is Natsuna? How old are you now?
Natsuna, I will be patient
Dad!
Natsuna.
What's up? Did you miss me?
Dr. Shindo, you were pushing the IC for tomorrow.
as it wasn't life-threatening.
Why didn't you tell me?
That's right. Why didn't you
consult with us in the Nursing department
Dr. Shindo?
Until Dr. Shindo is ready to leave.
We, the nurses, will take full responsibility for Natsuna.
Please feel free to open the store, ma'am.
Thank you very much. I look forward to working with you.
Chief Nurse, thank you.
Thank you for waiting.
What did you want me to do?
I hope that Dr. Shindo's family will be able to return to normal.
If it's Haru's wish, I'm sure God will grant it.
Oh...!
Ah~ Dr. Kurihara.
It's rare to see you outside the hospital these days.
It's a lot healthier than meeting in the hospital all the time.
Oh, this is my wife.
My name is Haruna Kurihara.
This is my wife, Chiyo.
I'm Chiyo, Naito's wife.
Are you going for a walk? Yes
It's been a while since Ichi-san and I have been on vacation, so I asked him to come over.
He brought me here.
We love to walk, too.
My husband and I were both mountain climbers in college.
What? Do you hike in the mountains? Me too.
Oh~ Haruna Kurihara, the mountain photographer?
Yes. Well...
I have a photo book of yours, Haru.
Are you sure? I'm so happy, ma'am.
Don't call me ma'am, just Chiyo
Chiyo-san
It's like listening to birds chirping.
It is truly peaceful. A rare kind of peacefulness
Yes, this is Kurihara. What's up, Tozai? Thanks for your hard work.
Oh, well, me too.
Yes, this is Naito. I see.
Okay, I'll be right there. Got it. Yes, yes, later.
Sorry, Chiyo. Yes, please do your best.
Thank you. Good luck, Ichi-san.
Leave it to me. Let's go.
Why don't we take a little walk? Haru-san
Yes, with pleasure.
Ah...! Doctor!
I must have misstepped. Let's go.
Before, when we were talking at the bar
about a doctor's conscience.
Yes. Actually, I'm
just a coward.
And to keep staying overnight.
I wondered if I had made the wrong decision.
I'm wondering if I'm overlooking changes in the patients.
I'm always on edge like that, always on edge.
Whatever the circumstances, I'll take 100 steps
It's true that many patients are supported by Dr. Old Fox
But you know, being in the hospital all the time...
It means you're not always there for your family.
Aida-san, did you have a snack?
I haven't eaten. Are you sure?
Have you been eating in secret? No, I really haven't.
Emergency call from Tozai.
Aida-san's blood glucose level was elevated while he was hospitalized for diabetes.
The figure was over 500.
I doubt it.
Aida-san, blood tests have improved dramatically.
There are these things called meal markers.
I even know how much and when you ate any bread or cake.
Such detailed examination, can be done
What?
That's a lie.
Oh, my God. No!
I'm sorry. Actually, I snuck in some pancakes as a snack.
I'm sorry!
It's a shame that I have to spend my precious holidays with patients and not with Haru.
I can't believe they ruined it.
ABSOLUTE RESENTMENT
Not again. Not again.
I won't hide and eat.
(singing voice)
"It's cold even in the summer Yoi, yoi, yoi"
"yoi yoi yoi no yoi yoi yoi"
Oh...
That was a splendid "Kiso-bushi"*.
*a folk song that has been handed down in the Kiso area since the early modern times, and is based on the motif of "Kawanagashi," the process of transporting lumber from Kiso down rivers, and sings about the Kiso River, the surrounding mountains, and human feelings.
Toyo-san liked my "Kiso-bushi".
I was thinking it would bring back these feelings if I sang it again
Hey, Toyo-san?
"yoi yoi yoi no yoi yoi yoi"
Can't you hear me now?
The first year of marriage is called a paper wedding.
The second year is the straw wedding ceremony.
The third year is the leather wedding ceremony.
Seventh year: Copper wedding ceremony.
Year 11: Steel wedding.
25th year: Silver wedding 50th year: Golden wedding.
60th year Diamond wedding.
The 70th year is called a platinum wedding, Mago-san.
That is significant indeed
Toyo-san.
Thank you for your hard work.
Dr. Kurihara, how was your emergency?
It was pancakes.
Hasami Shogi?
*a form of Shogi (chess) where 18 pawns are used
Seeing Kuri-chan and Shin-chan play, we wanted to play as well
you should always use the experience of your past
Hehehehe... Ah~.
I win this one, don't I, Dr. Itagaki?
A famous general once said, "This is a miraculous victory"
There's nothing miraculous about losing. It's usually frustrating.
Dr. Itagakii, are you a Yakult fan?
I'm a Tigers fan.
*during a famous baseball match on April 17, 1985 at Hanshin Koshien Stadium between the Hanshin Tigers and the Yomiuri Giants
Baas, Kakefu & Okada's legendary triple*
I'm going to make my rounds.
What's the diabetic patient doing?
In this moment, that was delicious, Shiga-san
The doctor said I should eat a lot and get stronger.
Did he tell you that?
Loss of appetite is a side effect of the medication.
I will do my best to eat more...
No, Shiga-san. You need to eat more.
or else you will lose to the disease.
See, like this...
My wife died from an illness when I was younger
It's a disease called lupus erythematosus, and resulted in kidney failure.
My wife and Shiga-san look alike.
I didn't mean it in a weird way.
My daughter is also pale-skinned and quite beautiful.
I'm already frustrated. That's why
I want Shiga-san to feel better.
Aah, this is really good.
Hmm. It's great.
You can't do that, Aida-san. You're diabetic.
If Shiga-san will eat her food...
My blood sugar level can go up as high as it wants.
Looks like Shiga-san is on the mend with his new medication.
Yeah, the problem was the side effect, the loss of appetite.
Intake has been recovering for the past few days.
Aida-san's blood sugar levels are worsening in inverse proportion.
Aida-san is eating together with Shika-san, to help improve her appetite
who also happens to remind him of his wife
making him eat more vigorously. Sigh...
That's a big problem.
Whoa! The two of you together...
should be grateful. Old Fo-
Dr. Naito, how long have you been there?
I've been here all along
If I were in Dr. Kurihara's position.
I'd like to propose a new treatment for Aida-san's diabetes
Is this a new treatment? Yes, first of all.
I'll change Aida-san's diet to a more strict one.
Plus, every day, five times a day, from the first to the fifth floor of the ward
exercise on the stairs going up and then down again
So you want Aida-san to give up?
No, no, no... and he can only drink water and tea.
No juice. And as much as possible during the day,
he must leave the bed and move around.
Dr. Old Fox, isn't that a punishment, not a cure?
No, no, no... and... to restore Shiga-san's appetite,
You'll have to keep trying harder.
I mean, it's not about forcing the patient into the treatment.
You have to adapt the treatment to the patient.
If you do that, a new path will be revealed
With that, if you'll excuse me.
Time to go.
Wll then.
Doctor! Doctor!
Doctor, are you okay?
This is the CT scan of Kamoichi Naito, Deputy Director of Internal Medicine, taken first thing this morning.
His blood test results are within normal limits.
This is an excellent CT scan
I thought it was suspicious that it was in the normal range, considering his condition.
That was a really good catch
I think we might have been a little late
What's the diagnosis?
There are tumors in every lymph node along the aorta.
The lungs, stomach, and liver are compressed and drained.
Malignant lymphoma, stage IV B in the Ann Arbor staging system.
It is lymphoma with systemic metastasis.
It looks quite severe. It's very bad.
No~ Thanks to you, I understand now.
Strange cough, back pain, malaise, low fever.
For someone who is overworked, I have a lot of symptoms.
When did the symptoms start?
Hmm, it's been about three months.
There aren't enough doctors in the world, you idiot.
I'm sorry.
Huh... let's see.
For a definitive diagnosis
I would also like lymph node biopsy, endoscopy, PET-CT...
I don't know if I can endure the tests in my current state.
Don't worry!
I'll take care of all the cameras.
Hehehe...
That's reassuring.
Dr. Kurihara, Dr. Itagaki
Thank you for your time.
A change of clothes. Thank you, Chiyo.
Apparently, it's going to be a long hospital stay.
I will give my family the IC
Oh. I'll leave you to it
How can you both be so calm?
We're doctors. We do what we do.
I've made a very important promise to him, Kuri-chan.
You will build a hospital in this town where anyone can be seen at any time.
I heard from the deputy director.
The director and the deputy director are both doctors.
But Chiyo-san is a civilian.
I can't believe that a husband would give his wife IC. At least I can...
That couple... they'll get through this.
Naito and Chiyo-chan got married as students.
Right after they got married, Chiyo suffered massive hemorrhaging in her last month of pregnancy
She was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
It was a premature separation of the placenta.
There was no gynecologist at the hospital who could perform an emergency C-section.
If they didn't operate soon, the fetus and the mother would die.
It took over half an hour to get to a hospital that could do it.
When they finally arrived, the fetus was dead.
It was a girl, they said.
On top of that.
During the surgery, the mother went into shock.
Since then, they have not been able to have children.
We don't have a definitive diagnosis yet.
I'm quite certain of it.
Stop it.
I don't want to.
Like this...
Why is it like this...?
Me too. I feel like complaining to God.
But you know what? In times like these.
I'd rather have you by my side.
I thank God for that.
My dear... Yes
It's going to be hectic
Give me your strength, Chiyo.
We don't have enough doctors, Kuri-chan.
No matter what we do, we don't have enough doctors.
So we have to do it.
We're still in the middle of it. We're still in the middle of it.
Shit!
We can't afford to panic or cry.
The lymphatic system is the domain of hematology.
Tatsu, who became Dr. Old Fox's attending physician, was
steady in the execution of all inspections.
He has made a definitive diagnosis.
The name of the disease is lymphoblastic lymphoma.
As soon as we get the final test results
we will start aggressive chemotherapy.
In times like these.
It's good to know there's a hematologist on board.
I'll leave everything to you... but...
Um... can you please wait
2-3 days before we start the treatment?
Why? Dr. Naito.
If you're a day late, you're at a disadvantage.
Please allow two to three days.
Dr. Old Fox
My husband is very stubborn, despite his appearance.
That's coming from someone who's been with him for nearly 40 years.
No doubt about it.
Hehehe...
Dr. Old Fox's condition was serious
and robbed us of our liveliness.
Huh... Tatsu, you're still here.
Yeah, if we delay the chemo.
We have a daily risk and response plan.
Don't force the patient into the treatment.
Tailor the treatment to the patient.
Where's Natsuna? The store is closed today.
My mother is taking care of her.
(Alarm)
Toyo-san... Tozai! Yes!
She was on oxygen tonight.
Ms. Toyo Tomekawa, who had been flying just under the radar
stopped breathing quietly.
February 8, 10:15 PM.
Confirmation of time of death
You have a beautiful face.
Toyo-san didn't suffer.
Doctor, Chief Nurse.
Can you just let us stay together like this for a while?
Not a problem
Doctor, is that okay? Yeah.
We'll come back later.
Toyo-san is 88 years old.
I think it was a peaceful death
(Singing Magoshichi's Kiso-bushi)
Mago-san?
Bring a stretcher to Toyo-san's room. It's Mago-san
Mago-san? Mago-san, can you hear me?
Mago-san!
Mago-san's death...
It was less than two hours later.
Toyo-san and Mago-san didn't want to be separated.
The gods made sure they could stay together
You're a doctor, but you sound like a monk.
Kurihara.
Isn't it too cold? I'm fine.
Ah! What?
Thank you.
Because it was beautiful. Really beautiful.
Hospitals aren't just about people dying.
Of course.
We get to help some people feel better.
When the nursery school found out I was a doctor at Honjo Hospital.
They offered to take Natsuna earlier in the morning.
(Aida-san) Was I imagining things?
24 hours a day, 365 days a year
The nursery school said they wanted to help the hospital
It's amazing.
(Aida-san) Let's go a little further.
(Shiga-san) Yes please.
All right, let's go.
Oh...
Good morning.
Hey Dr. Kurihara? Yes.
You can see Mount Jounen in the distance.
It was the first mountain we climbed together in college.
At that time, Dr. Itagaki took the lead.
I've climbed it with a group of students.
Nowadays, it's called a mixer*. Haha *mixers are popular group dating events in Japan for people to find partners
On that mountain... I met Chiyo.
From the moment I saw her it at the start of the trail
I was so anxious, so anxious
It took us 6 hours to reach the Jounen Cabin at the top of the mountain.
We climbed together all the way , didn't we?
Dr. Itagaki saw what was going on.
He played a prank on us at the Jounen Cabin. Hehehe
He asked me to fetch firewood...
He asked me to fetch some water for him.
Why, thank you!
Uh, where's everyone?
He said there was a campfire...
Leaving the two of us alone.
while everyone hid in the cabin
I was so embarrassed at the time.
at the spur of the moment, I said
The stars are so beautiful
I don't care about the stars.
What's important to me is you!
I was so surprised. I didn't think...
Thank you, thank you so much
The starry sky at that time...
I'll never forget it.
Oh... what a boring old story.
I beg your pardon
Both of us were up all night
I'm in a somewhat uplifting mood.
Here...
Here's a write up for the 33 patients I'm in charge of.
Chiyo also helped me.
You wanted me to postpone your treatment so you could make this?
Thank you for your patience. You may begin your treatment.
I'm going to fight this disease with everyone's help
Please take care of my husband for me.
That day, I began chemotherapy with a combination of four anti-cancer drugs.
But Dr. Old Fox's condition didn't show any improvement.
His state of consciousness often deteriorated.
Malignant lymphoma has invaded the central nervous system...
Yes, we also found a tumor in the spinal fluid.
That's why he loses consciousness sometimes
We've modified the treatment to include a spinal fluid injection.
Changing to a more intense chemotherapy.
I'm relying on you
Excuse me.
It's a losing battle...
One month to go...
I messed up
It's been a while since I've been home.
I took my wife outside with me.
It was already midnight.
I can't find a place for the emotions that were stuck in my heart.
so I turned my feet to come here
Oh, Dr. Kurihara. Haruna's here too.
Are you still open? Yes.
What are you doing here at this hour?
I really want to have a drink. Can't I?
Now?
Yes, now.
At Haruna-san's request?
Yes, it's my request.
If Dr. Kurihara had asked me to do something, I would've refused.
But I can't refuse Haruna-san's request.
I just got a new bottle.
If you'll come with me to taste it... Yes.
Dr. Naito is not doing too well is he?
Haru, you can't drink that fast. It's bad for you.
I'll drink my share of the painful sake
I'll have the pleasant sake with Ichi-san.
I'll take care of it.
Ah, yes, yes...
You can't do this, Ichi-san.
That's the end of the painful sake.
Let's start over.
What kind of mountain is Mount Jounen?
It is a triangular mountain on the southern side of the Northern Alps.
2,857m above sea level.
It is one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and the starry sky is magnificent.
I see...
What about the starry skies of Jounen, Dr. Kurihara?
Oh, no, it was the beginning of Mr. and Mrs. Naito's relationship.
40 years ago at Mount Jounen
It was the first time they saw the starry sky together.
Oh, it was a sight to behold. In the old days, even in the city
I could see all the stars on the summit.
But now it's brighter in the city
And in the middle of the city, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
That electric sign never dissapears
Yes, it's annoying to the eyes.
I wish it would go away at least once every seven days.
You can't do that, Doctor. That's a treasure of this town.
After midnight, the stars increase.
But the starry sky at the top of Mt. Jounen
It must be dozens of times more stunning than this.
Haa...
Ichi-san... Yeah? What's wrong?
The anemia is progressing.
Dr. Naito's chemotherapy will have to be discontinued.
I'm sorry...
Tatsu, I need to talk to you about something.
Are you serious? I'm serious.
If you don't want to do it, I'll do it alone.
My only certain reward is that I am not ashamed of my conscience.
No, Kurihara, it's our reward.
Hmm? What's up?
Hmm?
All right, I'll make you some of my best Sunayama Blend.
Hang on.
Hmm?
You just had a conversation with only your eyes
Tell me, what are you up to?
We were all in the same class. You're leaving me out of this?
You have eyes on your back, you really are a monster
No, but... if it's for Mr. Naito.
I'll do it too. - Eh?
Huh.
We need the cooperation of the emergency department.
It's somewhat flashy...
You have to keep your eye on it from above...
What is that? That's crazy.
Haa...
I'll do it.
The cooperation of the laboratory is essential. Is that impossible?
There's no such thing as "impossible" in the laboratory of Honjo Hospital.
I know it's unheard of, but if it's for Dr. Naito.
No problem from Cardiology
Thank you.
Of course that's impossible.
I was wondering why Dr. Shindo and Dr. Sunayama were wandering around a lot.
What are you thinking?
No, thank you.
Let's do it, Chief.
Mikage-san, what did Dr. Shindo say to you?
What do you think? Mizunashi-san
Yes, senpai, I'd like to do it too.
Aah, did Dr. Sunayama coerce Mizunashi-san?
No, this is voluntary
Hmmm...
I see you've already filled the outer moat* of the nursing department, Dr. Kurihara. *a term in castle warfare
The only one left is you, Honmaru.
I'm the only one. Say that again.
This is not a joke, Tozai!
Haa, when the hell are you going to do it?
Two nights later.
Mikage-san, Mizunashi-san, lunch tomorrow.
Tell everyone there's going to be an emergency meeting of the nursing department, and it's top secret.
Yes.
And then two nights later...
Let me place your feet. Huh...
But, Dr. Kurihara.
Where the hell are you going in the middle of the night?
It's still a secret.
Let's go.
Well, well, Dr. Shindo.
We've been waiting for you.
Oh, hohoho...
The observation deck at Honjo Hospital is
located at the highest point of the Matsumoto Plain.
It is the closest place on earth to the stars.
Stars?
Well.
Oh, my...
I've worked here for decades
and I didn't know there was a place where I could see such a wonderful starry sky.
It's a wonderful gift.
Thank you, Dr. Kurihara. Thank you, Dr. Shindo.
I would like to thank you as well.
It's like the starry skies of Mount Jounen.
Oh, you thought so too? Me too.
Dr. Naito, Chiyo-san, please wait a little longer.
No, no, no. I've already received plenty of care and concern
Right, Chiyo?
Yes, my dear.
It's not enough.
The starry sky that you and Chiyo saw 40 years ago...
I'm sure it wasn't like this yet.
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...
5 4 3 2 1 0.
Oh...
Aah
Wow...
This is... my dear.
Yeah, that time, that time...
The Medical Department, Nursing Department, Laboratory Department, and Emergency Department.
It was a one-minute starry-sky gift for Dr. and Mrs. Old Fox.
Thank you for the longest time.
Chiyo.
The next day, we were summoned by Administrative Director Kanayama
the actual owner of the hospital
Last night, at 0:05 a.m., for approximately one minute.
There was a power outage at our hospital.
This notebook contains all of Director Kanayama's crib notes
The weaknesses of all the hospital's employees.
Rumor has it that it's all been written down.
But oddly enough, it was restored a minute later.
Moreover, during the power outage, only the medical equipment was functioning properly.
At the same time, you all took the elevator to the observation deck.
There are witnesses who have saw it.
The observation deck at midnight is a strange place to be
I'm forced to think that you
are the cause of the accident
It's just a power outage, isn't it, Administrative Director?
By the way, at the same time, Dr. Sunayama was on the fire escape leading to the rooftop.
It has been witnessed that you climbed up there
Please explain.
I heard that the Doctors are very busy.
But to go up to the observation deck in the middle of the night for entertainment...
The Doctor's duty is to treat the patients.
Please refrain from doing anything else.
You think doctors should just treat patients?
Even if it doesn't cure the disease
there are still other things a doctor can do
Doesn't the Administrative Director agree with that?
That's idealistic.
So let's change the question.
In a hospital where so many people entrust their lives.
You colluded with the hospital staff to turn off the lights.
Are you allowed to do that as a doctor? Dr. Shindo!
But... As for the doctor...
Complaints have been reported in daily operations.
There are hurdles that needs to be cleared
before we can start talking about ideals.
Then, Administrative Director.
If you say it's not a doctor's place
to deal with patients who can't be cured,
then what should we do with those patients?
Unfortunately, in the current medical field
we don't have the luxury of pursuing idealism, as much as you doctors want to
The bed occupancy rate is always around 100%, and there are patients waiting to be admitted.
Are you suggesting that patients who can't be cured should leave the hospital?
I dare say you might be right.
Community health care has absolutely no money or human resources to spare.
I'm sure you doctors are well aware of this.
There are things you can't compromise, even if you know
That's not really an argument.
As a doctor, you must first do your part
First of all... it's not about doctors
We're talking about humans!
We're human.
Hospitals are the places where these people die.
But if a man is to speak of life and death...
he must throw away his notebook, abacus, and title
and speak with his own body!
Dr. Kurihara, you...
You can laugh at this attitude as idealistic nonsense all you want, but
if we use this stupid idealism
to push ourselves forward
how can we continue to work
and stay sane in this helpless environment?
Full beds, harsh working conditions and a shortage of doctors.
I know that for a fact, but!
We are under a lot of pressure, but we still need doctors.
We must never give up the belief that there is something you can do.
It is only with that belief that
we can work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(Knock)
Ah! Hello, hello, Administrative Director
I'm sorry I'm late.
Dr. Itagaki, I didn't call for you.
Oh, no. Report on last night's power outage are coming in from all over the place.
I brought you this. - A report?
Let's see... First of all, let's start with Mr. Matsumae, Chief Technician of the Radiology Department.
"I was using a special scanning machine last night that I'm not familiar with
and caused the breaker has tripped"
"I'll make sure this doesn't happen again."
It also comes with a note of apology. No, but...
This is Head Nurse Tonomura from the Emergency Department.
"I was checking the electrical system at night.
I accidentally turned off the power. I'll be careful from now on."
This is another note of apology from Cardiology...
Idiot!
Then how do you explain the hospital wing?
It's impossible for all the wards to lose power at the same time, all by themselves!
Oh... yes, yes!
The report on that matter was also given by Chief Nurse Tozai on behalf of the ward nurses.
Let's see...
There were no such incidents.
Huh?
Apparently, the power outage was some kind of misunderstanding.
Let's go.
Wait!
Dr. Itagaki... this isn't the way an organization should behave.
There must be some kind of punishment!
Punishment?
Punishment for who?
Naito collapsed while the hospital was in dire straits
and these young guys are desperately trying to keep things under control
I don't care if you're giving out bonuses...
Punishment for who? Administrative Director
Or... what?
Does Management want to start a war with the frontline staff?
I see.
The power outage...
was a misunderstanding.
Thank God!
I'm glad to have the understanding of the Administrative Director.
I'm going to give them a good scolding.
Once again, best regards
You greenhorns!
Director
The next time you do it, include me.
Dr. Big Raccoon's voice sounded lonely.
We all knew there wasn't going to be a next time.
One week later, at 2:20 pm.
It was as if he didn't want to bother us on our busy schedules
Dr. Old Fox quietly stopped breathing.
Even Chiyo-san, who was sitting nearby, didn't notice it right away.
At the wake, patients he used to treat and their families came to see him.
There were continuous visitors
Everyone was crying.
Has Dr. Big Raccoon arrived yet? Oh, no.
He's on duty.
He told me that he would be on duty and that Kuri-chan should help with the wake.
I see.
Ichi... are you okay?
I'll be fine.
Honestly... it still doesn't feel real.
Don't push it.
That's right, Ichi. Don't strain yourself.
Yeah.
NAITO FAMILY
Mourners continued coming until after midnight.
Please
I'll make breakfast.
I'd like to borrow your kitchen, Chiyo-san.
Thank you, Haru-san.
And Dr. Kurihara.
For everything...
I'm done with my shift.
Naito.
Two ambulances and twenty walk-ins.
There was a nice young man in the group, which is rare nowadays.
He came in with a stomachache. "Sorry to bother you so late at night," he said.
I was so scared...
He was kind of young...
Just like you.
He had an ulcer and a hole in his stomach.
Don't worry.
I'll connect you to the surgeon.
Naito.
You can say, "Thank you for your hard work," as you have done so far
Hey!
Just say it!
Naito!
At that time, we cried for the first time.
When a person dies...
It means that one important bond has been lost.
And a few months later.
I, Ichito Kurihara, will find myself in the greatest predicament ever.
This drama is a work of fiction and the names of the characters and organizations are fictitious.