I've compiled a list of latest Japanese medical dramas. These dramas were aired from Winter 2010 to Winter 2015.
Please note
This list will only include dramas which are:
- not only mainly set in a hospital but actually tackles either problems/circumstances in a hospital system, cases of doctors, and treatments of patients.
- even if working for forensics, the lead character is a doctor.
- series and not special dramas with only one or two episodes.
This will not include dramas which are:
- mainly set in a hospital but centers on mystery, or any other genre than medical.
- Asadora and Taiga dramas.
- SPs aired in a season.
And of course, I will only include dramas which piques my interest.
While I can promise that I'll do my best to categorize the dramas, I cannot promise that it'll be perfect as categorizing some of them can be really confusing. The dramas I haven't watched yet are even more confusing to categorize. I might edit this post if sometime in the future, I think a drama fits another genre more. If you would like to suggest that a drama fits a certain genre more than where I included it, feel free to comment so I can take it into consideration.
This list will only include dramas which are:
- not only mainly set in a hospital but actually tackles either problems/circumstances in a hospital system, cases of doctors, and treatments of patients.
- even if working for forensics, the lead character is a doctor.
- series and not special dramas with only one or two episodes.
This will not include dramas which are:
- mainly set in a hospital but centers on mystery, or any other genre than medical.
- Asadora and Taiga dramas.
- SPs aired in a season.
And of course, I will only include dramas which piques my interest.
While I can promise that I'll do my best to categorize the dramas, I cannot promise that it'll be perfect as categorizing some of them can be really confusing. The dramas I haven't watched yet are even more confusing to categorize. I might edit this post if sometime in the future, I think a drama fits another genre more. If you would like to suggest that a drama fits a certain genre more than where I included it, feel free to comment so I can take it into consideration.
Japanese Medical Dramas
Code Blue 2 (Winter 2010)
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"It has been one and a half years since Aizawa Kosaku, Shiraishi Megumi, Hiyama Mihoko, and Fujikawa Kazuo were assigned to Shoyo University's North Hospital. they have only three months left of their fellowship program (specialized training program) to be flight doctors and each of them have come to the crossroads where they have to think of their lives after graduation. Aizawa, who has only one relative - a grandmother currently in a nursing home, starts having doubts about his duties and cannot find a clear direction for his future. Meanwhile, Shiraishi Megumi is unable to forget the past. She had caused their former teacher, Kuroda Shuji, to have his right arm amputated. Then Tachibana Keisuke, a veteran flight doctor, takes up a new post. He has been put in charge of certifying the fellowship program which will decide their future." (from dramawiki)
I love the first season, and I love this one as well. The front liners of the cast have established names now, and even before when this drama was released. We have Yamashita Tomohisa, Aragaki Yui, and Erika Toda. I really love these three, and watchign something with them together is such a pleasure. My sister, who is a registered nurse, enjoyed this series as well. I love the idea of "Doctor Heli" where the doctors can fly at once to the scene where they are needed. I know right, I stated the word "love" too much, well I really like it a lot!
"It has been one and a half years since Aizawa Kosaku, Shiraishi Megumi, Hiyama Mihoko, and Fujikawa Kazuo were assigned to Shoyo University's North Hospital. they have only three months left of their fellowship program (specialized training program) to be flight doctors and each of them have come to the crossroads where they have to think of their lives after graduation. Aizawa, who has only one relative - a grandmother currently in a nursing home, starts having doubts about his duties and cannot find a clear direction for his future. Meanwhile, Shiraishi Megumi is unable to forget the past. She had caused their former teacher, Kuroda Shuji, to have his right arm amputated. Then Tachibana Keisuke, a veteran flight doctor, takes up a new post. He has been put in charge of certifying the fellowship program which will decide their future." (from dramawiki)I love the first season, and I love this one as well. The front liners of the cast have established names now, and even before when this drama was released. We have Yamashita Tomohisa, Aragaki Yui, and Erika Toda. I really love these three, and watchign something with them together is such a pleasure. My sister, who is a registered nurse, enjoyed this series as well. I love the idea of "Doctor Heli" where the doctors can fly at once to the scene where they are needed. I know right, I stated the word "love" too much, well I really like it a lot!
GM ~Odore Doctor (Summer 2010)
"A brilliant general medicine doctor dreams only of becoming a famous dancer. He returns to Japan to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry only to find out the agency he signed up with was a sham. He stays in Japan and works part-time in a run-down GM center solving baffling medical mysteries. All the while he plans for his dancing comeback." (from dramawiki)
I've been wanting to watch this since I can't remember when, but I don't know why I keep forgetting to prioritize it. It sounds like comedy to me, and I don't know how they'll pull this one of to be great. What makes me want to watch this the most is the fact that Tabe Mikako and Okura Tadayoshi are both part of the cast.
"A brilliant general medicine doctor dreams only of becoming a famous dancer. He returns to Japan to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry only to find out the agency he signed up with was a sham. He stays in Japan and works part-time in a run-down GM center solving baffling medical mysteries. All the while he plans for his dancing comeback." (from dramawiki)I've been wanting to watch this since I can't remember when, but I don't know why I keep forgetting to prioritize it. It sounds like comedy to me, and I don't know how they'll pull this one of to be great. What makes me want to watch this the most is the fact that Tabe Mikako and Okura Tadayoshi are both part of the cast.
Iryu: Team Medical Dragon 3 (Autumn 2010)
"Several years after the conclusion of Iryu 2, Team Medical Dragon is once again reassembled to revive the faltering Meishin University Hospital." (from dramawiki)
I should have watched this one as well already, but there's just too much dramas every season I keep on leaving out a lot. From the cast, no one aside from Koike Teppei makes me interested, but then since I have watched the 1st and 2nd seasons, eventually, I came to love the drama. It's very interesting, well, all medical dramas are really interesting, right? They make you learn a lot, while some may be exaggerated, since it's drama after all, but nonetheless, they make you think and feel like everything happening is believable. I'm so amazed with this genre, because there's no medical dramas in my country.
"Several years after the conclusion of Iryu 2, Team Medical Dragon is once again reassembled to revive the faltering Meishin University Hospital." (from dramawiki)I should have watched this one as well already, but there's just too much dramas every season I keep on leaving out a lot. From the cast, no one aside from Koike Teppei makes me interested, but then since I have watched the 1st and 2nd seasons, eventually, I came to love the drama. It's very interesting, well, all medical dramas are really interesting, right? They make you learn a lot, while some may be exaggerated, since it's drama after all, but nonetheless, they make you think and feel like everything happening is believable. I'm so amazed with this genre, because there's no medical dramas in my country.
Bull Doctor (Summer 2011)
"Esumi's character is the "bull doctor" of the show's title, which comes from the word "bulldozer". Ignoring any opposition from the people around her, she uses any means necessary to determine the truth behind the deaths of the bodies she examines. Because of her personality, she is constantly at odds with both Ishihara and Inagaki's characters." (from dramawiki)
I've watched this one because of Shida Mirai and Ishihara Satomi. I wonder if they have ever talked about Yamada Ryosuke on set? Just curious since they both know him. XD :) I can't quite understand or relate to our bull doctor, and it got boring along the way. But then maybe it's just me, because I wasn't really interested in the lead actress. I hope they got an actress I'm more familiar with. Lol.
"Esumi's character is the "bull doctor" of the show's title, which comes from the word "bulldozer". Ignoring any opposition from the people around her, she uses any means necessary to determine the truth behind the deaths of the bodies she examines. Because of her personality, she is constantly at odds with both Ishihara and Inagaki's characters." (from dramawiki)I've watched this one because of Shida Mirai and Ishihara Satomi. I wonder if they have ever talked about Yamada Ryosuke on set? Just curious since they both know him. XD :) I can't quite understand or relate to our bull doctor, and it got boring along the way. But then maybe it's just me, because I wasn't really interested in the lead actress. I hope they got an actress I'm more familiar with. Lol.
37-sai de Isha ni Natta Boku ~Kenshui Junjo Monogatari~ (Spring 2012)
"A former salary man, Konno Yuta one day decides to re-enter a medical university. He successfully becomes a practitioner at age 37, and begins to work at a university hospital as a medical intern. Yuta had hoped to become a full-fledged doctor as soon as he could, but the reality he faces at the hospital are appalling.
It's as if Yuta had gone back in time tens of years ago when working conditions were incredibly harsh, doctors saw their patients only as sources for research, and rounds made by the professor only impose burden to both doctors and patients. At times being rejected by a younger superior, and at times confronting professors, Kenta comes to believe in one faith, and searches for the "medical treatment patients truly desire".
Joy, conflict, distress... It's a human love story that will inspire you no matter how old you are." (from dramawiki)
I'm not sure about the 'human love story' part there in the plot. Lol. I haven't watched this one either, but since Kusanagi Tsuyoshi got my heart with Dokushin Kizoku, maybe I'll try watching this one as well. Although, Dokushin Kizoku, is purely romance, while this one is medical. And oh, Yaotome Hikaru is part of the cast so I'm really considering this one.
Summer Rescue (Summer 2012)
"Hayami Keigo is a promising young heart surgeon at a university hospital, but is made to examine patients at a clinic in the mountains during summer on the orders of his superior. At a harsh environment 2,000 m above sea level, there is a small quantity of testing equipment and medicine. It is a culture shock and setback for Keigo who is active in advanced medical care and the use of cutting-edge equipment. This is a place detached from modern medical care where doctors make all diagnoses by touching, looking at and talking to patients. Koyama Haruka was raised by parents who ran a mountain lodge, but when she was 5, her mother died in an accident on the mountains. That influenced her to become a nurse in Tokyo. However, one day, an incident prompts her to escape from Tokyo and return to the mountain lodge. It is the same time that Keigo arrives at the clinic." (from dramawiki)
While I love Osamu Mukai and that would make me want to watch this, this one actually got me with its plot as well. It got my interest so I'm want to give this a chance. We also have Suda Masaki, Maeda Goki, and Nounen Rena in here.
Resident ~5-nin no Kenshui~ (Autumn 2012)
''Patients are brought in one after the other. Being put in an environment where there is a race against time to save lives, all they can do is stand there doing nothing. Though they still have a lot to grow as a doctor and as individuals, will they be able to overcome adversity and one day be able to proudly identify themselves as being a doctor?" (from dramawiki)
All five are of the main cast are familiar to me, and that is really something, because it would make me want to watch a drama more. I have watched this and I really like the interactions and how the characters are learning here. Interesting story, love the cast.
"A former salary man, Konno Yuta one day decides to re-enter a medical university. He successfully becomes a practitioner at age 37, and begins to work at a university hospital as a medical intern. Yuta had hoped to become a full-fledged doctor as soon as he could, but the reality he faces at the hospital are appalling.It's as if Yuta had gone back in time tens of years ago when working conditions were incredibly harsh, doctors saw their patients only as sources for research, and rounds made by the professor only impose burden to both doctors and patients. At times being rejected by a younger superior, and at times confronting professors, Kenta comes to believe in one faith, and searches for the "medical treatment patients truly desire".
Joy, conflict, distress... It's a human love story that will inspire you no matter how old you are." (from dramawiki)
I'm not sure about the 'human love story' part there in the plot. Lol. I haven't watched this one either, but since Kusanagi Tsuyoshi got my heart with Dokushin Kizoku, maybe I'll try watching this one as well. Although, Dokushin Kizoku, is purely romance, while this one is medical. And oh, Yaotome Hikaru is part of the cast so I'm really considering this one.
Summer Rescue (Summer 2012)
"Hayami Keigo is a promising young heart surgeon at a university hospital, but is made to examine patients at a clinic in the mountains during summer on the orders of his superior. At a harsh environment 2,000 m above sea level, there is a small quantity of testing equipment and medicine. It is a culture shock and setback for Keigo who is active in advanced medical care and the use of cutting-edge equipment. This is a place detached from modern medical care where doctors make all diagnoses by touching, looking at and talking to patients. Koyama Haruka was raised by parents who ran a mountain lodge, but when she was 5, her mother died in an accident on the mountains. That influenced her to become a nurse in Tokyo. However, one day, an incident prompts her to escape from Tokyo and return to the mountain lodge. It is the same time that Keigo arrives at the clinic." (from dramawiki)While I love Osamu Mukai and that would make me want to watch this, this one actually got me with its plot as well. It got my interest so I'm want to give this a chance. We also have Suda Masaki, Maeda Goki, and Nounen Rena in here.
Resident ~5-nin no Kenshui~ (Autumn 2012)
''Patients are brought in one after the other. Being put in an environment where there is a race against time to save lives, all they can do is stand there doing nothing. Though they still have a lot to grow as a doctor and as individuals, will they be able to overcome adversity and one day be able to proudly identify themselves as being a doctor?" (from dramawiki)All five are of the main cast are familiar to me, and that is really something, because it would make me want to watch a drama more. I have watched this and I really like the interactions and how the characters are learning here. Interesting story, love the cast.
Doctor X ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko (Autumn 2012)
"Daimon Michiko (Yonekura Ryoko) is a 37-year old surgeon and is a art of a questionable 'doctor placement service' that has her wander from hospital to another. She holds a scrupulous comliance when it comes to her working hours, never does any unnecessary chores that don't require a medical license, and couldn't care less about the power struggles within the hospitals. Nobody knows how she acquired such a top-level skill that allows her to claim exorbitant sums as reward, but her private life is an even greater mystery to everyone around her. There are rumors that she once had to leave the medical world due to money problems and a medical error, but nobody knows anything for sure." (from dramawiki)
I haven't watched this one yet as well, but the plot seems pretty interesting for me, so I might give it a chance since Yonekura Ryoko is one of the few older actresses I actually like. This is not something I'll prioritize though, because aside from Yonekura Ryoko no one from the other cast members interests me.
This list of Japanese medical dramas is not done yet! Part 2 is here.
"Daimon Michiko (Yonekura Ryoko) is a 37-year old surgeon and is a art of a questionable 'doctor placement service' that has her wander from hospital to another. She holds a scrupulous comliance when it comes to her working hours, never does any unnecessary chores that don't require a medical license, and couldn't care less about the power struggles within the hospitals. Nobody knows how she acquired such a top-level skill that allows her to claim exorbitant sums as reward, but her private life is an even greater mystery to everyone around her. There are rumors that she once had to leave the medical world due to money problems and a medical error, but nobody knows anything for sure." (from dramawiki)I haven't watched this one yet as well, but the plot seems pretty interesting for me, so I might give it a chance since Yonekura Ryoko is one of the few older actresses I actually like. This is not something I'll prioritize though, because aside from Yonekura Ryoko no one from the other cast members interests me.
This list of Japanese medical dramas is not done yet! Part 2 is here.
