“Doctor-X,” a Japanese drama starring Ryoko Yonekura, has been a popular series since its first airing in 2012, with seven seasons to date. To commemorate the 65th anniversary of Asahi Television, the production company of the drama, they are making a film adaptation titled “Doctor-X The Movie.”
The official website of the movie released actors’ thoughts and related content today, along with a teaser trailer on their official social media. According to the website, the movie adaptation was a project eagerly anticipated by Ryoko Yonekura, the lead actress, and it brings together the core cast and crew of the TV series.
In addition to Ryoko Yonekura reprising her role as the protagonist, “Michiko Daimon,” the film will also feature Yukie Nakama as Michiko’s trusted anesthesiologist, “Hokuto Jonouchi,” Masanobu Katsumura as the laparoscopic magician, “Hideki Kaji,” Kosuke Suzuki as “Moto,” Kenichi Endo as the loyal assistant to Hospital Director Hiejima, “Kei Ebinami,” and Akira Onodera continuing as “Akira Kanzaki,” the head of the Kishihara Medical Introduction Office. Toshiyuki Nishida will play the former president of Teito University Hospital, “Shigekatsu Hiruma.” The cast will reunite in “Doctor-X The Movie.”
Ryoko Yonekura expressed, “I never imagined I would spend 12 years with Michiko Daimon. ‘Doctor-X’ and Michiko Daimon are inseparable parts of Ryoko Yonekura. It was my request to the producers to see ‘Doctor-X’ on the big screen that led to this film. With the respect and support of my fellow actors like family, I have reached this point today.”
She also revealed, “While the movie has many highlights, I urge everyone to pay attention to Michiko Daimon’s moment of saying ‘I will not fail’ and the development of that dialogue. This work encapsulates our thoughts over the past 12 years. Be sure to watch it in theaters.”
Yukie Nakama shared that the time shooting the film was very fulfilling, providing both a necessary tension and a sense of meeting reliable family members. Portraying the same character for 12 years since the TV series began was a first-time experience due to “Doctor-X.”
Yukie Nakama added, “The role of Hokuto Jonouchi is an irreplaceable anchor for me. As we film this theatrical version movie, I feel deeply moved. Collaborating with Ryoko, we have supported each other like Michiko and Hokuto, running together all this time. The theatrical version movie is the culmination of the steps we have taken together with Michiko for 12 years. Finally, Michiko’s story is unveiled.”
Akira Onodera, portraying “Akira Kanzaki,” stated, “Ryoko cherishes her inner feelings and always considers the whole team. Whether during the TV series or off-screen, she has treated me as ‘Akira Kanzaki’ for 12 years. I am truly grateful for maintaining our relationship for such a long time. I hope everyone will appreciate ‘Doctor-X’ and Ryoko’s charm and challenges on the movie screen.”
Toshiyuki Nishida, who plays the former president of Teito University Hospital, “Shigekatsu Hiruma,” mentioned, “Reuniting for ‘Doctor-X’ brings back memories, and playing Hiruma again has brought me joy. Portraying ‘Shigekatsu Hiruma’ for a long time has left a deep impression on me.” Due to his character’s portrayal as a villain, Nishida expressed that his bad image seems to have grown along with the scale of the drama, hoping to bring laughter to everyone.
“Doctor-X The Movie” will premiere in Japan on December 6th.