Dr. Koto's Clinic

I found this drama really interesting although there were certain aspects I found extremely frustrating.

The series is focuses on a doctor who arrives to work in the clinic of a small island in Okinawa, southern Japan. Because of the island's isolation, no self-respecting doctor wants to be there, and the inhabitants are consequently cynical about the new doctor's ability or interest.

But this is no ordinary doctor. Talented Tokyo surgeon Goto Kensuke (but known as Koto) has come because he is trying to make amends for his past. He does his best to win over the inhabitants of the village and as he does so we learn about the difficulties faced by rural communities who have difficult access to hospitals, schools and other things us city folk take for granted.

What most appealed to me about this drama is how suitable it would be for the Muslim world. With a much larger proportion of the population still living in rural areas, and a far higher level of poverty, this type of drama could help to raise awareness in those Muslim countries. Alas, we are unlikely to see anyone do this type of drama soon.

Now, the drama is very melodramatic: emotional scenes designed to make you cry, wonderful reconciliations to make you feel better, exciting surgery scenes where Dr. Koto saves a life or two or three, and of course a hidden romance... It is somewhat over the top. But the worst of it is the Dr. himself. He is such an effeminate, crybaby figure that he becomes annoying. And why on earth would anybody fall in love with him? Perhaps I'm just missing something...

Anyway, here it is.