Reviews for Dr. Kotou Shinryoujo

I came across this medical manga by chance. I didn't even know it had been published to completion in France, to tell the truth. But I didn't miss the chance to take a look. I have to say: it's a pleasant surprise. Medical manga has a tendency to criticize the current medical system in Japan and around the world. I used to find these mangas rather violent in what they had to say and often difficult to grasp and understand. But with this manga, I got a different view of the medical aspect. Indeed, the manga focuses much more on the notion of being a doctorthan on the system in place. I really liked this aspect, because it allowed me to read a story that was much more human and realistic than anything I'd read before.

We follow the story of a doctor who makes a mistake in the large hospital where he was practicing, and finds himself on a desert island with a small population and very modest resources. The script is divided into short stories, each with a different case, and the main thread is the progression of the characters.

The author has had the good idea to develop intimate links between each character. None is left to chance, and the result is something quite accomplished. For me, it's a pleasure to follow a story where each protagonist has the opportunity to progress in his or her social situation or behavior. Particularly as in medical manga, the protagonists' lives are regularly in danger. This helps to build up the emotions and tension which never lets up.

Another point I appreciated in this story was the author's drawing style. It reminded me vaguely of Naoki Urasawa's, whether in his facial expressions or even in the way he iconizes strong moments. As a fan of the latter, I liked the feeling of clean drawing and of not being taken for a fool when discovering key moments. The story's narration helped in this respect.

If you're lucky enough to discover this manga in its entirety (all 25 volumes are available in French, and around a hundred chapters have been translated into English) don't be surprised by the ending. Unfortunately, the manga has been on hiatus for almost 13 years and will probably never be resumed. It's a pity, because that's the downside of the whole thing: the story has no ending, although if it did, it would be easy to guess.

I'd advise you to have a look at this manga if you're interested in the medical genre. It's really different from anything I've read before, thanks in particular to its very human side and its touching characters. It's well worth the detour if you want to have a good time.

Becoming a doctor is not easy. You need to be smart and hardworking. Many smart people fail to get into this field. Also, a bit of luck is involved. You need parents who can pay your college fees, and support you till you start earning a good amount. Not all kids are lucky to have such support. Some parents are rich enough to “buy” a private medical seat for their kid, especially if they own a hospital/clinic. In such a setting, it is a remarkable achievement to be a doctor. It has prestige, money and most importantly you can save lives. Nothing is greater than that. Sorry forranting, but this manga really hit me in the feels.

In Japan it’s particularly difficult to become a doctor. The guy in our story named Dr.Goto Kensuke worked in a prestigious Tokyo hospital. That’s the dream of many doctors.

But then he came to the small island of Koshiki. A place small enough that everyone knows everyone. People were initially suspicious of him, his story didn’t make sense. Why would a successful doctor come here to the backwaters?

Did he commit a crime? In the initial chapters the manga shows beautifully how challenging gaining the trust of patients can be. Of course Dr.Koto succeeds.

He is a kind, smart, humble easy going guy who believes “See the person, not just the disease.” He’s also incredibly skilled and knowledgeable.

He performs a difficult appendectomy and finally becomes accepted by the village folk as a capable, trustworthy doctor. He receives great help from his reliable and smart nurse Ayaka Hoshino.

He goes on to become a vital member of this close knit island, and that is the real charm of this story.

His real name is Goto Kensuke, but the village folk call him Koto.

Shinryoshou means Clinic in Japanese, hence the name of the manga is Dr.Koto’s clinic aka Dr.Kotou Shinryoushou.

Story. 8/10

The premise is simple- new Doc in town. The manga is mainly episodic, every chapter or bunch of 2-3 chapters have mini-arcs. As time progresses the characters get older too. Over time we, as readers get to know the various people on the island and see them as friends.

The story initially had mystery elements as to why the doctor came to the island. This was shown nicely in one arc.

Most chapters are just people showing up with weird symptoms and Dr.Koto treating them. He also performs a LOT of surgeries, given the small population. But that much is a given, for the manga to keep running.

From time to time he goes to the mainland to perform challenging and sometimes borderline impossible operations. He’s as skilled as Black Jack, and charges almost nothing. Best offer ever!

There is a romance angle between Goto and Hoshino, and it’s quite nice. Just a subplot though. Medical action/drama is the main genre here. Comedy scenes also pop up from time to time.

I love the slice of life aspect of this manga. Can read it without a care in the world. Light, simple, friendly manga. And it also tackles many medical topics deftly eg,.Organ trafficking, senior doctors taking credit and pushing blame, people being distrustful of doctors until they really need them, doctors asking for unnecessary investigations to raise the bill,etc.

There is no dearth of material here. And guess why?

After seeing the terminology used here I was sure that a doctor has to be involved in making the story. So I looked up the author. Many years ago, Yamada Takatoshi, the mangaka started thinking about making a manga about a guy who moves to an island. His editor told him about a doctor in Koshiki island who actually does that.

Yes! This manga is based on a true story! There is actually a doctor called Dr.Setou Kenjiro who lives on Koshiki island. He went there temporarily but fell in love with that place, and has been there since more than 30years, serving the people. He abandoned his private practice. So the mystery of the accurate and relatable stories is solved.

The mangaka adds stuff to make the story exciting, but the appendix surgery part actually happened.

Art. 7/10

The art is good, not great. I have no complaints, it’s just that it isn’t amazing.

I wish the people had more expressions. Maybe I’m just getting used to more modern style of manga. The surgeries are shown nicely, pretty accurate.

Characters. 8/10

I loved the main guy, coz he is something we can aspire to be. He’s a fool at times, gets tricked too easily. But he’s kind, smart, and does his job with passion. He’s willing to take risks.

This story would have been lonely without Hoshino. She is a really sensible character in the manga. I’m tired of seeing stupid side characters, she is a breath of fresh air.

The island folk are great too. Mr.Hara is a loyal friend of Koto. Shige-san, the fisherman association’s head is an annoying old man. He can be helpful, but only when others really need him. Wada, Mrs.Tsuchi, Kuni, etc are great too.

Dr.Ebato reminded me of Black Jack’s nemesis Dr.Kiriko. Some characters that are annoying initially, later turn a new leaf.

One problem I had with the story was when evil people kept showing up to the island to exploit the people again and again. That was repetitive. Otherwise, I can’t complain.

Overall. 9/10

I had fun reading this manga, and that’s the most important part. I don’t usually write such long reviews, but this time I thought I’ll just write whatever comes to my mind.

This is such an underrated manga, no reviews, few users. I hope more people can discover this brilliant story.

There is no fighting, superpowers, and barely any romance.

You’ll love it if you enjoy slice of life, doctor related manga, medical/action/drama, island life type, simple, easy going episodic stories.

Thank you for reading!!