Kyoto Hippocrates

Kyoto Hippocrates (2026)



幕末ヒポクラテスたち

8.0 2026 103 min Japan

Director: Akira Ogata

Cast: Kuranosuke Sasaki, Takashi Naito, Yoko Maki, Akira Emoto

Drama
Set in the twilight of the Edo era, when Kampo—traditional Chinese herbal medicine—still held sway, a Western-trained Dutch physician named Taikichi dedicates his life to healing impoverished villagers. After performing life-saving surgery on a hotheaded young man named Shinzaburō, the patient undergoes a profound transformation and vows to walk the same path. Fast-forward fifteen years: Shinzaburō returns from Nagasaki, armed with the latest Western medical knowledge, just as a suspected typhoid fever epidemic threatens the region. Against the fierce ideological clash between ancient Kampo and emerging Western practices, this stirring historical epic captures the courage of doctors who risked everything to pioneer modern medicine in Japan.

More About This Film

Kyoto Hippocrates is a Japanese medical drama inspired by the Hippocratic tradition and the demanding realities of a hospital environment. The story follows doctors and medical staff confronting cases that test not only their professional skills but also their understanding of empathy, responsibility, and the limits of modern medicine.

The film combines hospital drama with the distinctive social and cultural atmosphere of Kyoto. Its emphasis is on relationships between doctors, patients, and colleagues, making it suitable for viewers who enjoy thoughtful medical stories with a strong sense of place.

  • The film is associated with Kyoto and its medical community.
  • The title references Hippocrates, the historical figure often associated with medical ethics.
  • It is a Japanese-language production.
  • The film was released as part of the 2026 Japanese cinema slate.

Where to Watch

Japanese films often receive different streaming releases in Japan and overseas.