White Tower (Part 1)

Author: (Japanese) Yasuzo Yamazaki
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-23
Features: A classic masterpiece by the master of Japanese social novels, a bestseller for 40 years. A dramatic play intertwining light and darkness, an epic symphony of fate. White symbolizes the purity of medicine, and Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, emphasized this in his famous oath. The Tower refers to the setting of the story—a place that carries the responsibilities of saving lives and nurturing the next generation of medical professionals—a hospital. Within this Tower, people must face not just the simple distinction between good and evil, but the profound realization of the many thought-provoking contradictions and conflicts inherent in human nature. The White Tower is the Tower of desire. In the wheel of life, anyone who stakes everything on desire will not emerge as a winner. At that moment, the weight of life also changes.
Professor Taro Tsukumo of the University Hospital Associate Professor of Surgery, in pursuit of his dream of becoming a professor, broke ties with his mentor, Professor Higashi, and, with the financial backing and influence of his father-in-law, Tsukumo Naito, engaged in a fierce battle for votes against the candidate recommended by Higashi. Under his ruthless and aggressive tactics, Higashi was defeated, and Tsukumo finally achieved his goal of becoming the professor at University, ascending another step in his life. Just as he basked in his triumph, hidden crises began to surface: due to his casual attitude toward ordinary patients, patient Yohei Sasaki died from his misdiagnosis. Meanwhile, he was attending an academic conference in Germany, facing accusations from the deceased's family and questions from reporters. How would he respond?
"I shall keep my promises, steadfastly. To the teachers who have taught me medicine, I shall show the same respect as to my parents. To my son, the son of my teacher, and to my disciples, I shall impart medical knowledge with all my heart. I shall do all in my power to take measures that I consider beneficial to my patients, and I shall avoid doing them any harm. I shall not give a deadly drug to anyone if I am asked, nor shall I suggest any such thing. I shall practice my art with both hands clean, and with integrity. Into whatever house I enter, I shall go for the benefit of the sick, and I shall abstain from all that is deleterious and dangerous. I shall not take a bribe for either a present or for a favor. I shall not accept gifts, nor shall I offer them. I shall not seduce my patients' wives or female relatives, nor shall I have any sexual relations with them. I shall respect the secrets which I may uncover in the course of my professional practice, as long as I live."—Hippocratic Oath
Professor Taro Tsukumo of the University Hospital Associate Professor of Surgery, in pursuit of his dream of becoming a professor, broke ties with his mentor, Professor Higashi, and, with the financial backing and influence of his father-in-law, Tsukumo Naito, engaged in a fierce battle for votes against the candidate recommended by Higashi. Under his ruthless and aggressive tactics, Higashi was defeated, and Tsukumo finally achieved his goal of becoming the professor at University, ascending another step in his life. Just as he basked in his triumph, hidden crises began to surface: due to his casual attitude toward ordinary patients, patient Yohei Sasaki died from his misdiagnosis. Meanwhile, he was attending an academic conference in Germany, facing accusations from the deceased's family and questions from reporters. How would he respond?