White Tower: Part One

Author: (Japanese) Yasuzo Yamazaki
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
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 is not simply distinguishing between good and evil, but deeply understanding the profound contradictions and conflicts inherent in human nature. The White Tower is a Tower of desires. In the wheel of life, anyone who stakes everything on desires will not be the 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 surgical professor, breaks away from his mentor, Professor Higashi, and with the financial backing and connections of his father-in-law, Ichi Tsukumo, engages in a fierce struggle for votes against the candidate recommended by Higashi. Under his ruthless and powerful offensive, Higashi is defeated, and Tsukumo achieves his wish of becoming the surgical professor of University, ascending another step in life. Just as he revels in his triumph, hidden crises begin to surface: due to his casual attitude toward ordinary patients, patient Yohei Sasaki dies from his misdiagnosis. Meanwhile, he is attending an academic conference in Germany, facing accusations from the deceased's family and questions from reporters. How will he handle the situation?
"I shall keep my promises, steadfastly. To those who have taught me medicine, I shall show as much 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, never causing them pain or harm. I shall not give poison to anyone, nor shall I suggest that others do so. I shall practice medicine and live honorably. Wherever I enter, it shall be for the benefit of the sick, not for my own advantage. I shall not accept bribes, nor shall I seduce women. What I see or hear in the practice of my profession, which ought not to be divulged, I shall keep secret." — Hippocratic Oath
Professor Taro Tsukumo of the University Hospital Associate Professor of Surgery, in pursuit of his dream of becoming a surgical professor, breaks away from his mentor, Professor Higashi, and with the financial backing and connections of his father-in-law, Ichi Tsukumo, engages in a fierce struggle for votes against the candidate recommended by Higashi. Under his ruthless and powerful offensive, Higashi is defeated, and Tsukumo achieves his wish of becoming the surgical professor of University, ascending another step in life. Just as he revels in his triumph, hidden crises begin to surface: due to his casual attitude toward ordinary patients, patient Yohei Sasaki dies from his misdiagnosis. Meanwhile, he is attending an academic conference in Germany, facing accusations from the deceased's family and questions from reporters. How will he handle the situation?