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| Job-Hopping Docs and Shady Deals? ‘DOCTOR PRICE’ Hits NTV Summer Dorama This July with Iwata Takanori and Makita Aju (NTV) |
NTV's throwing us a medical drama that’s not really about medicine. That’s right, ‘DOCTOR PRICE’ kicks off this July in the 10:30 PM slot, and it’s nothing like the usual white coat sob-fests. Starring Iwata Takanori as a dodgy ex-doctor turned job-hopping fixer and Makita Aju as his reluctant sidekick, this one’s looking slick, smart, and just the right side of morally grey.
Based on the manga by Tsukasa Sakatsu (story) and Masaki Ayuzu (art), DOCTOR PRICE takes us deep into the underbelly of Japan’s medical industry — not to heal the sick, but to broker big deals for doctors looking to jump ship. Each episode peels back the layers of power, paychecks, and professional ego in a world where one wrong stitch could cost a life... or a career.
What’s the Crack?
Takanori Iwata plays Naruki Kanari, a sharp-tongued ex-doc with a chip on his shoulder and a knack for negotiation. After a scandalous past tied to his father’s mysterious death (yep, there’s some real buried trauma here), he now works as a doctor-exclusive job-changing agent — think recruitment agent meets anti-hero vigilante.
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But he’s not exactly your mate next door. Naruki’s got a mean streak, a foul mouth, and doesn’t mind twisting arms if it means landing a deal. Yet, there’s a purpose behind the madness — he’s out to shake up the system and punish the baddies hiding in plain white coats.
Joining him is Makita Aju as Yonaga Aki, a sharp but sardonic rookie who masks her sarcasm with a smile. She's never played a character quite like this — mouthy, clever, and occasionally adorable when negotiating her paycheck with Naruki after each mission. It’s her first time pairing with Iwata, and early word is the banter's got real spark.
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Forget Surgery Scenes – This Ain’t That Kind of Medical Drama
Don’t expect your usual ER chaos. Writer Hiroyuki Komine (SUITS, Doctor White) and Takao Honda (Tepachi!, Shouri no Houteishiki) are giving us a medical thriller with no scalpels and a heap of shady deals.
The drama blends episodic guest cases — each featuring a new desperate doc from a different hospital — with a running plot that digs deeper into Naruki’s personal revenge mission.
Directors Daisuke Yamamoto (Ossan’s Love) and Hisashi Kimura (99.9 Criminal Lawyer) bring a sharp, stylish flair, and according to insiders, there’s zero fluff and loads of punch.
Real Talk from the Cast & Crew
Iwata Takanori on playing Naruki:
“It’s technically a ‘medical drama’, but there’s no op scenes at all. It’s got proper suspense and a unique twist. Naruki’s a right piece of work – rude, manipulative, but laser-focused on his goal. Whether he’s a good guy or not… well, that’s up for debate. Every ep’s got new guest characters and mini-arcs too, so it’s got pace.”
Makita Aju on her role:
“I read the manga before the script – couldn’t stop turning pages! Yonaga’s a cheeky one – toxic one-liners and all, but she’s oddly likeable. Especially when she’s haggling with Naruki over her ‘success fees’ – those scenes are my fave! I hope viewers get a proper buzz from it and feel recharged for Monday.”
Producer Yusaku Tajika adds:
“When I read the original manga – a medical drama with no patients and all about money? I was hooked. Each ep deals with a different hospital, different docs, and different problems. At its heart though, it’s about saving the people who save others. It’s fresh, it’s relevant, and yeah — it’s gonna make you question who really runs the hospital.”
When’s It On?
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'DOCTOR PRICE' premieres July 2025, airing every Sunday at 10:30 PM JST on Yomiuri TV and NTV. Expect weekly twists, high-stakes drama, and some very punchy lines.
How to Watch
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Live on Yomiuri TV/NTV (Japan)
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TVer: Teaser’s already up, with behind-the-scenes vids coming soon
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International streaming: No confirmation yet, but fingers crossed for Hulu Japan, Viki, or Netflix Japan pickup
If you’re bored stiff of the same ol’ white coat melodramas, DOCTOR PRICE is your prescription. It’s got bite, brains, and Iwata Takanori in full dark hero mode, cleaning up the mess the medical world doesn’t want you to see. No scalpels, just scandal.
Sunday nights just got spicy.