"The 19th medical record" - Kenjiro Tsuda's passionate performance "brings tears to the screen"

The third episode of the TBS Sunday Theatre drama " The 19th medical record " (Sundays at 9pm), starring Jun Matsumoto , aired on August 3rd. Voice actor and actor Kenjiro Tsuda, who guest-starred as Yoshikazu Hotta, a popular announcer diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer, received rave reviews on social media.

◇The following contains spoilers

The drama is based on the manga "The 19th medical record Tokushige's Medical Interview" by Katsuhito Fujiya, and depicts a general practitioner who lends a helping hand to his patients' lives. This is Matsumoto's first time playing a doctor, and the cast also includes Fuka Koshiba and Mackenyu. The script is written by Aya Tsubota, who has also written the "Kounodori" series (same channel).

Surgeon Kojiro Togo (Mackenyu) recommended surgery to Hotta as the "shortest and most effective method." However, Hotta refused the surgery, fearing it would affect her voice, an important work tool. When she visited the general medicine department for a second opinion, she told Tokushige (Matsumoto) that "If I lose my voice, it's the same as dying."

Later, Hotta hears from Tokushige that the results of the examination show that the current size of the tumor means there is a high possibility that it can be completely removed, and that surgery is the best option. Tokushige's words, "It's true that the speed at which you make decisions will determine the future of your life," ring in his mind.

Kojiro advised Hotta, "I understand that you might find it scary, but isn't it a job that requires your life? If you lose your life, you lose your voice." Hotta raised his voice and said, "I know that! I don't need you to tell me that. Everyone knows that, right?" He coughed and managed to squeeze out a voice, "But even so... I have a wife and children."

Tokushige, who was watching the scene, was surprised and said, "It's really impressive when you're giving it your all," to which Hotta replied tearfully, "Your voice is my treasure."

On social media, people were talking about the role, saying things like, "Kenjiro Tsuda's acting and voice really pierced me...I couldn't stop crying," "His exquisite timing, voice and expressions...he was an actor who really moved me. What a voice!", "I could see Tsuda in him...his expression when he said, 'If I lose my voice, it's the same as dying,' made my heart ache," "Tsuda's acting was as expected," "Tsuda Ken's acting is amazing. It's all about his voice. If it wasn't Tsuda Ken, I probably wouldn't have been so moved," and "Kenjiro Tsuda really has a great voice."