Yo Kusakabe - Japanese Novelist and Physician

Yo Kusakabe (Japanese: 久坂部羊) is a Japanese novelist and practicing physician. Born Yoshiyuki Kuga (久家義之) on July 3, 1955, in Japan, Kusakabe combines a medical background with writing, frequently focusing on themes related to medicine, ethics, and healthcare within his literary works.

Yo Kusakabe portrait from 1955 — Yo Kusakabe portrait

Literary Career and Screen Adaptations

Several of Kusakabe's novels have been adapted into television drama series and feature films. His works often serve as the source material for medical and suspense dramas produced in Japan and internationally.

Doctor John (SBS, 2019) – Based on his original novel.
Hand of God (Kami no Te) (WOWOW, 2019) – Based on his original novel.
The Rupture (Haretsu) (NHK, 2015) – Based on his original novel.
Mutsu: Mieru Me (Fuji TV, 2015) – Based on his original novel.
Haiyoshin (2026) – Based on his original novel.