Anatomist Takeshi Yoro will appear on the NHK Special "My Farewell: Takeshi Yoro's View of 'Life and Death'" (NHK General TV), airing on July 5th at 9 PM.
The "intellectual giant," now 88 years old and famous for his books such as "The Wall of Stupidity," which have sold over 4.6 million copies, was diagnosed with malignant lung cancer in 2024. The five-year survival rate is approximately 10%. The program documented Mr. Yoro's battle with cancer over a period of about a year.
From creating specimens of insects that opened the door to his world as a child, during breaks from chemotherapy treatments; to reminiscing about his time in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Tokyo School of Medicine, where he confronted over 3,000 corpses and contemplated the meaning of "life and death"; to grappling with the pain of losing his beloved cat "Maru" years later—the film reflects Yoro's journey of contemplation on what it means to die and to live.
Yoro explained his reasons for agreeing to the interview, saying, "I used to look down on documentaries, but as I've gotten older, been diagnosed with cancer, and become aware of the limited time I have left, I've developed a desire to leave behind such things. I don't know why."
After being told by his doctor that "it's difficult to cure with medication," and with the tumor not shrinking despite chemotherapy, Yoro continued to face the end of his life, wondering, "Is death really a thing?"
Depending on the state of his cancerous tumor, Mr. Yoro's life swings like a pendulum between life and death. Continuing his treatment, and now celebrating his 88th birthday, Mr. Yoro faces a new, fundamental question.
And towards the end, Yoro says, "I thought I was living alone, but that's not the case." The meaning of death and the contours of life that he discovered at the end of his battle with illness. The state of mind reached by one of Japan's leading intellectuals is revealed.
The narration will be provided by actress Machiko Ono.
