Doctor Kiriko

Embodiment of the God of Death

A doctor who undertakes euthanasia, existing as a rival to the protagonist Black Jack. He holds the belief of guiding patients with no hope of recovery to death as an act of salvation.

Quotes

  • Cure patients who can be cured. I want to avoid using this (euthanasia) as much as possible.
  • I can't assist with suicide! My work is sacred!
  • There's nothing better than saving a life.
  • The price varies depending on how comfortably one can die.
  • Patients who cannot be fully cured should choose euthanasia rather than prolonged suffering.

Trivia

  • He had a buzz cut during his military doctor days.
  • Possesses a unique technique for euthanasia by paralyzing the respiratory center with ultrasound.
  • His sister Yuri appears, depicting a complex family drama.
  • Known by the epithet 'Embodiment of the God of Death,' but considers euthanasia purely an act of salvation.
  • In the 2024 live-action drama version, the gender was changed to female.
  • There is an episode where a boy steals and misuses the euthanasia drug.

Alternate names

Doctor Kiriko Embodiment of the God of Death White Reaper Kiriko

Tags

Euthanasia Doctor Rival Black Jack Osamu Tezuka God of Death Medical Manga Character Eyepatch Silver Hair

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Tall and slender. During his military doctor days, he had a buzz cut; currently, he has long silver hair and wears an eyepatch over one eye.
Height
Tall
Weight
Slender build
Hair color
Silver
Distinguishing features
  • Eyepatch
  • Long silver hair
  • Slender build
  • Tall
Iconic items
  • Eyepatch
  • Syringe
  • Special medical equipment
  • Poison injection tools

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Ethical Beliefs
Detailed personality
Believes that "euthanasia is the best form of salvation rather than letting patients with no hope of recovery continue to suffer," and is a philosophical figure who contemplates the role of a doctor and the limits of medicine. Euthanasia is a last resort, and he does not engage in excessive killing. While respecting patients' lives, he maintains a calm and strict stance toward death.
Keywords
  • Euthanasia
  • Sense of Ethics
  • Calm
  • Loyal
  • Perceptive
  • Medical Professional
  • Conviction
  • Solitary
  • Philosophical
  • Complex
Motto
I want to avoid using euthanasia as much as possible, but salvation from suffering is the duty of a doctor.
Talents
  • Medical Knowledge
  • Pharmacology
  • Ethical Judgment
  • Ultrasound Operation
  • Composure
  • Clinical Experience
Skills
  • Euthanasia Administration
  • Poison Injection
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Special Equipment Operation
  • Medical Research
  • Battlefield Medicine
Motivation
To provide a peaceful death to incurable patients and achieve salvation from suffering.
Habits
Dislikes excessive killing and strongly asserts that his work is 'sacred'.
Favorite colors
White, Silver
Disliked situations
Meaningless suffering, Misuse of euthanasia, Excessive killing, Misunderstanding of assisted suicide

History

Backstory
During his time as a military doctor, he witnessed the agony of dying soldiers on the battlefield and became convinced that for patients who cannot be cured, euthanasia is the best salvation. He operates as a doctor who uses special drugs and equipment to guide patients to death without suffering. He has a rival relationship with Black Jack due to opposing philosophies as doctors. Complex family relationships with his sister Yuri and father are also depicted in the story.
Debut date
October 28, 1974
Work title
Black Jack
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Chapter 46: Terror Fungus

Battlefield Medical Experience

Significant event
Battlefield Medical Experience
Description
During his military doctor days, he witnessed the suffering of many patients and came to hold his belief in euthanasia.

Family Issues with Sister Yuri

Significant event
Family Issues with Sister Yuri
Description
Unable to find a treatment for his father, he decides on euthanasia, but his sister wishes for treatment, and the father dies by euthanasia.

Conflict with Black Jack

Significant event
Conflict with Black Jack
Description
They differ in opinions on the role of a doctor and the nature of life, becoming rivals.

Own Rare Disease Infection

Significant event
Own Rare Disease Infection
Description
Suffering from an infectious disease in South America, he attempts his own euthanasia but is saved by Black Jack.

Relationships

Yuri

Sibling

Kiriko's younger sister. Opposes her father's euthanasia, requests treatment from Black Jack, etc., adding complexity to family relations.

Black Jack

Rival

Frequently clashes due to differing beliefs about death, but ultimately a rival who ponders the dignity of life together.

Media appearances

Black Jack (TV Anime)

Anime / Supporting

1979 TV Series

Black Jack (OVA)

Anime / Supporting

1993 OVA Edition

Black Jack Theatrical Version

Movie / Supporting

Theatrical Version

Dr. Kiriko: White God of Death

Manga / Protagonist

Serialized 2016-2018

Young Black Jack

Series / Supporting

Manga Spin-off

Young Black Jack

Anime / Supporting

TV Anime

Black Jack (Live-Action Version)

Movie / Supporting

2024 TV Drama

Voice cast and creators

山路和弘

Voice actor
山路和弘
Language
Japanese
Version or series
OVA Edition

鹿賀丈史

Voice actor
鹿賀丈史
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical Version

速水奨

Voice actor
速水奨
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Version

田中秀幸

Voice actor
田中秀幸
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Internet Anime

諏訪部順一

Voice actor
諏訪部順一
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Young Black Jack

若本規夫

Voice actor
若本規夫
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical Trailer

清水綋治

Voice actor
清水綋治
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Radio Drama

Osamu Tezuka

Creator name
Osamu Tezuka
Role
Original author

Related goods

Doctor Kiriko Figure

Item name
Doctor Kiriko Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Doctor Kiriko Artbook

Item name
Doctor Kiriko Artbook
Category
Stationery
Availability
Limited