Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective

Ameku Takao's Detective Karte

Company type	Media franchise
Industry	Publishing, anime, television drama
Founded	September 2014 (2014-09)
Founder	Mikito Chinen
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Novels, manga, anime television series, live-action drama
Parent	Shinchosha (original novels publisher)

is a Japanese medical mystery novel series authored by Mikito Chinen, with illustrations by Noizi Ito. The publisher Shinchosha released thirteen volumes between September 2014 and August 2022 under the Shincho Bunko nex label. The narrative centers on a physician who unravels murders and enigmatic medical cases within a hospital's diagnostic department.

The series was adapted into a manga by Hiroki Ohara, which was serialized in Shinchosha's seinen magazine Monthly Comic @ Bunch from April 2016 until March 2018, later compiled into four volumes. Starting October 2023, a new edition of the novels began publication by Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha under their Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha Bunko imprint. An anime television adaptation produced by Project No.9 aired from January to April 2025. Additionally, a live-action drama titled Ameku Takao's Detective Karte was broadcast on TV Asahi and its affiliates between April and June 2025.

Plot

Dr. Takao Ameku serves as the inventive and somewhat unconventional head of investigative pathology at Tenikai General Hospital. She tackles diagnoses that other departments cannot resolve, frequently engaging in inquiries involving mysterious fatalities and homicides, aided by her assistant Yu Takanashi.

Characters

Portrayed by: Kanna Hashimoto

Takao Ameku is the director of the Department of Investigative Pathology and vice-chairman at Tenikai General Hospital. She possesses expertise in unraveling intricate medical enigmas, often connected to suspicious deaths. Takao resides and works in a brick house situated atop the hospital.

Portrayed by: Shohei Miura

Yu Takanashi, nicknamed "Kotori," assists Takao in her investigative efforts and is proficient in karate.

Portrayed by: Mei Hata

A first-year resident working in the Emergency Department.

Portrayed by: Nozomi Sasaki

Takao's elder sister, who frequently reprimands her for being lazy but secretly respects her abilities.

Portrayed by: Toshirō Yanagiba

The hospital director at Tenikai General Hospital and Takao's uncle, who disapproves of her unorthodox approaches.

A detective who begrudgingly tolerates Takao’s involvement in police investigations due to her exceptional investigative skills.

A senior detective who is more open to collaborating with Takao compared to his partner.

The Chief of Psychiatry who prohibited Takao from entering the Psychiatric Ward after a conflict concerning patient medication during her residency.

Manga

The manga adaptation illustrated by Hiroki Ohara was serialized in Shinchosha's Monthly Comic @ Bunch from April 21, 2016, through March 20, 2018. The chapters were later collected into four tankōbon volumes released between September 9, 2016, and June 9, 2018.

A second manga series titled Ameku Takao's Detective Karte – Sphere no Shitenshi, illustrated by Eri Takenashi, commenced serialization in Kodansha's Good! Afternoon magazine on September 6, 2024. As of January 2025, its chapters have been compiled into one tankōbon volume.

Anime

An anime television series adaptation was revealed on April 3, 2024. The production was handled by Aniplex, with animation by Project No.9 and direction led by Kazuya Iwata. Satoru Sugizawa oversaw the series composition, collaborating on episode scripts alongside Yuko Kakihara. Character designs were created by Yuka Takashina, and the soundtrack was composed by Fox Capture Plan. The show broadcasted from January 2 through April 3, 2025, on Tokyo MX and additional channels. The opening song, titled "Scope," is performed by Aimer, while the ending theme "will be fine feat. Anly" is delivered by the Gospellers.Crunchyroll provided international streaming, and Medialink secured licensing rights for Southeast Asia.

A special screening event for the premiere episode was held at Shinjuku Wald 9 on December 14, 2024.

Drama

A live-action drama series adaptation was announced on February 7, 2025. This project was co-produced by TV Asahi and Toei Company, with Hideya Hamada serving as head writer. Direction was shared among Hisashi Kimura, Naoki Tamura, Yūta Yoshikawa, and Hiroti Kashiwagi. Masahiro Tokuda composed the musical score. The production team included Soei Hamada from TV Asahi and Ryunosuke Idei from Toei. The drama aired on TV Asahi and affiliated stations between April 22 and June 24, 2025.

Radio show

The radio program Nikkan Sakura Ayane Tensai Ameku Takao ni Naru 100 nichi Kan, hosted by Ayane Sakura, debuted on November 30, 2024. It is scheduled to run for around 100 episodes.

Reception

By February 2024, total circulation of the series had exceeded three million copies.

See also

• Patient Chart Prayer – Another novel authored by Mikito Chinen
• House – A U.S. television drama with a comparable concept

External links

• at Shinchosha
• at Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha