Abstract

This book is a compilation of conversations and essays by Eiroku Hosoya and Izumi Naito, who visited different parts of Japan, engaging in discussions on issues of aging, sickness, and death. They discuss topics like elderly care, dementia care, terminal medical treatment, organ transplantation and the state of life-prolonging treatment in Japan. Their discussions challenge the status quo and explore the essence of life.

Author’s Information

Rokusuke Ei
Rokusuke Ei was born in Asakusa, Tokyo, in 1933. While studying at Waseda University, he entered the broadcasting industry. He has been involved in lyric writing, television, and publishing, with a focus on radio, ever since he sent a letter to NHK Radio's "Sunday Paradise Edition" when he was in junior high school. He received the NHK Broadcasting Culture Award in 1992 and the Citizen's Cultural Honor Award in 1994. Some of his most famous works include the lyrics for the hit songs "Walk Looking Up" and "Look Up at the Night Stars." He is currently appearing on TBS Radio's "Rokusuke Ei's Saturday Wide." He has written several books, including "Great Passing," "Craftsman" (Iwanami Shoten), and "Totally Foolish" co-authored with Yasuhisa Yasaki (Kodansha), among others.

Izumi Naito
Izumi Naito was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956. After graduating from Fukushima Medical University, she worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University's internal medicine department. From 1986, she trained at the Prince of Wales Hospice in the UK, and in 1995, she established Fuji Internal Medicine Clinic in Kofu, where she serves as director. She is also a board member of the Japan Home Hospice & Home Care Research Society. Her books include "Let's Go Out to the Field Tomorrow" (Office M), "The Happiest Way to Live, The Way to Welcome Death" (Kodansha), "I Want to Take Care of You at Home" (Business Company), "Say Goodbye with a Smile" (KK Bestsellers), "I Want to Talk About 'Life'" (Kosei Publishing), "You Are Here." (Kosei Publishing), and others.