Kyumei Byoto 24-ji returns after 13-year hiatus with 6.0% viewership

The medical drama series ‘Kyumei Byoto 24-ji’ (ER 24 Hours) has returned for its sixth installment after a 13-year hiatus. The premiere, which aired on October 12, featured the reunion of lead actors Yosuke Eguchi and Nana Matsushima, who play doctors Issei Shindo and Kaede Kojima.

The first episode follows Kojima as she returns to the Metropolitan Third Hospital Emergency Center to mentor young doctors, only to face ideological conflicts regarding patient care. The plot intensifies during an explosion accident where Shindo arrives to perform emergency surgery. The episode also featured returning cast members, including Kazuki Sawamura and Tomito Hashima.

The premiere achieved a 6.0% individual viewership rating in the Kanto region, marking a high start for Fuji TV's 2026 drama lineup. The series also trended on social media, with viewers expressing excitement over the return of the long-running franchise.