Dr. Yoshiko at the International Clinic

Yoshiko has had a rather interesting work opportunity over the past two months. Dr. Eugene Aksenoff, a non-Japanese doctor with a fascinating history in Japan for more than fifty years. Even up until earlier this year at age 90 he continued to operate his international medical clinic in the heart of Tokyo, mostly as the only doctor there.

This spring he fell ill and was hospitalized. With no doctor on board, the clinic would have to close and the handful of staff would be out of work. The head nurse, a friend of Yoshiko, called and asked if she would work one or two days a week. By law, examinations and prescriptions at a medical clinic require a doctor's signature.

The clinic itself is a combination of a time machine to the past and a visit to Grandma's house. Yoshiko has been working from Dr. Aksenoff's personal office, the walls are completely covered with photos of hundreds of young patients over the years. The office administrator still uses a typewriter.

Sadly, the doctor is unlikely to return and his son did not follow as a doctor. Yoshiko's support can only be short-term. Another page in the history of Tokyo will soon close.