Doctor Yabui

Doctor Yabui Artwork of Doctor Yabui from Kirby: Right Back at Ya! Details First episode A Fish Called Kine Last episode Fright to the Finish Main role Supporting character Similar characters Professor Curio, Biblio Voice actor(s) David Lapkin (English) Sekine Kazunori (Japanese)

Doctor Yabui is a supporting character who appears exclusively in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!. He is one of the few non-Cappy residents of Cappy Town, and serves as the town physician, operating a clinic which occasionally sees patients. One of his more notable roles is in the episode A Dental Dilemma, where he offers to drill King Dedede's decaying teeth, much to the fear of the King.

Doctor Yabui is more heavily-dressed than most of the residents of Cappy Town, wearing a full white suit with a blue apron, a stethoscope, and a pair of opaque glasses which hide his eyes. His hairstyle and facial hair give him the look of a mad scientist, which is accented by his eccentric and aloof personality.

Personality

Doctor Yabui comes off as stereotypically clinical, and has no issues telling people in a straight manner what would otherwise be sensitive and discrete information. This extends beyond physical diagnoses, often touching upon personality traits he observes in his patients. This particularly affects Professor Curio who, while comparable in peerage to Yabui, is much more emotionally vulnerable than him. Naturally, Doctor Yabui is quite intelligent - which makes his observations accurate if not sometimes hurtful - though he tends to take a hands-off approach when it comes to relationships with the other members of the cast, which results in him not taking a particularly active role in any of the episode plot-lines. As is appropriate for a scientifically-minded person, Doctor Yabui is quite curious for his age, and is often seen engaging in some form with the various happenings of the episodes proceedings.

Notably, despite being a doctor, Yabui is terrified of needles, and faints at the sight of them even if he is not the one being injected.

Filmography

The following is a complete list of all of Doctor Yabui's appearances in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, along with other information regarding his role in each episode:

Doctor Yabui's appearances in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
Episode	Image	Role	Role details	Selected quote	Notes
A Fish Called Kine		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui's first appearance in the anime is a small one. He is first seen at Kawasaki's restaurant, where Chef Kawasaki is taking his order. Yabui asks for fresh fish, and shortly after, Kine the sunfish comes crashing through the window right onto his table. Doctor Yabui is not seen again after Kine tries to flee the scene with Kawasaki pursuing.	"I'd like something healthy, like a nice piece of fresh fish!"
Flower Power		Secondary character	Doctor Yabui appears near the start of this episode when Tiff and company bring an unconscious Kirby to his clinic. Doctor Yabui diagnoses Kirby with sleeping sickness, explaining how the Noddy Kirby ate could cause him to sleep for up to a century unless the group can find the Pukey Flower deep within Babagahara to wake Kirby up. After this expository scene, Yabui is not seen again.	"Noddy monsters can put their enemies into a deep sleep. I'm afraid little Kirby could sleep for a very long time. A century at worst."
Here Comes the Son		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen in this episode, sleeping on a bench in Cappy Town just prior to Tokkori warning of Knuckle Joe's arrival. Yabui is also seen in the crowd as Knuckle Joe rushes through town.	(no dialogue)
Dedede's Snow Job		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen near the start of the episode, looking out in amazement with the other Cappy Town residents when Dream Land is blanketed in snow for the first time.	(no dialogue)
A Spice Odyssey		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be seen on a number of occasions throughout the episode as part of the crowd that attends Restaurant Goan. He also is briefly seen at his clinic checking in on Chief Bookem after the chief ate the ultra-spicy food at Kawasaki's restaurant, but this scene only exists in the original Japanese cut of the show.	"Not to mention the pink color!"
Hatch Me If You Can		Secondary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui appears alongside the others who come to inspect the egg that mysteriously appeared in Kirby's nest. Doctor Yabui gives Kirby a quick examination and concludes there is nothing wrong, but Tiff tries to direct his attention to the egg, which Yabui brushes off as unimportant, joking that Kirby may have laid it. Later on, after the egg hatches into Galbo, Doctor Yabui witnesses the mess the baby causes at Tuggle's grocery store, and later joins the crowd intent on trying to get rid of the creature. When the townsfolk try to attack Galbo, Yabui throws a net at it, but misses. After Kirby and Galbo leave, Doctor Yabui is not seen again.	"You're too salty too, Curio!"
A Dental Dilemma		Primary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is acting as the town's dentist, meeting the various needs of several patients, though not without a lot of pain on their end. He starts the episode with a procedure on Chief Bookem (who runs screaming from the clinic before the drilling can commence) and then follows up by performing a root canal on Escargoon, while King Dedede watches in amusement at his suffering. Later in the episode, when both King Dedede and Tuff develop cavities, they have to be dragged back to Doctor Yabui's against their will. Doctor Yabui sees them both simultaneously (after finally finishing up with Chief Bookem), and starts with Tuff. While working on Tuff, Yabui traps Dedede in his chair with metal braces to keep him running away. However, King Dedede is so terrified of the procedure when hearing Tuff screaming that he manages to break these cuffs and get out. After downing a bunch of painkillers from Yabui's storage, King Dedede runs off from the clinic and Tuff follows despite his procedure not yet being complete. After the group's encounter with Hardy the dental monster, Tuff's cavities are fixed, but King Dedede is still left with his. The episode ends with Dedede back at Doctor Yabui's clinic, this time thoroughly chained up, while the doctor works on his teeth with the drill.	"They're for patients who try my patience!"	This marks Doctor Yabui's first leading role in an episode.
A Novel Approach		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is among those who are reading the new bestselling book "Pappy Pottey and the Fool's Stone". He is also among those who get their books stolen by King Dedede. Later on, he can be seen at Castle Dedede with the others, riding a broomstick and becoming possessed by it.	"But I gave up a golf game to read that book!"
Prediction Predicament - Part II		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen in a number of gathered crowds of Dream Landers, starting with the group that goes to see Mayor Len Blustergas and then to Kabu. He is seen again later on at Castle Dedede, bracing for the asteroid's collision into Dream Land with the rest of the crowd. To clear his conscience before the end, Yabui admits to Melman that he took out his back molars by mistake and never told him. After Kirby saves everyone, Yabui can be seen one more time in the crowd.	"Forgive me, Melman! Once I confused you for another patient, and I yanked out your back molars!"
Sheepwrecked		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen in the group of Dream Landers who had been rounded up in Castle Dedede by the rebellious sheep led by Amon and is forced to "meeeh" meekly along with the others.	"Meeeh! Meeeh!"	Appears only in the Japanese version.
Cartoon Buffoon		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is part of the group recruited by King Dedede to create a cartoon for Night Mare Enterprises. He is briefly seen working with Chef Kawasaki on creating background illustrations.	"Kawasaki! I'm afraid we're out of paint!"
Kirby Takes the Cake		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen briefly at Kirby's 1st year celebration.	"Best wishes, Kirby!"
Snack Attack - Part I		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen conversing with the other Cappy Town residents about the choco-capsule toy craze, and expresses some reluctant interest in it.	"I've got to admit. Some of those figures are rather interesting...mm...sort of..."
Snack Attack - Part II		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen in the crowd of Cappy Town residents who are under attack from the figure monsters and are running to Kirby for help. Later on, he is seen in the audience at the coliseum match against the Martial Arts All-Stars.	"We never stood a chance of collecting any!"
One Crazy Knight		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen in this episode watching as Sir Gallant makes his proclamation in Cappy Town addressing the villagers. Yabui does not take Sir Gallant very seriously.	"He could probably use a check-up!"
Sweet and Sour Puss		Secondary character	In this episode, after King Dedede experiences a complete change in personality, no longer able to get upset at anything, Escargoon takes Dedede to Doctor Yabui's to see what is wrong. Doctor Yabui is unable to find anything physically wrong with King Dedede, and just insists that Escargoon should be happy that Dedede no longer gets upset. Later on, Doctor Yabui can be seen with the other townsfolk as they learn of King Dedede's condition and proceed to see just how much they can mess with him.	"You should be happy he doesn't get angry."
A Half-Baked Battle		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen a number of times participating in the pie wars against King Dedede.	"It makes for a decent aerobic work-out, too!"
The Meal Moocher		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen commenting on King Dedede's new television show after Sir Ebrum and Lady Like win the first prize.	"I could retire with that kind of dough-re-mi!"	This particular pun was previously used by Chief Bookem in the episode Abusement Park.
Fitness Fiend		Secondary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui checks up on King Dedede when, after becoming comically large after eating too many of N.M.E.'s potato chips, Dedede is taken to Yabui's clinic. Yabui concludes that King Dedede's health is in serious condition, and he must not be allowed any more chips, but also warns that King Dedede will start going into withdrawal symptoms after being deprived for long enough and will need to be restrained. From there, Yabui is confused as to how mere potato chips could have caused this, and brings up the question to the others of where they came from. Later on, Yabui proceeds to chain King Dedede up in order to prevent him from getting more chips, but these are later removed by the time King Dedede is returned to the castle. Doctor Yabui is not seen again after this point.	"It means if he doesn't have chips soon, he's gonna have a chip flip-out! But no matter how bad it gets, we mustn't let him have any more chips! Unless his system normalizes, he'll keep on having these snack attacks!"
Mabel Turns the Tables		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui makes a brief appearance, checking up on Professor Curio after the latter had a serious injury "predicted" by Mabel. He can later be seen in the crowd that follows Mabel to the coast near the end of the episode.	"Curio'll be alright, but he had a close call."
Something to Sneeze At		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is sick from a seasonal cold spreading through Dream Land, so he is unable to see any of the other villagers suffering from the cold.	"I'm feeling feverish, myself. I can't see any patients today."
The Kirby Quiz		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can briefly be seen in the audience for The Kirby Quiz show.	(no dialogue)
The Chill Factor		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can briefly be seen checking up on the new Pengy visitors.	"I wish I was a veterinarian."
Delivery Dilemma		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen placing an order for Chef Kawasaki's new delivery service.	"I can eat and examine my patients at the same time!"
Buccaneer Birdy		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be seen among the crowd that goes hunting for Captain Kick's lost treasure.	(no dialogue)
Waddle While You Work		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is among those who buys King Dedede's Waddle Dees. He employs one as an assistant in his clinic so that he doesn't have to inject his patients (as Yabui is terrified of needles).	"Now remember, be calm, this won't hurt a bit!"
Dedede's Raw Deal		Tertiary character	In this episode, Yabui can briefly be seen dining at Chef Kawasaki's new conveyor belt sushi setup.	"This one looks good!"
Caterpillar Thriller		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is briefly seen when he is consulted about everyone's hay fever. His advice ends up not being particularly helpful.	"Try not to breathe too much! In fact, you might try holding your breath entirely until all the pollen is gone!" *sneezes*
Dedede's Monsterpiece		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen in the crowd that comes to visit the Royal Acadddemy of Arts.	(no dialogue)
Goin' Bonkers		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui makes a brief appearance, wrapping in bandages all of the lumps the villagers received when Bonkers inadvertently smacked them with his hammer.	(no dialogue)
Power Ploy		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui makes a brief appearance using the new fad drink Pump-Up D to reinvigorate one of his sickly patients.	"There's no cure...unless you drink this Pump-Up D!"
A Trashy Tale		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is attempting to finish up a paper in his office when Tuff and the other kids kick a ball through his window and see how messy his office is. In the process, Yabui's paper has copious amounts of ink spilled on it, making it illegible. Later on, Doctor Yabui can be seen at the Bookem household with the others, commenting on how much garbage they have collected.	"Huh? I'm messy, eh? Just wait 'til I get my hands on ya! I'll show ya messy! My paper's ruined!"
Cooking Up Trouble		Secondary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is among the men who are trying to shape up their cooking skills to impress the ladies of Cappy Town when everyone hears about how supposedly good Sir Ebrum is at cooking. He ends up being one of those who buys a piece of SlicerDicer to use in the cooking competition at Castle Dedede. His piece is capable of slicing carrots into medallions and ejecting them into a bowl.	"You've got to help us, Sir Ebrum. Our reputations are at stake!"
Teacher's Threat		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui makes a brief appearance when he is asked by Tiff and Mr. Chip to show them an X-ray of King Dedede's brain while Mr. Chip himself receives a bandage from an injury he sustained earlier from the rowdy King. They discover King Dedede appears to not have a brain at all, which "explains" his learning difficulties in the classroom.	"Don't worry about King Dedede!"
A Chow Challenge		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen checking in on the judges of the cook-off after they are decimated by the incredibly spicy food offered by Chef Kawasaki. At some point, Yabui needs to use a defibrillator on some of the judges.	(no dialogue)
Waste Management		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen in the crowd of Cappies who try to shoo away the crows that are raiding Cappy Town for food. Later on, he checks on Mabel and Samo after the latter had sustained an injury after being attacked by a bird and falling out of a boat.	"It's like I always say: Boating and bird-watching don't mix!"
Shell-Shocked		Secondary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui receives a visit from Escargoon, who is desperately looking for a way to patch up his damaged shell before it breaks and is also trying to hide from King Dedede who wants to bust it open. Yabui tells him there is no way to stop the shell from breaking unless it is temporarily removed to apply glue, but this advice ends up moot when King Dedede barges in and finishes the job. During the resulting commotion, Doctor Yabui lounges in the background, preferring to not get involved. Later on, after King Dedede is made to leave and Escargoon's shell is temporarily taped back together, Yabui suggests that Escargoon get a temporary shell so that his main one can be properly repaired. Yabui is not seen again after this point.	"It might work, but to apply glue, you'd have to remove the shell temporarily."
Tooned Out		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is present in the police HQ with the other townsfolk, and is among those who tries to suggest a cartoon idea for Biggy, Boney, and Sleepy to pursue.	"It's a rip-off!"
Born to Be Mild - Part I		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen with the other residents of Cappy Town trying to figure out what to do about the rogue motorcycle gang terrorizing the countryside.	(no dialogue)
Born to Be Mild - Part II		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui is briefly seen in the audience for the racing contest against Fang.	(no dialogue)
D'Preciation Day		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be briefly seen in the crowd celebrating Mayor Len Blustergas.	"Happy Mayor Blustergas Appreciation Day!"
Air-Ride-in-Style - Part I		Tertiary character	Doctor Yabui appears in only one shot as one of the many villagers watching the approach of the Destroya.	(no dialogue)
Cappy Town Down		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui volunteers to join Meta Knight's Halberd crew and takes off with them at the end of the episode.	"You'll need a medic!"
Combat Kirby		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui can be seen among the Halberd crew. In particular, he has a brief scene where he complains about not having any patients to see.	"Rather dull up here. When I don't have any patients to see, I get rather impatient!"
Fright to the Finish		Tertiary character	In this episode, Doctor Yabui follows the rest of the Halberd crew as they make their way through eNeMeE's Fortress. He eventually escapes back to Dream Land with the rest of the crew through N.M.E.'s Monster Delivery System.	"That's where they control the fortress!"

Trivia

• Doctor Yabui's name is based on the Japanese term ヤブ医者 (Yabu isha), literally meaning "bush doctor" or "medicine man" but colloquially used to refer to a quack or an inept doctor misrepresenting their medical credentials.

Gallery

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  Kirby is taken to Doctor Yabui's clinic after being given sleeping sickness from a Noddy.

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  Doctor Yabui does not often act with subtlety.

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  Doctor Yabui checks on King Dedede on Escargoon's behalf.

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  Doctor Yabui checking in on Professor Curio after an accident spurred on by Mabel's predictions

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  Doctor Yabui being overwhelmed during cold season

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  Doctor Yabui faints after seeing an injection administered to one of his patients.

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  Doctor Yabui cures one of his patients by giving them Pump-Up D.

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  Doctor Yabui tending to the judges of a cooking contest involving Chef Kawasaki

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  Doctor Yabui examining Escargoon's fractured shell