Popular shows, such as those featuring doctors who perform autopsies on people who have died due to strange circumstances, appear to be behind the trend. Senior forensic doctors are welcoming the movement as a "bright sign" for the future of the practice, which has often been marginalized. They recall a time not long ago when such medical investigations fell into the oft-derisive category known as "3K," or a "kitsui," "kusai" and "kiken" profession -- translated to a demanding, smelly and dangerous job.