Dramas

Stay right here for more original new drama from the BBC World Service. Purple Heart Warriors is coming soon. It’s a time-travelling drama about the Japanese American soldiers who became legends of US military history. Inspired by real events, it’s the little-known story of the 442nd regiment, decorated for their bravery fighting the Nazi German army in World War Two. Narrated by Will Sharpe and written by Oscar-nominated Iris Yamashita, it is told in six-parts. You’ll hear the trailer very soon. Make sure you follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. And if you want to keep listening to Fukushima, which tells the story of when a tsunami hit the Japanese nuclear plant, it will still be available here too.

Former energy company executive Suto, was supposed to ensure that accidents like this couldn’t happen. Ten years later, he searches for atonement. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Tutor: Kevin Shen Guard: Matt McCooey Sanae: Naoko MoriFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service

Years after the disaster, one of the “suicide squad” questions his heroism in a town of ghosts. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Ito: Matt McCooey Keiko: Naoko MoriFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service

“We are at war….” Politicians seize control. And then a breakthrough; can the disaster be contained? A drama about the events of March 2011.Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Prime minister: Kevin Shen Hosono: Sadao Ueda Mayor: Akira Koieyama Aide: Nino Furuhata Narrator: Romola GaraiFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World ServiceAudio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

The reactors are unstable. A “suicide squad” of older workers is sent inside and young staff are evacuated. Pressure levels are dangerously high, raising the chances of another explosion. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Prime Minister: Kevin Shen Saito: Sadao Ueda Shimada: Akira Koieyama Ito: Matt McCooey Narrator: Romola GaraiFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World ServiceAudio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

A massive explosion rocks the stricken power plant. Can the reactors be cooled? The nuclear plant manager has an unorthodox plan to prevent further disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Prime minister: Kevin Shen Saito: Sadao Ueda Matsui: Akira Koieyama Kojima: Matt McCooey Kaneko: Nino Furuhata Narrator: Romola GaraiFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service

Japan battles to maintain control in the face of nuclear disaster. Can catastrophe be averted? A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Saito: Sadao Ueda Ito: Matt McCooey Shimada: Akira Koieyama Narrator: Romola Garai Reporter: Kevin Shen Reporter: Naoko Mori Worker: Nino FuruhataFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World ServiceAudio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

Japan’s nuclear plant is hit as an immense wave surges past defences and floods reactors. It’s a desperate fight to contain a disaster. A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast: Suto: Togo Igawa Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones Yoshida: Eiji Mihara Saito: Sadao Ueda Ito: Matt McCooey Shimada: Akira Koieyama Narrator: Romola Garai Reporter: Kevin Shen Reporter: Naoko Mori Worker: Nino FuruhataFukushima is written by Adrian Penketh Sound design is by Peter Ringrose Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World ServiceAudio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

A drama about losing control in Japan’s nuclear emergency. The heroes who fight to contain the disaster and those whose mistakes lead Japan to catastrophe. Years later, some seek atonement. This seven-part drama from the BBC World Service is released weekly from 15 May 2023.

A new drama is coming soon.