Dramas

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Bonus: The making of Purple Heart Warriors Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Behind the scenes. Find out how our drama, inspired by real events, was born and learn about the creative journey. How did the idea come about and what were the challenges and personal stories which shaped the production? Also, learn how the music and sound design were crafted.

Purple Heart Warriors contains dramatised battle scenes and out-dated racial language.

Purple Heart Warriors: 6. ‘Go for broke’ Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

As the 442nd take on the Nazi enemy, they shout their unit’s anthem: “Go for broke”. Ken finally learns why he has been transported back into his grandfather’s life as a soldier. Then he finds himself travelling forwards in time to present-day Los Angeles.

This series is inspired by real events and contains dramatised battle scenes and out-dated racial language.

Cast:

Narrator: Will Sharpe Ken: Akie Kotabe Lieutenant/Bus guard/Texan soldier/Reporter: Freddy Elletson Grandpa Allan/ Mr Yamada: Clyde Kusatsu Emily: Samantha Dakin Little Ken: Hudson Roberts. Mrs Tanaka/Baachan/Shirley/Li: Tamlyn Tomita Nui Louie/Mr Okimura: Aaron Ikeda Barry/Captain Kim/Private Sasaki/Radio man: Derek Mio Shorty: Raiko Gohara Ohta/Captain Minori: Matt McCooey Drill Sergeant/General Dahlquist: Martin McDougal Colonel Pence/Earl Finch/Col Miller: Colin Stinton Sonny: Kurt Kanazawa Boxer/Crooner/Pokey: Conrad Lihilihi

Written by Iris Yamashita Sound design: Richard Gould at Skywalker Sound Recording and mixing: Leon Chambers Original music: Josh Sneesby Consultant: L Stuart Hirai Dramaturg: James Yeatman Broadcast assistant: Teresa Milewski Production co-ordinator: Kate Brook Associate producers: Tim Bell & Rosa Crompton Director: Jessica Dromgoole Producer: Catherine Bailey. Based on an idea by Simon Pitts

A Catherine Bailey production for the BBC World Service

Audio for this episode was updated on 24th January 2025.

Purple Heart Warriors: 5. The lost battalion Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

With half of the men lost, the most dangerous battle of all awaits. The battalion is ordered to rescue Texan soldiers surrounded by German artillery. Can they save the so-called ‘Lost Battalion’?

This series is inspired by real events and contains dramatised battle scenes and out-dated racial language.

Cast:

A Catherine Bailey production for the BBC World Service

Purple Heart Warriors: 4. Screaming Mimis Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Ken and his Japanese American comrades experience the horror of World War Two combat in Italy. Hardening in battle, they are readied for a push into France. Sheltering in foxholes as rockets rain down, Ken understands more about the stories his grandfather used to tell him as a child.

This series is inspired by real events and contains dramatised battle scenes and out-dated racial language.

Cast:

A Catherine Bailey production for the BBC World Service

Purple Heart Warriors: 3. True Americans Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

The battalion heads for Europe. The soldiers spend weeks at sea in bunks stacked five high, and none of them believes that Ken is from the future.

Meanwhile, Ken remembers his childhood with his grandfather – a man whose uniform he is now wearing.

This series is inspired by real events and contains dramatised battle scenes and out-dated racial language.

Cast:

A Catherine Bailey production for the BBC World Service

Trailer: Purple Heart Warriors Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Time-travelling drama about the Japanese American legends of US military history - inspired by real events. The story of the 442nd Regiment fighting the Nazi German army in World War Two. An original six-part drama, released from 9th December 2024. Written by Oscar nominee Iris Yamashita and narrated by Will Sharpe.

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