Purple Heart Warriors: 6. ‘Go for broke’

Purple Heart Warriors: 6. ‘Go for broke’

Author: BBC World Service December 30, 2024 Duration: 26:24

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.


Step into a world of carefully crafted sound and narrative with Dramas, an anthology series from the BBC World Service. This isn't just a collection of stories; it's an invitation to experience fiction that transports you, built on a foundation of meticulous production and powerful writing. Each season is a distinct journey, focusing on original, immersive tales that linger long after the final scene. The current installment, "Purple Heart Warriors," exemplifies this commitment. It's a time-travelling drama that brings to light the extraordinary, yet often overlooked, saga of the Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regiment. Inspired by true events from World War Two, the series follows these men who became legends, decorated for their bravery against the Nazi German army even as their own country questioned their loyalty. With narration by Will Sharpe and a script from Oscar-nominated writer Iris Yamashita, the layers of history and personal conflict are rendered with profound emotional clarity. Tuning into this podcast means hearing human experiences amplified through exceptional performance and atmospheric sound design, where every detail serves the story. It's for anyone who believes in the power of audio to create vivid, moving pictures in the mind, offering a deep dive into different lives and pivotal moments, all brought to you by one of the most trusted names in global storytelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 16

Dramas
Podcast Episodes
Fukushima: 4. Evacuation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
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 Marc…
Fukushima: 3. Explosion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:11
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…
Fukushima: 2. Emergency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:08
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 Ued…
Fukushima: 1. Tsunami [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:08
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 Jo…
Trailer: Fukushima [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
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…