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Fiction

Dramas

by BBC World Service
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About the show

Immersive storytelling from the BBC World Service. The home of original drama. The latest season is Purple Heart Warriors, 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 nominee Iris Yamashita, it is told in six-parts. Also listen to our previous season: Fukushima. This seven-part nuclear drama tells the story of the tsunami which hit in 2011. It follows the heroes who fight to contain the disaster and those whose mistakes led Japan to catastrophe.

Latest episodes

  • Bonus: The making of Purple Heart Warriors

    January 6, 2025 · 11 min

    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…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 6. ‘Go for broke’

    December 30, 2024 · 26 min

    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…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 5. The lost battalion

    December 23, 2024 · 27 min

    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…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 4. Screaming Mimis

    December 16, 2024 · 27 min

    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…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 3. True Americans

    December 9, 2024 · 27 min

    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…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 2. ‘Buddhaheads’

    December 9, 2024 · 28 min

    Ken goes to a Japanese American internment camp and is shocked at what he sees. Tensions between recruits from Hawaii and the mainlanders, so-called “Buddhaheads” and “Kotonks”, are running high. Then some news – the soldiers are sent to…

  • Purple Heart Warriors: 1. Memorial day

    December 9, 2024 · 27 min

    In Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, a young American finds himself mysteriously transported back in time and training for combat in World War Two. He’s in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in 1943 and can’t understand why he’s there. Has a bachi, or a…

  • Trailer: Purple Heart Warriors

    November 25, 2024 · 5 min

    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…