Purple Heart Warriors is a six-part BBC World Service drama inspired by true events by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Iris Yamashita.
Set on the battlefields of World War II, young Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fight to liberate France from Nazi occupation.
Narrated by Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning actor Will Sharp, the series tells the story of Ken Morioka, played by Akie Kotabe.
Ken travels back in time from 2024 Los Angeles's Little Toyco to the 1940s and finds himself trapped in his grandfather's body as he signs up for combat training.
From downtown Los Angeles to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, across Europe and culminating in France's Vosges Mountains, this story weaves history with reflections on identity, sacrifice, and belonging.
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a segregated unit made up of second-generation Japanese Americans known as Nisei. Despite some soldiers' families being considered enemies and facing forced internment into armed camps, the soldiers of the 442nd are known for their bravery, receiving more than 4,000 Purple Hearts, more than 21 He received the Medal of Honor, seven Presidential Unit Citations, and numerous other honors.
Iris Yamashita says: “We are thrilled to tell the story of the Purple Heart Warriors, which celebrates the heroism and sacrifice of Japanese American soldiers who volunteered to fight for America in Italy and France while their families were incarcerated. I'm excited.'' POW camp. I wanted to tell them why they fought and what they were fighting for. ”
Will Sharp said: “I am honored to narrate 'Purple Heart Warriors,' which tells the incredible story of Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II. This is a part of history that I am personally interested in. And I loved working with the amazing Iris Yamashita.”
Simon Pitts, Commissioning Editor, BBC World Service, said: I have nominated Iris Yamashita.
The 100/442nd Regimental Combat Team is a segregated unit of talented young Japanese Americans whose combat bravery has made it the most decorated unit in U.S. military history in terms of size and length of service. Ta. Their stories are lesser known and we're excited to share this series with the world. ”
All six episodes will be available as a box set on BBC Sounds from Monday 9th December. On other podcast platforms, the first three episodes will be published on the same day, and the last three episodes will be published weekly. The series will be broadcast weekly on BBC World Service Radio from Wednesday 11 December.
