Antarctica

1h 12min

Drama

Set in the 1950's, a Japanese Antarctic research exploration team and 19 dogs that accompanied the team are stationed at the Showa Base in Antarctica. After a year, the exploration team is ordered to withdraw from the Antarctic station due to severe weather conditions. The dogs have to be left behind. The following year, the next team arrives at the Showa Base station and a miraculous reunion occurs between a dog handler accompanying the new tean and two dogs, Taro and Shiro, that are brothers.

Episodes

Cast

A Moving Story of Life and Love Japan's Postwar Recovery / A 56-Year-Old Miracle Between Man and Dog Begins

1. A Moving Story of Life and Love Japan's Postwar Recovery / A 56-Year-Old Miracle Between Man and Dog Begins

1h 46min

16th Oct 2011

Hoping to improve his nation’s standing after World World II, geologist Kuramochi pushes for a Japanese expedition to Antarctica but meets resistance.

Arrival in Antarctica!

2. Arrival in Antarctica!

56min

23rd Oct 2011

Vice exploration leader Hoshino asks Shirasaki to allow him and a team of people to spend the winter in Antarctica. The Soya encounters stormy seas.

Miracle Dogs

3. Miracle Dogs

56min

30th Oct 2011

Kuramochi suggests setting up the research base on an island connected to the continent by an ice sheet. Later, he has trouble with the sled dogs.

Farewell, Dear Friend

4. Farewell, Dear Friend

47min

6th Nov 2011

The 11 men of the wintering team prepare to survive Antarctica’s harsh climate. Inuzuka dozes off and causes an accident with disastrous consequences.

The Death of a Comrade...

5. The Death of a Comrade...

47min

13th Nov 2011

Kuramochi announces it is time to climb Botnnuten, but Himuro decides the mission is too dangerous. Kuramochi responds by inviting Himuro to join him.

The Truth of What Happened 54 Years Ago

6. The Truth of What Happened 54 Years Ago

47min

20th Nov 2011

Kuramochi, Himuro and Inuzuka struggle to survive in the wilderness four days after the accident. Meanwhile, a search party finds three of their dogs.

The Fate with the Sakhalin Huskies

7. The Fate with the Sakhalin Huskies

47min

27th Nov 2011

Due to adverse circumstances, the crew of the Soya leave 15 dogs behind at the station. News of the decision deeply upsets the children back home.

Heroes Without Glory

8. Heroes Without Glory

56min

4th Dec 2011

Shirasaki promises to urge the government to send another wintering team. After returning to Japan, Kuramochi visits the owners of the dogs.

A Miracle Before the Final Act!

9. A Miracle Before the Final Act!

56min

11th Dec 2011

Shirasaki begs the government to reconsider after it rules that no members of the original Antarctic wintering team will be allowed to join the third.

Finale / Many Months Later... The Conclusion of the Miracle from 52 Years Ago!

10. Finale / Many Months Later... The Conclusion of the Miracle from 52 Years Ago!

1h 12min

18th Dec 2011

Hoping for a miracle, Kuramochi heads for Antarctica on the Soya. Meanwhile, a snowstorm separates a weakened Riki from the other two dogs.

First air date

16th Oct 2011

Last air date

18th Dec 2011

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

ja

Networks