Antarctica

8.2

2011

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.

Production

Seasons

10 Episodes • Premiered 2011

In 1956, a determined group of explorers from Japan — along with 22 trusty Sakhalin huskies — departs on a mission to explore Antarctica.

Still image for Antarctica season 1 episode 1: 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

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

2. Arrival in Antarctica!

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.

3. Miracle Dogs

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.

4. Farewell, Dear Friend

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

5. The Death of a Comrade...

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

6. The Truth of What Happened 54 Years Ago

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

7. The Fate with the Sakhalin Huskies

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.

8. Heroes Without Glory

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

9. A Miracle Before the Final Act!

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.