Aired: 10/16/2011
Hoping to improve his nation’s standing after World World II, geologist Kuramochi pushes for a Japanese expedition to Antarctica but meets resistance.
Aired: 10/23/2011
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.
Aired: 10/30/2011
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.
Aired: 11/6/2011
The 11 men of the wintering team prepare to survive Antarctica’s harsh climate. Inuzuka dozes off and causes an accident with disastrous consequences.
Aired: 11/13/2011
Kuramochi announces it is time to climb Botnnuten, but Himuro decides the mission is too dangerous. Kuramochi responds by inviting Himuro to join him.
Aired: 11/20/2011
Kuramochi, Himuro and Inuzuka struggle to survive in the wilderness four days after the accident. Meanwhile, a search party finds three of their dogs.
Aired: 11/27/2011
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.
Aired: 12/4/2011
Shirasaki promises to urge the government to send another wintering team. After returning to Japan, Kuramochi visits the owners of the dogs.
Aired: 12/11/2011
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.
Aired: 12/18/2011
Hoping for a miracle, Kuramochi heads for Antarctica on the Soya. Meanwhile, a snowstorm separates a weakened Riki from the other two dogs.
