Antarctica - Season 1

First aired: 10/16/2011 10 episodes

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

← Back to Antarctica

Episodes

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

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.

2. Arrival in Antarctica!

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.

3. Miracle Dogs

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.

4. Farewell, Dear Friend

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.

5. The Death of a Comrade...

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.

6. The Truth of What Happened 54 Years Ago

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.

7. The Fate with the Sakhalin Huskies

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.

8. Heroes Without Glory

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.

9. A Miracle Before the Final Act!

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.

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

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.