Entertainment Jan. 17, 2012 - 06:00AM JST ( 5 )

TOKYO —

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of leading global real-world media and entertainment company, Discovery Communications, Inc; Singapore production company Bang Singapore, and Japanese public broadcaster NHK, have announced the launch of a special co-production featuring star Ken Watanabe.

The program will follow Watanabe as he witnesses the recovery taking place in the communities and areas affected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011. Watanabe will reveal how Japan’s advanced bullet train system survived the disaster without a single human injury, visit traditional Japanese cottage industries to witness their recovery and explore the debate about urban planning for the future.

The program symbolizes the spirit of a true international co-production in all aspects of the creative process, including the use of a Japanese director, cameraman and editor together with an international executive production team.

Commenting on the collaboration, Kevin Dickie, vice president, Content Group, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “We are excited to be involved in this initiative to bring to the world these emotional and inspiring stories of Japan’s heroic recovery efforts. This program underscores our commitment to providing our viewers with compelling, relevant programming of the highest quality.”

Keiko Bang, president of Bang Singapore said: “It was an honor to be a part of bringing this project together – a film that would both reflect the creativity, inspiration and perspectives of Ken Watanabe and Japanese producers about an event that has had so much of a personal impact in their lives.”

The documentary will make its theatrical premiere at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, where Ken Watanabe has been asked to deliver a speech.

Watanabe said: “When the disaster hit the Tohoku region, I immediately began looking for ways to play a part in helping the survivors. The survivors have since begun the job of rebuilding, and they want the world to see the efforts being made to get their lives back to normal. I’m honored to play a part in helping them by sharing their message to the world through this
documentary.”

The program is scheduled to premiere in Japan and international markets in March.

Japan Today