Discovery Channel to feature documentaries on Japan's reconstruction

Taipei, March 7 (CNA)
Seven documentaries on how Japan coped with post-disaster reconstruction will be aired over three consecutive Sundays beginning March 11, one year after the devastating earthquake and tsunami took 15,000 lives, the Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) said Wednesday.

Six of the films include interviews with not only local wine makers, car racers and seaweed farmers whose businesses were severely hit by the tragedy, but also volunteers whose lives were profoundly influenced by the incident, said Tommy Lin, an official at the DNAP.

Ken Watanabe, an internationally known Japanese actor, will be featured in a special film, in which the audience will have a chance to revisit disaster-stricken areas of Japan with him, Lin added.

The productions hope to portray Japan's strength and determination down the path of reconstruction, he said at a press conference.

Describing the disaster as an "unimaginable tragedy," Kenichi Okada, secretary-general of the Interchange Association Japan, Taipei Office, said in an opening remark that the ongoing reconstruction process is a long and tedious one.

Besides rebuilding the damaged infrastructure, he noted that Japan is confronted with other domestic, but equally important issues, such as an economic slowdown and an aging population.

"We promise to do our best," said Okada, reiterating that his country will not forget the strong support shown by Taiwan in times of need.

"Dreaming of Utopia," "Photos from the Sea" and the documentary featuring Watanabe will be shown on March 11. "Super Trains" and "Return of the K-Cars" will be aired on March 18, with "Brewing Hope" and "The Seaweed Makers" on March 25.

(By Nancy Liu)
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