I had the opportunity to watch this series in its entirety not too long ago. It is a very touching Japanese drama about life for Japanese people moving to America in the early 1900s as well as the second generation living during WW2. It really focused on hardships faced in a new country, family-ties, and racism experienced for the "Nisei" Japanese people.
Aside from the obvious Japanese biases, I would say that the series itself was very good. The acting, setting, atmosphere, and portrayal of events were done very well. Unfortunately, it did not capture the reality of Japanese Nationalism, Japanese racism-superiority, hostility toward neighbors, or Pearl Harbor events very well. This does not bode well for a Japanese audience, who to this day are in much denial about their countries' great contribution to the evils of WW2. A drama like this would have been a good chance to open eyes in Japan, but chose to play the safe-route instead to appease public-opinion.
An unexpected portrayal was that of the Nisei returning to Japan and how they were treated harshly. Few people understand how harshly Japanese treat each other, however this drama really demonstrated it well.
Despite its biases, I believe it is worth a watch for American and Japanese alike.
Aside from the obvious Japanese biases, I would say that the series itself was very good. The acting, setting, atmosphere, and portrayal of events were done very well. Unfortunately, it did not capture the reality of Japanese Nationalism, Japanese racism-superiority, hostility toward neighbors, or Pearl Harbor events very well. This does not bode well for a Japanese audience, who to this day are in much denial about their countries' great contribution to the evils of WW2. A drama like this would have been a good chance to open eyes in Japan, but chose to play the safe-route instead to appease public-opinion.
An unexpected portrayal was that of the Nisei returning to Japan and how they were treated harshly. Few people understand how harshly Japanese treat each other, however this drama really demonstrated it well.
Despite its biases, I believe it is worth a watch for American and Japanese alike.
