Taiwanese WWII Drama 'The Sound of the Tides' Premieres in Japan

Public Television Service (PTS) production "The Sound of the Tides," Taiwan's first suspense drama set during World War II, has launched on Japan's mainstream paid streaming service, U-NEXT. The series debuted on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender, a date chosen for its profound significance.

Yu Pei-hua, PTS Program Department Manager, stated that the series offers a Taiwanese viewpoint on the end of World War II in Borneo, exploring the complicated circumstances of individuals facing identity, choices, and fate amidst war and societal change. She emphasized that Taiwan can now re-examine history and pose questions through drama, a capability built upon democracy and creative freedom. Yu stressed that "The Sound of the Tides" does not aim to provide a definitive historical answer but rather to allow complex and often unspoken stories to be revisited and discussed.

Director and producer Sun Chieh-heng expressed curiosity about how Japanese audiences will interpret the 80-year-old story. He highlighted the intertwined fates of the three young Taiwanese men in the series, noting that the complexities of war make human relationships intricate, revealing the preciousness of enduring kindness and the difficulty of pursuing peace.

The Japanese title for the series is "Nami no Neiro" (波の音色), meaning "The Tone of the Waves." Producer Lin Chia-ju explained that the title, suggested by Japanese language instructor Kageyama Masahiko before filming, evokes the image of sunlight and waves on a calm beach. This imagery connects to the characters' longing for home, symbolized by the "sound of the tides," conveying a deep sense of homesickness.

Actors Huang Kuan-chih, Wu Han-lin, and Chu Yu-cheng, who play Taiwanese POW guards, underwent intensive training in Japanese language, history, and culture. Wu Han-lin noted that this immersive experience helped them better understand the circumstances of Taiwanese people 80 years ago. Huang Kuan-chih added that war is terrifying and that everyone is a victim, simply wishing to live peacefully with loved ones. Chu Yu-cheng, who won his first Golden Bell Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role, hopes more Japanese viewers will discover this moving and thought-provoking story.