Japan, Vietnam nets to coproduce period drama

Broadcasters from Japan and Vietnam are hooking up for a coproduced period drama that aims to highlight the close mutual history between the two Asian countries.

Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting System and Vietnam Television have come together on period drama The Partner, which is set more than 100 years ago and follows the relationship between Vietnamese independence fighter Phan Boi Chau and Japanese physician Sakitaro Asaba.

Producers are billing it as “an emotional human drama that also suggests ways that Japan and Vietnam can improve their relationship going forward”.

Production is underway and will debut on both channels on the same day in September.

“I was really moved by the beautiful friendship these two men from different countries shared over 100 years ago,” said Japanese actor Noriyuki Higashiyama. “I’m extremely happy that we now have the opportunity to celebrate the ties between Sakitaro Asaba and Phan Boi Chau, tell their story to a new generation, and foster cultural exchange through our program.”