Protesters surround the US Embassy. Meanwhile, in episode eight, there’s a power clash in the race to become Iran’s new prime minister. #FalloftheShah

Fall of the Shah: 8. The collapse

Season 1: Fall of the Shah
A tale of power, betrayal and fear. Taking you back to the 1970s, when the Iranian Revolution would change the world forever.  A nine-part drama. Season 2: Fukushima
A tsunami hits the Japanese nuclear plant. The disaster told in a seven-part drama. As the energy company and politicians in Tokyo lose control, the reactors become unstable and a “suicide squad” of older workers is sent inside. This drama follows the heroes who fight to contain the disaster and those whose mistakes led Japan to catastrophe. Years later, some seek atonement. Fukushima Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mahara
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Ito: Matt McCooey
Shimada: Akira Koieyama
Narrator: Romola Garai
Reporter: Kevin Shen
Reporter: Naoko Mori 
Worker: Nino Furuhata
Written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service.

Drama

Fiction

The story of two young strangers who meet online and fall in love during the Covid lockdowns. A musical narrated by Stephen Fry and performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, for the BBC World Service. For all episodes, search for U.Me the Complete Musical, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

Bonus: U.Me The Complete Musical

Former energy company executive Suto, was supposed to ensure that accidents like this couldn’t happen. Ten years later, he searches for atonement. A drama about the events of March 2011.   Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Tutor: Kevin Shen
Guard: Matt McCooey
Sanae: Naoko Mori Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service

Fukushima: 7. Atonement

Years after the disaster, one of the “suicide squad” questions his heroism in a town of ghosts.  A drama about the events of March 2011.   Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Ito: Matt McCooey
Keiko: Naoko Mori Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service

Fukushima: 6. Legacy

“We are at war….” Politicians seize control.  And then a breakthrough; can the disaster be contained?  A drama about the events of March 2011. Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Prime minister: Kevin Shen
Hosono: Sadao Ueda
Mayor: Akira Koieyama
Aide: Nino Furuhata 
Narrator: Romola Garai Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

Fukushima: 5. Invisible enemy

The reactors are unstable.  A “suicide squad” of older workers is sent inside and young staff are evacuated. Pressure levels are dangerously high, raising the chances of another explosion. A drama about the events of March 2011.   Cast:
Suto: Togo Igawa
Akiko: Ami Okumura Jones
Yoshida: Eiji Mihara
Prime Minister: Kevin Shen
Saito: Sadao Ueda
Shimada: Akira Koieyama
Ito: Matt McCooey
Narrator: Romola Garai Fukushima is written by Adrian Penketh
Sound design is by Peter Ringrose
Produced by Toby Swift and Sasha Yevtushenko
Commissioned by Simon Pitts for BBC World Service Audio for this episode was updated on 4 October 2023.

Fall of the Shah: 8. The collapse

Download our free app to listen on your phone