On May 18, a signing ceremony was held in Jinan for the Japanese-language version of the television drama Warmth in the Three Springs and its companion publication. The event was co-hosted by Shandong Publishing Group, the Shandong Provincial Radio and Television Administration, and Wakayama Television in Japan.

This partnership with Wakayama Television marks Shandong Publishing Group’s first attempt to deepen cultural exchange between China and Japan through television content, representing a pivotal step in the Group’s transformation from “traditional print publishing” to “all-media communication.” The collaboration is not only a strategic integration of resources but also a convergence of shared values. It is expected to produce practical outcomes in fostering people-to-people connectivity, telling China’s stories well, and exploring new modes of cooperation.

Wakayama Television has long documented and shared precious moments of exchange between Shandong Province and Wakayama Prefecture since the establishment of their sister-city relationship. The broadcast of Warmth in the Three Springs in Japanese carries great significance—it allows viewers in Wakayama to gain deeper insight into Shandong’s charm, culture, and human touch. It is hoped that this cooperation will serve as a new starting point, further strengthening the close ties and joint development of the two regions.

Shandong Province is striving to lead and shoulder major responsibilities. With a commitment to policy guidance and service-oriented support, Shandong is making its voice heard in the global media landscape through joint productions, copyright exchanges, and cross-border screenings. The signing of this agreement will offer Japanese audiences a valuable window into contemporary China and the rich culture of the Qilu region, further enhancing emotional resonance and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

At the ceremony, Sun Shan presented a framed still from Warmth in the Three Springs to Wakayama Television. Lead actress Wang Lico and the character prototype Gao Shuzhen delivered remarks, and Shandong People’s Publishing House signed a broadcast cooperation agreement with Wakayama Television.

Warmth in the Three Springs is rich in Qilu cultural elements and deeply rooted in Jinan’s local context. Directed by Wang Wenjie, produced by Yang Jiabing, and written by Liu Kezhong, the series stars Wang Lico, Zheng Qi, Chen Yiheng, Dai Xiangyu, and Xia Xing. The story is inspired by the Party branch development and entrepreneurial initiatives of young Party members in Sanjianxi Village, Zhangqiu District, Jinan. The character “Gao Yunxi” is based on Gao Shuzhen, a delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress and Party Secretary of Sanjianxi Village. The drama tells the story of how young grassroots Party members lead villagers and returning youth entrepreneurs to improve village customs, introduce high-tech industries, and develop tourism, eco-agriculture, and sightseeing—revitalizing a century-old village and preserving local nostalgia for its residents.

Art is a vivid record of history and a refined reflection of the spirit of the times. Warmth in the Three Springs is a key project in Shandong’s effort to produce high-quality television dramas. The National Radio and Television Administration selected it as one of 22 key dramas themed around poverty alleviation.

The series premiered on CCTV-1 in May 2022, consistently ranking first in its time slot nationwide. It received acclaim from People’s Daily, Guangming Daily, and the National Radio and Television Administration website, which praised it as a “heartwarming drama that gently refreshes the soul,” and recognized it as a powerful “youth answer sheet” for rural revitalization. The drama was honored as one of the “Outstanding Dramas of 2022” by the National Radio and Television Administration.

Following its premiere, the series also aired on CCTV-8 and Shandong Satellite TV, maintaining high ratings and receiving widespread praise from viewers. Warmth in the Three Springs is a co-production by China Central Television, the Publicity Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, the Publicity Department of the CPC Jinan Municipal Committee, China Radio and Television Publishing House, Shandong Chilan Film & Television, Shandong TV Media Group, Shandong People’s Publishing House, the CPC Zhangqiu District Committee, and the People’s Government of Zhangqiu District. It is exclusively produced and distributed by Shandong Chilan Film & Television.

The Japanese-language version of Warmth in the Three Springs is scheduled to air later this year on Wakayama Television and Tokyo Television. At the same time, Shandong People’s Publishing House will release a Japanese-language companion book, offering readers an in-depth look at the rural revitalization practices reflected in the series.