After the about 4700 German soldiers of the base in Quingdao had capitulated on 7 November 1914 after the outbreak of the First World War, they were put into Japanese war captivity. At first noone considered the war to last for long and so they were placed provisorily, but by and by there were built up camps, which were merged into Camp Bando near Naruto. This camp was later known as a "paradise for prisoners of war", as the inmates were supported and challenged, thanks to the camp commander Toyohisa Matsue. There even was a newspaper, the mutual giving of lessons and an orchestra, whichperformed Beethoven's 9th symphony for the first time in Japan.

But the soldiers in the camp lose their hope going back one day, as the German Reich is finally defeated. Major general Kurt Heinrich eve thinks of committing suicide and only Matsue can keep him from doing so, as the Germans need a strong leader to enable them to return home.