Notes
- Based on the life of Yae Niijima (December 1, 1845 – June 14, 1932), who took part in the defense of Aizu during the Boshin War and later married Jo Niijima. Yae and Jo Niijima would go on to establish Doshisha University and spread Christianity in Japan.
“Yae no Sakura” will tell the story of Niijima Yae, also known as Yamamoto Yaeko, who was born into the Aizu Domain during the late Edo period. Skilled in gunnery, she helped defend Aizu during the Boshin War, earning her the nickname of the “Bakumatsu Joan of Arc.” After the war, she married educator Joseph Hardy Neesima (Niijima Jo) and became a Christian, and she helped Neesima found Doshisha University. |