NHK's 52nd taiga drama series.
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" takes over NHK's Sunday 20:00 time slot previously occupied by "Taira no Kiyomori" and followed by "Strategist Kanbe."
The historical figure of Yae, who came from the Aizu Domain (now within Fukushima Prefecture), was chosen for the taiga drama as her story of loss and hope was felt to be timely in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
The drama was nominated for the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, losing to Utopia.