2023.04.20 Niijima Yae
Niijima Yae (1845–1932) is one of Aizu’s most famous women. She was taught to use a gun by her father and fought in the Battle of Aizu (October–November, 1868). When the Aizu forces surrendered to the imperial troops after the month-long siege, Yae is said to have written a poem to express her love for Tsuruga Castle:
Tomorrow night someone from I know not where will gaze upon it here ― my castle drenched in moonlight
Yae survived the war and became an advocate for higher education for women. A statue of her and exhibits about her achievements are on display at Tsuruga Castle.
This English-language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.