15 Facts About Niijima Yae

Niijima Yae, known as Yamamoto Yaeko, was a Japanese educator, nurse, and scholar during the Bakumatsu and Meiji era.

Niijima Yae was famously known as the wife of Joseph Hardy Neesima, the founder of Doshisha English School in 1875, and with a help of American missionary Alice J Starkweather, they co-founded the Doshisha Girls' School a year later.

Yamamoto Niijima Yae was born the daughter of Yamamoto Gonpachi, a samurai and one of the official gunnery instructors in Aizu Domain, and his wife Saku.

Niijima Yae's family claimed descent from the Takeda clan's retainer Yamamoto Kansuke.

Niijima Yae was skilled in gunnery, which was highly unusual for a woman of the Bakumatsu period.

Niijima Yae took part in the defense of Aizu when the Boshin War broke out in 1868.

Niijima Yae obtained the tea-master qualification in 1894 and became a tea master of the Urasenke tradition, with the art-name of Niijima Sochiku.

Niijima Yae was granted the certificate to practice flower arrangement from Ikenobo in 1896.

Niijima Yae returned to Japan in 1874, and was in the process of building a Western school that promoted Christianity.

Niijima Yae played an integral role in the founding of this Doshisha English School and its subsequent development.

Niijima Yae praised her lifestyle as "handsome" in his letter to friends in United States.

Niijima Yae's efforts were recognised by the Japanese government, and she was awarded her first Order of the Precious Crown in 1896.

Niijima Yae was further awarded a silver cup at the inauguration of the Showa Emperor in 1928 for her overall commitment to the country.

Niijima Yae was given a funeral sponsored by Doshisha University.

Niijima Yae is a popular historical figure in Japan, and has appeared in various stories, comics, and TV shows.