Clouds Over the Hill(2009)

Clouds Over the Hill is an NHK historical drama series that aired across three years beginning in November 2009. The 13-episode saga, each episode running 90 minutes, unfolds in three installments: five episodes in 2009, then four episodes each in late 2010 and 2011. Adapted from Ryōtarō Shiba's acclaimed novel by screenwriter Hisashi Nozawa, the series follows Japan's transformation during a pivotal historical period. Most scenes were filmed on location in Japan, with one notable episode shot in Latvia. The sweeping theme song "Stand Alone," composed by Joe Hisaishi and performed by British soprano Sarah Brightman, sets the tone for this ambitious period piece that captures the ambitions and conflicts of a nation in transition.