The final ratings data are now in for the NHK taiga drama "Atsuhime." The popular show, starring Aoi Miyazaki, ended its run on Sunday with its 50th episode, which averaged 28.7% in the Kanto area. That fell slightly short of its highest rating - 29.2% for episode #48 - but it still helped raise the show's overall average to 24.5%. This makes it the highest rated taiga drama in the 12-year period since "Hideyoshi" in 1997, which averaged 30.5%.

The show started out at only 20.3% in January, but ratings gradually rose throughout the year. For the final episode, ratings peaked at 34.9%.

Next year's taiga drama, "Tenchijin" starring Satoshi Tsumabuki, premieres on January 4.