NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Yes, this is Marmy aka Grande Peru. To avoid confusion I decided to have a separate 'Japan nation' for AMW.

IC:

Peru

"Do you think we could do this? Lyong would oppose it, they prefer to have those aliens in charge! Their interests are best served by the Teike; if the Yamato regained control then they'd lose influence over Nippon!"

Nishio Kamisori nodded. "True, Kensuke. However, you should have faith in our leadership. They have never let us down before; they have overcome adversity and prospered as a result. They are exactly what Nippon needs right now."

Asahiro Kensuke downed his drink and gestured for more. "So it's true then? He is who you think him to be?"

"Indeed he is. My family has worked with his for decades, since before the Teike rose to power. We have kept an eye on his ancestors, and we have proof that he is the genuine article. Toyama Mikada was cast out of the family for loving socialism too much; he was a puppet of the Soviets and their obedient revolutionaries. His son, on the other hand, has proven quite different."

"So you say, but he was allied with socialists! He established an organisation for them!"

"Think about this way. He knows them well. He knows what they are capable of. He saw the light when his old regime crumbled; none of his so-called allies tried to help him, instead they gathered round to pick at Marimaia's carcass. He knows who his allies are now; the French, the Roycelandians, nations that assisted him despite his fall from power. Well, now that his time has come, he will have power, and those who stood by him will be rewarded."

Asahiro Kensuke chuckled. "Ah, to see a true Yamato back on the throne would be the greatest sight of our lifetime. Nippon would be reborn, as would our dear future Emperor."

"Quite. He has been pouring over the teachings of Toyama Mitsuru and Ryohei Uchida; he knows of his birthright. The legends always said that the bearer of Tatsuko Sayo would reign over a great land; he thought it meant Marimaia, but we now believe it meant his homecoming. The Kamisori clan will return home at long last, as will the Asahiro and the others who fled the rise of the dark dynasty. We shall return home, ready to bow before Toyama Chiisu."

OOC:Any signs of Imperialism by Japan will face a United Chinese front. *Sample -_-

The Quinntonian government would be very concerned about any Japanese movement.
OOC-We should be very careful, personally, I would much rather see Japan played by a new nation, rather than the latest incarnation of this one. With no offense meant. I wouldn't mind doing this RP, but I think we should have someone at the helm of Japan first.
WWJD
Amen.

[OOC: You'll never defeat the Niigata Strainists!

No, really... nuclear slag across the board! *hides in China-proof bunker with a coffee-vending machine*]

Oh no! More fascists!

Also, I protest OOC to the allegation that the socialist bloc abandoned Marimaia. I left NS for a couple of weeks, then Marimaia had collapsed and the Neo-Suunists turned to conservativism and crime. In Yaman, the view would be that socialism didn't abandon the leaders of Neo-Suunism; but that the Neo-Suunists abandoned socialism.

(Just a tag from a commonwealth that was never an organisational ally of Marimaia, and certainly never felt anything close to obligation to any heirarchy on earth :) )

(OOC: I was under the impression that O&I was playing Japan. How did Marimaia get involved?)

Oshima and Izu, as much as I'd like him to be playing Japan, has not been around for a while. I guess Marimaia wants to get back into Asia...

(OOC: Hell, if anyone should replace O&I it should be me. After all, he was MY replacement as Japan. But I like RPing as northern India for a change.)

OOC: Never mind the fact that this movement is still in Peru at the moment; O&I's Japan is still in existence. Have I actually claimed Japan? No. If O&I comes back and is still counted as a member of AMW, then he'll still have Japan. So I would appreciate it if people could not refer to this as 'nonsense about Marimaia owning Japan', because I don't. O&I last logged in 6 hours ago, so he's obviously still checking his nation. He has a TG in his TG box asking about an RP where I'd control Japanese ultranationalists. It's been there for days. I am TGing him with the link to this RP; I can't do more than that.

There was the opinion expressed that there should be players for Japan and Germany. About three nations have tried joining us as Germany since we opened it up, but they never received any attention. Every time someone tries to join AMW by posting an introductory thread, they get leapt on and told that they haven't received enough endorsements to allow them entry, and to be blunt I think it's scared a few people off. Either that or their attempts to claim have just been ignored.

Yes, I would like to get back into Asia, I've already said that. Just not as 'Marimaia', which was the subject of much 'oh, it's not realistic enough' chatter. I'm trying to do this in an RP, so that it's not a case of 'oh, it's just appeared'. Now, if I wanted a Marimaia clone, I would have either festered in Peru or tried to get SE Asia back. Japan would not be 'just another Marimaia'.

I am well aware of what O&I's Japan was like, and this RP would take it into account. If O&I himself did not oppose the attempted coup, I expected at least Lyong and Dra-pol to get involved to prevent it. If I'd successfully taken over, then the new leadership would have had to purge the Teike influence and otherwise overhaul Japanese civilisation. All the while with virtually the entire world watching and prodding their various fingers in.

BTW, Maharaja, how come you support Roycelandia usurping the not-very-active Wulaishen in order to add the Philippines to his empire, but I begin trying to usurp the not-very-active O&I and it becomes 'nonsense'?

OOC: My support of Roycelandia was in character, and was supporting his eventual takeover of the Phillipines.

I misunderstood your initial post. Not having been active in AMW for a while, I thought you had simply started RPing as Japan, not that you were RPing an eventual takeover of Japan. My mistake. Sorry, no hard feelings, mate.

OOC: I support Mariama playing Japan, FWIW. We've tried getting other RPers in, and they just vanish. So, until something better comes along, I'm all in favour of it.

As for the Phillippines... well, the guy who "owns" it has NEVER appeared on the boards or done anything in AMW, so I think it qualifies as "Abandoned"...

tag

OOC: A new nationalist Japan...This does not bode well for Russia. Russo-Japanese War Ver. 2.0 anyone? I'm sure the Mafia will leap on board, eager to help Chiisu in exchange for being able to depose the Yakuza.

OOC:I am actually hoping for a stronger and more Nationalistic Japan to build tensions with. *-_-*

Tehe, it generally ends up in a flamfest though.

Jim, Liu told me about the Zhong Hua Di Guo thing, Created Xiannese Awakening, waiting for responses before next step.

Oh god, now what? I guess the Ottomans would do better receeding back into themselves, with all these right-wingers!

OOC: Well, if I do manage to fight off all opposition and get my hands on Japan, I'll be ignoring any flames from anyone who might think they're necessary.

Maharaja, apology accepted. Consider it forgotten already.

NY, we all know that the NeoSuunists abandoned socialism first. Of course, they'd never admit that, so they tell everyone that they were abandoned by their allies.

The way I see it, there's a great deal of untapped potential for Japan in AMW; the responses of people to this thread reflect that. Russia, the Lyong nations, the Koreas, the Chinas, Quinntonia, Beth Gellert; just the start of a list of nations who would at least be keeping an eye on things there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

IC:

Peru

The Pacific Lotus was proving highly profitable, so Chiisu and Nishio were funneling some of their profit into the movement to restore the Yamato. In various areas of Peru, training camps had been established where mercenaries were training young Japanese expats in the ways of war. These young men were collectively known as the Ketsumeidan (approx. Blood Brotherhood), and were to be the shock troops of the Dai Nippon Kokusai (Great Japan Spirit [or Essence] Society), as the movement had become known.

Being more 'cosmopolitan' than most of the hoary old ultranationalists, Chiisu had no qualms about hiring non-Japanese for the upcoming effort. The Pacific Lotus began recruiting mercenary companies from the Tri-Border Region to be the front line of any coup attempt, while the Kanendrun monarchists were also approached to see if they could spare any capable men for 'an operation of great importance'.

Nishio also attempted to make contact with any of his Yakuza friends still operating in Japan, hoping that they could cause some mayhem while the coup attempt began; he only found a couple of friends left, but they agreed to help if they could.

(OOC: As I live in Japan, and have done quite a bit of research on the nationalist era of Japanese history, if you need any help simply e-mail me at acridian@cox.net or IM me at Shaka7800)

OOC: There are quite a number of ex- Imperial Foreign Legionnaires working as freelancing Mercenaries, so it's entirely possible some of them might find themselves engaged on behalf of Japan. It's worth bearing in mind, however, that they generally will not act against Roycelandian interests. (You might find one or two who don't like the Emperor and will happily work against the Roycelandians,, but you won't get an entire company of them).

OCC: I apologize in advance for the marginally-related post. It should tie in somehow later.

IC:

In a small compound on the west coast of Hindustan, just north of Surat, an unusual force undergoes training. The first thing that might strike an observer as odd is their dress, with 1985-pattern DPM instead of the greenish standard uniform or Denison smock. The next most interesting thing about them would possibly be their physique, with lean, muscular bodies that point to specific training. While the average Hindustani soldier, sailor, or pilot gets his or her excersize from games of football/soccer and rugby, these troops seem to have been given more serious training.

Army regulars who encounter the members of the unit, on the whole, think them to be MARCOS, but in truth it is entirely new. Formed according to the popular congress's provison for "...the establishment of a special operations unit to counter the growth of organized crime worldwide through military advisory, reconaissance, and direct action." Of course, they would be masquerading as a regular MARCOS unit, just undergoing a little extra training for anti-smuggling operations.

The 20 members of the unit, designated special operations detachment 1, mostly come from MARCOS which is small enough already and has some pretty tough standards of training. The 16 men and four women are already skilled in demolition, marksmanship, camoflauge and a range of other tasks, but training for them as SOD-1 operatives has concentrated much more on individual operations.

The operatives practice taekwondo moves outside the barracks as the local regular unit blasts away at targets on a firing range nearby. The commander of SOD-1, Julia Creedon, is an odd choice for such a post. A scottish mother and Czech father had brought the family to Hindustan for business reasons, and for one reason or another their daughter enlisted in the special forces.

Dressed in a sports top, DPM pants, P-82 boots with a standard P-1958 belt, and a face covered in hastily applied camoflauge paint, she looks fairly threatening.

"Excuse me, Major Creedon?"
"Yes?"
"Your orders."

http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/
AMW Forum, now, let's post up statistics and the current list of, AMW. Al clear up your ooc rp's here.

REGISTER WITH YOUR NATION'S NAME!

"I can't believe that you're going to leave us."

Chiisu smiled at Delgado. "You are capable enough to run things on your own; I wouldn't have allied with you otherwise. Peru is your nation, not mine; guide it how you will. I want you to succeed me as Chairman of Partido NeoSuunista, that way you will truly be in control of party and state; just keep your feet on the ground. Love your people, and they should love you back; whatever you do, don't piss them off."

Delgado nodded. "When do you leave?"

"Not for a while. We still have some things to sort out and organise, then I go back to my homeland. As soon as I hit those shores, Chiisu Suun, revolutionary and deposed dictator, ceases to exist. In his place will step Toyama Chiisu, saviour of Yamato. The Teike will be cast down, and the Empire will be reborn."

(OOC: More to come shortly...)

Not only will Chiisu lead the new country, but he will find himself followed, by Xiannese agents...

to be continued.

"It is time for you to know the plan."

Chiisu looked around the room at the gathered Japanese expats.

"It is because of all of you that we have reached this stage. It is time for the Teike to fall; that dark dynasty has ruled over Nippon for far too long! Look at Asia now; the Chinas are in conflict with each other, Southeast Asia is in turmoil, Russia is re-emerging as a power, the Lyong nations are gathering in strength, yet the Teike just sit there and fester on their usurped throne. No longer will that state of affairs be permitted to exist!

In a few days, the Teike will receive our judgement. Nishio Kamisori has friends who will provide us unfettered entry to our homeland; then it is up to us. Our people need liberation from the foul presence which is polluting the Imperial Palace, and we shall provide it."

"You will simply walk into the palace and overthrow them?"

Chiisu turned to Asahiro Kensuke. "No, of course not. We have courted the support of General Takeshita Osamu, who has himself been considering a coup. He and his supporters have thrown in with us, as have many ultranationalists. Takeshita believes that if we can establish ourselves quickly then we will be able to convince most of the armed forces to back us; the Teike believe themselves to be better than the Yamato, and rule accordingly. It is time for them to realise that we are inferior to no-one."

Chiisu would receive a nervous phone call from Alexandrov.

"Chiisu, Chiisu, my friend. What is this nonsense I hear about you courting the Yakuza pig dogs? Have you forgotten your Russian friends? Please, do not make the mistake of allying yourself with some of our worst enemies. The Yakuza are nothing more than fat, timid, glorified bankers. They sat complacently while the Teike ran your country into the ground! We, on the other hand, are warriors. Any help you need is only a question away, my friend."

In full touch with his dear friend Chiisu Suun (Suun had been invested with the title of Gentleman of the Bedchamber in the Ordinary, thus giving Chiisu direct phone access to Louis) His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX would give his absolute support for the daring plan.

This came as His Majesties government was publicly slammed by the various 'creepy crawleys' in the Lyong. Although hotter heads in Versailles had called for a vast armada to be sent to the Pennensula and subsequently ravage it, cooler wigs prevailed and the plan had been called off. However, Kings do not forget such affronts, and Louis XX could think of nothing more delightful than an allied power vis a vis Japan.

"I like it, Chiisu" said His Most Christian King on the Lotus hotline "I like it alot. I think you may be onto something very tangible here, very real and lucrative." Polite pleasentries followed.

"I wish I could help you more, I truly do. I will see what I can get done on this end, we can rally support from NATO and the West at large perhaps, mayhap using this Chinese debacle as a lever crucis. In the mean time, I give you the island of Iles Loyaute, off of New Caledonia. It will give you an ideal place to train and supply your army, and plan. My attaches in Ft. Martin in Caldeonia proper will also be able guide your effort."

"Bon Chasse."

An airliner touches down in Lima, and off it comes Francine Cromwell. An Irish businesswoman, she comes to Peru in order to scout out some possible factory sites for her company, interested in offshore outsourcing.

As she approaches customs, she hopes that Partido NeoSunnista hasn't got around to upping airport security just yet, since she is carrying a fake passport, and doesn't actually work for an Irish manufacturing company, and isn't named Francine Cromwell. (But you didn't hear it from us.)

OOC:After reading more about how the Chinese Mafia are gaining a much stronger position in Japan than of the Yakuza Clan now, I find it more interesting adding a little Chinese touch.

The Chinese Mafia, or the so called Triads, a powerful organization in Japan reaching its roots to the 1900's have quickly caught on the Japanese reforms.

OOC:After reading more about how the Chinese Mafia are gaining a much stronger position in Japan than of the Yakuza Clan now, I find it more interesting adding a little Chinese touch.

The Chinese Mafia, or the so called Triads, a powerful organization in Japan reaching its roots to the 1900's have quickly caught on the Japanese reforms.

OOC: You mean this plot to take over Japan, as there aren't any reforms going on.

So how have they quickly caught on, if you don't mind my asking?

IC:

Tokyo, Japan

The city was bustling with activity as the inhabitants went about their daily business; crowds were milling around the various shopping complexes, executives drove to their offices, children were on their way to school.

The first explosion tore through a government office which hadn't yet opened for business; all the same, the staff inside were caught in the blast. Fire and medical services began heading for the site, when reports came in of another explosion in Akihabara as a police station had opened. Five more explosions ripped through government premises throughout the metropolis, all timed to go off within a few minutes of each other.

The police moved to evacuate people from the blast areas as general panic spread through the city. The 1st Army Division moved from their bases to assist in the efforts, helping to evacuate people and clear the way for emergency services.

The head of the Tokyo police was surprised to receive a visit from General Takeshita of the 1st Army Division while the effort was going on. Takeshita declared that there was obviously a terrorist attack taking place, and that the 1st Army Division would be taking over control of the operation. When the police head protested, Takeshita presented him with orders from the Teike government, acknowledging Takeshita's jurisdiction. With all the activity going on, the police head didn't think to check if the orders were genuine or not; his primary concern was to secure the population's safety.

As if to stress Takeshita's point, two more explosions ripped through the Teike Cultural Palace; the museum had not yet opened, but there were plenty of staff inside. Takeshita declared martial law. Within an hour, army personnel were on the streets ordering civilians back to their homes or to the nearest shelter. Curiously, despite the precedent of terrorist attacks, the subway system was deemed a safe haven; civilians not able to return to their homes were guided to the nearest station and kept there.

With all the confusion, elements of the 1st Army Division secured Narita Airport to 'prevent the escape of hostiles'.

(OOC: This part of it will require slight liberties being taken regarding the Russian Mafia & France, but I think it's within the bounds of what both powers would do to assist this plan)

Peru

After final preparations had been completed, the An-225 formerly known as Marimaia One took off from Lima International Airport, soon accompanied by three IL-76 transports acquired through the Pacific Lotus's networks (& undoubtedly some help from the Russian Mafia).

The small group met with French air refuelers on the way to their destination; once fully refueled, the aircraft continued on their way towards Narita International Airport. General Takeshita had provided them with the necessary authorisation allowing them to enter Japanese airspace, as the last thing they needed was to be intercepted before they even arrived.

Narita International Airport, Tokyo

The 1st Army Division had taken over administration of the airport in the wake of the 'terror attack' on government & Teike facilities to prevent any hostile persons escaping the country; a general order to ground all non-military aircraft had been handed down by the government, so the military personnel were somewhat surprised when four aircraft came onto their radar...


(OOC: To be blunt, it doesn't like O&I is bothered about AMW anymore. I still have not received a reply to any of my TGs about this thread; when he last logged in there was a TG in his inbox about this RP. I have tried. I will now wait for others to respond to these events before I continue.)

[OOC: We don't have anyone with a general knowledge of Japan to rp the Ringist Shogunate and shugendo cults, along the lines of Hudecia with Burma? I'd volunteer, but Spyr is far too connected to the matter.]

-
"Alejandro."
"What?"
"You know the plan. Time to execute."
"Excellent..."
____________________________________________________________

Mr. Onikawa, a fat, Japanese man wearing a black suit that barely fit him, ran through the streets of Japan, fleeing in panic from the terrorist attack. Sweat poured down his chubby forehead as he grasped for his phone.

"GET ME YUKI!"
"................."
"I NEED MY LIMO AND MY SECURITY!"
"................"
"The hell? My phone...jammed? I'll have to run to the police then. I hope those bribes were enough..."

Onikawa smashed right into an outstretched hand. Two men in Japanese Army uniforms stood in front of him, pointing their rifles.

"Citizen Onikawa?"
"Yes..."
"You are required under martial law to be taken to a secure zone. Follow me."

The guards led Onikawa into a car, and they drove out of Tokyo.

"Where am I? What? I demand to leave at once!!!"
"Very well then."

The car stopped on a bridge, and they tossed Onikawa out onto his face. He looked up, and a terrifying figure approached him. Wearing a thick red sweater, long, loose pants, and a large hood, he appeared to resemble a crimson Grim Reaper. The Reaper's gloved hands emerged from his sleeves, and the two middle fingers tapped the center of the Reaper's hand. Suddenly, the strange metal fingernails he had been wearing extended out to form sinister, metallic blades. The Reaper lunged forward at Onikawa, plunging the blades into his chest.

"AHHH! What is this?"

A cold, hollow voice emerged from within the hood.

"A special kind of poison is now flowing through your bloodstream, Mr. Onikawa. It will cause your very blood to boil, until your very brain is melted, and you are boiled alive. Say hello to Lucifer for me, filthy Yakuza pig."

Onikawa's flesh turned red, as he rolled around in vicious agony. It took a few minutes of pain, but eventually his brains began to seep out of his head.
The Reaper tapped the center of his wrists again, and the blades withdrew. It then whirled around, pulling two flamethrowers from its back. Flames poured out of the device, and the Yakuza man's body was reduced to ashes within seconds.

"Boris. Clean up."

The Reaper strode back into the car, as another Mafiosi swept the ashes straight off the bridge.

"Hurry up Boris. We have more work to do."

And so, throughout the day, several hit squads of Mafiosi capitalized on the chaos of the scene to wipe out a large section of Yakuza leadership.

-Moscow-
The Kremlin expresses its utmost grievance at the incident, and inquires about whether the suspects are known.

[OOC: We don't have anyone with a general knowledge of Japan to rp the Ringist Shogunate and shugendo cults, along the lines of Hudecia with Burma? I'd volunteer, but Spyr is far too connected to the matter.]


OOC: Perhaps if we ask Maharaja? He lives in Japan, and was the original Burmese resistance.

Thing is, with barely any posts existing which describe the Ringist regime, I can see that some of it may have to be made up as we go along. The most informative ones I could find are here:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7321365&postcount=571

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7324425&postcount=575

It seems to me that if the ruling elite refers to the masses as a different ethnicity, there's a lot of conflict potential there; I also have to ask when the Teike came to power, as it was after the Meiji Restoration. After WWII? Who knows. Also, was shugendo forced on the citizenry? Or do the majority still follow Shinto/Buddhism/whichever religion said person follows?

We need those questions answered in order to work exactly how much popular support a Yamato Restoration would receive, and how difficult it would be to remove Teike influences.

Also, AC, don't get too ahead of yourself; the Pacific Lotus will be wanting Japan as part of their jurisdiction, what with a large proportion of its leadership being Japanese. Wipe out the Triads if you want, they're an inconvenience to Red Lotus monopolies, while the Yakuza could always be absorbed, especially now that they're substantially weaker.

I have Spyr's factsheet on O&I... it still lacks detail, but I'll post it up.

As for history, the Ringist takeover would seem sensible after the Pacific War, possibly explaining the current lack of treaties between Japan and Quinntonia by saying that the Ringists ended them some time after 1950-60.... as to exact dates, I'm not sure.

As for Ringism, I don't think you can consider it a faith enforced... it emerges out of the most basic elements of Japanese folk religion, mixed with esoteric buddhism. It was, as I understood it, an international religious movement, perhaps comparable to modern Soka Gakkai in scope within and without Japan.

Japan (Oshima & Izu)

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/oshima_and_izu.jpg

Political Figures:
Head of State and Government, Shogun Yamamura Takanori. (referred to directly by bakufu title ‘ue-sama’).
Interior Minister, Naisho.
Defence Minister, Souma.
Foreign Minister, Takano Miki

Government: O&I Japan is ruled by a political system known as the Rinfu; literally, 'Ring Government'. The usual English translation of 'Ringist Shogunate' is more instructive, suggesting as it does a similarity to the pre 19th century Tokugawa regime.

Essentially the Rinfu is somewhere between a neo-feudal monarchy and a military dictatorship; power is held by the taishogun (generalissimo), who unlike earlier shoguns stands as both head of state and government.

One things must be made abundantly clear: the ruling class of the Rinfu, known as the Teike (which taken literally means 'chaste family') do not consider themselves to be the same as most Japanese (who they arcahically refer to as the 'Yamato People'). Instead, they describe themselves either as the Izu People, or as the Ringish. This accounts for the deposition of the Imperial Yamato Dynasty, who the Teike regarded as their enemies (mainly because the Imperial government banned their religion, shugendo, after the Meiji restoration).

The ranks of local government in O&I are already filled by the population using whatever system is customary for them, be it democratic election, meritocratic selection or simple seniority; thus village headmen, town mayors and local and district magistrates would all be chosen by the communities they supervise (with basic guidlines of course). High level government is the preserve of Shogunate officials.

As to human rights, quite frankly as long as people respect the state, are law abiding and obedient, the Shogunate does not consider it expedient to interfere in people's day-to-day lives.

Ideology: Ringism. A set of beliefs containing great swathes of shugendo religion. Shugendo is a hybrid of Japanese Shamanism with elements of Buddhist, Confucianist and Taoist thought. Its practioners, the yamabushi, strive to develop beneficial spiritual-magical powers through asceticism (in case this freaks anyone out, Shugendo is a RL religion whose influence can still be felt today in various Buddhist sects).

Its semi-legendary founder, En no Goya, AKA En no Ozunu (literally En the Ascetic) is credited with possessing various mystical powers, including his reputed escape from the Izu peninsula to nearby mount Fuji by flight- quite literally.

The mystical aspects of Shugendo are an essential component of modern Ringism and En no Ozunu is especially revered by leading elements of the Teike.

Foreign Policy: General neutrality in Asia. A desire for closer economic and defensive connections with Lyong, Korea, and the SSRC in light of FRB occupation in the Sakishimas and mutual wariness of Chinese threats, but no formal treaties in this regard [though, notably, was an unofficial opponent of Korean unification].

Locations:
Nagoya Castle (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture): Capital of the Ringist Shogunate.
Mt. Mihara: Important location in Ringist Shugendo.
Oshima island and Izu peninsula: Heartland of Teike culture.
Sakishima Islands: Formerly part of FR Bonstock. Taken after an intense naval battle between Hudecian-LRR-Spyran fleets with Quinntonian support and the FRB Navy, and marine landings by LRR troops. Subsequently returned to Japanese control.
Niigata: ‘Sister-city’ of Naisho PRS, including consular and open trade arrangements.
Hakone: Town in, site for negotiations for Rinfu-SSRC arrangements.*


*[OOC: these negotiations never occurred. Data accumulated from AMW, non-AMW posting and telegrams by O&I].

Ey marmy! Umm...I've got a spy-type in Lima trying to get into Peru with faked identification and whatnot. I don't know if you want to let 'em in or capture 'em or what. Perhaps keep her under surveillance or something? I'm ok any way (although I'd prefer that dem not be killed), but I figure that my fledgling intelligence services will have to start somewhere, and Peru is the big NeoSunnist country right now.

Although it looks like I'm a little late in catching up to Sunn...

OOC: Don't worry, Marm/Peru/Dai Nipp...something. The Russian Mafia isn't looking to take over the Japanese criminal market. All it wants to do is wipe out the Yakuza leadership, thus paralyzing their international scope. Lotus can then move in and absorb the organization, and place its men at the top. Outside of Japan, though, the Yakuza shall be destroyed.

In the northwest of Tokyo is the Kabukicho district, one of Asia's largest "entertainment zones." It is a cluttered neighborhood of narrow alleys, neon signs, beckoning touts and raucous laughter. It is an area which wakes up at noon and parties until dawn, where gamblers and gangsters run rings around the police and where prostitutes and strippers undress for success.

Kabukicho is packed with massage parlors, strip shows, porn stores, gambling dens, bars, hostess clubs and S and M services. There are even distinctively Japanese parlors called "image clubs," where customers act out fantasies by spanking prostitutes who pretend to be schoolgirls in uniform or by groping young women who pretend to be subway commuters. All of this happens in private fantasy rooms built to look like school classrooms or subway cars.

Beyond the razzle-dazzle, Kabukicho offers a glimpse of the directions in which Asia is evolving. In the aftermath of World War II, when vast stretches of Tokyo were rubble as far as the eye could see, all this bustle was directed at Americans.

Sexual energies running wild

Indeed, the Japanese government ran brothels for the Americans so as to dissipate the sexual energies of the GIs harmlessly on prostitutes. The authorities ran recruitment campaigns asking war widows to sacrifice their own virtue by working in these brothels so as to "save" young Japanese women from the American brutes.

Then, as Japan prospered, the clientele became increasingly Japanese. And eventually, in the 1980s, Western women began to show up in the brothels to cater to Japanese men. Prosperity had reversed the tables.

Coming of the Chinese

Yet ultimately, it is the Chinese who have come to dominate Kabukicho. Most of the prostitutes are now Chinese — and many of the gangsters and touts and petty thieves are from Shanghai or Guangdong or Fujian.

For Japanese yakuza, the most important thing is staying alive — and making money is second. But for the Chinese gangsters, the first thing is money.

"None of us like Japanese men," said a 25 year-old Chinese woman working as a prostitute in a Kabukicho bar. "They're so different from Chinese people. They're cold, and we're warm. They like distance, and we like to be close. I wouldn't choose them for pleasure." She shrugged, and added, "But this is business."

The woman has prospered because of the same fierce drive that is lifting much of the rest of Asia: She takes classes in Japanese and English during the day, then goes to work in her bar and the nearby "love hotels" from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Gripped by a fierce drive

"It's tough, but I'm making a lot more money than I was in China," she said. "With the money, I hope I can go to the United States. I have some relatives in Florida, in a city called Miami. That's where I'd like to go next."

The Chinese success in taking over Kabukicho has a good deal to do with the reasons that Asia has prospered more generally: flexibility, drive and social stability.

It may seem unorthodox to discuss a red-light district in terms of social stability. And yet crime is rare, the streets are safe, and when one Chinese prostitute stole some bills from a customer's wallet at a love hotel, she was banished from the industry forever.

Reasons for success

"Our biggest problem is the rise of the Chinese mafia," one yakuza, that is a member of the Japanese-style mafia, lamented. "The Chinese gangs are taking business from us in every area — in prostitution, in gambling, in selling stolen goods."

People have prospered in Tokyo's Kabukicho district because of the same reasons that Asia has prospered more generally — flexibility, drive and social stability.

He added, "The difference between us is that Japanese yakuza think of long-term business relationships, but the Chinese mafia thinks just of the short-term. Their only goal is money, money, money." His comment was strangely reminiscent of what Japanese industrialists often say of Chinese rivals.

Chinese-Japanese differences

The Chinese gangs prospered partly because they have been quicker than Japanese crooks to enter new fields and adopt high technology, like equipment to forge passports or magnetic strip cards that fool pachinko arcades. Chinese mobsters also won business by competing effectively on price: They offer contract killings, for example, for as little as $2,700.

Good businessmen-criminals

Chinese gangsters are so brazen that they are even robbing the yakuza themselves. "They know that we have money — and that if they rob us, we cannot go to the police," one yakuza said. "So it's terrible: A yakuza will be walking down the street, and these Chinese dogs will hold him up at knifepoint or gunpoint and demand his money."

"There is nothing more humiliating for a yakuza," he continues, "than to be robbed by another gangster, but if he fights back he will be killed. For Japanese yakuza, the most important thing is staying alive, and making money is second. But for the Chinese gangsters, the first thing is money. The second thing is money. And the third thing is money."

Entrepreneurial spirit

This might be the reason that the Chinese brothels and massage parlors in Kabukicho edged out their Japanese rivals — they fought harder, charged less and were more "entrepreneurial."
http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=2108

JAPAN
Japan is currently being hit by the "third wave of stimulant drug abuse" in its history. That is the theme of a report submitted by the Japanese government to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS, June 8-10, 1998). The first wave lasted from 1952 to 1957, when an annual record of 55,000 people were arrested in 1954; the second occurred between 1980 and 1988, with 24,000 arrests in 1984, falling to 15,000 in 1989. The situation then remamed relatively stable until 1994. The current wave began three years ago and the number of arrests has increased continually since, reaching 20,000 in 1997. The increase in this drug market has been met by a boom in Chinese production of amphetamines which supplies the Japanese market. The popularity of cocaine, hashish, marijuana, and LSD in certain circles is undeniable. But most disturbing to the authorities is that the number of youths affected by consumption of all narcotics, in particular synthetic drugs and solvents, is steadily increasing. It is a difficult situation to combat as it reflects social phenomena which can only be aggravated by the current economic crisis in Japan.

"The Third Wave of Amphetamine Consumption"
According to statistics from the Japanese National Police Agency, the number of amphetamine users in Japan allegedly topped one million in 1997. The rise in consumption is partly due to the drop in street retail prices for the drug, which have fallen from 10,000 yen for a 0.03 gram dose to 2000 yen today. Truck and taxi drivers, laborers with monotonous jobs, and certain white-collar workers all take amphetamine. Its use extends even to the Japanese administrative elite, as shown by the January 1998 arrest on amphetamine consumption charges of the Reverend Masanori Sagara, the 50-year old superior of a Shinto sanctuary, the ancient religion of Japan. In March 1998, a 42-year old school teacher, an ice skating coach, and a former civil servant of the prestigious Ministry of Finance, Takashi Hata, were found in possession of 46.9 kilograms of amphetamine, which they both consumed and sold. Police note that organized crime does not exercise a monopoly over amphetamine distribution: "ordinary citizens and students" are also involved. The distribution of amphetamines and other narcotics is also undertaken by foreigners. Nearly 280,000 Asians reside in Japan illegally. In 1997, some 873 foreigners were arrested in Japan, including 328 Iranian nationals (of whom 220 were arrested on amphetamine trafficking charges). Iranians make up the most numerous and best organized foreign Asian community in Japan. When one of them is arrested or deported to Iran and his mobile telephone seized, another member of the same organization asks the telephone rental company to transfer the same telephone number to another person, who can thus take over business with the arrested man's clients.

But Asians are not the only ones on the market. Police dismantled a network lead by a French national in late December 1997. The networks' dealers were made up of citizens of the United States, Canada, and other European countries. They had brought into Japan 10,000 ecstasy pills made in the Netherlands.

Police have also noticed since the early 1990s a boom in the manufacture of synthetic drugs in China, in particular by laboratories located in southern China's Fujian and Guangdong provinces. The production is aimed at supplying the Japanese market. Chinese triads established on the continent, in Hong Kong, or in Taiwan dominate the supply of the Japanese market, and cooperate with the yakuza in importing the drugs into the islands. One of the larger seizures of 1998 involved 200 kg of amphetamine discovered on March 18 aboard a fishing boat originating from the Chinese port of Dalian. The route passed by the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. Eight persons; both Japanese and Chinese, were arrested. To avoid detection, the networks increasingly use small ports located in the southern provinces. During the first half of 1998, police discovered 9 kg of opium in Fushiki port (Toyama prefecture); 20 kg of cannabis in Minamata port (Kumamoto); 60 kg of amphetamines in Hososhima port (Miyazaki), etc.

Numerous organized crime bosses have found themselves in an extremely precarious position due to the stock market and financial crisis now shaking Japan and the rest of East Asia. Some have even committed suicide. Others are turning to new activities. According to international money laundering specialists, they are trying to set up vast drug money laundering operations, in particular on behalf of foreign criminal organizations, and above all those from Latin America. Another profitable smuggling activity is illegal immigration to Japan, especially coming from China. The yakuza cooperate with the Chinese mafia group known as the "Snake Heads" in this activity.

http://www.taima.org/en/geopol.htm

OOC: Xiaguo, that was an interesting read, but O&I isn't RL Japan.

AC, just call me Marmy or Marm, it's easier. The plan looks good, it's basically what I had in mind except the Lotus was going to be bumping off anyone who didn't join; you've done that for me :)

LRR, I admit I got a bit sidetracked with the beginning of the coup; consider her under surveillance until further notice.

Spyr, thanks for the info. I didn't know Nagoya was the Ringist capital, but in a way that works out better, as the Yamato Restorationists have just initiated the capture of Tokyo, which had been the Yamato capital since 1868.

Anyhoo, I've TGed Maharaja to see if he'll RP the Ringfu; if he can't, then we'll have to find someone else.

[OOC: The second article of Xiaguo's does seem difficult to adapt... I'm uncertain as to wether, with Bonstock & Marimaia in place, an Asian Economic Crisis took place in the same manner as RL... and the conservative fascists in Sino have far better anti-drug capabilities than the RL PRC, so synthetic drug labs in the South are likely not as capable. The first article doesn't seem to contain such difficulties in adaptation.]

OOC: Alrighty then, Marmy.

IC:

"Alejandro."

Alejandro, a gigantic man whose features were totally obscured by a thick, red, hooded sweater and flowing red pants, (indeed, this was why he had the nickname "Crimson Reaper") turned to his fat driver.

"What is it, Boris?"

He said with a cold, echoing, mechanical voice.

"Where do we go next? Tokyo's Yakuza have been pretty much wiped out. And others are busy with the rest of Japan."

"The Chinese. They've got a nice prostitution racket set up in a certain 'red light district' that could prove...useful."

"Ok, Boss."

The small Japanese hybrid car raced into the Chinese dominated Red light district (the one mentioned by Xiaguo) and then stopped.

"Send for reinforcements, Boris."

As Boris frantically dialed his cellphone, Alejandro glided out of the car. Immediately, the street went silent. A few minor gangsters were out doing business, but the real Kahunas lay in some of the larger "love hotels." As quickly as he appeared, he vanished, dashing off towards the The Naughty Schoolgirl

-The Naughty Schoolgirl-

"Sooo...How much money we bring in today?"
"Business is going very poorly lately. The bombings have scared all of our client---AUGHHHH!!!"

Alejandro's deadly poison was stabbed into a fat Chinese mobster's forehead via extending metallic claws. The other gangster chiefs called for back up, before being roasted alive by Alejandro's dual flamethrowers. A thug ran into the hotel room, gunning with a submachine gun.Alejandro simply leapt back, onto the bed, and burned the gangster's head off. The roof above him collapsed, as five mafiosi hitmen rappeled down ropes. They landed around him, and immediately launched into a round of M-16 fire. Alejandro slid towards the gangster directly ahead of him, and performed a slide kick to sweep him off his feet. As the gangster fell, Aalejandro swung around behind him, stood up, and used him as a human shield. The others didn't hesitate to plug their comrade full of lead, but the moments of protection let Alejandro blast the heads clean off of two other Chinese gangsters. He then threw the limp body forward at the two remaining gangsters, knocking them straight out of the window. Alejandro calmly pulled out a cellphone.

"Boris, how is the operation going?"
"We have control of the district, sir. The Red Light district will be truly red now."
"What about the police?"
"It's martial law. The Army is in charge, and the Army is controlled by our good friend Chiisu."
"Excellent."

OOC:I actually just want you guys to read it, since it is actually interesting indeed, and I'm just hoping I can do something similiar to provoke future rp's.

-Akihabara, Technological Stand-Point of Tokyo
"The sudden attacks at this portion of the city has affected many, Long." said Wan.

The Hua Qing, or Wah-Ching, a Southern-Northern joint mafia family are now meeting at the mafia headquarters located at the electronics goods district of Tokyo, where the mafia works in selling stolen goods.

The Hua Ching were more than just a Chinese mafia, they were an underground army, reaching to thousands of mafia members including allied mafia groups which includes the Qing Longs, who operate the prostitution system.
http://dynamicduo.info/albums/nogecho/70041179CiKSxw_ph.jpg

"We lost the Qing Long district to several bastards."

"Contact the Red Scarves, They should know never to mess with the Hua Qings."

The sight of the meeting was stomach churning. Hundreds of mafia members guarded the the skyscraping building, with several heads inside for the meeting.
http://www.angelfire.com/games4/spatulalad/triad.jpg

"These foreign filth has infiltrated the government, we will need to execute them." said Long, before calling out to several men over.

It was a manhunt, several enemy gang leaders were murdered overnight. The Gangs were also buying arms from the largest political mafia in Northern China, the Red Scarves, who actually buys arms from the government.








OOC:Actually, Yakuza is still pretty strong in Japan, but just losing power and business to the Chinese.

OOC: Ah, by the way, the district I targeted was the Kabukicho district. And the 'enemy gang leaders' you refer to...are you talking specifically about the Russian Mafiya?

IC: With the Kabukicho district under their control, and the Yakuza leadership being withered away, the Russian Mafiya has aggressively begun to bring in regular grunts via boat. The Yakuza leadership was eliminated, so the Red Lotus could move in and absorb them, but the Chinese were not going to be sit still while their territory was taken from them. The Kabukicho District is being fortified by Russian Mafiosi, while business continues as usual. (Although the profits are going to someone else...)

OOC:Well, the headquarters are in Akihabara, where most of Tokyo's electronics stores and such are located.


Meanwhile, the Chinese have contacted the Yakuza in a possible joint-effort, against the newcomers, who have proven their capabilities.

OOC: Good luck with that, considering I slaughtered the leadership. By the way, the Russian Mafia is content to take over Kabukicho's lucrative prostitution racket and wipe out the dreaded Yakuza. The rest of the crime market will be left to Red Lotus, which is Chiisu's group.

The Red Scarves are government sponsored, including the failed assasination attempt on Liu, oversees murders and assasinations. And so on.

IC: The Hua Qing had quickly replaced the Long Tou, Dragon Head(Leader) with a younger, but experienced man. Their enemies are now the Russians. News arrived at the Red Scarves headquarters, and now, the petty Russian gangs have been targetted despite of war, which allowed gangsters there to profit.

The Dragon's head may be chopped off, but how many dragons can achieve the status? Hundreds, especially when This criminal organization is a well organised and is a government funded underground army.


At least 12 cars pulled up at the Red light district. Dozens of mafia members creeped through the streets. "For Revenge" The men stormed the buildings killing any Whites they see. Others set the Russian owned cat houses on fire. Cars were shot up with mangled bodies on the streets.


The Hua Qing and the Japanese Yakuza had a mutual agreement to destroy the Russian based mafia before things get out of hand for both houses. The Yakuza and the Hua Qing may have battle in the business world, but have always remian a neutral sensed hostility. However, the Russian Mafia, now in place here in Tokyo are trying to cause a riff between the street business.

OOC: While we wait to see if Maharaja will be able to RP the Ringist resistance efforts, I'm going to continue with the Tokyo part of the RP, if for no other reason than to stop crime groups from taking over this thread while we're waiting. I still haven't finished the first day of the coup but certain people have jumped a few days ahead of me.

IC:

Narita International Airport

The soldiers on duty were puzzled to see a small army disembarking from the four aircraft which had just landed until General Takeshita arrived to clear everything up.

"Chiisu, I'm glad you arrived safely. How was the flight?"

"Nerve-wracking, but I feel better to be on my ancestral soil. How's the city doing?"

"A little worse for wear, but the operation inflicted maximum political impact with the minimum of casualties. Well, casualties that matter anyway. Tokyo is now under martial law; shall we escort you to your new home?"

"You're getting ahead of yourself General; I'm not Emperor yet. We need to liberate the whole of Nippon before we can declare this operation a success; however, I would like to move in as soon as possible."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

The convoy of military vehicles and civilian transports arrived at the gates of Kokyo, the palace of the Yamato Emperors; under the Teike, the palace had been made off-limits to all, and several areas had fallen into disrepair. Takeshita's most trusted men had secured the area to prevent 'cultural destruction', but it had been secured for much more important reasons.

Toyama Chiisu looked around the main palace buildings in dismay at the state of things before being escorted to a part of the complex which was still fairly intact. He turned to Takeshita and nodded.

"This will suffice for now. This place will be rebuilt once this is over. Have you acquired what I need?"

Takeshita handed him a piece of paper. "Everything you asked for. We can take you to the studios of Nippon Hoso Kyokai if you wish, so that we can announce the start of the proceedings."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

NHK Studios, Tokyo

A short station break was followed by the appearance of Toyama Chiisu on televisions across Japan, with the chrysanthemum mon displayed behind him.

"People of Nippon, my name is Toyama Chiisu. For many years I have unable to set foot on our shores for various reasons, all related to the beloved Teike overlords. I am sure that many of you remember the days before they rose to power; we were a great nation, the equal of any nation in the world. Now, Nippon is a backwater. No-one cares who we are, as long as we keep quiet, and the Teike are willing to be silent for the rest of the world. The Lyong socialists tell Nippon to be quiet, and the Teike meekly obey.

Look at this world! China is tearing itself apart, Russia moves on the former Soviet republics, the Philippines have become part of an empire based in the Americas; how long is it until we are told to meekly roll over and submit? Nippon should be a world power, but instead we merely exist. There was a time when we were respected by the world, when we spoke and others listened; now the Teike have us merely cowering in a corner, begging for others to keep away!

When we ruled ourselves, we were truly magnificent! We defeated the Russian Empire in war when all other Asian nations were pandering to European imperialists! Our successes brought us respect and admiration! Then it brought jealousy. We were assaulted with weapons that are only used by those who have no other options; they could not defeat us, so they decided to merely kill us. In his infinite wisdom, the Emperor brought the war to an end in order to save our people from cowardly atomic attacks.

After the war, the Teike rose up. We were a broken nation, and they betrayed us all. When they should have united with the rest of us to finish rebuilding Nippon, they seized power, betrayed their Emperor, and established themselves as 'a superior people'. Oh, of course, how foolish of me; they did not follow the Emperor. When even foreign powers respected his status, the Izu people did not. Now they kowtow to socialist powers who would take our rights over the Nippon-kai (OOC: Sea of Japan)! The Teike even lost the Sakishima Islands to a foreign power; Nippon regained them, but because other nations liberated them for us! We should have been able to do it ourselves, but the Teike allowed foreign occupation of our lands because they were afraid! It is time for us to bring this sad chapter of our history to a close!

It is time for the Yamato Throne to rise once again! We are Yamato, we should be ruled by the Yamato! We should not be ruled by a people who believe themselves to be superior to us! They have tried to destroy thousands of years of our own culture and replace it with their own; they have ruled for fifty years, while the Yamato ruled for over a millennium. It is time to end this disruption to the natural order of things.

Nippon should be a respected nation, full of vitality and prosperity, where we can decide who is in the government, rather than having the Shogunate tell us who will rule us! The Teike should renounce their Shogunate and allow the Yamato to rule themselves! I realise that the Teike will turn on me, calling me a foreigner, claiming that I have no right to be here. I am a dokokujin, my heart and my loyalties lie with my ancestral homeland. I have seen the stagnation of my true people, and I say that it is to end, now and forever!"

(OOC: Before anyone starts complaining that Chiisu has portrayed quite a rosy version of Japanese history, and I know it'll happen, that is In-Character. If I get any OOC complaints about what a character has said in an attempt to appeal to his own people, I'm going to scream. I would also love to know exactly how the competing criminal groups are running around Tokyo when there's a curfew and martial law in place.)

OOC: Good luck with that, considering I slaughtered the leadership.

[OOC: yeep, you've severed the head in oyabun-kobun... regardless of the political conflict, this is going to be an epic crime war...]

OOC: Yeah, well as it turns out this means nothing.

O&I is returning after 24th April.

So we can either allow this RP to fester until then, or we can call it all off. I vote for the latter, unless we can sort something out for the meantime. I'm TGing O&I now just in case he's still on.

OOC: Well, if O&I wants to, we can continue with some sort of civil war thread...but I guess its all up to him.

I don't think we should end this just because someone, who have not taken time to tell us he's going to be away for quite some while, or so, just come back all of a sudden and reclaim everything. I mean, Japan is a very important position.

[OOC: Well, it happened with Sino back during the war with Bonstock, so there is AMW precedent...]

( I would also love to know exactly how the competing criminal groups are running around Tokyo when there's a curfew and martial law in place.)
OOC: Erm, I may have gotten ahead of myself. Still, besides the "Red Light" take over, I was mainly covert, picking off leaders. And I assumed that my good ally Chiisu would take a blind eye to my "activities" since they lay the groundwork for his Pacific Lotus. As for O&I...didn't he say all he wanted was the island of Izu?

IC:
"Shit! Shit! Shit!"

The district erupted in flame. While the Chinese had been unprepared for such a direct assault, (which was to be expected. You don't expect a full scale crime war in Japan) their counterpunch was deadly. Luckily, the Russians had been readying, so they weren't completely massacred. The drive-bys inflicted the most damage, dropping hordes of gangsters to the ground, along with quite a few Western businessmen who just happened to be looking for some "entertainment."

The Chinese were apparently adapting a scorched earth policy, as they tried to torch the hotels stolen by the Russians. An inferno was erupting in the district, as a general panic ensued, with people fleeing in every direction.

The Russians had military hardware as well, and attempted a general charge onto the Chinese. They loaded up into various limousines, and rode forward at the Chinese, guns blazing, while snipers in various hotels assisted.

Received this TG from the man himself in Marimaia's inbox:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bakufu of Oshima and Izu
Received: 10 hours ago

Marimaia, I don't have any major problems since I have been more absent than around due to RL issues.

I am actually abroad at the moment, but I will be back and should hopefully be around more from the 24th April, so until then go ahead with things.

Provided you don't damage my ancestral home on the Izu islands!

O&I

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I guess we can continue on as long as I don't touch the Izu Islands. Anyhoo, just thought I'd show it to you all tonight; I won't have time to post any IC stuff tonight, so the continuation will be tomorrow.

What I was thinking was to perhaps end up with a North-South divide for when he comes back; the Yamato Restorationists ruling everything north of Yokohama-Toyama, the Ringists ruling everything south of that line. That way, the Yamato get Tokyo and its various Imperial connotations, while the Ringists keep their capital at Nagoya as well as the Izu islands (which are only about 100-300km south from Tokyo, but there we are).

Here's what I was thinking:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422380/j.JPG


We can go from there once he gets back.

OOC:

I can sympathise with Xiaguo's feelings, and for that I apologise. However, in fairness my absence was not something I planned: in the last six months I have had to deal with recurrent illness, a bereavement, and more recently the backlog of work resulting from the previous two; I know other people have to deal with Rl problems as well and so am not going to demand special treatment or anything :> In fact, technically I have not logged on for several months now- the recent visits and occasional message were actually the work of the friend who has very kindly been keeping O&I going for me; for that reason I hadn't seen most of the TGs before today.

I hope that clears things up!

[OOC: Well, that looks to work out surprisingly well... my poor, beloved Niigata... though itd still leave a lot of political friction given that the real Imperial symbolism still lies south in Kyoto, the old Yamato heartland].

I like that DNK...

One thing- I can't see from the map, but I would need to hang on to the resort region of Hakone and the Izu peninsula (I think they are my side of the line).

I must say, I did enjoy reading how you all interpreted my state based on the fragments...you do realise what Ringism is based on don't you?

OOC: Yep, Hakone is on the Ringist side.

I know that Kyoto holds a lot of significance, but to get that in the Yamato-held region would require either some creative borders or O&I losing Nagoya; the first is kinda difficult unless the Yamato side are going to supply the city by sea/air, while the second isn't fair to O&I.

Besides, I think there'd always be political tension between the two; the Yamato would despise the Izu for initially overthrowing the Imperial system, while the Izu would despise the Yamato Restorationists for taking half the country off them.

You'd end up with SSRC & associates backing the Ringists, and the Holy League & associates backing the Yamato.

[Heh, a divided Korea, a divided Japan, a divided China... the joy of AMW. The mention of Kyoto was less a suggested change, and more a foreboding reflection on what Tokyo will be yelling about to Nagoya for the next few decades ^_^]

O&I, If I'm not mistaken, given your statement as to its connections with Shugendo and En, Ringism is tied in with the mysticism underlying the Ringu novels/movies... but I didn't want to assume, as it could as easily be something utterly different.]

OOC: That is quite correct Spyr; Izu Oshima was the birthplace of Yamamura Sadako, her mother committed suicide by jumping into Mount Mihara, whilst Sadako herself was thrown down a well near Hakone...For the record, in the same way that the Taira family are called the Heike, the Teike are quite literally the House of Sada(ko).

I have however added elements inspired by various other 'sources' :>

Some more info follows...hope it helps to flesh things out

The thing to remember about Ringism and the Teike is that they are living the embodiment of the dark side of Japan (that is why they hate the Yamato 'Sun people'); Ringists are sinister individuals who rule by a combination of pseudo-supernatural terror and extreme violence (if this seems far-fetched the Duvalier Regime in Haiti combined voodoo with thug tactics), but who crucially tend to avoid direct exposure, preferring to control the population from the shadows.

Ringist power tends to be concentrated in rural or remote areas, particularly those regions in which occultism and superstition are more common. Key areas include:

The Izu Archipelago: Formerly a place of exile under the Edo Bakufu
Shikoku: The smallest and most rural of the main islands
Iga-Koga: The region famed for its connections with ninja

Certain locations in particular stand out as key foci for the Ringist Regime:

Nagoya: Ringist Capital, officially known as Chukyo (or middle capital) in Ringist circles
Izu Oshima: Largest island of the Izu chain, and site of Miharayama. The originally home of the Teike is believed to have been at Sashikiji on the southern tip.
The 88 Shrines of Shikoku: The famous Buddhist pilgrimage route is held to be the location to the underworld by certain Ringists (This is most likely due to the phonetic similarity between Shikoku- four provinces, and Shikoku- land of the dead)
Hakone: Resort town near head of Izu peninsula; the legendary site of Sadako's death in an abandoned well

And some key individuals and families...

Yamamura Izu-no-kami Takanori: Ringist Shogun, belived to be only 19 or 20 years old and claimed to descend from the Yamamura of Sashikiji; his face is virtually unknown (only a single confirmed picture of him exists, taken when a very young child)
Souma Yuki: Takanori's mistress; in some accounts described as little better than a sociopathic nymphomaniac
Takano Miki: Ringist politician, by far the most conventional and unassuming of the leading Teike

Yamamura Family: Leading family in the Teike; heraldry: Character 'San' (mountain) within ring

Takano Family; principal retainers of the Yamamura; heraldry: Character 'tei' (chastity) within ring

Souma Family; brutal family with links to organised crime; heraldry: a pair of crossed kamas

Hiura Family; guardians of the 88 shrines of Shikoku; heraldry: character 'shi' (death) and torii arch

Kashima Family; infamous line of assassins (often female); heraldry: snowflake with swords

Miyamori Family; house of rural occultists; heraldry: stylised scarecrow

Sekino/Goshima Families; mysterious and reclusive spiral-worshippers; heraldry: whirlpool

Boromiya Family; dog-worshipping occultist from Shikoku; heraldry: dog

It should be borne in mind that Ringist adherents and subjects truly believe in spirits, occultism and the supernatural, and do not question that their leaders have special powers. Of course, foreign governments/citizens are free to hold their own opinions :>

However, never forget that a 'curse' only needs clever psychology and suggestion to work on a seemingly sceptical victim...

Julia soon gets the feeling that she's being watched. Shifty-eyed passers by, the occasional police car, once and a while catching an unsuspecting counterintelligence agent with a walkie-talkie. Occasionally she manages to loose the tail, but not for long. Obviously, things aren't working out. Partido NeoSunnista had better security than she was banking on. She'd have to leave the country.

After all, it looks like there will be a job to do in Japan. So, after about a week around Lima, Julia Creedon leaves her unassuming and low-key apartment and heads towards Cusco. Departing in the middle of the night, she heads towards the waterfront and dives into the Pacific Ocean in a move intended to throw off any tail. After emerging in another part of the city, she 'borrows' a car (albeit compensating handsomely with a wad of Quinntonian dollars), and drives towards the border, making sure to respect all traffic rules and generally not drawing attention to herself.

Meanwhile, the Popular Congress, seemingly dissatisfied with SOD-1's progress, decides that a more heavily equipped force would be better. Impressed with the British SAS, the ministry of defense decides to raise an SAS of its own. A cross between the Sappers and the Paras, the Special Engineer Sapper Regiment will hopefully consist of about 1,000 troops. Trained as a parachute engineer unit, they will be tasked with both combat operations and advisor tasks across the globe, and should be able to maintain just about any piece of military technology.

OOC:Japan, and Korea may be seperated, but China, if you guys are following the rp, is soon to be united, I mean, UNITED.

Yakuza snipers, who have taken sniping positions in the buildings facing the whole blitz had begun using their skills to the full extent.

RPGS were launched at the enemy cars, killing the whole lot of them. Once the enemy was close, knives, daggers, and even spears and swords were pulled out in neck cracking gut splitting fist fights.

Some Tokyo police officers, many whom have no weapons at all watch from a distance.

OOC: Well, hopefully we'll always have _Taiwan.

OOC:Haha, you sure about that? Only time will show.

For so long as China chooses to educate its youth sufficiently to remain a modern nation, it shall foster individualist dissent and communism. It can choose: progress and dissent, or conformity and regression.

China is all but a continent unto herself, and no single authority can crush the human spirit there in. Sino can think what it likes, but there will always be China men and women with ideas. One nail is in the coffin lid, and all that nationalism can do is make the carpenter pause for thought before he hammers in the next. Sinoese nationalists are a very, very slowly dying breed.

PRS Consulate, Niigata

The Niigata consulate was less a diplomatic outpost and more a trade mission... in conjunction with the city of Naisho across the nihon-kaikyo, the city represented the hub of Lyong-Japan trade, and so there were a number of citizens who needed services, and business arrangements to be coordinated. Still, in spite of its economic role... or perhaps because of it... Strainists could not help but be Strainists.

Overt politicking was certainly out of the question, but Spyr had always gotten on well with Japan's socialist democrats, and so numerous informative chats and debates over tea took place in the consulate's sitting rooms. Past conversation had held a mostly international focus, but today Tokyo waxed high on the agenda.

"Its more than the usual ultranationalist guerilla raid on a broadcast station this time... there has been overt criminal violence, and military units have replaced the police as legal authority."

"With the little dog, it always is."

"Suun?... err, I suppose its Toyama now."

"Quite so, a native son returning home to you at last. Perhaps Wa will hold his interest longer than his other ventures. His flamboyance will certainly differ from the mystic shadows of your Shogunate."

"More of the same, more of the same. It makes one look fondly back at the days of Taisho."

"Either way, it is the people that you, and I, must be concerned with... more tea?"

OOC:Drapol: Bravo!

[Sheds a tear for the progressive Chinese nationalist]

OOC: Sheds a tear for conservatist democracy...

IC:

The use of RPGs stunned the Russians. The Chinese would be so bold as to use explosives in the middle of the street? A convoy of Russian limousines was annihilated instantly, and the remaining gang memebers pulled back. The Russian snipers and the Chinese snipers engaged in a duel, blasting off shots and quiklcy hiding, only to strike again. As the Chinese began to rip into the Russians, engaging hand to hand, the Russians saw their opportunity. While the Chinese fought with skill, the Russians used brutal, dirty tactics of battle they had learned in street fights and brawls. Every dirty tick in the book was utilized, inlcuding many kicks to the groin, eye blindings, human shields, and more. Alejandro was like a demon, his red hood obscuring any emotion that may appear on his face, and slicing men left and right.

OOC:LOL, don't play dirty tricks with me, you haven't seen and ehard of the real Hong Kong triads, and the Yakuza 'businesses'. And to sample it off:

Some more, Kung Fu crazed men began probing at the eye sockets ripping out the eyes. Many bodies had guts spilling out, the Chinese long sword practice, which the samurai sword fights had came from had a sudden effect. The more, Martial Arts friendly gang members began cutting off their enemy like vegetables. heads dropped to the floor, when their bodies were still standing.

Gang Leader Long, watching the whole scene from a distance joined into the fighting.

(Why is this reading like an old school Bruce Lee movie? Woot!!)

OOC:Cause I'm Cantonese, and with my knowledge from watching Hong Kong movies, and reading about it, I've come to make it like a movie.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has decreed that all Movies from Asia MUST feature bad dubbing, nonsensical plots, and random Kung Fu Fighting, as well as at least one scene involving a slow motion shootout where the hero has a large calibre pistol in each hand.

Additionally, said movies must have a sub-title made up of random Chinese Cliche words, such as Tiger Dragon Lotus 2: Double The Fist, and must have at least one character that is a Ninja, Triad/Yakuza member, Samurai, or Sexy Mysterious Female.

Needless to say, the "Roycelandian Version" of most Asian Movies is highly sought after on the Cult Film Circuit...

[OOC: O&I, just wondering what methods the Shogunate used to subdue Yamato opposition in the past. Fear of mystic vengeance can be powerful, but 120M+ people full of national-racial identity can be hard to keep down. (When it seeed you were gone, I'd been contemplating the methods by which it might be done, and am interested to see if I was at all close ^_^]

OOC: Looking at Ringism, it looks like a good dose of shining Yamato leadership is just what Japan needs. However, since the soon-to-be Yamato Emperor had his own father killed because he was in the way, that may remain to be seen.


IC:

With Toyama Chiisu's declaration of the Yamato Restoration, Yamato exiles from around the world began returning home to support him. With them came financial backing, influence and in some cases respectability.

The revolt of the 1st Army Division had been followed by the conversion of the 12th brigade, bringing much of the Eastern Army under Yamato influence. The Eastern Army established a defensive cordon around Tokyo and directly controlled all major buildings in the metropolis; all vehicles entering or exiting the city were checked by patrols for weapons and/or Ringists. General Takeshita had been receiving reports from his friends in the Northern Army (based at Sapporo) that there were rumblings of discontent in Hokkaido; if Toyama could cause a grand spectacle, it may be enough to bring out public support in favour of the Restoration.

All the same, the Restorationists had years of Ringist propaganda to overturn; not an easy task, but under the tutalege of Dianyun Liu (former Marimaian Information Minister and now the Red Lotus's head of public relations), the Restoration's spin doctors began devising their own propaganda. Toyama Chiisu was cast as an avenging reincarnation of Jimmu Tenno, returned from the wilderness to lead the Japanese people out of Ringist darkness and back to divine Yamato existence.

Of course, with light comes darkness. Tian Yao developed a reputation with several Restorationists who had heard rumours about his involvement in the deaths of Toyama Mikada and President Ramirez of Peru. He quickly acquired the nickname 'Shinigami' for his rumoured previous acts; those who named him fully believed that he would kill again if he felt the need, so decided not to give him any reason to.

With Tokyo firmly under Restorationist control, attention turned to the escalating crime war which had erupted in the city. A communique to all groups involved was issued by Nishio Kamisori via his contacts in the competing organisations; the Pacific Lotus were willing to mediate between the antagonists in order to find peace. After all, the war was proving very bad for business, but not as bad for business as the intervention of the military and the police would be.

Russian and Chinese blood flowed onto the streets. The Chinese were experts with their swords, dicing apart the Russians. However, the Russian use of knives and baseball bats was equally as skillful, albeit far less graceful. Throats and chests were slashed open, causing a vicious torrent. Alejandro ordered a pullback, and he stepped forward, protected in the front by a line of machine gunners. As the close range combatants pulled behind the line, Aljandro gave the order, and the sword wielding Chinese stood no chance against the torrent of machine gun fire and flame thrower blasts.

Meanwhile, Alexandrov was already on a plane to Tokyo, furiously dialing Chiisu.

"We will cease the violence under a few conditions. One, we keep the red light district. Two, the Yakuza are absorbed by Red Lotus. Three, the Chinese stop blowing everything up!"

[OOC: You killed their oyabun! They'll be wanting their nationalist new-deal to include some mounds of Russian ears...]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32/squirrel_wrath_moo/Stick%20Death/stickdeath2.gif

Correction. I killed the Yakuza oyabun. I stole the Red Light district from the Chinese, but their leadership remains largely untouched.

OOC: Err, sorry for muddling, thats who I meant.

The Chinese are much more... loose... in their criminal structures. 's all about the money, family be damned.

OOC: Yeah, too bad the Italian Mafia ain't around. I wish the Russian Mafia had a Godfather, but I'll settle for my omni-present and mysterious Red Leader...

OOC: Spyr, do you think the Helekaru criminal groups might try to profit on the mass disorder in Japan and make a move on foreign markets? You've said before that the annexation of Helekar probably bumped Tordian, Spyran and Yamani crime rates by quite a bit...would the Helekaru crime lords, with the recent annexation, now be in a position to move off peninsula?

OOC: A bit behind, NY... Yunsung and the Yellow Scarves went hand in hand. To get the men needed to strike Tord, he gutted them hollow and left them in the open. The remnants are barely capable of buying lunch, let alone expansion, especially given that the Red Falcon band and Horse Levy are their ethnic foes and have been given pretty much free reign in their heartland.

The only people in a position to expand are the incorporated brothel/narcotic/gambling collectives, and they're too legitimate to want to enter into a crime war. Leave that to the Drapoel meth rings ;) ).

OOC: Fools! The Red Mafiya will dominate you all! Socialism can't produce good crime rings, after all.

"Chu! Xia!!" yelled Long into his cell-phone. The Japanese then dropped their rifles, and tok out several RPG-7's and 18's, and all fired at once toward the machine gunners.

I would enter a crime ring, but there aren't any that haven't been shot up/imprisoned since sometime in the 1950s/killed of overdose.

Besides that, I don't have the slightest idea what to do.

IC:

Hindustani nationals in Japan, most of them concerned with reporting on the Teike government's various means of holding power, are ordered to make for the nearest exit and leave Japan as soon as possible.

The United China Party, Confederate hina Party, People's Party, and several political organizations of China began raising money and calling for the Chinese in Japan to leave the country as soon as possible.

"Chu! Xia!!" yelled Long into his cell-phone. The Japanese then dropped their rifles, and tok out several RPG-7's and 18's, and all fired at once toward the machine gunners.
The machine gunners were more prepared this time for the RPG assault (the same trick won't work twice!), and ran out of the way as soon as they saw the launchers being pulled out. A few of the unwary gangsters were however, fried to a crisp.

Suddenly, Alejandro pulled out his hand, and yelled with a stunning, mechanical voice.

"ENOUGH!"

The battlefield grew silent.

"You...."

He pointed at the opposing gang leader.

"As much as I would enjoy killing you, word has gotten to me that Toyama's army cronies are going to butcher us all if we don't halt this. So get whoever's in charge of your diplomatic operations talking to Chiisu, so they can handle this. No matter how skilled your men are, I doubt they are a match for tanks and helicopters."

The ROC suggests its citizens leave the newly anarchist Japan and has promised to pay for the air fares.

Long, who was smoking when Alejandro gestured for peace.

With a snap of the fingers, he puts on his trenchcoat and heads for the limosine.

The gang members slowly moved back picking up what ever dead bodies there are, the weapons and such off the streets.

"We'll meet at Chinatown.....Come out and clean up, Cops" said one of the gang members, and they dissappeared in the darkness. With a suddent turn atb the Yakuza snipers, there was darkness also.

Pleased with the ceasefire, Nishio Kamisori presented terms to the competing crime groups. Firstly, the Yakuza should follow the Kamisori Gumi's example and join the Red Lotus; doing so would show their patriotism as they would then be involved in overthrowing the Teike, rather than squabbling with other groups.

Secondly, Nishio strongly suggested that the Russians be permitted to maintain control of Tokyo's prostitution if they stopped at that. The Chinese would be permitted to keep their other concessions in Tokyo and elsewhere; it was a compromise to be sure, but continuing the war would end up causing civilian casualties. If that happened, then the resulting crackdown would not be pleasant.

Of course, Nishio was open to suggestions from both parties.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Eastern Army had extended Restorationist control outwards from Tokyo; the Restoration now controlled Chiba, and pro-Yamato uprisings were beginning in Urawa. Restoration propaganda claimed that Toyama Chiisu was immune to all Ringist evils; the idea was catching on in certain northern cities, but in the southern Teike heartlands a combination of government control and superstition either prevented the message reaching anyone or quelled possible public dissent.

Toyama Chiisu continued his broadcasts, although the Teike managed to prevent their transmission in several areas. He called upon the Yamato to overthrow their oppressors, claiming that no amount of evil could totally extinguish the divine light of the Yamato. In Restoration-held areas, symbols of Ringism were torn down or defaced and replaced by depictions of Hinomaru, the Circle of the Sun.

Alexandrov stumbled into the Tokyo headquarters of Chiisu (wherever they may be), breathless after sprinting all the way from the airport.

"We...hufff...agree...to...the...hufff...phew...terms..."

After that, the rather fat man collapsed onto the ground.

Alexandrov stumbled into the Tokyo headquarters of Chiisu (wherever they may be), breathless after sprinting all the way from the airport.

"We...hufff...agree...to...the...hufff...phew...terms..."

After that, the rather fat man collapsed onto the ground.

Alexandrov was half-carried, half-dragged into Chiisu's presence, at which time some water was thrown over his face to bring him round.

Chiisu smirked at the overweight Russian as he began moving. "My dear friend, welcome to the party. Your arrival was obviously destiny; we're gearing up for my coronation as Emperor, and here you are ready to represent my Russian friends. Why don't you stay a while so I can fill you in on what we've got planned, hmm?"

Alexandrov stood up, brushing himself off.

"I really need to get more exercise...I had to run here all the way from the airport, since my gangsters have scared off all the taxis! Nevermind that, however. I would be delighted to hear about your new plans, my friend."

He sat down, pulled a bottle off vodka from his suitcase, along with two shot glasses, and began to drink.

Two aides brought a chair over for Chiisu and respectfully backed away as he sat down.

"Well my friend, it is time for Asia to receive justice. The Teike have ruled through superstition and fear, with the support of regimes who claim to enshrine the rights of the people. The Lyong socialists support them, while Quinntonia, supposed land of the free, stands back and allows the Izu swine to oppress my people. The Yamato have been kept down for too long.

We are going to restore the Imperial system here. However, we are going to allow democracy, as the Yamato have earned the right to decide their own future. Well, democracy where the Emperor has the final say, but democracy nonetheless. The Yamato are the greatest people in existence, they have merely been kept down by the collective will of Asia; it is time for that to change. All they need is occasional guidance from above.

We were once a great nation, respected by the world; we shall be again. First we need an Emperor, something that we will acquire very soon. We shall then have a true rallying point for the people, a strong leader with vision. We believe that the existence of a new Yamato Emperor will severely undermine Teike influence, allowing us to liberate our nation from darkness and lead it back to divine light."

Tokyo

"Damn, damn, damn!"

Tian raised an eyebrow at the outburst. "What's wrong?"

Inoue Kenzo shook his head. "Everything! You want a coronation ceremony, but what you forget is that everything involved in the ceremony is located inside Ringist-held territory. The Ise shrine, two of the three Imperial Regalia items; can't he just declare himself Regent or something? If we don't have what I've listed, there'll be no coronati..ugh!"

Kenzo's eyes widened with shock as Tian grabbed his hair and yanked his head back. "There will be a coronation. I don't want to hear anything about difficulty, or missing items, I just want to hear about how spectacular it will be. You will change the coronation ceremony, you will make it possible. Chiisu has his heart set on becoming Emperor, and if you let him down they'll never find your body."

Kenzo swallowed. "I..I guess we could hold it at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo; Chiisu could commune with the past Emperors rather than with Amaterasu. Also, there is precedent for replacing Imperial Regalia items, the original sword was lost, so a new one was made..."

Tian smiled. "That's more like it."

[OOC: Theres also the whole 'first encounter with their future Emperor being his march in Paris as a vassal of the French king' thing to overcome ^_^]

[OOC: Theres also the whole 'first encounter with their future Emperor being his march in Paris as a vassal of the French king' thing to overcome ^_^]

OOC: True, but I have a cunning plan....

Anyway, if I were you, I'd worry more about what they're going to do to your lot in Niigata. The Strainists have been supporting a regime which ruled through fear and superstition, so they may not be well-received if they stick around.

[OOC: Well, hopefully those who have had day-to-day contact with Spyrans will be less easily swayedby the current propaganda].

OOC:Wow, China and Japan are both going to seek out an Emperor.

"So, have we made any progress?"

Tian nodded and handed Chiisu the details. "This is the itinerary."

"Not exactly what I'd hoped for, but it will do."

Tian smiled and tousled Chiisu's hair. "You sound a little exhausted."

"A little? After much discussion, we've decided to lift martial law in a few days. I've had to create a cabinet, with all the incessant bickering about who'll be Prime Minister, who'll be Foreign Minister, and all that."

The two were interrupted by the arrival of General Takeshita, who bowed before giving his report.

"We have Urawa! Our people in Yokohama and Nagano are reporting that sympathies towards Restoration are growing, but it could be a while."

"Any word from Kyoto?"

Takeshita shook his head. "I do not see how we could take it at this time. Everyone we send in there is never heard from again. We should concentrate on the north; if the coronation goes ahead as planned, it will make our task much easier. At the moment people see an effort with no result; to be honest, without progress we could see the whole effort confined to Tokyo and the surrounding areas."

Chiisu nodded. "We are working on that, trust me. Soon this movement will have the focal point it needs."

Chiisu took a deep breath as he approached the Meiji Shrine. The military had surrounded the nearby area to stop anyone disturbing him, while his closest companions had escorted him to the gates. Tian had been the only one who escorted him as far as the shrine itself.

"Well, this is it. We've got footage of you coming to the shrine, and we'll be monitoring the area to make sure you don't cheat and leave. There's some essentials in there for you so that you can last the night."

Chiisu slipped his hand into Tian's. "Are we sure you can't join me in there?"

"Well, I don't think that sort of thing is allowed inside a holy shrine."

"No, I meant to support me."

Tian pulled Chiisu closer and put his arms around him. "You don't need me for this. You're stronger than that, I know it. All you have to do is last one night on your own in there. Survive this, and you'll be coronated tomorrow. I personally would have coronated you the day you arrived, but I guess some semblance of tradition has to be maintained."

"Alright then. Let's do this."

Tian gave Chiisu a gentle kiss before waving him off. Chiisu reached the doors of the main shrine, held his chin up and entered.

OCC: Hey marmy, are you still interested in RPing that offensive in Colombia? We left off with commandos attacking the small airport with rifle grenades.

IC:

Brazil provided Julie Creedon with a well-deserved break. A few days of sun and surf did a lot to boost her morale. But by the end of the week, she is dispatched on a new assignment...

OOC: Don't worry LRR, I haven't forgotten about it; just been a little distracted with other things (both AMW and non-AMW). If I don't post a response to it tonight, there'll be one tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

IC:

As mid-day arrived, several Japanese media stations carried a sight not seen before.

As Kyoto was obviously unavailable, Kokyo Palace in Tokyo was the site of the enthronement ceremony. The main hall had been draped with banners to hide any part not yet restored, creating a truly regal look for the formerly abandoned building. Rows of Restorationists lined the path from the doorway to the platform at the end of the hall, clad in full military dress uniform or smart suits. As the enthronement ceremony had never been public before, there had been a huge effort to make it worth watching. Before the ceremony began, it was announced that Toyama Chiisu had given up the titles of Marquis de Beaumont and Gentleman of the Bedchamber in the Ordinary; it was not fitting for an Emperor to be a noble of another monarch, after all (OOC: Yes, I have talked that over with Elkazor).

The attendees bowed on one knee as Toyama Chiisu entered the room, clad in a remake of the imperial robes worn by the former Yamato Emperors. He made his way towards the platform, carrying himself with dignity and poise. Once he reached the platform, he knelt on the cushion provided and the ceremony began.

Matsuo Daisuke stepped forward; a devout follower of Jinja Shinto, he had been selected to perform the ceremony along Shinto lines. He blessed Chiisu, calling upon the kami to protect him from the evils of the Teike and assist him in the liberation of Nippon from the oppressors. After various other blessings, Chiisu was presented with the new Imperial Regalia; Tatsuko Sayo was the new imperial sword, the imperial mirror was a newly made piece in the imperial style, but the imperial jewel was the genuine article, brought from its hiding place in Kokyo.

After a final blessing, Matsuo Daisuke turned to the assembled Restorationists and raised his hands.

"Shinseiki Tenno!"

The Restorationists raised their hands and pledged allegiance to the newly-crowned Emperor, swearing to serve without question and protect without hesitation.

As Chiisu left the room escorted by various personages, the newscasters spoke of how wonderful it was to once again have an Emperor to guide the nation. They then quickly announced that in his first act as Emperor, Shinseiki Tenno was lifting the martial law established over Tokyo.

'The Party' newspaper headlines in Yaman read "Tiger King finds a new nest". The article goes on to explain Chiisu's disasterous experience in the former Neo-Suunist Prosperity Sphere, and the sudden 'realization' that Chiisu is also entitled to another vacant throne. Being biased against the Holy League, the paper focuses on the very recent vassalage of this new Emperor in Japan, but also mentions the terror tactics and fear mongering long seen in the Teike regime.

Far too messy, thinks Julia as she drops out of a second-story window and into the jungle.

Inside the house, located in a conveniently isolated corner of the jungle, the scene is quite morbid. Two armed men in business suits, presumably guards, had been shot along with an older, shorter man in similar attire. Another man in an army uniform was stabbed by a fairbairn-skyes commando dagger, and outside no fewer than six guards had been garotted, shot, or had their spines broken. It was a gruesome scene. Julie Creedon killed ten people, and intelligence command would not be happy, as only four of the ten were due for anything, preferably arrest.

This is big trouble...

But regardless of the morality of her actions, questionable at best, two fairly significant AUC leaders, as well as a FARC liason, are now dead. Covered in camoflauge from head to toe, Julia slips back towards town. For liability reasons, she doesn't actually have any weapons on her person, only a loop of wire and a pair of fence cutters. She had already buried the silencer and the dagger, and returned the 9mm Baretta pistol to its holster on the webbing belt of one of the dead guards.

OOC: LRR, we'll continue the Colombia thing in 'You Only Rule Twice' if that's okay; that's where I've posted my reply.

IC:

The televised coronation was the excuse that the Northern Army commanders needed. In Sapporo, soldiers left their barracks to march on offices of the Teike government; the Northern Army's leader, General Ishikawa Jiro, declared that it was time for "Nippon's sun to rise once again". As government buildings were seized, the Ringist flag was torn down and replaced by the Yamato standard before the Ringist flag was burnt for all to see.

In Tokyo, martial law was finally lifted. All the same, many decided to stay indoors out of concern for possible conflict or reprisals from the Ringists. In response, the military began going door-to-door, delivering food and reassuring the residents that if the Teike's guardian spirits were as powerful as had been claimed, then the coup would not have been permitted to occur. The Restoration's slow spread, coupled with the successful coronation of Shinseiki Tenno, showed that the kami were truly smiling on the Yamato once again.

Now that the Restoration is gaining ground, an attempt is made to appeal to foreign powers for recognition of the Restorationist regime as Japan's true government.

Interim Foreign Minister Shimizu Yuki sends polite appeals to all governments who might listen, discussing the Teike methods of rule and the desire of the Restorationists to grant the Japanese people self-determination through democracy; a short statement of aims includes:

- the end of Teike oppression and the establishment of a free Japan

- the re-establishment of the Diet, with members directly elected by their respective prefectures

- the opening up of Japan to foreign investment

- the return of Japan to the international scene in order to work alongside other nations for the advancement of peace

The Russian government does not know what to make of this. One on hand, Chiisu is a close ally of the Holy League, and the Mafia, both enemies of Russia. Also, he has left a trail of blood wherever he has gone, and countless innocents have been victim of his ambitions. And, the restoration of a nationalist Japan is very, very, very disturbing, considering what happened to Russia the last time a nationalist Japan had risen to the international scene.

And of course, to make things worse, was the fact that Chiisu was gay. Most Russians weren't homophobes, but they were uneasy with such things, and it provided perfect propaganda fodder for the extremist anti-monarchists in the nation. Both fanatical fascists and communists used tactics similiar to those used by the Americans in World War Two, except replacing racism with homophobia, in an intent to inflame anti-Japanese sentiment. Ridiculous caricatures of Chiisu as a flaming drag queen with buck teeth and enormous spectacles emerge from these dens of propaganda.

-Tokyo-
During the crowning, Alexandrov was one of the men who knelt before Chiisu, and smiled broadly.

Another mission accomplished...

OOC: Sorry to bring up the gay thing, but it would be foolish to simply sweep away the negative aspects of people like that (negative aspects meaning homophobia). I can't simply pretend that homophobia and racism doesn't exist, and extremists would be foolish not to seize on it for propaganda value.

OOC: Hey, you shouldn't apologise. I remember from the Russian section of my Politics degree when we covered one of the presidential elections; a liberal candidate had been meeting gay voters, and the pro-government media depicted it as 'these are his friends, do you want to vote for that?'. It wasn't a major argument used against said candidate, but the fact that they used it stuck in my mind.

Can't remember anything else about the election though....I'm a bit of a scatterbrain at times :confused:

OOC: Yeah, I know. But I have to tread carefully on NS. Even mentioning that homosexuals kissing makes you queasy (it does! I'm sorry, but...ugh.) gets you branded a homophobe fundamentalist on General.

Totally OOC here, but I rather enjoy homosexual women kissing, and fondling, and... excuse me, I , uh, have to duck off for a minute... :D

Despite its well known association with the Holy League, Yamani administration in Mioka Ro did respond to the call of the new Yamato government. A parliament for the new state does sound promising and is seen as an optimistic sign in NY, especially as it was believed that the absolutists and imperialists of the Holy League would sink their claws into another proud land.

(don't forget, the teike may not have even set up the diet, as I believe O&I mentioned that they had been in power since the meiji restoration)

Still, the Yamato regime is popularly viewed by the Yamani populace as another ultra-nationalist in the new fascist movement. Some are quick to point out that the Army was the first to follow the new leaders of the North Japanese administration in every province, followed by martial law until the people wanted anyone that would let them out of their houses.

In response to public pressure and the recent attacks on the Revolution by the Holy League, the Strainist Council unamiously decides to not yet recognize the Yamato regime. Calls are made to Teike officials, inquiring as to their opinions on the civil unrest current in their Northern provinces and asking detailed questions on their social order practices(so as to judge one state off the other...also, just to get some info on how the Teike work).

The Xiannese Government offers the soon-to-abdicate Emperor's grace to the Japanese Emperor, but will not recognisethe new regime due to China's own change of hands.

The Chinese are planning to unify through powerful reforms and treaties and are planning to adopt, The Empire of China and will expand the army to about two million troops.

The new emperor of China will be, surprisingly, elected by 333 representatives from each, Taiwan, Sino, and Xiaguo. With exception of Chuang-Han, which will be forced to join the CHinese unification process, but will still be binded to the Self-rule status.

A series of protests were held in China, although small, numbering in just a few hundreds compared to the 2005 protests reaching up to 10,000+ against the new Japanese government, which they see as an enormous threat.



The Xiannese government has dropped all ambitions in the effort to join, or ally with the Holy League.

The Spyran government, not ideologically fond of either Japanese government, refrains from recognizing a single side as posessing sole legitimacy... it is however hoped that current economic relations will continue for mutual prosperity.

Nervousness about Teike shadow-mysticism is equated by concern over the apparent re-imposition of Yamato culture as an all-encompassing racial definition by the northern government... an act which, during the first Restoration, had led to the rise of the Shogunate in the first place.

[OOC: As for dating the Ringist Shogunate... it was during the Meiji years that non-Yamato cultures, including Shugendo as well as other Buddhist and Shinto sects, and han identities, were suppressed, which is the root of Oshiman hatred for the Yamato, so that is definitely a historical fact.
Given statements by our Chinas, Quinntonia, and general Asian consensus, I've always assumed that the Pacific War occured as normal. As its loss was a great defeat for the Yamato myth, a Ringist rise in its aftermath would seem most compatible. Hopefully O&I will be able to clarify everything (and satisfy my curiosity as to cultural divisions amongst the Japanese race)].

NHK News Broadcast

"People of Nippon, the Teike continue to falter! This morning the Restoration reclaimed Sapporo from their dark clutches; soon the whole of Hokkaido will be liberated!

In other news, Interim Prime Minister Minase Tohma announced the formation of the Imperial Guard, who will act as Shinseiki Tenno's personal bodyguard unit. The Imperial Guard's initial composition reflects the love that the Emperor holds for all people, as it bears members from across Asia. The commander of the Imperial Guard will be newly commissioned General Yoshida Kichisaburo."

(OOC: The Imperial Guard is the merging of such groups as the Tiger's Claws and the 'Silencers', so there are members from Japan, the former Marimaia, and others.)

The Xiannese government has requested an audience with the Yamato Government. A public appearance is likely, however, the Xiannese government would like to hear how the new reforms in Japan will turn out to be.

This sudden reformation in Japan, without the Bonstockian authority for years, ahve now came under the Teiki Restoration.

China, now doing something similiar through the Xinhua Restorations of a Unified Empire will prepare to undergo a major change within the government itself.


Trade between China and Japan is at all time high and special key economic issues are also in question.

The Russian government is undecisive about the Japanese, and for good reason. On one hand, it is democratic and capitalist, on the other...Well, everyone remembers what happened the last time Japan was nationalist...Manchuria better watch its back.

The Yamato Government welcomes the Xiannese request for an audience; along with various economic issues, the Yamato Government wishes to try to heal any remaining rifts between China and the Japanese people.

In the north of Japan, the Restorationists 'nationalise' Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. Slowly they begin assuming control of all major broadcasting companies within their territory; most continue to broadcast regular programming, but any news reports are used to promote the Restorationist cause.

In a surprising move, Interim Foreign Minister Shimizu Yuki sends a message to the Spyran government, stating that although the Restorationists cannot guarantee the safety of Strainists in Niigata, they will hold off any offensives until Spyr has evacuated its citizens, provided of course that Spyr does not deliberately stall an evacuation in an attempt to hinder the Restoration's progress. All other foreign governments are advised to withdraw their citizens from Japan as quickly as possible if they have not already done so.

The Emperor, now traveling around China have decided to make a trip to Japan for further talks.

*Next post, assuming he's in Tokyo.

The Xiannese Emperor's visit is heralded as a momentous event, as he will be the first Emperor of China to meet the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. Several floors of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku Ward are booked by the Yamato Government to give the Xiannese a luxurious place to stay during their visit.

The Xiannese delegation are granted landing permission at Narita International Airport; Foreign Minister Shimizu Yuki and Prime Minister Minase Tohma are present to greet them to Restorationist Tokyo. The Xiannese will then be escorted to meet Shinseiki Tenno at Kokyo Palace.

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In Hokkaido, Restorationist efforts continue. The harbour city of Otaru is taken in a fairly peaceful fashion, while public dissent continues to grow in Hakodate and Furano. The Restorationist media announces that past discrimination against the Ainu and similar groups will be ended under the reign of Shinseiki Tenno, who embraces all those born in the nation as his people.

In Tohoku, Koriyama and Fukushima are the latest sites of increased Restorationist activity, as the Restoration attempts to link up its southern and northern territories.

The Russian government expresses distaste with a government controlled media.

"What kind of elections are they with only one point of view?"

However, a friendly hand is being extended towards Japan, and a non-aggression pact is proposed.

Yamani media (we do have freedom of speach in Lyong) jumps upon the recent control the reformed Yamato government has extended to its media. Declaring itself 'democratic' and making overtures of setting up a parliament isn't in keeping with a government run monopoly of all media.

Quietly, within the government chambers upon the Mioka Ro sacred hill shrine, talk turns to the recent plan to have the Xiannese Emperor visit the Yamato Japanese. Yaman has regularly had good relations with North China, however their power has waned in the vicious Sinoese attacks against the Northern royalists and republicans. The worry now is that the Xiannese Emperor, having lost most direct power to those provinces occupied by Sinoese and possibly having unconditionally surrendered to Sino, will ignite a Pacific War if he treats with any nationalistic Japan. To Yamani eyes, Sino is just powerful and paranoid enough to start a preemptive war before North Japan can even think of threating the Chinese.

After hearing of foreign criticism, the Yamato Government asks if other governments would have them struggle against a total blanket of Teike propaganda. State-controlled media is a necessary evil at the current time, and a few companies will remain in government hands after the struggle is over, but the other media will be released back into private hands before elections are called.

The Russian proposal of a non-aggression pact is welcomed warmly, with a suggestion that the Restorationists send a representative to Moscow to sign it. To coincide with the upcoming visit of the Xiannese Emperor, Shinseiki Tenno appears on television to announce a proposed non-aggression pact with the states of China. Such a pact would also establish a framework for all countries concerned to address the issue of the Pacific War and actions taken by combatants in that war.

(OOC: I would assume that the Teike used the defeat in the Pacific war as a reason for overthrowing the Yamato in the first place; as such, most Japanese would probably know about what their military did during that conflict. In that context, an apology to the Chinese by the Yamato Restorationist government isn't that unlikely an idea.

Before you ask, this is partly what I think should happen and partly a way of denying Sino an excuse to invade. I hope I've developed the wrong impression of him, but ever since I started this I've had patriotic Sinoese military action as a concern. To be honest, I've had my fill of RPing as a totalitarian dictatorship; DNK is going to be a democratic state, probably with a liberal-social democratic party occupying the LDP's RL status.)

The Russian Congress has already signed the pact, and only awaits the Japanese representative. Inquiries are also made if Japanese military technology, specifically radar systems and electronic devices for fighter planes, may be purchased.

The Russian Congress has already signed the pact, and only awaits the Japanese representative. Inquiries are also made if Japanese military technology, specifically radar systems and electronic devices for fighter planes, may be purchased.

The Yamato Government dispatches Tamura Kaoru to Moscow to sign the pact. It is made clear that military technology will not be available until after the situation in Japan becomes more stable; at that point, further discussion can take place.

The Japanese diplomat is immediately taken from her plane as she arrives, and sent to the Kremlin to sign the documents. The regular speeches about cooperation and prosperity are made, and the matter is finished.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, the Russian Mafia continues to make a killing in the prostitution racket, and has begun investing in other sectors of the economy, mainly focusing on the entertainment industry...

(OOC: By the way, do the Zaibatsu still exist in AMW Japan?)

The Japanese diplomat is immediately taken from her plane as she arrives, and sent to the Kremlin to sign the documents. The regular speeches about cooperation and prosperity are made, and the matter is finished.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, the Russian Mafia continues to make a killing in the prostitution racket, and has begun investing in other sectors of the economy, mainly focusing on the entertainment industry...

(OOC: By the way, do the Zaibatsu still exist in AMW Japan?)

OOC: I really don't know, you'd have to ask O&I. If they don't, well there'll be some eventually. With a bit more government interference than in RL Japan, but they'll be there.

The visit was more of a symbolic gesture in order to help Japan understand CHina better, and vice-versa. The Xiannese Government had stated that they are not surrendering, but that of much talk has been going on during the war which led to the idea of a Chinese Union.

The Xiannese, with thousands strong in the army and many ships and planes which had not even been touched during the war is available for even an offensive if necessary. The provinces are not being given to Sino, but is becoming a natural territory of both Xiaguo and Sino, with the possibilities of Taiwan.

The Xiannese have stated they will not allow Sinoese political ideologies to represent China, nstead, will include the Xiannese in part of the joint government. This new idea, of representation of the masses will contain a government much like of France and the United Kingdom.

OOC: I really don't know, you'd have to ask O&I. If they don't, well there'll be some eventually. With a bit more government interference than in RL Japan, but they'll be there.
OOC: According to what I know, don't they run Japan behind the scenes, in RL?

[OOC:

AC: ...not since the first decade of the 20th C. Under the modern structure, the triangle of politicians-business-bureaucrats is pretty much one-sided for the bureaucracy. Though I wouldnt say that they run things behind the scenes, as its no particular secret.

DNK: Are you abandoning the Yamato nationalist platform, then?

[DNK: Are you abandoning the Yamato nationalist platform, then?

OOC: The platform stays until there's a viable state, because it's a useful rallying point. After that, elections begin. I'd imagine that the Japanese people are going to want to just settle down without being called to war or having to watch out in fear of curses, so they'd elect a government which is going to give them the chance to live how they want.

Obviously there'll be some groups who pay homage to Shinseiki Tenno as a living deity for driving out the evil Teike, but the man himself will be content with a prosperous Japan. Let's just say that he's learnt the lessons of Marimaia, even though he'd never admit it. There may even be a return of those state funds that mysteriously vanished at the time he fled....

I guess Chiisu's a born-again constitutional monarch.

[OOC: Well, its just that you've inflamed Yamato nationalism, and then diverted course to violate the core tenets of that philosophy. In RL Japan, people have been killed for less.]

[OOC: Well, its just that you've inflamed Yamato nationalism, and then diverted course to violate the core tenets of that philosophy. In RL Japan, people have been killed for less.]

OOC:

Okay, okay, I get the message. You don't think much of this RP. Your constant OOC comments have made that clear.

I'm sorry that this isn't the best RP in the world. I'm sorry that things haven't gone as perfectly as they should have. I'm sorry that there are plot holes that you could drive an eighteen-wheeler through. It's just that O&I agreed that the proposed country split should be the situation for when he gets back, so I'm trying to get it there without advancing too quickly. I am also trying to appeal to the international community for recognition; in order to do that, some things have had to change. I'm also trying to find a way to prevent certain nations barging in with hostilities.

I'm trying to please everyone, and pleasing no-one.

[OOC: Yeep, apologies if i've been overly bothersome. What I was trying to say wasnt that the shift is implausible... I'd say that RL Japanese lack of apology to China, for example, is actually not supported by the general populace. In my experience, many Japanese raised on Yushukan history, once they actually get exposed to other versions of events, become supporters of rapproachment and Japanese apology. The comment on being killed for such views was just a reference to the fact that there are certain minority rightist groups who tend to threaten or assassinate politicians who step out of the 'Yamato = flawless' mode. Don't take it as an immediate limiting factor, but perhaps as a future issue once you start seeking peaceful relations with China through apologies/removing war criminals from yasukuni/etc.

But dont mind me too much... as many of my aquaintances know, exposing me to entertainment related to China-Japan tends to end up devolving into an hour-long rant and overanalysis :( ]

OOC: Oh, I'm just having a bad day. At about 11:20am our time (so about six minutes after my 'Chiisu born-again monarch' post), I was called by my manageress to say that I've got to go in to work later today. It's only 3pm-7pm, but it annoyed me because I usually have Wednesdays off.

Although I will be honest, I'm not entirely happy with this RP anyway. I'll finish it and try to do a good job with it, but it's not going to be remembered as one of my better efforts.

In Tohoko, the Restoration achieves a significant victory when the vast majority of the Northeastern Army commanders defect, bringing Sendai, Hachinohe and Funaoka under Restoration control. Capitalising on this success, the Restoration leaders begin bribing other army commanders to defect, believing that if appeals to national pride won't work then perhaps appeals to their bank accounts will.

OOC: Okay, just an update of the situation.....

Restorationists: Area surrounding Tokyo/Yokohama/Chiba, area surrounding Sapporo/Otaru; individual cities are: Sendai, Hachinohe and Funaoka

Teike: Rest of Japan; dissent located in Hokkaido, Tohoko and Kanto regions

Thus meaning: Long way to go yet.

Oh, and for those who say I've had 'half the Teike military defect', a lot of northern commanders may have defected, but that doesn't mean that all of the soldiers have. If the majority of all personnel in the Northeastern Army had defected, then they'd probably have delivered a lot more than three cities into Restorationist hands.

Anyhoo, O&I should be back in about 8 days. Once he gets back, I'll transfer the RP to a different thread and this will become the OOC thread.

(OOC: Just a little character-driven post to keep the thread alive until the Shogun returns)

Tokyo

"Are you really sure about this, I mean he's insane! You can't do this, please!"

Shinseiki Tenno dismissed Asahiro Kensuke's pleas with a wave of his hand. "Have some faith in your Emperor."

Asahiro went to reply but decided against it when he noticed Tian's withering glare. "Yes, of course. Forgive me for speaking out of turn."

"That's better. Once democracy is established and we have everything running smoothly, we will have to keep an eye out for Ringist infiltration. Hence, we require a strong security force; I think you'd agree that the man I have chosen will be an excellent commander for Koancho."

"Perhaps, but won't the public be concerned that they can't elect the man overseeing their security?"

"No democracy allows the people to elect the head of security forces. No, we need someone who knows the business, not someone who was elected due to friendliness or good looks. Show him in, and then go. I believe that Prime Minister Minase wanted to see you on some matter."

Asahiro bowed and left; he had been expecting to become head of Koancho himself, but it was no good arguing with the Emperor while Tian was around. The first time he had done so, he'd had an unpleasant encounter with Tian later that day; he rubbed his neck as he remembered the grip that had held him against the wall while Tian hissed his contempt at him. All the same, Asahiro felt somewhat compensated by the fact that Shinseiki Tenno was unlikely to come to harm with Tian around.

Abukara Kiyoshi gave a mere nod to Asahiro as he walked by, then strode confidently into the presence of Shinseiki Tenno, bowing deeply while holding his wide-brimmed black hat to his chest. He straightened, replacing his hat and smoothing out his long black overcoat before clasping his white-gloved hands together. Abukara was quite tall, standing 6'7" and radiating quiet confidence.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty?"

Shinseiki Tenno nodded. "Abukara-san, you are known as...efficient. An efficient man is what we need, what Nippon needs. The Ringists are despicable, they will try to retake the lands they usurped from Heaven. There are also foreign nations which may attempt to weaken us. We must have security, strong security, and we believe that you have a justified reputation for providing peace of mind."

Abukara smirked slightly. "I was unaware that word of my work had reached your ears, Majesty. My previous employers never had a problem with my services, and I guarantee that I shall not let my country down, now that I have been called to serve it in such a manner as agreed. The people shall have their freedom, and I will strive to maintain it in as quiet and efficient a manner as possible."

"No democracy allows the people to elect the head of security forces.

OCC: Er...not to nitpick, but the Hindustani Defense Forces overall commander is elected, although its a life term.

OCC: Er...not to nitpick, but the Hindustani Defense Forces overall commander is elected, although its a life term.

OOC: By 'security forces', I mean agencies like the FBI/CIA, MI5/MI6, Shabak/Mossad, etc.

I don't know of any RL 'democracies' that have elections for their intelligence directors, well not representative ones anyway.

After a few days of relative inaction, the Restoration began moving again.

The city of Toyama was liberated in an organised march on the administrative offices, while Tokyo's efforts at an organised resistance throughout northern Japan seemed to finally pay off. Strikes, demonstrations and even riots began erupting throughout Japan's northern cities while the Restorationist military loyalists prepared for breakouts from their home cities.

Cell phones and email were used to great effect by the Restoration organisers, who tried to use methods which wouldn't be easily traced by the Ringists. NHK news broadcasts continued to bring good news for Restorationist viewers, not only reporting on domestic success but also discussing nations that were treating the Tokyo government as the government of all Japan. Viewers were told that world opinion was gradually swinging towards Tokyo and Shinseiki Tenno, proof that the Ringists were illegitimate rulers not just in Japanese opinion but also in the eyes of the world.

(GSIC's Soviets elect its officers ;) We're directly rather than representatively democratic, of course, we're also working towards the abolition of rank, so never mind us.)

Can I get a condensed update?
Thanx.
WWJD
Amen.

Can I get a condensed update?
Thanx.
WWJD
Amen.

One Condensed Update:

OOC Stuff: O&I told us that he'd back around April 24th and it was okay to continue with the RP as we managed to plan out i.e. the Yamato Restoration takes over northern Japan and the Ringists hold onto southern Japan.

IC Stuff: The Yamato Restoration is making headway in the battle to liberate Japan from the Teike. A new Emperor has been crowned; Shinseiki Tenno now rules the Restoration from Tokyo. The Restoration has so far only achieved control over separated parts of northern Japan, and are now working to create a continuous area of territory.

The interim Yamato government in Tokyo have made it clear that they will usher in democracy, free press and capitalism once they have the opportunity; they have also signed a non-aggression pact with Russia and are making long-term plans to resolve any lasting disputes with Asian neighbours.

::BUMP:: for O&I, assuming that he does come back....