NationStates Jolt Archive

"With our nation's second general election since the Restoration coming up, we've been taking a look at the four major parties who are in contention. Today we will be focusing on Aikoku Toko, which claims that they will bring Japan to even greater prosperity than the JRP; we spoke to AT leader Akira Shigi about his party's chances in the upcoming election..."

Tian swore and changed channel, earning him a confused look from Emperor Shinseiki. "What was that for?"

"That guy is one of the sleaziest politicians I've ever encountered. He's young, good-looking, and he fawns over you as if you were his own personal god. The worst part is that you encourage him!"

"Well, if he wants to worship me, I'm not going to stop him....are you jealous? I don't believe it, the stoic Tian Yao is getting worked up over the leader of a political party which always finishes third at best in everything! You don't like Akira, you don't like Asahiro Kensuke, are there any politicians in this country that you actually get along with?"

"Prime Minister Minase's not too bad."

"Oh, what a ringing endorsement."

"I just don't like it when people start invoking your name just to further their own political careers; Akira Shigi fawns over you to appeal to the public and win you over. I don't trust him one bit."

"Well, that makes two of us, but it's still fun to have him bow and scrape in the hopes that I'll say something positive which he can turn into a soundbite. Besides, I think we've got more chance of Quinntonia turning communist than we have of Akira Shigi becoming Prime Minister of Japan."

In the pre-election race, many foreign diplomats are wondering about the policies of each cadidate.

OOC: Awww...I think Tian's jealous. ;) But yeah, we need more information...

IC:

In a shadowy room in a shadowy place cloaked with shadows (ya get the picture), a gravelly voice uttered a few, seemingly innocent words that could have come from a random, curious Japanese citizen, but could also very well shape the face of things to come.

"Find out what the hell these parties are about, and what we can do about it."

(OOC: Here's the basic lowdown on our contestants!)

Japan Renewal Party (leader: Prime Minister Minase Tohma)

The JRP has been in power since the Yamato Restoration; many of its leading members were part of the provisional government established during the overthrow of the Teike. The first post-Ringist elections saw the JRP take a commanding lead in both Houses of the Diet, as their mantra of peace and growth struck a chord with the public, who merely wished to rebuild and get on with their lives.

The JRP has helped stimulate economic growth through various public works schemes and business incentives, often working in conjunction with the vast corporations such as Mitsubishi, Sumimoto and others. In conjunction with Emperor Shinseiki, the JRP issued a formal apology for all Japanese hostilities and atrocities during WWII; the JRP government has also brought Japan back to the international community after Ringist isolation, signing a treaty of alliance with Quinntonia.

The JRP has several new policy targets, such as nationalised health care, tax cuts for the worse-off members of society, and increased ties with regional and international powers. The JRP opposes any further expansion of the military, stating that technological advancement is best for the Self-Defence Forces rather than more manpower.

Liberal Democratic Party (leader: Asahiro Kensuke)

The LDP is the second largest party in the Diet, but has recently struggled to differentiate itself from the JRP. The LDP has supported many of the ruling party's policies, but the LDP are now taking a stand on privatisation, foreign policy and the military.

The LDP believe that health care should stay private, and the party plans to privatise assets which the JRP have held onto, such as the post office, telecom providers and rail-transit networks. The LDP also promises to reduce business taxes and otherwise free up the economy from governmental interference. Finally, the LDP promises to hold a full review of the Self-Defence Forces; the findings of the planned open and independent review would then provide the party with their options regarding military development.

Aikoku Toko (leader: Akira Shigi)

The fiercely nationalistic Aikoku Toko has made surprising inroads with the rumoured imminent defection of several LDP politicians. AT makes its position quite clear: they want Japan to assume a dominant role in Asian affairs. The party's policy priorities include re-asserting sovereignty over Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands, expansion of the military (in both size and technology), the severing of ties with Quinntonia, and generally asserting Japanese authority in Asia diplomatically and economically. The party have used incidents such as Dra-pol's missile test over Japan as proof that the JRP are failing to protect Japan, a job that AT would perform without hesitation.

Their leader is Akira Shigi, who has clearly stated that he believes in reclaiming the Emperor's role as a divine being; he argues that Shinseiki banished the evil darkness of the Ringists with the 'august light of heaven'. He always shows deference to Shinseiki if the two meet; it is not known if this is because he genuinely reveres the Emperor, or if it is simply an attempt to seem more respectable.

Socialist Party of Japan (leader: Makube Kentaro)

The SPJ believes that the JRP are on the correct path, but they have not gone far enough. The SPJ plans to nationalise all major corporations and increase taxes on the wealthier sections of society in order to pay for their grand welfare schemes. The party also belives that Japan's future lies with the 'Progressive Bloc' rather than Quinntonia; the SPJ would sever the alliance with Quinntonia and ally with Lyong, seen as the 'natural ally of Japan'. Efforts would also be made to heal the wounds between Japan and Dra-pol, left after various misunderstandings.

The Self-Defence Forces would be reduced in size, and a declaration of pacifism would be entered into the constitution (OOC: there was such a declaration in the previous constitution before the Ringists took over, but the JRP did not include one in the post-Ringist constitution). Most controversially, the SPJ has promised to review the role of Emperor Shinseiki in Japanese affairs; Makube Kentaro is not best pleased with Shinseiki's presence, and privately wishes for a Presidential Republic rather than a Constitutional Monarchy.

Not being inclined to antagonize apparently healthy and happy Japan, Mumbai makes a broad and vague statement asserting that whatever party the Japanese people elect (provided this party is respectful of the republican democratic system and does not act in an authoritarian and oppressive manner), Parliament will recognize as legitimate.

That said, many Parliamentarians favor the JRP if only in that it has so far done a fairly good job of making Japan quite a nice place compared to what it was and has proven ready to establish diplomatic ties with both the NATO Bloc and the Progressive Bloc. The SPJ would be ideal in terms of gaining the Progressive Bloc a new and important neighbor, but nobody is inclined to push for that party at the cost of relations with Quinntonia and interference with the democratic process in Japan. The AT will of course face immediate opposition from Mumbai should it by some chance take power, given its militaristic ambitions.

Most Russians proclaim support for the LDP in public polls, stating that they believe that an economically prosperous and militarily powerful Japan would provide a stable, conservative, and democratic presence in the region to cooperate with their own.

Little did they know that if the LDP won, it would soon make Japan the only
conservative democracy in the region...

{OOC: Please take one vote away from the Third Largest Party. I'm new to NS and didn't have clue that AMW was some special group of rpers and thought this poll was public and voted for them. I deeply apologize for this mistake.}

OOC: Don't worry about it. Hey, if you're interested, you can join...

{OOC: Please take one vote away from the Third Largest Party. I'm new to NS and didn't have clue that AMW was some special group of rpers and thought this poll was public and voted for them. I deeply apologize for this mistake.}

OOC: Hey, I'd like everyone to enter that poll, not just AMW members. I'm curious to see what prevailing NS opinion is before I make my final decision. Truth be told, I haven't decided in favour of any party just yet.

As the election campaigns swung into action, the parties that made the biggest impression were the JRP and AT. The JRP's campaign slogan was 'Only The Beginning'; the idea was that rebuilding a nation would take time, and as the JRP was already creating prosperity then the party should be allowed to continue its work. Minase Tohma continued to cultivate his warm and media-friendly image, appearing on various television shows to discuss his party's platform and on occasion join in with a cooking segment or weather report. As in the first election, the JRP mobilised their celebrity allies, with well-known musicians and actors speaking at party rallies.

Akira Shigi, on the other hand, led his party in aggressive denouncement of the other parties. The SPJ were 'traitors in waiting', ready to sign over Japan to the Progressive Bloc whom Shigi blamed for allowing the Ringists to stay in power for so long. The LDP were dismissed as 'inconsequential', as they were described as being a mere carbon copy of the JRP and therefore irrelevant. The JRP were lashed with various accusations of cronyism stemming from their time as the Restoration's provisional government; various pro-AT speakers called for a 'new era' in Japanese politics.

Of course, Akira took every opportunity to play up his admiration for Emperor Shinseiki, calling him 'a true visionary' and the 'deliverer from evil'. When one left-wing journalist asked Shigi's opinion of Shinseiki's Marimaian past, he was shouted down by the nationalist firebrand, who denounced the reporter for 'corrupting historical facts'. As far as Aikoku Toko was concerned, Shinseiki was beyond reproach.

The Imperial Household viewed the election campaigns with great interest. Although Shinseiki could not openly endorse any party or candidate, it was an open secret that the SPJ would not be well-received as a ruling party. The JRP leadership were all on good terms with Shinseiki, with Minase Tohma a frequent visitor to Kokyo Palace thanks to an open invitation from the Emperor; however, some believed that Akira Shigi's blatant reverence was something that Shinseiki took great pleasure in. As usual, the stories about Tian's legendary feud with Asahiro Kensuke began making the rounds again; it was believed that if the LDP won the election, Asahiro would have to meet Shinseiki at carefully scheduled times in order to avoid any further confrontations.

I think it is obvious that Quinntonia will support the incumbent. They seem to be bringing great propserity to the nation as well as building a great relationship in Asia with USQ.

WWJD
Amen.

Kokyo Palace, Tokyo

"Well, latest polls show that Minase-san is in for a second term; the JRP may even increase their majority at the expense of the LDP. Asahiro will not be a happy man."

Tian actually managed a smirk at the news. "What a damn shame. Any news of Akira?"

Kangtian Wei flicked through the newspaper. "Ah, Aikoku Toko is also expected to make some gains, primarily because of their stance on Dra-pol. The missile test fiasco is still a sore point, after all."

Shinseiki nodded. "Understandable. What about that little upstart Makube?"

"Probably going to stay where he is. The JRP has a pretty good hold of the left-wing voters, mainly because they actually have a chance of winning."

"Glad to hear it. Now that I'm in my ancestral homeland, I'm not leaving for anyone. Especially him."

Akira Shigi bowed low before Emperor Shinseiki; the nationalist leader had not expected a summons to Kokyo Palace, and so had not been able to tip off any press contacts about it. Shinseiki smiled warmly at him.

"Akira-san, I have a favour to ask of you."

Shigi looked up with a grin. "Anything, Majesty. Please ask, and I will do what I can."

"Torpedo the SPJ."

"Majesty? Why would you need to focus your attention on such a pathetic band of traitors?"

"Shigi, you know what they would do to my position if they won the election. I can't afford that possibility; the polls may say that they will lose out, but polls have been wrong before. I want you to stop focusing on the JRP and instead concentrate on the socialists."

"You are asking me to throw the election if I do that. I am a loyal servant, but..."

"Shigi, if you do as I ask, you will be regarded very warmly by the Imperial Household. You know that Aikoku Toko cannot bring down the JRP in this election, but you can still serve your Emperor by slinging dirt at the SPJ. Who knows, next time around your party may be in a better position to take power; if you win the next election, I would welcome such a devoted loyalist as a Prime Minister. However, that day will not be this year. Please, Shigi, your nation and your Emperor require your sacrifice, just for this year."

Akira Shigi sighed. "As you will it, Your Majesty. The press shall not know what we have spoken of."

"You have your Emperor's gratitude. My humble thanks for your noble service."

The Ottoman Empire, with very little inclination towards any foreign nation nor any foreign leader hass issued a vague statement regarding the incumbant and his party.

"So, Akira-san, how do you feel the election campaign is going at the moment?"

Akira Shigi smiled at the interviewer. "It's achieving what we wish it to achieve, that's all I've really wanted. To be perfectly honest, Aikoku Toko realise that we have a mountain to ascend if we are to defeat the JRP. The JRP have proven quite successful while in office, so Aikoku Toko is going to focus on national defence instead."

The interviewer frowned. "Quite a cryptic remark there. What do you mean by 'national defence', Akira-san?"

"The SPJ. I don't believe that they are telling us everything about their ambitions."

"To be fair, every political party keeps a few things out of their manifesto."

"You're probably right, but did you know that they wish to abolish the monarchy? We received this footage in the mail at our party headquarters; please air it."

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

After a few minutes, the footage was aired. It featured a speech by Makube Kentaro to a small SPJ audience, in which he denounced Emperor Shinseiki as a 'tyrant of the worst kind'. He went on to state that a Republic was the best course for Japan, with closer ties to the Progressives and Dra-pol as they were Japan's 'natural allies'. When the footage ended, Akira Shigi scowled at the interviewer.

"Do you see? I wouldn't have believed it unless I'd seen it myself. After Shinseiki came back to his ancestral homeland after a long and painful exile, he returned Japan to its rightful course by overthrowing the Ringists and their superstitionist evil regime! Makube Kentaro needs to realise that he wouldn't even have the SPJ if it weren't for Shinseiki!

He also needs to remember that the Emperor does not involve himself in politics; we decide who leads our nation while Shinseiki provides a great symbol of national pride. The man's a Japanese hero, but apparently Makube isn't happy with having a hero as our Head of State. He would prefer himself as President; that's all we need, some snivelling little bleeding-heart communist selling this nation out to our enemies! He wishes to ally us with a nation which sees fit to fire missiles over our capital city! I freely admit that I don't like the Quinntonians that much, but at least they're better than nations who saw fit to collaborate with the Ringists!"

Tian shot a look at Shinseiki as they watched the interview. "Did you...."

"I don't get involved in politics. However, I can't be held responsible if Kazuki sent an undercover operative into the SPJ meeting with the necessary equipment."

"The morning newspaper, Majesty."

"Thank you. Ah, see here! Read this!"

Tian frowned as his breakfast was disturbed by Shinseiki putting the newspaper between him and his plate. "Tourism on the rise. Yes, very interesting."

"No, the main headline."

"SPJ suffers at polls. A poll held by Mainichi Shimbun today found that voters regard the SPJ with less enthusiasm after the recent revelations from Akira Shigi.....they only polled two thousand voters! How is that representative of anything?"

"No, it's the fact that the media have reported it so heavily. Minase will be assured of a second term at this rate."

"So you're not worried that you might have alerted all your detractors to the one party that actually wants to get rid of you?"

"The media is a powerful thing, Tian. Back in Marimaia, we only had to hint that something was good and the people loved it. Remember the fencing craze?"

"How could I forget? Thing is, this isn't Marimaia; unless Akira Shigi turns out to be a closet NeoSuunist and somehow wins this election, it never will be."

"Even so, according to Benjiro, there are many more media groups supporting the JRP this time around. You have newspapers, television, radio, and internet sites all extolling the virtues of the JRP; the simple fact is that Minase hasn't made any mistakes since he came to office. Even now, the JRP is continuing a nice clean campaign with only occasional shots at the LDP; Minase Tohma is the sort of warm, friendly and honest politician that Japan needs."

JRP Party Headquarters

"So we're doing well then?"

An excited party aide brandished the latest poll results at Prime Minister Minase.

"The agreement reached with China has boosted our support among the 'floating' voters, who see the continued diplomatic successes as an excellent reason to keep the JRP in power. Not only that, but the presidents of Mitsubishi and Honda have come out in support of us, as has Sumimoto. We now have three of Japan's top businessmen telling everyone that the JRP is good for economic growth!"

"Glad to hear it. Shirai is now in France with two of those top businessmen hammering out a trade deal, and we're opening dialogue with the new Russian government. With any luck, those ventures will go well and we'll be able to show even more success on the international front."

(Time to wrap this up....)

"Good morning. Today's top story is the result of yesterday's elections, which have seen the incumbent JRP returned to government with an increased majority in the Diet. However, a surprise result for all concerned was the strong showing of Aikoku Toko, which has displaced the LDP as the second-largest party in the Diet. AT leader Akira Shigi attributed his party's strong showing to the European intervention in the Philippines among other factors, stating that Japan obviously wanted to be defended from, and I quote, 'imperialist dogs'. Political commentators believe that AT received such a large vote due to voter apathy with the LDP, as well as the damage done to the SPJ in recent revelations about their possible agenda.

Prime Minister Minase Tohma was graceful in his victory, applauding all parties for their strong campaigning; he also called for a meeting between himself and Akira Shigi in order to properly address Japan's future. The Imperial Household also issued a statement, describing Emperor Shinseiki's satisfaction at the peaceful and undisputed conclusion of our nation's second election."

The breakdown of the seats in the Diet:

House of Representatives

JRP: 255 members
AT: 140 members
LDP: 65 members
SPJ: 20 members

House of Councillors

JRP: 135 members
AT: 70 members
LDP: 25 members
SPJ: 12 members

(Time to wrap this up....)

"Good morning. Today's top story is the result of yesterday's elections, which have seen the incumbent JRP returned to government with an increased majority in the Diet. However, a surprise result for all concerned was the strong showing of Aikoku Toko, which has displaced the LDP as the second-largest party in the Diet. AT leader Akira Shigi attributed his party's strong showing to the European intervention in the Philippines among other factors, stating that Japan obviously wanted to be defended from, and I quote, 'imperialist dogs'. Political commentators believe that AT received such a large vote due to voter apathy with the LDP, as well as the damage done to the SPJ in recent revelations about their possible agenda.

Prime Minister Minase Tohma was graceful in his victory, applauding all parties for their strong campaigning; he also called for a meeting between himself and Akira Shigi in order to properly address Japan's future. The Imperial Household also issued a statement, describing Emperor Shinseiki's satisfaction at the peaceful and undisputed conclusion of our nation's second election."

The breakdown of the seats in the Diet:

House of Representatives

JRP: 255 members
AT: 140 members
LDP: 65 members
SPJ: 20 members

House of Councillors

JRP: 135 members
AT: 70 members
LDP: 25 members
SPJ: 12 members


Tsar Wingert sends a missive to the Emporer to congratulate him on the excellent and smoothly run government election.
(It is a royalist way of sending greetings to the new government, since they are commoners, he can't speak directly to them, so he spekas to the nearest nobleman)

Tsar Wingert the Great.

"Love for Japan and the Emperor may be the only thing we have in common, you realise."

Tohma sighed as Shigi glared at him from across the table. They were having a private meeting to hammer out the future of Japan but the Aikoku Toko leader seemed only interested in stressing their differences.

"Akira-san, please. Shinseiki Tenno is hoping that we will reach some understanding to smooth out the political process; your party has voted with the JRP on important issues in the past, why the obstructiveness now?"

"I am all for consensus, but there are a few things Aikoku Toko will need from the JRP in order to ensure cooperation. Firstly, abandon the ridiculous stance on the Self-Defence Forces. We will need to expand them, otherwise we may end up like the Philippines! Never mind the fact that other threats to us probably exist without our current knowledge of them; we must show the world that Japan will not stand back while our interests come under pressure!"

"Anything else?"

"Karafuto and the Northern Territories. This Tsar Wingert or whatever he calls himself has a huge empire, he does not need to continue illegal Russian occupation of Japanese territories! We should open up talks aimed at returning them to Japanese administration; we should bring them back to the Empire. We also want one of our members appointed to head a special committee, one which will investigate the possibility of restoring the Emperor's divine status. Shinseiki Tenno led us out of Ringist isolation, he should be recognised for that!"

"Would you like to head that committee?"

"No, I have someone in mind though. So, do we have an arrangement? We only ask three things; in return for those, we shall help push through whatever legislation we can."

Tohma smirked. "Your pragmatism is a most endearing trait for you, Akira-san. I shall agree to your requests, but if the Japanese people resist them then I shall cease my efforts to fulfil your terms. Am I understood?"

"Of course." The young nationalist smiled as he offered his hand. "Japan is better off with a Prime Minister who knows the value of compromise."

Tsar Wingert may not exactly be called "open" when it came to giving up territory. Especially while readying a fleet to sail to the Phillipines to perhaps take on Quinntonian forces. And seeing as Japan is seen as a Quinntonian ally, it may not be a good time to bring that situation up.

OOC-However, didn't Russia decide to give up some islands when I first took over in TG with you? Are these different, or are we just preparing to RP the actual handover, or what?

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Tsar Wingert may not exactly be called "open" when it came to giving up territory. Especially while readying a fleet to sail to the Phillipines to perhaps take on Quinntonian forces. And seeing as Japan is seen as a Quinntonian ally, it may not be a good time to bring that situation up.

OOC-However, didn't Russia decide to give up some islands when I first took over in TG with you? Are these different, or are we just preparing to RP the actual handover, or what?

Tsar Wingert the Great.

OOC: These are the islands we discussed when you first took over Russia; Karafuto and the Northern Territories are the Japanese names for Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands respectively. This is just preparing for the RP of the handover.

A few weeks after the election, it was business as usual. Finance Minister Kihara announced his 'Saisho Economics Plan', aimed at attracting more hi-tech and cutting-edge companies to Japan through a system of tax breaks and financial incentives; Interior Minister Sugase presented the first draft of a new 'Anti-Terror Law', aimed at providing yet another safeguard against Ringist or Communist insurgency, as the Philippines situation had resulted in a quiet concern among Japanese officials.

Defence Minister Tsuhima made headlines with his announcement of a review of the Self-Defence Forces. In light of the situation in the Philippines and other areas of the world, the Self-Defence Forces were in need of re-evaluation. Tsuhima stressed quite strongly that those already in the SDF had nothing to worry about from the review; there were no cuts planned. The review would identify areas where the SDF could be assisted by additional funding. The SPJ made several vehement denouncements of the review, but as always Aikoku Toko pounced on any statement that they could twist into 'national betrayal'.

The media-dubbed 'Divinity Commission' also incurred a lot of SPJ wrath, especially when its head was revealed as Yamamoto Hisoka, the youthful second-in-command of Aikoku Toko and great grandson of the legendary Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku. Hisoka was a soft-spoken politician, presented as the more rational and diplomatic of AT's leaders; he had been instrumental in acquiring several corporate backers for the party during the election. He also presented himself as a traditionalist, respecting the old ways and revering the Emperor 'as was his duty as a Japanese citizen'.

Finally, Foreign Minister Shimizu Yuki announced that Japan would be approaching the government of Russia in order to finally solve sovereignty issues that had been on the table for decades, as well as to increase cooperation between the two powers. To this end, it was requested that Emperor Shinseiki be permitted to visit Tsar Wingert the Great to renew the relationship between Russia and Japan.

Tokyo

"Have you heard the latest? Yamamoto Hisoka is proposing that the question of the Emperor's divinity be put to the people, as they will apparently vote with their hearts and not listen to foreign slander."

Minase Tohma shook his head. "Of course, what Aikoku Toko means by foreign slander is the SPJ. Well, Shinseiki Tenno will accept the outcome of the commission, no matter what it is. Although I suspect that he is secretly hoping for divine status."

Interior Minister Sugase chuckled. "I don't doubt it. There is one other thing....the Imperial Household is planning a commemoration of pre-Meiji society, in an attempt to remind the youth of today of what their true heritage is. They were wondering if we would be interested in contributing to it."

"Of course. We still have some remnants of Ringist shadows over us; to be honest, getting in touch with our ancestors isn't a bad idea if it reminds us about honour and honest life."