NationStates Jolt Archive

Tokyo, Japan

"...with all issues now having been resolved, I announce the dissolution of the Diet. I wish everyone here the best of luck in the election campaign."

Prime Minister Minase Tohma bowed gratefully at the applause from the Diet members before leaving to chair a meeting of the JRP's elected members. As hard as he had tried, Emperor Shinseiki had refused to allow Minase an extension on his second term of office; Japan was a democracy, and the politicians would abide by that democracy. As much as Minase wanted to take the moral high ground and argue that his continuation would be in the best interests of Japan, he knew that there were other, less noble sentiments behind it.

The JRP's approval ratings had been slipping as of late. Although the Chishima Islands had been successfully regained from Russian hands, the fact that it came at the expense of all claims to Karafuto did not sit well with all Japanese citizens. Minase was also receiving heavy criticism over his handling of current Asian issues, such as the turmoil in China, the rise of a possible former Ringist in Singapore and the Sujavan invasion of Indonesia. Holding the election now may be in accordance with the law, but it came at a dangerous time for the Japan Renewal Party.


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

Also cursing the timing was Asahiro Kensuke, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party. He had long considered himself to be the only logical choice for Prime Minister, but the public did not share his vision. Despite trying to appeal to the growing disapproval of the JRP, he had been largely overlooked by the media because of a party whose name he refused to say in private. His centre-right policies were being ignored in favour of more extreme ideas, simply because they were incredibly similar to the policies of the JRP.

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

Mukabe Kentaro was at a loss for thought, knowing that his party were starting to consider new leadership. The Socialist Party of Japan had acquired a truly distasteful reputation thanks to the media and the efforts of all three other major parties. His primary policy aim of allying with Spyr over Quinntonia was ridiculed every time it was brought up, and certain elements of the press had painted him as a potential collaborator with the aggressive socialist movement which seemed to be on the rise. Nowadays his party were lucky to be permitted an uninterrupted segment on television.

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

Finally, Akira Shigi was in one of the best moods of his life. Aikoku Toko was regularly raising its voice against socialist aggression, with planned protests and marches taking place on almost a weekly basis. AT had toned down certain rhetoric since the last election; they no longer called for Japanese expansionism, they now heartily embraced the alliance with Quinntonia, and they had become signatories of the official apology regarding the Pacific War. They now called for a Japan which showed no shame for past actions and refused to be bullied by its neighbours for past actions. The fact that neighbouring nations seemed to enjoy bringing up the past had struck a chord with the Japanese public, and Akira had tapped into that feeling. Whether it would be enough to defeat the JRP was a different matter; the incumbent party may be on the ropes, but they were by no means out of the fight.

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

Above it all, Emperor Shinseiki, formerly known as Toyama Chiisu, formerly known as Chiisu Suun, regarded the election situation with avid interest. He regarded Minase Tohma as a comrade-in-arms, they had worked together to restore the Chrysanthemum Throne by overthrowing the previous Ringist Shogunate and frequently discussed matters. On the other hand, Akira Shigi was deferential and treated Shinseiki with as much respect as possible. Aikoku Toko was intent on holding a referendum on the restoration of the Emperor's divine status, something which the JRP had promised but still had not carried out.

The LDP was beneath Shinseiki's notice due to the long-standing rivalry between Asahiro Kensuke and Shinseiki's lover, Tian Yao, while the SPJ were reviled by the entire Imperial Household over their discussions of replacing Shinseiki with an elected President. Although the constitution called for the Emperor to stay out of political matters, Shinseiki's previous experience in the field had resulted in a few subtle ways of bypassing it. It still had to be seen if the Imperial Household would play a part in this election.

Quinntonian and Christian interest groups begin to do what Quinntonians do best, spend, spend, spend. And they support the incumbent party with millions in third party donations. Some private citizens give out of goodwill for what they have meant for the Quinntonian people, and some major corporations do the same, as well as aid groups and charities. There is also a steady stream of lobbyists and special interest groups streaming out of Quinntonian Dra-pol lobbying and donating to all parties.

Prime Minister Vanessa Moerike personally calls the outgoing Prime Minister Minase Tohma and wishes him luck in all of his endevours, and asks if there is anything that she can do to help his replacement.

WWJD
Amen.

It has never been Parliament's habit to interfere with national elections in other nations, and there is no talk of starting in Japan. Unioners largely don't care who the Japanese people are cajoled into picking as their leader, secure in the knowledge that, whatever comes off the Japanese Islands, India can defeat on land, sea, and air. An election victory for the Socialists would be most convenient, but it is only the Aikoko Toko that Unioners feel particularly bad about. They might, think some, substitute direct action for angry rhetoric, and force about a particularly awkward set of circumstances in southeast Asia. But Mumbai will cross that bridge when it comes to it.

"Our neighbours are, going from north to south.....a huge empire which might be friendly in the end; an expansionist leftist dictatorship which backed the Ringists in order to leech off the best aspects of Japanese culture; a backwards slice of insanity which was obviously helped to get WMDs; South Korea; and a nation which constantly throws our past actions in our face after claiming to accept our apology! Of course I advocate strengthening Japan when we have neighbours like that! Yet you, Makube-chan, think we should ally with those who are carving up Asia to support their fanciful 'everyone loves everyone' ideology! Did you ever grow up?"

Makube Kentaro's face flushed as Akira Shigi finally stopped his tirade; this live television debate was turning into one of the worst ideas ever. To make matters worse, Asahiro Kensuke appeared to be agreeing with everything Akira was saying. Makube looked forlornly at Tohma Minase, who simply avoided his gaze.

"With all due respect, Akira-san, I believe your conviction is blinding you. Spyr is not expansionist, the Sujavans are helping the Indonesian people against a regime which holds them down. I was disappointed to see the incumbent government condemn such a noble action, but I have come to expect it from politicians eager to retain their power. You are pandering to the lowest common denominator, uncertainty about the future. You point to Dra-pol and condemn for past actions, yet you then demand that our neighbours refrain from doing the same to us."

Minase interjected. "Makube-san is looking at the world with red-tinted glasses again. Dra-pol has never apologised for their constant hatred or that missile test. We issued a formal apology regarding the Pacific War, which Asia seemed to accept, except for Dra-pol. We have tried to extend the hand of conciliation, but all they wish to do is maintain their hatred and starve their people while doing so. Are you suggesting that we should follow their example? Maybe we should launch a few missiles over Spyr just because we feel like it?"

Akira chuckled. "Makube-chan, you did well in the first election after we were liberated from Ringo-Socialist domination, probably because those who voted for you still weren't sure if our liberation was going to last. Your votes then drained away by the second election. If we go by that trend, well..."

Akira stopped to smile at the camera.

"...I don't think you have the right to be at this debate of major party leaders."

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

Tian looked disapprovingly at Emperor Shinseiki, who had let out a chuckle at Akira's comment.

"I don't like the SPJ any more than you, but Akira shouldn't talk like that. It's insulting and demeaning, even Makube Kentaro deserves some respect."

Shinseiki frowned. "Oh, loosen up. Shigi is just saying what everyone thinks about the SPJ; people want them out of politics. Besides, we could be looking at my next Prime Minister,"

"Last election, you said that there was more chance of Quinntonia turning communist than Akira Shigi becoming Prime Minister."

"Exactly, last election. Last time, we didn't have China verging on a leftist takeover, and we certainly didn't have my former ally expanding their influence in Indonesia through use of force. Don't get me wrong, I love Tohma like a brother. If the JRP wins the election, I'll be overjoyed. He's an excellent Prime Minister. If not, then I'll offer him the position of Grand Chamberlain; if he can run this nation, he can certainly organise our day-to-day affairs. We just have to wait and see how things develop."

"Makube-san, this meeting has been called because we do not believe that we can win this election. At least, not under your leadership."

Makube Kentaro had suspected the reasoning for the hastily-called meeting; the SPJ was trailing badly in the polls, hemorrhaging support for many reasons, least of all the atrocious showing by Makube on the televised debate.

"If I may address the committee....I cannot do anymore than I have done. The simple fact is that public perception is against us, the other three major parties have made it their mission to end us, and they are succeeding thanks to the perceived aggressive expansionism of socialist states in the world. I truly believe that we should be standing with Spyr, as all of you do, but the public does not. Let us face it, ever since the missile test by Dra-pol, our party's fortunes have been sliding. We have no major endorsers, not for lack of trying; no-one will touch us. We have fast become the pariahs of our national politics, circumstances have been out of our control."

Party Chairman Sato Goro shook his head. "I apologise, Makube-san, but we do not see it that way. You have failed to formulate new policies, leaving us wide open to attack from the rightists. Opposition to the Quinntonian alliance was a noble idea, but it has been a failure; the public overwhelmingly support the alliance. You have allowed our party to be painted as a nest of foreign agents and harmful elements; we must ask you to stand down."

Makube's cheeks flared. "You all allowed me to publicise those policies! You all stood by me and agreed! Laying the blame entirely on me only shows your true nature; how will the public react if you announce that I have relinquished leadership because my policies were unsound? They will wonder why you all followed those policies with the greatest enthusiasm. Sato-san, perhaps you would care to engage in debate with the pitbull Akira; he is quick-witted and knows exactly what to say, when to say it. I dare say you would be lost. Evicting me from leadership now will be a negative act, those few party faithful would become disillusioned if we fell to infighting during an election campaign. Allow me to stay on, now that the campaign has begun. When it is over, if we finish with less Diet seats and less support than we started with, I shall resign. Such a solution allows both myself and the party to retain some face."

Sato conferred with the other committee members. "Acceptable, Makube-san. We shall do things your way."

Aikoku Toko Party HQ, Tokyo

"Well, Akira-san, you certainly have a way with words. Several newspapers have quoted your shot at Makube over his party's declining fortunes."

Akira Shigi smirked at Yamamoto Hisoka, his deputy party leader. "Makube is a pathetic dog, talking about replacing His Majesty with a President. If it weren't for the Emperor, we woldn't be here right now; some Ringists would be cooking up some superstitious nonsense in this very hallway. Anyway, you said we had an important visitor?"

"Yes, I think you might be interested in what he has to say, since he asked to talk to the two of us alone."

The two of them entered a meeting room, where their guest had seated himself at the head of the small table. Akira lifted an eyebrow.

"I know you, we've met at Kokyo before. Forgive me, your name escapes me."

The individual stood and bowed to the two leaders. "My name is Kangtian Wei, Akira-san; I have been a personal friend of His Majesty since before the Restoration. I manage certain old interests of his now that he cannot be involved with them."

The two AT members bowed in return before Yamamoto responded. "Old interests?"

"Nothing you need to know about in any great detail. Suffice to say I have a great deal of resources at my disposal, and they can be put at your disposal. Finance, security personnel, photo opportunities, I can get them all for you with a mere snap of my fingers. Well, metaphorically, of course."

Akira gave Wei a curious sideways gaze. "Why would you be doing this?"

"I would do this because I know in my heart of hearts that Japan needs your party in charge. His Majesty, of course, cannot officially involve himself, but the constitution says nothing about his old friends taking their own initiative and supporting a party which may have some appeal to the Imperial Household."

Yamamoto nodded. "You are technically correct about that. Perhaps we could have some proof of your impeccable background? We don't want to accept you and then discover that you're a foreign agent or something as distasteful. If you can hurt us, we don't wish to know."

"Do not worry, Yamamoto-san, my past does not exist anymore. Not officially, anyway. I have reinvented myself, atoned for my past; I live comfortably without needing to hold down a regular job. I pay my taxes like everyone else, and I contribute to keeping our nation's streets clean of Western-influenced gangbangers and other human garbage. A task which would be much easier with Aikoku Toko in charge."

"Well, you sound like a model citizen. If you can assure us that nothing problematic will arise, we shall welcome you."

Wei smiled broadly at Akira's words. "Excellent. I shall transfer some funds to your party accounts and send out feelers to some industrialist friends of mine."

"You're joking."

Asahiro Kensuke shot a doubtful look at Ukiyo Ryozo; his assistant had come bearing surprising news. Ukiyo shok his head.

"It is genuine. Akira Shigi is in the lobby, and he wishes to talk to you. What shall I tell him?"

"Send him up."

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

Akira Shigi nodded politely at Ukiyo as he was ushered into Asahiro's office; the LDP leader sat behind his desk with an arched eyebrow.

"Make this quick, Akira-san."

As the door closed behind him, Akira smirked. "Very well then. We still have a long way to go in this election, and the JRP may still pull victory out of its hat. We all know that it is essentially a two-party race, and that the LDP is not one of those parties. However, you do command some support, and you, Asahiro-san, possess a great number of contacts among those who actively fought in the Restoration."

"Your point being?"

"My point being that we both have similar aims, but we have allowed ourselves to be a divided force. Both of our parties revere the Emperor, even if you managed to piss off Tian. You must have known that questioning thr Emperor in front of his lover is unwise, given the rumours about the lengths he's gone to in the past. Let's be blunt; your party is too similar to the JRP for you to ever be elected. In light of that, would you be willing to accept a post other than Prime Minister? Interior Minister perhaps? You could then enforce the law, just as you were hoping regarding your ambitions for Koancho."

Asahiro furrowed his brow. "You know a great deal about me, Akira-san, most of which is not common knowledge."

Akira chuckled. "Having the ear of His Majesty pays off. My point is, together we would be a formidable force for democracy and the Chrysanthemum Throne. His Majesty needs a strong government which will end all threats to our sovereignty; he needs a government which will show those parasitic socialists the coast and shove them off it. I am suggesting a merger of our parties, to create one united dominant party with the rhetoric, passion, respectability and traditionalism to sweep aside the incumbents. In return for merging, you would be Interior Minister upon our victory; so far we only have three posts decided. I will be Prime Minister, you can be Interior Minister and Yamamoto Hisoka would be Foreign Minister. Together we can pool two parties' worth of talent and create a government which will put the JRP to shame."

Asahiro's interest was piqued to say the least; he was being offered an opportunity to finally get into government, even though the cost was the existence of the LDP. He had heard rumours about the SPJ leadership being unsafe, and had no intentions of allowing a similar situation to happen to himself.

"What would we call this united front?"

"The New Democracy Party. We will be the origin of a new, stronger Japan which will not be bullied or cowed by neighbours who constantly dredge up the past. We are harassed for our actions sixty years ago while other nations literally get away with worse. The NDP would re-establish Japanese pride without being denounced as warlike, as I realise the foreign press constantly refer to me as an extremist. I wish to prove them wrong."

Asahiro scratched his jowls. "I shall discuss the proposal with the party committee when I next meet them, which shall be this afternoon. I shall contact you with our decision when we have reached it."

The official announcement of the formation of the New Democracy Party coincided with the revelations of the Chinese election result, with both Asahiro and Akira declaring their intention to protect Japan from socialist encroachment. In a seeming protest against China's election of a leftist government, the two senior NDP members paid a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine to pay their respects to Japan's war dead.

Any hopes that the SPJ harboured about an increase of support in the wake of China's elections were significantly dashed when snap opinion polls were published. The polls put the SPJ in third place with an abysmal 9%, with the JRP at 40% and the NDP at 48% (3% were undecided). Comment pieces were broadcast from the streets of Japan's major cities, with a majority of interviewees expressing concern about socialist encirclement and the possibility of Sino-Spyran hostility based on what was transpiring in Indonesia.

The SPJ also suffered from a less public hindrance in the form of Kangtian Wei. As oyabun of the Pacific Lotus, Kangtian saw no problem in pulling every string he had to make life difficult for them. Poster campaigns were defaced, television networks were 'convinced' not to air their party political broadcasts, and occasionally meetings were broken up by the police who had been tipped off to 'pro-Ringist incitement'. The JRP, caught off-guard by the NDP's formation, resorted to attacks on the SPJ's policies in order to show themselves as having Japan's interests at heart.

Unofficially Emperor Shinseiki had no comment on the election campaign other than his wish for calm and orderly democracy. Behind closed doors, he knew exactly what was going on and why. An offhand remark had spurred Kangtian into action, while a flowery letter had hinted to Akira Shigi about joining with Asahiro Kensuke. All done very quietly and with no obvious paper chain back to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

In a public announcement broadcasted on TV, newly elected President Hu Jin Tao states that China wishes to continue a productive relationship with the Japanese whoever they elect and that the anti-Japanese protests in southern China last month were due to extremist right-wing groups who have been since been shut-down.

He had heard about the Yasukuni shrine visit but knew not to fall for the bait left by two politicians, and so instead commented that China had accepted the apology delivered by Minase when he entered power. Inside, both he and VP Chang were fuming but decided not to let it show.

With the election campaign entering its last fortnight, a second live television debate was held for the leaders of the major parties, only this time Makube Kentaro was not invited. With only 9% support in various opinion polls, the SPJ were no longer seen as a major party by the majority of Japanese media.

"I do not claim that the JRP has been utterly worthless, quite the contrary. They have given us a good firm foundation, but they are only good for laying the foundation. They have no idea where to go next, but the NDP has many such ideas. We have plans for the ultimate Empire of Japan, where foreign socialists do not threaten us and where Dra-pol is the simple sideshow that it should be. Need I remind everyone that Dra-pol would have collapsed years ago if not for support from Spyr; it is thanks to Spyr that we have to live with that abomination.

It is also thanks to Spyr that we had to endure Ringism for so long. They fostered the Ringist regime, traded with it, supported it; where is the apology for that? We apologised quite genuinely for our past actions, yet Spyr and their so-called Progressive allies refuse to apologise for both past and present actions! At a time when we have Europe once again on a world conquest trip, Spyr has filled the very role that they condemn us for assuming sixty years ago!"

Minase Tohma blinked at Akira Shigi's vitriol; the young NDP leader was certainly one of the most effective speakers in modern Japan. Minase cleared his throat to reply.

"The JRP knows exactly how to proceed. Despite their claims to the contrary, the NDP is not so radically different from us; it would appear that Asahiro Kensuke is pulling rather large strings in this new party. The LDP was in danger of falling into mediocrity so Asahiro-san latched onto the best chance he had to gain political office; thus this union was born. Now, we agree that something must be done about this Progressive expansionism, but we would prefer dialogue rather than open confrontation..."

"Look where dialogue has gotten us! Most of Southeast Asia is either red or going red, Indonesia is being invaded by bloodthirsty 'liberators' who most likely exterminate anyone who doesn't follow the party line, Dra-pol is still a threat, the Strainist dogs are working their talons into every nation in existence, and China is looking decidely precarious. One by one, nations in Asia are either adopting leftism or having leftism thrust upon them! I say enough is enough! I say let us join with Quinntonia, Australasia and every other willing free nation in an effort to halt this speading leftist imperialism!

The NDP will draw the line at our shores, no, it will draw the border at South Korea! Japan will not see South Korea gobbled up by those bastards to the north of it! An NDP government will give South Korea any assistance we can to make sure that its people do not end up as emaciated cripples! The people of Dra-pol have been starved and beaten into submission with the willing approval of Spyr, and now Spyr wishes to extend its 'loving reach' around the world! Spyr will not stop until every nation in the world is either ruled from Sithin or is unable to offer resistance!"

Minase was surprised to hear the outburst of applause which followed Akira's tirade, but was shocked to hear Akira's last word on the subject; the NDP leader almost smiled as he spoke.

"This world would be so much better if Spyr and Dra-pol were wiped from the face of the earth."

"Wiped from the face of the earth?! What the hell are you thinking? No-one will vote for us with that kind of rhetoric!"

Akira Shigi snorted dismissively at Asahiro Kensuke. "Stop being such a whiner. If people ask, I got caught up in the heat of the moment. If you feel that strongly about it then I'll apologise."

Yamamoto Hisoka shook his head. "No, it was good. Asahiro-san just doesn't have the balls to see it. You've shown yourself to be very passionate about the survival of Japan, and that you would go to great lengths to achieve it. If anything, it should have helped us score some brownie points with the Quinntonians. Our main objective, should we win the election, will be to continue the alliance; showing yourself as being anti-leftist can only help that cause."

Asahiro frowned. "I suppose...."

Akira chuckled. "Look, Asahiro-san, I realise that you are not used to the ways of popular politics; you always used to sit in your office and direct things. The Japanese people didn't think very highly of that, but they do think highly of someone who shares their concerns...or at the very least appears to share them. Those leftists want Japan under their thumb and it's up to us to prevent that. The JRP wants to talk to them, the SPJ wants to surrender to them, we are the only ones with Japan's best interest at heart. We also have His Majesty's best interests at heart, remember why we are doing this. The Yamato Restoration cannot die at the hands of bleeding hearts or leftists, otherwise all that he fought for will be lost."

Asahiro adjusted his spectacles. "Alright, we'll do it your way. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some potential backers to meet."

Yamamoto watched as Asahiro left the room. "He's not entirely in tune with our symphony, is he?"

Akira shrugged. "It doesn't matter. All he has to do is run the Interior Ministry when we win this election. Once we get in, we can finish the work that Shinseiki Tenno started. Japan has a great deal of potential, and it's time that it was realised."

Kokyo Palace, Tokyo

"Well, Tohma, it does rather appear that the NDP is going to win this election."

Prime Minister Minase sighed as Shinseiki Tenno poured some tea and handed it over. "Your Majesty, I apologise for the failures of the JRP. I wish we could have done more, but..."

"Oh, don't be foolish. You did well, you shall be remembered as Japan's first post-Ringist Prime Minister, one who did a lot of good for the Empire. If it weren't for all the work that you put in, there wouldn't be much of a nation. Anyway, I invited you here because you are one of my favourite friends, and I don't plan to let you go so easily."

"I appreciate the compliment, Your Majesty. May I ask what you have in mind?"

"Should the NDP win this election, Akira Shigi will become Prime Minister. In that case, you will be offered the position of Grand Chamberlain within the Imperial Household. You have a knack for organisation, I could use that."

"I..I thank you. This truly means a lot to me, Your Majesty. I will not fail you regardless of whether it is as Prime Minister or as Grand Chamberlain."

"Excellent." Shinseiki Tenno clapped his hands together excitedly like a child getting a favourite toy. "Your first task would be to sort out the Household, reorganise it completely. Some people want me to have doddering old conservatives whispering in my ear, but I want a modern Household. Make sure you get Shimizu Yuki involved somehow, I like him. You and he served me well during the Restoration and ever since; now it is my time to take care of you."

Akira Shigi's comments, extreme as they are, cannot go without comment from Sithin. Kanzaki Akinchi, Spyr's ambassador in Tokyo, expresses his regret at the 'hostile language emerging in the heat of debate', and hope that whatever government emerges, friendly relations can be maintained between nations united in the great Asian brotherhood.

Kanzaki also points out that Spyr has, in fact, issued a deep and heartfelt apology for its failure to cast out the shadow that was the Ringist Shogunate.

The final week of campaigning drew to a close with all 'major' parties mentioning the Spyrian statement.

Speaking at an NDP rally, Akira Shigi denounced Kanzaki Akinchi's statement as 'blatant hypocrisy', as Spyr emphasises their apology for supporting Ringism while backing regimes which still denounce Japan for the actions of the Pacific War. Akira asked why Spyr thinks it acceptable for their proxies to rake up the past while other nations are apparently not allowed to do the same to Sithin, earning a loud ovation from his audience; he also condemned Sithin's talk of Asian brotherhood as an excuse for Spyr to conquer Asia and force Strainism on occupied territories. He also added that while Japan may have tried something similar several decades ago, Spyr was trying it now, and therefore could not claim any sort of moral high ground.

Minase Tohma issued a statement of regret concerning Akira's comments and expressed his wish that relations would not be affected by them. However, he also requested that Spyr's Sujavan 'allies' hold a cease-fire with the Indonesians while the international community investigated claims of human rights abuse in Indonesia; he also expressed regret that Sujava had embarked on a war of conquest where words would have been better placed. The JRP issued a party statement which outlined their desire for dialogue with Sithin, but added that they wished to see proof of supposed reform in Dra-pol before any meaningful diplomacy could take place.

Finally, Makube Kentaro expressed his deep sorrow at Akira's words, condemning him as a maniac bent on war; if elected, the SPJ would work closely with Sithin in order to bring Dra-pol back into the international community through diplomacy and aid packages. Makube also backed Spyr's words of Asian brotherhood, calling for an end to divisive rhetoric.

As the week drew to a close, voters across Japan went to the polls to cast their vote in what could be the most important election in post-Restoration history....

The Official Results of Diet Elections in the Empire of Japan:

House of Representatives:

New Democracy Party: 239 members
Japan Renewal Party: 172 members
Sakigake Party: 43 members
Liberal Party: 21 members
Socialist Party of Japan: 5 members

House of Councillors:

New Democracy Party: 119 members
Japan Renewal Party: 71 members
Sakigake Party: 29 members
Liberal Party: 22 members
Socialist Party of Japan: 1 members

The New Democracy Party is now the incumbent governing party, with Akira Shigi now Prime Minister of Japan.

Despite various knockbacks the JRP still managed to maintain a substantial foothold in both Houses, but the election defeat did come with a price; former Prime Minister Minase Tohma and former Foreign Minister Shimizu Yuki both announced that they are leaving politics. Rumour has it that they will both be joining the Imperial Household in full-time positions. The JRP will now be led by former Interior Minister Sugase Junichiro.

As expected, the SPJ lost heavily due to its perceived links to nations which are currently engaged in expansionism, as well as their apparent hostility towards the Imperial Household. It is expected that party leader Makube Kentaro will be standing down in favour of an as yet unknown candidate. Several political analysts have now begun to question the future of the SPJ, wondering if it will actually make it to the end of the year.

A surprise for all concerned was the success of two newly created parties. The Sakigake Party is a fairly right-wing party which places a lot of emphasis on ecological concerns; leader Yamada Mamoru has expressed an intention to work with the New Democracy Party in the Diet so that perhaps 'green politics' will rub off on the newly-elected leadership. The second surprise was the Liberal Party, a peace-oriented centre-left party created by dissident members of the JRP. Leader Nakamura Reiji is said to be ecstatic with the result, as it apparently shows dissatisfaction amongst the core supporters of the JRP. Whether these two new parties will play any important role remains to be seen.

The Imperial Household released a statement thanking all concerned for an orderly and peaceful election; Akira Shigi will attend a meeting with Shinseiki Tenno in a few days so that His Majesty can learn what his new government has planned for the nation.