Terror Incognitia
20-10-2006, 10:04
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Japan is in the throes of the swiftest, most complete modernisation in human history.
After the arrival of the Black Ships in 1853, Japanese society took a massive blow to it's prestige. It was resolved at the highest levels that Japan had a lot of catching up to do, lest they become the latest Asian colony. The Western advantage was frightening.
The process of the Meiji restoration has just completed, and power now rests in the hands of a small oligarchy, acting in the name of the emperor.
The Tokugawa have been crushed; samurai rebellions put down; the power of the daimyo largely removed.
There is still a long way to go in terms of industrialisation, but there is a western-trained military, based on universal male conscription and based around the Tokyo Police fully capable of crushing any rebellion. There is also an efficient government bureaucracy, in large part formed by former samurai finding their place in this new world.
For now Japan is focussed inwards, to ready herself for the modern world, but if it becomes necessary, this recluse will stride out onto the world stage, unashamed and unafraid.
(Figures will follow, when I can find them, e.g. population, military, etc.)
Japan is in the throes of the swiftest, most complete modernisation in human history.
After the arrival of the Black Ships in 1853, Japanese society took a massive blow to it's prestige. It was resolved at the highest levels that Japan had a lot of catching up to do, lest they become the latest Asian colony. The Western advantage was frightening.
The process of the Meiji restoration has just completed, and power now rests in the hands of a small oligarchy, acting in the name of the emperor.
The Tokugawa have been crushed; samurai rebellions put down; the power of the daimyo largely removed.
There is still a long way to go in terms of industrialisation, but there is a western-trained military, based on universal male conscription and based around the Tokyo Police fully capable of crushing any rebellion. There is also an efficient government bureaucracy, in large part formed by former samurai finding their place in this new world.
For now Japan is focussed inwards, to ready herself for the modern world, but if it becomes necessary, this recluse will stride out onto the world stage, unashamed and unafraid.
(Figures will follow, when I can find them, e.g. population, military, etc.)