Etiquette and Protocol

Superior - Subordinate Relationships

When in the presence of a superior officer, the subordinate officer will initiate a salute, to which the superior officer will return a salute. This is a sign of respect for the authority of the superior, for which a strict hierarchy is established and enforced. The cost of insubordination in the Japanese military is severe and not tolerated.

Officer Culture

In Japan, military officers, especially high ranking ones, are members of an almost noble-like elite, and are frequently members of high level political and business circles. At the highest levels, the boundaries between these groups can blur, and its common for all three groups to have their fingers in the other groups, benefiting how they may. Gatherings of The Kazoku elites are also common, where power and influence bounce off of each other behind closed doors, and accompanied with expensive food and drink. Breaching this circle of influence is very difficult, and is generally barred to people considered outsiders, threats to the power structure, or those who are deemed to not "play ball". The threshold for entry is roughly once one is promoted to colonel, as the ranks prior can be a chance for the higher ups to see what kind of people the officers are, and who will find their climb up the rank ladder halted due to internal politics. Many officers will boast of their heritage as a means to enter this exclusive society, as being the descendant of a samurai clan or something similar is an excellent way to get your foot in the door.

Parades and Ceremonies

Japanese love their parades and ceremonies due o the high level of national pride, and love for the spectacle. The largest parade in during day 2 of the annual heritage festival, the day of the warrior, which honors the sacrifices of soldiers past and present. Other than that however, it is not uncommon for other parades to be held for one purpose or another. The most common location for the largest of these parades is in the capital @Toky. These parades will feature masses of uniformed troops marching in orderly unison, along with a display of the newest military equipment as a show of national power. All of this is accompanied by the cheers of masses of civilians, a backdrop of banners, confetti, and an orchestra playing military and nationalistic music. These parades are often observed publicly by notable officials like the emperor, prime minister, generals, and so on.

Dress, Equipment, and Work Space

While on duty, all personnel must wear the appropriate uniforms and insignia for their position, and a high level of upkeep is expected with regards to the cleanliness and appearance of their uniforms. Routine maintenance of equipment and weapons is also expected so that they are always in pristine condition. Lastly one's work space must be in a clean and orderly state, and routine checks for the quality of personnel workspace are common.

Consequences for Breaches of Order and Protocol

If a personnel breaches order or protocol to a sufficient extent, their case will be taken to a court martial, a military court, where a judge will review the case and determine the appropriate punishment, which could include such punishments and demotion, being discharged from service, jail or prison time, and even death in extreme cases.