Empire of Japan

The Empire of Japan is a powerful nation in Asia and the Pacific.

Public Agenda

Originally, the Empire of Japan was forced to sign many unequal treaties with European Powers, such as those that were enforced on Qing China. However, Japan hired many Russian and British advisors, and quickly modernized their nation and military. Eventually, Japan, following successive conflicts, Japan was able to gain the recognition as a Middle Power.

History

Japan enjoyed isolation until being forced to open by the Russian Empire in 1855. From there, Japan and Russia signed an alliance, declaring spheres of influence in Qing China. However, Russia did not view Japan as an equal, and any expansion of Japan into China had to be approved by Russia.
In 1894, Japan sought to increase their holdings in China. In a series of dubious and controversial circumstances, Japan managed to declare war on China. After their victory in 1895, Japan managed to annex Taiwan from China and gain influence in Korea.
In 1899, Japan participated in the Boxer Rebellion and the Seven Nation Alliance. Following the war, Japan renegotiated many of its unequal treaties to their benefit.
in 1903, Japan protested the presence of Russia in Chinese Manchuria, as was proclaimed in the treaty following the Boxer Rebellion. In order to avoid war, Constantine II agreed to recognize Japanese lordship over Korea in exchange for Japanese recognition of Russia's special interests in Manchuria.
In 1916, Japan entered the The Great War on the side of Britain, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine , and Austria-Hungary. Following the defeat of their European allies, Japan attempted to fight on as they held the advantage in the Pacific. In 1919, Japan and Hawaii negotiated Japan's possession of ports in Pearl Harbor. Japan eentually entered into negotiations following pressures from the Great Powers of the world. In the accords of the peace agreement, Japan was forced to return their holdings in Dutch Indonesia.
Following the war, Japan held great resentment towards the European powers. The government of Japan sought to increase their presence in the newly declared independent Indonesia. They also supported uprisings in their former allies of Spain in Indochina. Japan backed their own warlord faction in the Republic of China, those that sought a return of the Qing Emperor, that opposed the intentions of Russia and even that of their British allies.

Demography and Population

The popuilation of Japan is spread across many islands and territories of Southeast Asia. This includes the Japanese main islands and the Korean Peninsula. Though this includes many different ethnic groups, the enforcement of the Japanese language and culture ensures the integration of many into the Japanese fold. The local governments of the Philippines and Korea consists of members of their respective areas, but are overseen by Japanese officials.

Territories

The territory of Japan includes the islands of the Philippine Archipelago, the Korean Penninsula, and various islands in between. Japan attempted to create a puppet kingdom of Manchukuo, with the deposed Qing Emperor as monarch. However, following the Great War, they were forced to abandon this endeavor.
During and after the Great War, Japan and Hawaii entered into agreements. Since the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy by the Americans, Hawaii had since grown closer to Japan.

Technological Level

The scientific level of Japan, preceeding the opening by Russia, was largely in the feudal era. The different states were ruled over by daimios and overruled by a shogun. Following the opening, Japan hired many British and Russian advisors, and leaped forward centuries technologically in the matter of a few decades.

Foreign Relations

Following the Great War, many other former colonies of the Pacific sought greater relations with Japan. Indonesia began an uprising against their Dutch overlords in favor of either independence or incorporation into the Japanese Empire.
Japan and Britain signed a treaty in 1902, dictating that in the event that either enter a conflict with more than one nation, the otgher will join in support. This dictated Japan's entry into the Great War.
On the conditions of the Great War, Japan was forbidden from taking possessions of European Powers, such as Dutch Indonesia and Spanish Indochina. However, both of these colonies greatly resented their European colonizers, and rose up in protest and rebellion.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

Imperial Japan, Japan

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Demonym

Japanese

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Gazetteer

Though Freedom of the Press is greatly restricted, there exists many state owned papers that spread what many consider to be militarized propaganda. This is meant to reinforce compliance to the state and obedience to the Emperor.

Executive Body

The Emperor of Japan is the de facto overall head of state. However, the true power greatly lies in the military leaders of the nation.