News from Japan (formerly known as the "Japan, end of 1907..." thread)

[Sachmle]

I presume they only had cold Saki to drink.

[Walter]

Yes, it is very harsh for the sake. A terrible frontier for the sake-loving Japanese. :D

[Walter]

"Yo dude!" General Bishamonten greeted as he entered the great hall of Zemni castle. "The Whops want us to post this radical article in the Japanese Newspapers. Though I would run it past you." Bishamonten handed over the note with the articel to Taishakuten.

"Hmmm..." Taishakuten started to read it.

The Empire of Italia does not usually fight its battles in the Court of Public Opinion but as some nations have impinged the Honor of the Empire we will respond by providing some facts to interested readers.

The Republic of Orange despite its claims to the contrary is a Slave holding state.  To support these claims the Empire of Italia will provide referenced sections of the relevant Legal Code of the Republic of Orange.  Before the Citizens of any country support a position that supports the Republic of Orange the Empire of Italia feels that they should have all the facts and to decide for themselves if they would choose to live under the authority of such a government.
http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=626.0
The reader should note that the Word Slave only appears once in the legal documents referenced and then only to deny that they exist.  But if the reader compares the legal rights of those persons to those of a Slave in the period where they were legal in more of the world I think the readers will find that slavery does still exists in the "Civilized World".
We will start with the section detailing the rights of the Native Population:
Natives ("Kaffirs" or "Blacks")
The black primitive masses originally inhabiting the continent. But the tribes were chased away from the better lands, forcing them to live on marginal farmlands. They provide the bulk of the cheap workforce in the mines and agriculture. Laws restrict their employment in the industry, and they cannot live permanently in white settlements. There are strictly enforced segregation laws to avoid unnecessary intermingling of the white and black population. Few lucky ones are able to work in the white towns - for a maximum of three months a year. They are not slaves legally, but they have limited rights and even that is often ignored. Moreover, when black people stay in "white" areas, they must belong to a white (not colored) person who is not only responsible for them, but also have almost unlimited power over them - this is often translated as slavery by ignorant foreigners.

The Republic of Orange claims it pays all its workers, but if it only pays them enough for subsistence living in abject poverty subject to the order of and I quote here "White (Not Colored) person then if this is not Slavery what is?

Next we will cover the section on the so called Brown People:
Colored ("Kleurlinge"): a mixed group of neither-white-nor-black part of the population, mulattos, people from India and native Khoisans - who has lighter skin than bantu tribes. They are subject to negative discrimination, but their rights are much closer to whites. For example, there are already a limited number of colored officers both in the Army and the Navy, and they can marry white people. They make up a significant part of the urban poor, as blacks are prohibited to stay any extended period id the city. Negative discrimination makes it harder for them to rise up, but there are examples of successful entrepreneurs, engineers and doctors who rose from their ranks.
Although they are considered 'genetically' (no one use this exact word) than whites, their white ancestry is held to allow them to rise up by their own talents. Their political power, mainly to their diversity and low number of colored who are wealthy and educated enough to be enfranchised - thus eligible to vote.

It appears that Brown people are allowed a bit more latitude within the Republic of Orange but are still not afforded the full protection of the Law.  They make up a significant portion of the Urban Poor because the White persons of the Republic of Orange appear to allow them to live in the cities full time.   

So this is the nation that people see as the champion of the Poor Zionite Nation in East Africa.  The Empire of Italia does not ask for your support it simply asks you think what does the Republic of Orange hope to gain in New Zion a huge nation containing and very large number of "Kaffirs and Kleurlinge".  Perhaps they intend to sell them off as a work force as they did with most of the Zulu Nation of Africa?

"What's this 'http://www.navalism.org/index.php?topic=626.0'; bit anyway?" Taishakuten asked.

"I do not know, but Colonel Orlik believes it to be some sort of secret code for Italy's agents in foreign nations," Bishamonten told. "Most likely some secret message in the article. They are busy trying to decode it."

"So the Italians want us to post this in our newspapers..."

"Yes..."

"This coming from a nation that, in its past, not only used slaves but butchered innocent people in arenas for the entertainment of its citizens."

"Not dissimilar to what we are doing in Killian's Pit... only we send the condemned into the Pit."

Taishakuten looked at Bishamonten. "At least they have a chance to get out alive... even if that chance it very small with the skills of the Hunters."

"So what will you do? Will you allow it?"

"I think I will wait for a decision until I get Toht's report and we know what Japan's stance is in this conflict."

"Last I heard, he was going to take care of the investigation personally... but a message from Iwo stated that his boat was damaged and he is now stuck there... so it might take a while."

"Iwo??"

"Yes."

"That's the wrong way."

"Yes."

"We'll wait... unless the war is really over in which case we don't care, do we?"

Bishamonten shook his head. "No we don't... Well. Got to run. Need to buy flowers for my beloved Kisshouten."

"Send her my regard."

"Laterz, dude."

===========================================================
OOC: since that bit has already been posted by several others, I just kept that Italian message small since we already know what it says.

[Walter]

February 16, 1915

"Taishakuten, it appears that the nations involved in the Africa conflict have come to an agreement," Kuramaten informed.

"A pitty..." Taishakuten pushed his maps of Africa aside. "Is Major Toht still on Iwo Jima?"

"Apparently he still is, trying to fix his boat."

"Send a message to Iwo Jima. Tell him that there is no londer necessary for him to go to Europe for that evidence. There is no more need for that stuff."

"I will see to that."

[Walter]

Taishakuten was reading through a message, slowly rubbing his chin while absorbing every letter that was written on the note.

"Something bothering you?" Bishamonten asked, looking up from one of the many bills in front of him.

"I was just thinking about the message we received about the nomination to the neutral commission which will oversee the selection of a new New Zion Government."

"We received that message several weeks ago. I thought that you already made a decision."

Taishakuten shook his head. "I was wondering if Japan was the right nation for that job? When the war started, if we had acted instead of waited..."

"Too late now," Kujaku, Taishakuten's foreign representative, said as he suddenly appeared behind Taishakuten. "Whatever you wanted to do or thought you should do, it's too late now for all that... but it is not too late to react to that message."

Taishakuten looked around at Kujaku. "You're eager to take on the job, aren't you?"

"Me?" Kujaku frowned. "Not really... I'm more of a solo player when it comes to diplomacy. This requires the knowledge of more than one... and from different nations."

"If you do not wish to take on this job, should Japan turn down the nomination?"

Kujaku held up his hand "Whoa! I did not say that... There are others besides me. Surely they can do the job as well."

"I know. I will go and search for a suitable candidate."

"Maybe..." Kujaku thought for a few seconds. "I might know one who might be interested in the job and will be able to handle it."

"Good. See to it."

Kujaku bowed and left.

Taishakuten looked at the message again. He had to reply to it right away. "You know, the mail service here in Japan is very unreliable these days, isn't it? A lot of delays with the deliveries of various messages."

Bishamonten frowned. "But there is nothing wrong with the..."

Taishakuten slammed his fist on the table and glared at Bishamonten. "Very unreliable."

Bishamonten then realized what Taishakuten was trying to say. "Yes, very unreliable," Bishamonten agreed. "Got a message yesterday from Zouchoten that was sent six months ago!!"

"He's your neighbour..."

"Just shows you how unreliable the mail is..."

Taishakuten nodded. He then grabbed his pen and a sheet of paper and began to write.

[maddox]

OOC

It seems the Nverse Japanese post has learned from the IRL Belgian post.

[Walter]

June 1915

"I have returned from Lord Taishakuten yesterday," Baron Tsao Siu yan, governor of Manchuria, stated. "He informed me that fundings have been made available for the formation of two new units. The formation will commence in July. I managed to convince him that one of these units should be raised in Manchuria." Tsao stopped and looked at General Yayul Cheolla, who was kneeling before him, his head slighlty lowered. "Zhou speaks highly of you, Yayul, as do the Corps commanders, especially Gun, the commander of the Corps that your Division is part of."

"I am not worthy of such praise, Mylord," Yayul replied, lowering his head a bit more. "I am merely doing my job as commander of the First Manchurian Cavalry Division."

"Yes, you do... An excellent job..." Tsao paused for a few seconds. "I have decided that you shall be the commander of the fifth Manchurian Corps."

"Thank you, Mylord. I am honoured to be found worthy to command your new Corps."

"There is more. As governor of Manchuria, I am a busy man... and it seems that I get more and more work each day to deal with... so I have realized that a few changes need to be made. Considering your skill with the bow, I have also decided to put you in charge of the Black Flag Riders as well."

"To command your elite troops is an extreme honour, Mylord. I shall not let you down."

"Excellent. When the paperwork has been done, it will be sent to you." With a waive of his hand, Tsao dismissed the general and began to deal with the paperwork in front of him.



(edit: forgot the date)

[Walter]

With his trusty staff in hand, Mabul the Priest entered the General's Taverne. "He's done it! Baron Tsao has informed Yayul that he will command the Fifth Corps of the Army of Manchuria!"

General Dae Jung-Hyun smiled. "That's excellent news, Mabul! We need to tell the others about it and arrange a promotion party for Yayul here in the bar."

Mabul nodded. "I will go and inform the others."

"I will have the bar ready when you get back with the others... and don't forget to get Yayul as well."

Mabul laughed. "It would be rather stupid if I did." Mabul waived his hand around to get rid of a fly that has been annoying him. He watched as it settled onto one of the tables. He grabbed his special staff with both hands and swung it into the air. "DIE YOU PEST!"

"NO!" Jung-Hyun shouted, seeing what the priest was about to do. "Not AGAIN!"



... Another normal day at the General's Taverne...


(screenshots from the movie "Muyeonggeom")

[Walter]

New Zionist propaganda poster found in several places in the Japanese Empire...

[Walter]

Sariwon, Korea. November 6, 1916

"So how were things in Phoenix, Dear?" Praeger asked his wife.

"Same as always," Atris replied. "There was always trouble around some corner somewhere in Phoenix."

Praeger nodded. "Yes, and it did not matter who was in charge."

"Well, I was just glad that no matter what happened, people still visited the Swiss National Library. Kept me busy there."

"I'd love to see you busy, Dear, but you are always busy," Praeger grinned.

Atris eyed the newspaper on Praeger's desk and sighed. "Well... I hope people will still visit after that."

Praeger glanced at the newspaper with the headline "Civilian Massacre". He then looked back at Atris. "I know you are capable of dealing with trouble yourself, but seeing how things are right now, I cannot allow you to go back without proper protection."

"You asked the Empress to send some Knights along?"

"Yes. A few A'p Knights are ready. Four in all."

"Okay."

"I decided to ask Griffith for a capable bodyguard. He sent Grunbeld over."

"Locus would have been nicer. Grunbeld really stands out in a crowd. He's just so... gigantic."

"... also, Colonel Vogel wanted to go on holiday to New Switzerland... so he and his buddies will come along as well."

"He's not going to take his..."

"Yes! Isn't that wonderful?"

"What's next? A battleship?"

"You want one? I could ask Susasin for one if you want though I am not sure if it can be arranged for your departure tomorrow."

Atris groaned and shook her head.

Maybe staying here in Korea until the Swiss troubles were over was the best thing to do...

[Walter]

December 26, 1916

All the conflicts in the region didn't make things easy and Auric knew that. He had been working the papers over and over again and it did not look good. All this war was bad for business and the figures were begining to show this.

There was a knock on the door.

"What is it, Ms. Galore?" he asked, not looking up from the paperwork.

"You are quite busy with work right now. Do you want me to cancel your game of golf with Dr. No this afternoon?"

Auric shook his head. "No. I need it to relax after having seen all these bad things. Tell Oddjob to get my stuff ready as usual."

As his assistance left, Auric pushed the paperwork aside. Hopefully he would be able to come up with some ideas to counter the effects of war while he was playing golf and perhaps Julius would have a few ideas as well.

At least his gold was safe.

[Walter]

A few days earlier

December 23, 1916

It was reported that messengers have been seen going back and forth between the Gran Columbian embassy and the residence of Japan's minister of Foreign Affairs. One messenger was believed to have been sent to Zemni Castle for a meeting with Lord Taishakuten.

[Walter]

December 25, 1916

Normally doing business with Japan was fairly straight forward, his predecessor had told him, and during the first few months of his stay here as Gran Columbia's ambassador to Japan, Baron Victor Alejandro de Gruda y Balboa had seen that everything was indeed quite simple and straight forward. But right now, the situation was different. Not just here in Japan but in this part of the world due to the war that has been raging between the various nations. With several more nations recently entering the conflict, things were threatening to get bad to completely out of hand.

But when he had accepted the post as Ambassador of Japan, no one had told him that he would ever have to deal with such horrible weather as he was experiencing now. As a Columbian, Victor was used to the enjoyable weather and warm temperatures of Cartagena, not all this snow and this cold of this freezing place. To make matters worse, it was December so it was winter here and this far north it was definitely noticeable.

When he had met the God-King several days ago, Victor had explained to Taishakuten that it was in the interest of the world that this conflict were to come to an end. However, the God-King had stated that, while he was aware of the importance of the matter, he was unable to deal with this matter himself as he was too busy with other things, but he had told Victor that a higher power was interested to see this conflict come to an end and that Victor should go for a meeting with this person. He had an assistant arrange for a dinner meeting on Christmas Day.

There were a few things Victor had to keep in mind and one of them was to take warm clothes along. As his carriage moved through the fozen lands, it was quite obvious as to why he had to take the warm clothes along. The carriage was heated, but whenever Victor looked outside at all the snow, shivers ran down his spine. He knew people lived here, but he wondered how sane people could even survive in lands such as these, let alone live.

Before Victor knew it, the carriage came to a halt at its destination. The driver dismounted and opened the door of the carriage.

"Mylord, we have arrived," the driver informed.

Cold air immediately rushed into the carriage and at that point, Victor wished he had declined the job and stayed in Cartagena. "Ah well, it's too late now," he mumbled to himself.

Victor climbed out of the carriage and stretched his stiff limbs. He then became aware of the stunning view. He was looking down a large valley with trees and snow everywhere. Directly below was a lovely-looking town with roofs covered with snow and smoke rising from many chimneys. Despite the wintery conditions, the town was radiating peace, warmth and hospitality, exactly what Victor needed right now.

"This way, please," the driver stated, motioning the other way.

As he turned around, Victor looked up at the beautiful castle that was overlooking the town below and which was apparently his destination. He followed the driver up the stairs and into the castle. The warmth inside was as welcoming as the castle itself. While the driver explained to one of the guards the purpose of Victor's visit to the castle, Victor took the opportunity to warm up his chilled body near the fireplace in the hall.

The guard that the driver had been talking to then approached Victor, who had taken of his warm coat. "The Empress is expecting you, Baron Gruda. Please follow me."

Victor frowned slightly as he followed the guard. Empress? He never heard of an empress. He had always believed that Taishakuten was the ruler of Japan, yet despite being "God-King", Victor had noticed that no one ever addressed Taishakuten or his wife as "Your majesty". That would mean that when Taishakuten spoke of 'higher power', he was actually referring to someone who stood above him in Japan's Hierarchy.

Two guards opened a pair of large doors and the guard leading Victor moved to the right as he entered the hall beyond. "Your Majesty, the Ambassador of Gran Columbia, Baron Gruda, is here to see you," he called out.

Victor entered the hall. The Hall had been prepared for dinner and three sets of eyes were watching him.

"Merry Christmas, Baron Gruda, and welcome to Koorikyuuden" the Empress' gentle voice called out. "I am Empress Kaguya. Please join us."

"Your Majesty." Victor almost wanted to bow, but remembered what Taishakuten had said. 'Don't bow.' He did not understand what Taishakuten meant by that and right now he still did not understand as it was the proper way to show respect. Victor gave a nod instead. "I would be honored," he replied before sitting down on the empty chair at the table.

The Empress smiled slightly, seeing how Victor was fighting the urge to bow. "I strongly dislike formal stuff like that," she explained. "Bowing... kneeling... groveling..."

"I have to admit that I was confused when Lord Taishakuten told me not to bow and even more when I was brought before you, Your Majesty," Victor told.

Two servants entered the hall and began to place plates of food on the table and pour wine in the glasses. While the two were busy, the empress introduced the other two at the table, Emperor Mikage and their daughter Yukihime.

"Do you know why I am here, Your Majesty?" Victor asked.

"Yes, I received word from Lord Taishakuten," Empress Kaguya replied.

"He told me that you wish for this conflict to end."

"We always wish for conflicts to end."

"As you are no doubt aware of, Baron Gruda, the conflict has become bigger," Emperor Mikage spoke. "First it was just the Dutch, the Siamese and the Germans and, while not at war, sources indicate that the East Sea Confederation is helping out the Dutch. Now in less than a month, Indochina, the Reformist Republic of China and the Hapsburger Kaiserreich joined the conflict."

"It is truly despicable to see nations that used to be allies turn against each other over an insignificant matter," Empress Kaguya added.

While listening, Victor had tried out some of the food. While the dishes were modest, they tasted great and the choice of wine was excellent. He then nodded "Yes, and that is probably not the end of it. More nations might end up being dragged into this war."

"True and Japan is no exception," Emperor Mikage admitted. "There might come a point where it is necessary for us to choose a side."

"A point we hopefully will not reach. In order to bring this conflict to an end, Gran Columbia is looking for neutral ground to hold a peace conference on," Victor explained. "There are many places where it could be held, but after having considered the many factors, we reckon that it should be held in the Asia-Pacific area since that is the region where the conflict is concentrated."

The Empress nodded slowly but did not say a thing.

"Now we are looking at neutrality," Victor continued. "At this point not many candidate nations are left. Japan and Burma are about the only two states in the region that are neutral in this conflict... and to be honest, given the recent issues between Burma and the Reformist Republic of China, we believe that Burmese neutrality is... questionable."

"So that would leave Japan as only proper option of neutral ground in this region, right?"

Victor nodded.

"That is good to hear from someone representing another nation that is not involved in the conflict," Emperor Mikage stated. "We were not sure if our nation would be the proper place to hold it."

"To me, Japan seems to be the logical option as Japan has ties to both sides and would not favor one side over the other. I have sent messages to President Alizandro about that and hopefully he will see the logic of this choice as well."

"We hope so and hope that other nations see it your way as well... and we hope that the warring nations are willing to meet each other and talk."

"As to a location within the Empire... might I be so bold to suggest Taiwan? It still bears the scars of the Second Pacific War and would remind the representatives of the nations what war does to a nation, that after all these years, the impact of that war is still visible and is still felt by the people."

Empress Kaguya thought about it for a while. "While it is a good suggestion, I fear that it would be depressing and it might have a negative effect on the atmosphere of the peace talks."

The Emperor nodded in agreement. "'This is what they are doing to my lands, therefore they must pay for it' is something that might pop up in the minds of some of those present... but in reality, people move on. They rebuild buildings and work on the fields again. while at some points the remnants of the war are still visible, most of them have vanished and holding the meeting there will probably not have the effect you thing it might have. Probably no effect at all on the representatives of the warring nations."

"I think arrangements can be made at Takashima Palace," the Empress told. "A place where they can relax, where they will feel relaxed. A place where they will feel at home, a place that feels like home. A place that takes away tensions and gives a person energy. A beautiful place. A wonderful place."

"A place I apparently need to visit one day," Victor mused.

"Why not go there to the peace conference if it can be arranged? Either as active mediator or as observer. You're welcome to stay there."

"It would be an honor, Your Majesty."

With the matter settled, the conversation changed to other topics. The worrysome situation in New Switzerland, the everyday strains between the Middle Kingdom and the Reformist Republic of China, how things were in Gran Columbia and if President Alizandro's son, Jose, had already been hooked up with Princess Olga von Hapsburg by their parents.

Once dinner was finished, Victor knew that the region was one step closer to peace. After dinner, Emperor Mikage took Victor down to a tavern in the town for a beer. By the time he crashed down on his bed in the castle's guest quarters, Victor had lost count of the number of beers he had consumed.

[Walter]

January 15, 1917. Zemni Castle Meeting

After having handed over the message from Indochina to the others, Taishakuten waited until everyone had read it. "Your thoughts?" he asked.

"Hard to say since the Indochinese are the ones who have the 'clear evidence' and we do not," General Praeger told.

"Let me put it this way," Baron Tsao spoke as he got up. "How hard would it be for me to gather a reasonable sized group of hardened soldiers, have them dressed in Reformist uniforms and let them loose in Nord Indokina, burning, raping, plundering, pillaging, maiming, torturing, murdering..."

Count Griffith nodded. "I agree. Even if there is clear evidence of atrocities, how sure can we be that it actually were the Reformist who were responsible for that as the Inodchinese claim? You have to keep in mind that the Indochinese moved into Siam and Nord Indokina well before any movements of the Reformist forces... a week if I remember the reports correctly."

"... so you're saying that the Indochinese have had plenty of time to move their troops into position, organize all this and stage those atrocities themselves?" Nakama Yui asked. While it was possible, she was a bit sceptical about it.

"I'm not saying that that is exactly what happened, but it is a possibility."

"Yeah, but I know Soon. She would not fabricate a story like that."

"She does not have to fabricate anything. It is easily possible that she is being fooled and used to bring out this story to make the Reformists look bad. The first casualty when war comes is truth and there is a war going on. It seems a bit convenient that 'they fled the instant the Indochinese Troops turned up'."

"Did they actually flee or did they make a big detour and joined the rear of the advancing Indochinese forces?" Praeger asked. "I'd think that that is easily possible. Who knows? Maybe nothing actually happened and everything was staged and all the bodies that have been found are those of criminals, killed for the purpose of representing innocent civilians slain by the enemy. I seem to remember that we have such plans ready should it be necessary."

"With a little bit of work, it could easily have been the Dutch," Tsao pointed out. "Or Habsburg. 'Blood for the Blood God' anyone? The Indochinese can say all they want, but from here, it is hard for us to determine what exactly happened and who truly are responsible for what happened there so it would seem rather inapropriate to make a judgement based on facts that we ourselves cannot confirm."

Taishakuten leaned back. "So the proper thing to do to send some troops and observers to the area and see what they can come up with," he said.

"I would think we need to send some sort of police force there to deal with it," Praeger stated. "I suggest we send Kerberos out for that purpose. I also know a few guys who we could send as observers."

"Excellent. Let's get to work and in the mean time hope that the conference will produce positive results and stop the madness in the region."

[Walter]

January 16, 1917. Construction site of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Est.

Having returned from Takashima Palace, Miguel Ximinez de Palinos entered the shed next to the cathedral that was being build in Kyoto. The shed was not much but it fulfilled its job as temporary office quite well.

Miguel sat dawn behind his desk and looked around. "BIGGLES!" he shouted.

In a matter of moments, Biggles arrived. "Yes?"

"Where is my typewriter?"

"We had to sell it, remember? Together with your Inquisition gear.""

"Oh yes. That's right." Miguel sighed as he grabbed a pen and a sheet of paper on which he began to write a message to Rome.