Stories and News from the Empire of Japan

[Desertfox]

OOC: Counter-flooding, quick repairs at Kagoshima, and unloading some coal should do the trick. The rest of the fleet didn't burn much coal so they should all be heavily loaded.

The Tsukubas were simply "overseeing" the evacuation of Japanese troops from the island, and the Japanese civilians all know you can't trust a word of those evil Chinese. The sailors are a bigger problem, but that can be mitigated by reassignments and time, this isn't the age of social media and the Japanese are not necessarily the most talkative people on the planet. Observers will be able to note that all 4 classes of Armored cruisers are present, the Ibukis will be the main problem, good thing they were "away to the new land across the sea".

[Kaiser Kirk]

 ;)

[Desertfox]

Early September

The mood in the room was somber. The past month had seen plenty of arguments, fights, and finger-pointing, the only person to escape the blame game had been the emperor. Togo had let them blow off steam, but the time had come to move forward and leave the past behind.

"Quiet! We have argued plenty, more fighting will not solve any problems. We have identified three areas for improvement and that's what we need to focus on. We can not plan to fight the last war.

First area of improvement is intelligence. We failed to obtain a clear picture of the Chinese fleets and thinking and that handicapped us, we did refitted ten fishing boats for this mission but they where not completed in time. While intelligence gathering is the realm of the diplomatic corp, we cannot rely on them exclusively. For that reason, our naval construction plan going forward will include money for the construction of dedicated intelligence collection ships.   

Second area is reconnaissance, time and again we failed to locate the enemy in a timely fashion, while they were able to track our every movement. While our light cruiser forces fortunately survived unscathed, they proved inadequate for our needs. The new construction program will include funding for several classes of dedicated scouts and the incorporation of observation balloons into the scouting forces. In addition the very first airship unit is being created. These new airships have great promise in being able to extend our view horizons.

Third area is initiative. We gave it to the enemy and suffered because of it. The politicians believed that the war could be localized, but the Chinese are not as civilized as we expected them to be. From now no we will take the fight directly to the enemy and seek him out wherever he may be. We will not sit idly by and wait for him to attack us.

As for torpedoes and torpedo boats, we have seen how effective they can be, but we have also seen how vulnerable they area. This talk of' escort battleships' with 100 guns is backwards. In order to defeat them we will need to take the initiative and seek them out where they are most vulnerable. An attack run on the battleline is too late to defeat them. We will create dedicated hunter-killer squadrons whose role will be to seek them out and destroy them, so when the battleships clash, they will have no torpedo boats left to defend or attack with."

There were still plenty of grim faces around the room, but the somber mood had lifted, there was a plan in place, something everyone could work towards.

[Desertfox]

Summary of H2/1912 News from Japan (some will be expanded later)

***

Diplomatic expedition to Iberian Empire secures deal for 4 submarines.

Additional talks over several second-hand Iberian warships end due to technical concerns and the end of the war; however, Japan places an additional order for 4 submarines and 2 submarine tenders.

Further talks with Iberian Empire lead to Treaty of Jakarta.


***

Agano class cruiser sails from Seattle down to Acapulco.

Series of talks conducted with the Aztec, deal is signed, Japan will provide the Aztec with capital ship technology in exchange for a lease on several Aztec warships, including an armored cruiser.

***

Preparations begin for next phase of expansion.

One fleet prepares to sail towards the Philippines with two invasion units and reinforcements for the Manila and Davao forces.

One fleet prepares to sail towards Australia, via Port Moresby, with three invasion units.

Two diplomatic missions are prepared, one towards Siam one towards Rajasthan.

[Desertfox]

November 1912

In the wake of war and in the spirit of maintaining peace and prosperity within the sphere of Southeast Asia, the government of Japan has announced the signing of a treaty with the Iberian Empire. While the details have not been released at this time a government official confirmed that it dealt primarily with recognizing and respecting each nation's territorial claims in the Indonesian archipelago and opening lanes of communication to prevent future competing claims and conflict. 

[Desertfox]

Summary of H1/1913 News from Japan (some will be expanded later)

***

Extensive traffic between Japan, Manila, and Jakarta.

Philippines Fleet is strengthened by the arrival, of the battleships Mikasa and Asahi, the newly repaired armored cruiser Azuma, and four Type 6 class submarines, to Manila.

Battleships Katori and Kashima, are pulled out of service for a "planned maintenance". (OOC Both get FC upgrade and Katori requires repairs)

***

Continued talks with Aztec lead to the purchase of two armored cruisers (Tenochtitlan class) in H2/13.

***

Continued talks with Inca lead to economic deal in H2/13.

***

Continued talks with Iberia over potential for further submarine purchases.

[Desertfox]

Excerpt from The Londinium Times, July 20th Evening Issue.

It has become clear that the powers of East Asia, the Heavenly Kingdom of China and the Empire of Japan, can not be trusted to conduct themselves as civilized powers on the world stage. The outbreak of hostilities early this month over what amounts to a small, insignificant island has greatly harmed commerce around the world. While it is recognized fact that the Japanese ultimatum that started this war places the blame for the conflict and the harm it has caused squarely with them, China is not fully exempt. It is time for the civilized nations of Europe to come together and show the nations of East Asia how to conduct themselves on the world stage.

This is not a formal communication from the Imperial Roman government.

Excerpt from an editorial found in the Tokyo Daily News, sometime in H1/13, after news of the Ibero-Wilno War reach Japan

The views found in the following are those of the writer and do not represent any formal or informal stance of the Japanese Government

Civilization... such a high and mighty word, used by the self-righteous to pat themselves on the back.  Don't Europeans have a book that says "He who is without sin cast the first stone"? Perhaps the Romans would do well to heed those words and look to their own backyard. It has been less than a year since they had the audacity to cast judgement on the glorious Empire of Japan and who is at war now? Who could it be? A yes, none other than Rome's two closest neighbors. And while Japan was civilized enough to negotiate beforehand and give the Chinese Empire time to turn from their evil ways, it appears Rome's two neighbors simply started slinging shells at each other without so much as a wireless message. Small and "insignificant" island is how Rome refers to the Ryukyu Kingdom, our neighbor and trading partner that China so rudely invaded. We wonder if Rome even knows the names of the places Iberia and Wilno are at this moment fighting for. Next time Rome, as you Europeans like to say, look to your own house and don't throw stones when the walls are made of glass.   


***


Early H2/13

The diplomatic ship Tatsuta Maru and a Jingei class submarine tender set sail from Tokyo headed south.

Two new but nondescript schooners sets sail from Tokyo, one heads eastward across the Pacific, first stop Wake Island, the other heads into the Sea of Japan.

The Aikoku Maru and a Kobayashi Maru class auxiliary set sail from Truk headed eastward across the Pacific.

The cruiser Akashi sets sail from Melbourne headed west towards the Roman province of Adelaide.

[The Rock Doctor]

But we did show East Asia how to conduct themselves:  In daylight, without torpedoes.

[Desertfox]

More H2/13 News

Early July

The Imperial Japanese Navy has announced their intention to conduct a major gunnery and fleet exercise of Kagoshima. (observers will note the departure of nearly the entire Japanese Fleet, except for the Battleship Hatsuse)

[maddox]

Inca Ambassadar Yma is watching the Great Warfleet departing. Even the flamboyant Inca Windjammers are toylike to this manifestation of the Bushido spirit.
Warriors working together to form a mighty warmachine. 

Funny she thinks. 
The Inca have the coorperation between people down to pat, and with some of the most ardent warriors like the Shuar in the mix, not to be underestimated.
But the Japanese praise the individual warrior, the perfect embodiment of the 5 Rings. But still they achive coorperation in such a way they can reach these kinds of technological marvels. 
I should urge my people to emulate this, and improve on it.
Otherwise the Inca will become servants of the Inti defilers.   At least Japan honors Inti with their Rising Sun.

After watching the airship that overlooked the fleet departs Yma asks her companion, the aeronatical engineer Ryōichi: "my love, it seems our official duties are over. Can we start on the more educational part of the duties imposed upon us?"

[Desertfox]

Early August

The week long trip from Tokyo to [Vladivostok] had been mostly uneventful to the passengers and crew of the brand new non-descript schooner. That did not mean it had been a pleasant one for Ambassador Hikokichi. He was not happy and most definitely concerned with the mission at hand. The Chinese might be an enemy, a dishonorable, narcissistic, delusional one that was prone to theatrics, but a known one nonetheless. When it came to diplomacy they could be trusted to behave like a civilized nation, the Horde on the other hand... The stories were well know, one day you could be dinning with the Khan himself, the next day your head could be on its way home in a bag. But the mission was important and while unusual had to be done.

The new schooner stood out among the collection of grimy tramp steamers and fishing boats in this section of the harbor. Across the harbor Hikokichi could see the warlord's personal yacht and a few of the MTBs stationed here. The armed delegation waiting for them was imposing as well, the distinct helmets reminding him of the helmets worn by samurai just a few decades back. Like their yacht, Hikikochi and his delegation stood out as well, the proper European suits standing out like a sore thumb. He could feel the eyes starting back at him, many of them just curious locals, but he knew a few of them would be Chinese spies. He might not like it, but his mission was to be seen...   

[Desertfox]

Early September

Captain Li Shang had been given a near impossible mission, sail halfway across the world, find the head of an organization that might not exist, in a country where very little was known about, and convince them that a revolution was possible in China, while keeping them away from Japan proper. All of this with limited funds. Shang himself, was Chinese. Born to a merchant family, his father had been executed for supposedly spying for Japan and his family had been forced to flee. Given asylum in Japan proper, the young man had quickly been recruited by Japanese Naval Intelligence and had shown his worth during the battles for Jeju. While loyal to the Japanese Empire, Shang was still a Chinese at heart, and looked forward to the day that they would be able to overthrow the Chinese Emperor and return to their homeland. So when he had been presented with this mission, however impossible it might seem, he had taken that opportunity. One that now had him halfway across the world from China in the Aztec city of Acapulco.

The trans-Pacific voyage had been rough on Shang's schooner. Unlike her sister ship's short voyage to Vladivostok, the Black Lotus had spent six weeks crossing the vast Pacific Ocean, and its voyage was not over yet. While the crew set about a combination of repairs, rest, and supply gathering, Shang set off to find his contact with only two names to guide him Long Feng and Diego Rivera, and find them he must for they where to be his ticket into Mayan territory.

[Desertfox]

Summary of Japanese News for H2/13

***

Captain Li Shang's mission is a success, after linking up with a communist cell in Acapulco, he then sails to Mayan territory where he links up with a small group of Chinese immigrants. The Black Lotus sets off back across the Pacific, somewhat more crowded than when it left. Her next stop is the Philippines.

***

Ambassador Hikokichi survives his short jaunt to Vladivostock. The diplomatic trip to the Horde accomplished its goals for the time being.

***

After the signing of the Brunei Peace Treaty the Tatsuta Maru continues on to Bangkok, however, that mission is inconclusive.

***

The Aikoku Maru and a Kobayashi Maru class auxiliary arrive in Acapulco. The harbor is teaming with activity.

***

Admiral Ozai arrives in Tokyo to a great reception for his victory at Bulalacao Bay. In honor of his victory he is awarded a lordship and the right to fly his personal banner from his flagship, in addition he is given command of the 1st Battle Squadron, the four newest battleships in the Imperial Navy.



For his actions, including the sinking of one Chinese Armored Cruiser, Lieutenant Commander Sokka is promoted to Commander and temporarily assigned to the submarines training school while his new command is under construction in Iberia. (another deal having been signed for 8 more submarines)

***

The cruiser Akashi completes a circumnavigation of Australia including a stop at the Roman colony of Adelaide.

***

Construction begins of an airship base near Manila.

***

In Seattle the cruisers Tsugaru and Aso begin preparations for a mission. Among the crew is Admiral Ozai's son Zuko.

***

Extensive sea traffic around Sydney, a major operation appears to be in the works.

[Desertfox]

Japanese News for H1/14

The Imperial Japanese Navy has announced the formation of two division of Australian light horse for the defense of the Navy's two new bases in Sydney and Melbourne. A training facility will be located on the Naval base in Melbourne and Aztec cavalry has been invited to provide instruction. Reportedly, Inca observers have been reported as well.

Based on combat experience both the Japanese Army and Navy are reported to be in talks to improve their small arms. The Army was impressed with the Arisaka's capability with the bayonet but are disappointed with the Arisaka 6.5/50 cartridge, considering it under-powered especially in jungle environments.  The Arisaka rifle is capable of handling more powerful rounds with the leading contender being the 7/57 (Mexican Type 38 Arisaka). The Naval Infantry having seen and used the smaller more rapid-fire Aztec weapons in action, is looking for a much smaller and more rapid firing carbine (Miroku's Winchester Type 1895 in 7/57), that will also be usable for the Naval Infantry's light horse divisions.

Additionally the Army has expressed disappointment with the coordination of landing operations and fire support provided by the Navy and has put out a tender for a fire support ship with command and control facilities. They are currently looking at both new builds or purchasing and upgrading a foreign ship.


***


The Foreign Affairs office has announced the completion of a deal with the Government of the Vilnius Union. As part of the deal the Japanese Government has committed to providing funding towards the Trans Erica Canal project. The completion of said canal project will give Japan easier economic access to the various European powers.

In order to safeguard said maritime routes, Japan was completed a second deal with the Vilnius Union for the purchase of the South American territories of Guyana. Strategically located in South America, Guyana will allow Japan to protect the maritime routers thru both the Trans Erica Canal or thru the South Atlantic.


***


The Foreign Affairs office has also announced their intention to send a goodwill cruise by the Tasuta Maru to Europe possibly in early 1915. Details and itineraries have not been finalized at this time, but the trip is expected to include every major power in the continent.

[The Rock Doctor]

To:  Imperial Japanese Army
From:  Vilnius Union

Dear Sir(s),

It has come to our attention that the Imperial Japanese Army may be interested in acquiring a fire support vessel to facilitate effective and efficient landing operations.

As it happens, the Vilnius Union Navy is currently disposing of its older Odwazny-class battleships.  Though the class is not a front-line combatant by the standards of modern naval warfare, it does possess certain attributes which may be considered desirable by an operator utilizing it in a supporting role:

-A heavy and an intermediate battery of reliable shipborne artillery
-Command and control facilities
-Adequate speed to keep pace with auxiliary vessels
-Coal bunkers for ease of logistics
-Simple reciprocating engines, for ease of maintenance and repair
-A hull known for good seakeeping and steadiness

The fourth unit of the class, Ryzykowny, has been decommissioned and is poised to go to the breakers in July of this year.  The Vilnius Union government would, however, be prepared to sell the vessel to the Imperial Japanese Army for the very reasonable price of $3.50.  This would include delivery of the vessel to a Japanese or third-party port of Japan's choosing in the latter half of 1914, along with full magazines of war shots.

Please consider this generous offer and, if interested, respond at your convenience.

Sincerely,

etc., etc.