An Empire Where the Sun Always Rises- A Japan V3 AAR

[hjarg]

The Second Decade- Spreading our Wings and Learning to Fly​

The years of 1846-1856 saw Japan continuing their way of expansion and industrialization at a breakneck pace. They adopted a lot from their western counterparts. By the end of the decade, Japan was no longer bluffing, but had the 9th largest navy in the world. 46 brigades with mobile cannons and line infantry and GDP of 58,9 million, making Japan the 6th largest economy in the world. Staggering growth from 28 million just a decade ago. GDP per capita was just 1,5 though and on this level, Japan was just 85th. Still, again quite a formidable growth from 0,82 and 157th place just a decade ago.

In the former decade, Japan had concentrated on nearby Indonesia, gaining control over most of the island of Borneo and northern part of Sumatra. Now, the nation set their sights elsewhere. Partially because the rest of Indonesia was under Dutch East Indies and Japan did not feel comfortable enough to start a play against them yet. Instead, Japan invaded the Malay peninsula and got themselves a foothold in Indochina. Then, to everyone’s surprise, they attacked Zulu in South Africa and gained a foothold there. They used this foothold to attack Transvaal and Orajne, two former Dutch colonies, now independent and alone in a hostile world. Final surprise was even greater though. Chile, in South America, got a taste of the Japanese wrath as they attacked the nation and took the capital region of Santiago to themselves.

This was not all though. During the time, Japan started their own colonization institution. Meaning the nation could not only conquer militarily, but also, crash on the decentralized, tribal natives. During the decade, Japan got themselves Tahiti and West Micronesia, finished colonizing the rest of Zululand and started colonizing Sulawesi Island in Indochina, Northern Cape in South Africa and South Island of New Zealand.

Japanese overseas territories and GDP

The Growing Industry

The main enabler of Japanese growth is of course the construction industry. Able to construct factories, mines, plantations, whatever needed at much larger pace then it was a decade ago. In fact, of the Great Powers, only France had more construction capacity than Japan. And of other powers, the Quing and the Company had more. Even better- the old wooden buildings were abandoned. Now, Japan builds exclusively with iron-framed buildings, making it more durable- and easier to build.

The Japanese construction sector

This of course demanded iron on an unprecedented scale. Japan lived up to the demand, with iron mines in Kanto, Tohoku and Shikoku popping up. Making Japan 3rd producer of iron worldwide. And the demand was still for more.

The iron industry

To support the iron industry, one needs the tooling industry and the coal industry. And tools and coal were needed by pretty much everything else as well. At the moment, Japan was 5th in coal and 3rd in tools production- and there was a screaming demand for more of both.

Coal, tools and the tooling workshop in Edo

Of new industries, Japan also started steel production of their own and in addition, their very own industry of making steam engines. Steel was also used to produce high-quality tools. On both of these goods, Japan was the 3rd producer in the world. Engines was especially interesting. There were Prussia and the United States that produced a few. There were Belgium, Finland and New South Wales who each had one factory. Then, there was Japan, with 3 factories. And on what seemed to be unobtainable levels at the time were France and Great Britain.

Steel and engines

The main driver for engines was of course the railway. Another recent thing in Japan. Just a few years ago, the first lines were built. At the moment, in Japanese islands, the only places without a railway yet were the state of Chukoku and the Islands of Hokkaido and Ryukyu. Rest of the Islands had at least one, if not several lines of railway. Plus, in Acheh and Malaya. And in Africa, the Zululand-Transvaal line. Again, the Japanese started this a bit late, but they did put a lot of effort into it. Currently, Japan is again the 3rd producer of transportation in the world and is on their way to catch up with France.

The Infrastructure in Japan. The thirdmost nation with railways

The more traditional industries also were either expanded or caught new production methods. Or both. For instance, the paper mills switched to sulfite pulping, able to make more and better quality paper and the glass industries started using lead. The furniture industries, clothing ones and food ones just grew.

Various other industries in Japan

There was still a shortage of pretty much everything though. Mostly luxuries, yes. Luxury clothes, tobacco, porcelain and luxury furniture were in high demand and short supply. The same applied to regular clothes and the price of grain and fish was growing as well. Not to mention the price of groceries. It was kind of understandable though. Japan had concentrated on industries that enabled the industrial revolution and perhaps had neglected these industries a bit. And had totally neglected farming. In the coming decade, this needs to be addressed.

The Japanese Market- or a shortage of everything

One thing the Japanese had not neglected though was gold. That sweet-sweet gold. Gold is what lured the Japanese into Borneo. Gold is what lured the Japanese to South Africa. And gold is what lured the Japanese into Chile. Thanks to this, the Japanese are by far the 1st producer of gold in the entire world. Japan produces 872 units of gold each week, the second place holder Mexico 373 and third place, Russia, 285. And Japan is far from done with it. The new mines in Vryuustat and Transvaal are still under construction, as are some elsewhere.

All that gold in South Africa.

This means that the Japanese budget is much healthier than it would be otherwise. And it is predicted that in just a few years, gold will be the main source of income in Japan- once these nice mines are complete.

Gold is really helping to keep Japan afloat

The Societal Changes

Despite all of the progress, most of the Japanese population was still peasants, toiling away in their subsistence farms. Yes, they were not serfs any more, but still, more than 62% of the Japanese population was struggling with their everyday existence in their small fields. An improvement though- Japan started with nearly 85% of these people. Still, in 1856, Japan was an agrarian state where most of the population worked in the fields, toiling from dusk to dawn and praying that the harvest would not fail, or else there would be hunger. And the ratio of peasants versus more modern farmers was nothing to write home about as well.

Still an agrarian country

Perhaps the best way to look at the difference in population is in the city of Nagoya and the state of Chubu. There is still a massive population of peasants, toiling their fields and struggling. There are aristocrats residing over them. Not struggling, but still not living very lavishly. Compared to people who work in a more modern rice farm, at least the farm-holders live a good life. Aristocrats and clergy as well. Laborers are still struggling.

Peasants and aristocrats of subsistence farms versus farmers and aristocrats of rice farms in Chubu

When compared to furniture factories in Nagoya, it is clear that the Capitalists are living a really good life. The Engineers are better off than aristocrats in subsistence farms. The machinists as well. Even the lowly laborers are actually getting paid properly and live a good life compared to the peasants or even laborers in farms.

Compare that to furniture industry in the City of Nagoya

Still, it was without doubt that Japanese society was changing. The nation had abandoned the traditional economy and instead, instituted interventionism and the base economic model. There had been a tax reform, moving away from land-based taxation to per-capita taxation. The Shogunate also instituted a secret police, special forces tasked with bonking the heads of people who disagreed with the changes. And colonization, for sometimes you can get new land just by settling in, no need for warfare.

The Laws

Most important, though in a very long run, was the institution of public schools. Now, every Japanese child was required to go through basic education, learning to at least read and write. This resulted in a literacy rate of 31,22% of the Japanese population knowing how to read. Not much, you say? Still almost 10% higher than it was a decade ago. Combined with new universities, the speed of technological advances in Japan also grew to almost twice the speed it had been just a decade before.

Learning to read

The school institution would be grown soon in the future, reaching level 3. The colonial institution is also at level 2, while secret police and law enforcement are still on level 1. Still, this was quite a strain on the Japanese bureaucracy and thanks to bureaucratic reform during the decade, the Japanese bureaucracy had become much more efficient.

The Institutions

As for the government, thanks to new elections, the Imperial Rule party was still in power, with the Shogunate or the daimyos still being in control of the nation. Their time was waning though. Soon. And Ienari Tokugawa was still in power. Despite his age of 82, the old man doesn’t seem to get a hint.

The Old Guard is still going strong

The World

Nothing much had happened in the world. Zollverin, or the Prussian market, had collapsed back to its normal state- meaning most of the German countries were in their own market. Prussia had also lost wars against the French and the Austrians. German unification was still miles off. The Lone Star State was still independent and neither the USA nor Mexico had annexed them. The USA had also lost some land to Brits- the province of Portsmouth in New Hampshire was now a treaty port for the British Empire. The Ottoman Empire was still holding on to the city of Constantinople. The French had started colonization of Kenya and the Brits of Cameroon. And Spain took one province from Borneo from Dutch East Indies.

The world and top countries by GDP

 

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You’re Not Rich Enough to Matter​

“Hah,” said Yoshimichi with a jubilant voice. “We’ve done it!”

“I’m totally sure that the realization of what just transpired will be lost to pretty much everyone,” said Asashi.

“No, not quite, I think. Both the daimyos and the samurai were pretty pissed off from the beginning. Especially the daimyos,” said Yoshimichi thoughtfully.

Not the most popular law

“But still, the true realization will come next year. When they try to vote and at the ballots, they’re told, “Sorry, according to our data, you’re not rich enough.””, laughed Asashi.

“This is kinda cruel,” said Yoshimichi.

“Why?”

“Well, we have cut most of the clergy from political life. They have enjoyed their privileges for centuries now.”

“True that...” said Asashi. “But they could be taken down a notch.”

“Agreed. But even worse- when you’re a smaller vassal of daimyos, ruling over your village or couple. Just two decades ago, you used to own the peasants and you were important. Now though, now you’re... poor nobody, with no influence, no real power...” said Yoshimichi.

You aren't rich enough to vote. You neither.

“They won’t rebel though, right?” Asashi looked a bit worried.

“The beauty of being poor nobody with no influence, no real power- and no real numbers- they don’t have the power to do so. Sure, some might look at their katanas longingly and think of the old glory days, but they cannot get enough people behind them. And when they do, our armed forces are armed with cannons, not katanas,” Yoshimichi grinned at the last sentence.

“And I’m sure you and your capitalist buddies have no issues with fulfilling the wealth quota,” asked Asashi.

“None whatsoever,” replied the old man: Now, his grin was from ear to ear.

“So, what will happen now?” asked Asashi.

“We shall see. The elections are still a little over a year away. But I think we’re into major change.”

It was May of 1857. Japan has adopted a new law. Now, instead of land, anyone with high enough wealth could vote. Though, to be fair, it was a very high bar. The only ones who fitted under the bar easily were capitalists.

Your votes matters. If you're filthy rich.

“Migration controls?” said Asashi. “Why these?”

“Mostly because we like it,” replied Yoshimichi. “And also because the don’t seem to be making anyone else very much upset. Apart from peasants.”

“Again with aristocracy?” asked Asashi

“Yes, pretty much everything else we would love to implement is an affront to them, and they’re angry as it is.”

“Oh well, controlled migration it is then,” replied the Emperor.

Mostly because anything else would press Shogunate over the edge

Agricultural Revolution

For the past decades, Japan has been concentrating on building up and to a smaller extent, modernizing, their industry. This also meant that the agricultural sector had been pretty much neglected. Seen as mostly as the place where to get labor for the growing industries, but apart from building some new cotton plantations in Chubu, pretty much nothing had happened in the agriculture sector. The heavily industrializing nation relies still heavily for basic foodstuff to be delivered by the subsistence farms. Until in June 1856, Japan discovered intensive agriculture.

Grain production prior to this

Yes, this involved building some chemical factories in Kyoto. Start of the Japanese chemical manufacturing, once they were complete. But the first step was actually very simple. Changing the production methods of livestock ranches all over Japan. So that cattle now gets more grain, then shits more and as a result, they grow a bit faster and shit a bit more. And that shit can be collected and sold to farms as manure, who in turn adopted more soil-enriching farming methods.

Cows eat grain, cows shit, shit is used to grow more grain. Circle of life.

That simple change resulted in all rice, millet and wheat farms in the Empire suddenly becoming more productive. The output of all the proper farms grew almost twofold- and there even weren't too many of them around. Yes, subsistence farms were still the main source of food, but in time, that will surely change as well.

Grain production afterwards

Other News

The Japanese adopted the Stock Exchange in August 1856. While the main idea of it- more competitive trade routes, was kind of pointless at the moment, there were other benefits. Like the ability to enact protectionist or free trade. And also, a free trade party. Something for industrialists. Followed by Crystal Glass in December. The latter meant a production method where wood is completely abandoned by the glass factories and the lead is used in unholy quantities. Japan began the process of transforming, but it was obvious more lead was needed first.

Advancements keep on happening

In July of 1857, Japan reached another milestone. The construction industry now reached level 200. Meaning the nation can build like it had never built before. Several mines of factories or farms could be constructed simultaneously and Japan would industrialize at a really scary pace.

200 construction and the budget is still positive!

In March 1858, Japan discovered a new type of infantry. Just one thing- the skirmishers demanded pre-manufactured munitions and Japan did not have a clue how to make these. Yet.

It's a shame we can't have munitions yet

Things that Go Boom!

Since forever, the traditional tool for a miner has been a pickaxe. They chip away the rock and gather the valuable parts. It is hard, back-breaking labor, carried out in the dark mines. Until September 1857, when Japan discovered nitroglycerin. An explosive substance that could create enough boom equivalent to a horde of miners with pickaxes. Just, using explosives in narrow corridors underground is generally a bad idea, but nitroglycerin required very careful handling as well. Just looking at it the wrong way could set off a powerful explosion.

Things that go boom

So, Japan decided that they will not implement nitroglycerin. Safety comes first and all that, right? Well, apart from gold mines that is. Here, gold comes first. The recently completed chemical plants in Edo now switched to producing explosives and Borneo was first to implement nitroglycerin in mining. Soon, every gold mine in Japan was using them.

Things that go boom are now used for things that go cling. At the cost of many workers

This resulted in a very nice budget surplus for Japan. The gold reserves were growing, gold had become the biggest source of income for Japan and though the government wages were also on the rise, things looked really up for the Japanese.

Gold is doing pretty ok here.

Caviar Elections

The elections of 1858 went about as expected. The voters, or basically people who were filthy rich, had high demands for the candidates and therefore, the meetings of candidates with voters were exquisite events where caviar flowed freely. Thus, the name.

The sole winner was the Industrialists, who, incidentally, now became powerful. The Imperial Rule Party still gained most of the votes though, and Intelligentsia did a nice job as well. But even Tokugawa Ienari agreed that perhaps it was time for a change. For the first time, Shogunate was kicked out of the government, as were the rest of Imperial Rule Party members. Instead, a coalition was formed by the Constitutional Reform Party and Industrialists. While the Shogunate and the Monks got under the very special attention of the newly formed Secret Police.

The new government. The Shogunate and Monks are getting suppressed.

“It took us more than two decades to get this far,” said Yoshimichi to Asashi. “When we started this journey with your father, we were unsure if this would ever happen.”

“But here we are!” said Asashi jubilantly and took another spoonful of caviar. “I love these elections!”

 

[hjarg]

Fall of the Shogunate. Volume 1.​

“We did it! The daimyos are no longer powerful!” exclaimed Asashi.

“They still have plenty of clout,” reminded Yoshimichi with a calmer voice.

“But this is the first step! And with them out of the government, we can really begin the process of instituting Me as the true head of Japan!”. There was a jubilation in the voice of the now 28 years old young man.

The Shogunate, no longer powerful. And poor Mori.

“It will still take about a decade, or more,” Yoshimichi remarked. “The complete erosion of Shogun’s power takes their sweet time...”

“Just, how will it end?”

“I imagine peacefully,” said Yoshimichi, thoughtfully. “Once Ienari understands he has got no-one left to support him, he will be forced to step down...”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“In that case, we have the army on our side, the daimyos stripped of power and Ienari will discover that he is all alone. But I imagine it will not come to that...”

“So, what do we do now?”

“Keep doing what we keep doing. Erode the support of Shogunate and Monks. Keep them out of government. Keep the wars at bare minimum- and in a decade, you shall stand up as Emperor Komei, the true ruler of Japan. “

Restoration is well underway

“Komei restoration has a nice ring to it,” said Asashi, dreamily. Then, he raised his cup. “To that!”

“To that,” agreed Yoshimichi.

On other news, Migration Controls was surprisingly enacted in June 1859.

This came much faster then expected

“I want to rid us from the Monks next- to institute Total Separation,” said Yoshimichi. “But for this, it would be good if the monks became marginalized. I suggest we wait.”

Asashi looked kind of surprised. “You don’t want to open the markets?”

“Not yet. I don’t want to piss off the daimyos again. And our economy, while in positive, could use a bit of a fatter buffer.”

Asashi just nodded. “Then, we wait”

Into Oceania and Other Fun Places

During this time, Japan started active expansion into Oceania. The small islands or island groups there one by one had Japanese flags over them.

First was Fiji. Colonization began in October 1858 and by January 1859, Japan was in full control. Then, Tonga. Done by July 1859. And it was Solomon Islands then.

Meanwhile, the northern part of Northern Cape was completely colonized in October 1859. Mostly known for gold, though not in as great quantities as Transvaal and Vrystaat next to it.

Then, Solomon Islands were done by May 1860 and Nauru was next. Incidentally, this was done by July and now, Japan turned their attention to East Micronesia.

Then, it was time for change. In May 1859, Japanese discovered Pharmaceuticals, followed by Quinine in October 1860. For there was a terrible bane in most of the areas that the Japanese were able to settle- malaria. Quinine helped a lot and now, Japan turned their attention more to Africa.

Pharmaceuticals and Quinine

New colonies were established in nearby regions of South Africa- Tswana, Matabele and Nama. Plus, a nearby region of Herero. And in addition, Japan also began colonizing the Congo region. All were quite hostile places to live. Malaria was still rampant, though quinine helped a bit. Still, it would be a long time before these plans came to fruition.

New colonies popping up. And then growing. Very slowly

This also slowed the Pacific colonization down, but overall, this was considered no biggie. Japan had colonized quite a bit of these islands, but apart from some agricultural and lumbering potential, the islands had nothing else of value. It was more a prestige project- or a project to keep the other nations off the Pacific. Not that any had expressed any interest in it.

This is mostly Japanese Green, honest!

Other News

In April 1860, the Japanese army went through complete modernization. Now, every brigade was officially using line infantry with mobile artillery. Still no ammunition though, so while there was an option to adopt skirmishers, it was still not possible.

Everything is nicely lined up

First serious investment in agriculture happened during the end of 1859-summer of 1860. About 20 new rice farms were constructed in the Kansai region, in addition to 3 existing ones. These farms alone managed over half the production of grain that all the subsistence farms in Japan were able to pull off. Showing clearly that the future of agriculture was there.

One farming complex, able to produce half of the total production of subsistence farms,

In October 1860, the Petite Bourgeoisie became influential. Led by Nakamuta Goro, a pacifist of all things. Fortunately, they were quite happy. Unfortunately for Japan, some changes made would make them quite unhappy. Followed by the new leader of Intelligentsia in December. Ito Mineo, a firebrand and pious man. Perfect leader for the most liberal faction in the Empire, right?

This is one interesting intelligentsia leader

Baking powder was discovered in January 1861. Followed by a small revolution in the food industry, as the price of groceries fell deeply with the new production methods expanded. Groceries, a good that had been very expensive, fell suddenly as the new methods flooded the market. In a few months, the demand normalized again, but Japanese could enjoy a cheap source of food for a while.

One of the most exiting things that happened to Japan at the time- Baking Powder!

Overall, nothing much happened. Japan had increased their construction potential to 240 and was building like there was no tomorrow. Still was not enough to meet the actual need for construction, as demands seemed to be growing faster than supply. The main difference seemed to be that now, Japan built in batches, not single factories any more. Five or even ten of the same building was becoming the norm. Still, Japan had a shortage of clothes, of furniture, or glass, and now also a bit of a shortage of lumber. Even though the builders were working full-time, the needs of the Empire seemed to be growing much faster. Still, perhaps a good indication of the pace is that during this 4-year period, Japanese GDP grew over 10 million.

 

[hjarg]

The First True War​

On 23rd February of 1861, Japan turned their eyes towards Siam. A nice little place just nearby, with one very special benefit- the lands were very suitable for growing opium. Japan, itching for some narc trade themselves, could not just not resist the opportunity.

Going after opium

The thing is, the growing Japanese threat in the region has made some strange bedfellows. Siam and Dutch East Indies. A smaller western power, sure. Still, a western power with a relatively modern army and quite good mobilization reserves. And with a lot of common borders with Japan. Meaning, this will be the first Japanese direct confrontation with the West.

And indeed it was. Dutch East Indies did not hesitate to join. This meant two fronts in Borneo, one in Sumatra and a main one in the Malay peninsula, where Japanese had to push northwards through the Malay peninsula to push into the heart of Siam.

For this, the Japanese recruited some more generals. Kujo Nariaka, an alcoholic, who is good at defending. And then, Ito Takamori and Kamimura Toshimichi. Both are good at attacking, a feature sorely lacking by current Japanese generals. And a feature sorely needed to break through the Dutch ranks.

An alcoholic and two offensive generals.

Also, a general who was a general two decades ago, Egawa Hideatsu, got the boot, much to the dismay of daimyos, who became unhappy again.

Thank you for your service. Now it is time to retire.

But since the Dutch were so nice to join, the Japanese decided to add the conquest of West Borneo to the table as well, while Siam demanded the release of Aceh and Brunei.

The war broke out on 13th of June, 1861. Just Siam, their vassals and Dutch East Indies against Japan.

Let the fun begin!

The Siamese gathered in the Malay peninsula. Japan had Tomonouske Jutoku there, with orders to defend, for there were not so many Japanese. Meanwhile, the Dutch amassed in West Borneo, attempting a breakthrough to the Japanese part of the island. The Japanese split their forces into three. One army in Sumatra, one taking East Borneo and one containing the Dutch in West Borneo.

Battle plan in place

The first battles proved one thing- the Dutch are good on defense. Japan is going to have a hard time breaking through their lines. But the Dutch and the Japanese stand on almost equal footing. Meanwhile, the Siamese army is what the Japanese army was two decades ago.

Easy with the Siamese. The Dutch, not so much.

By August, the Japanese had taken Sumatra and East Borneo and all the forces were now advancing on Dutch pocket in West Borneo. Meanwhile, the front in Malaya stayed unmoved, with Siamese lemming-like attacks on Japanese lines.

Sumatra and East Borneo fell without resistance

In September, the Japanese got their first victory against the Dutch, pushing the enemy back a bit.

Meanwhile, there was a bit too much Japanese in Borneo. So, in September, it was decided that since all the Siamese troops are so conveniently gathered in the Malay peninsula, perhaps it is high time for Japanese to use their naval superiority and do a small naval invasion to Bangkok?

In November 1861, the Japanese fought against a small Siamese fleet, sunk it to the bottom Followed by invasion of Kamimura Toshimichi. Finding nothing but a small garrison on his way, the Japanese basically brushed them aside and occupied most of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Surprise landing!

This caused the Siamese troops to madly rush from Malay back to defend, causing the Japanese there to abandon defense and move on the offensive. Meaning, soon the enemy was in total disarray.

The Japanese are moving from two directions

Meanwhile, the situation in Borneo was bloody. The Japanese attacked, almost cornered the Dutch. Then, the Dutch fought back. Then, the Japanese pushed again. Battles won and lost were almost equal, but the Japanese pushed a bit more every time. Until in May 1862, the Japanese managed to finally push the Dutch out of Borneo. Resulting in all the troops happily continuing the fight in Sulawesi.

It was a tough battle, but ended in Japanese victory. And then, they moved to Sulawesi

Lost of their capital, Japanese coming up the Malay Peninsula and roaming free on their heartlands left Siam was in shambles and on 20th of June 1862, the enemy collapsed and was forced to admit the supremacy of the Japanese. In addition, Japanese got to keep their vassals and Japanese own and the Siamese tributary of Luang Prabang as a brand new Japanese tributary state.

Siam, with a nicer shade of green.

Unfortunately, the Dutch did not get the hint and continued the fight. Now, the Japanese generals were itching to join the fight in Sulawesi, but then, the Japanese paused for a thought. Look, the Dutch are defending a small front in some god-forsaken island, right? Meaning their capital of Batavia is totally open to attack, right? So, Kamimura Toshimichi was instead sent to invade West Java.

Surprise!

Arriving in early August, the Japanese took Batavia by complete surprise. Soon, the Dutch capital was under the Japanese control and this was enough to force the Dutch East Indies to surrender to the Japanese as well. On 25th of August, the peace was signed, with the Japanese gaining Dutch West Borneo.

Victory over the Dutch

This was the first Japanese victory against western military. Yes, western colonial military who was not quite on par with the French or the Brits, but western nevertheless.


Opening Up

“This is bad,” exclaimed Yoshimichi. “Bad-bad-bad!”

“What?” said Asashi.

“The war is expensive, the daimyos are pissed off and withholding taxes and now, my fellow capitalists don’t feel so loyal any more...”

“Why? Not like they have something to complain about?”

“Not moving fast enough, not doing enough to make them feel special and such...” said Yoshimichi with a sigh. “Come on, two decades ago, they were happy just to be noticed.. But now.”

The sudden lack of loyal capitalists was really felt.

“Humans are always wanting more and more,” replied Asashi, showing perhaps a bit too much cynicism for his age.

“Anyway, the Shogunate gold reserves have recovered, so things are not that bad, but still, we are losing more than 40 000 pounds per week. This can’t keep on going for long,” said Yoshimichi.

“How about we make the capitalists happy again? It is something we have been itching for a while, too,” suggested Asashi.

“Break the isolation,” asked Yoshimichi.

“Yes. I think it is time,” replied Asashi.

“I think you are right. To think it would take capitalists withholding their investments to do that...” said Yoshimichi.

Time to finally open up

Elections of 1862 or Fall of the Monks

The Imperial Rule Party, that used to be the Shogunate, the Samurai and the Monks, fell apart due to internal disagreements when the campaign began. Just the Monks remained, while the Samurai and the Shogunate both went independent. At the same time, Industrialists formed a Free Trade Party, where they were the only members.

It went pretty well. If you did not happen to be Monks, that is. Industrialists and Intelligentsia won the elections by far. The surprise factor was also the rise of the Trade Unions, who finally got out of obscurity and joined the Constitutional Reform party. Resulting in a bit higher legitimacy and coalition of three parties. This had also unexpected outcome- the Trade Unions were in support of Protectionism as well, adding their minor clout to the success of opening up Japan.

An unexpected third partner

As for the monks, their defeat was absolute. Number of people who voted for the Imperial Rule Party was so low that the Party never recovered. Once, a mighty power of backwards people, the party was dismantled as the monks went their way into obscurity. Meanwhile, the Shogunate enjoyed a whopping 8% of support. Their downfall was not that far off as well.

One down

Other News

In July 1861, Japanese adopted postal savings. Allowing the Japanese to have bigger savings. Yes, this will not be a problem for a while. Followed by Canneris in November. The usage of airtight containers meant the food could be preserved longer and canned tuna became the Japanese speciality soon. It also increased output of factories by a margin.

At least one is useful

Colonization of Vanuatu was completed in February 1862. Followed with Japan settling the last available island in the Pacific- Bougainville. That was completed in July. Meaning, most of the small islands in the Pacific Ocean were flying the Japanese flag. In addition, in June, the Japanese completed the colonization of South Island. Half of New Zealand was Japanese. Apart from Kanak that the Brits managed to grab in 1861,

Japanese New Zealand

 

[hjarg]

The End of Sakoku Laws​

When Asashi entered the run-down teahouse, the first thing he noticed was that Yoshimichi was not alone. Another man, much younger than Yoshimichi, was sitting next to him. Around the age of Asashi, actually. Both dressed as peasants, but upon closer inspection, neither could be further from the peasant. Power and wealth oozed from them, despite their ragger garments.

Yoshimichi noticed Asashi entering, poked the younger man and then, both he and Asashi watched in amusement as the man panicked. Unable to decide if it would be appropriate to kneel and kiss the ground or would it be strange if one peasant acted this way towards the other or should he simply stand and bow deeply or...

Asashi solved the problem by quickly moving to the table, sitting down and making a quick bow, as to an equal. “Good day, I’m Asashi. I don’t believe we met?”

Yoshmichi smiled and said “Nice to see you again, Asashi,” and once again poked the younger man.

Such familiarity seemed to have shocked the younger man even more. It took much of his willpower to just smile, make a slight bow and say “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Asashi. I’m Yutaka” to the Emperor of Japan. In a bit more stammering way and turning red as a beet in the process.

Yoshimichi smiled and said to Asashi: “Reminds me of my first meeting with your father, you know.”

“But, I believe you have met, actually,” he said to Asashi.

Now, it was Asashi’s turn to wonder. “Really?”

“Yutaka actually is the son of your fathers courtier. You might have met him when you were just wee boys.”

“What, really?” wondered Asashi. Turning to Yutaka, and adding: “Sorry, you don’t look familiar at all.”

“That’s because in 1836, when Ienari sent the first ambassador to Great Britain, your father smuggled his father with him.”

“And since according to Sakoku laws, leaving Japan is a crime punishable by death, this was a kind of permanent assignment. Ahh... wait, you’re the Hatanaka boy?”

The realization dawned on Asashi. Then, he said: “My father always commended the reports of your father. Said that they gave him a very good picture of the situation in Europe. And well, I agree with him. Terribly sorry about him. What was it, almost a decade ago already? Dying half a world away from home...”

After some quick calculations in his head, he added: “By Gods! You have been abroad for almost three decades...”

Yutaka nodded. “Would be three decades in 1866. Was 11 when I left...”

“Gods!” said Asashi again. “You have spent most of your life abroad...”

“Because under Sakoku, returning home would leave him a head shorter,” added Yoshimichi.

Yutaka added: “... and I happen to like my head very much.”

“So, what did you do all these three decades?” wondered Asashi.

“Well, first I went to school of course. Eton first, but then father decided it was time to expand my horizons and sent me to Sorbonne in Paris for university instead.”

“And then?”

“Then, well, your father had provided my father with enough means that we were actually very well off. I used some of this capital to start my own textile factory in Paris. It turned out to be a success, so I expanded, then expanded some more, then moved to other areas. In short, I became very wealthy.”

“The Japanese capitalist in Europe,” said Asashi. Pondering. “I have heard of it, but I always thought it to be kind of far-fetched... guess I was wrong.”

“So, why are you here?” he turned to Yutaka.

“Because I missed Japan,” the man replied. “As soon as I heard that you are finally canceling the Sakoku law, I sold my possessions and chartered a ship, sailing home. Since Saoku is no longer in effect, I can keep my head and my wealth- and finally see Mount Fuji again.”

“And to invest all that nice money to Japan,” Yoshimichi added.

“No, I mean why Yoshimichi took you here,” Asashi clarified.

“His father was writing to your father,” Yoshimichi said. “While Yutaka here was corresponding with me. Some of his advice has been pretty good...”

“And some of the advice you gave me was very beneficial for me as well,” Yutaka added.

“And I am getting old,” Yoshimichi continued. “In fact, I have already ordered construction of a nice villa in Tahiti, where I plan to spend my final years, doing nothing. But we need someone to carry on the torch.”

“So, you’re suggesting Yutaka to take over as you, the secret voice behind the industrialists?” asked Asashi.

“He has a unique western perspective, after all,” Yoshimichi added. “And knows how the western industries work.”

“But his Japanese experience... is kind of outdated.”

“Oh yes,” said Yutaka. “It is amazing, you know. I left behind a deeply rural, backwards Japan. And have returned to a modern, industrialized country. But I have been keeping up, you know.”

“What would you propose we do next?” asked Asashi.

“I suggest we hit the final nail in the monks coffin,” Yutaka didn’t even need a minute to gather his thoughts. “They’re insignificant and in order to ensure that they will continue to be so, I think it is high time to institute Total Separation.”

“Plus, the Japanese Empire had grown significantly. We have muslims, we have Christians, we have animistists. All these people would feel perhaps a little happier, and a little less inclined to revolt if we did not discriminate against them based on their faith,” Yutaka continued.

Time to make the monks even more insignificant.

“We still discriminate against them based on their nationality,” Ashashi pointed out. “But fair enough, I see your point.”

“When do you plan to retire,” the Emperor turned to Yoshimichi.

“A few years in time,” the old man replied.

“Ok, I am willing to give Yutaka a chance,” said Asashi.

“I will do my best to fit into the shoes of Yoshimichi,” the ex-western capitalist replied.

It was May 1864. Japan had abolished the Sakoku laws and abandoned their isolation of more then two centuries.

The end of Sakoku laws

Freedom to Trade

The first effect of the opening of the border was the total collapse of Shogun’s authority. Isolationism had granted a significant boost to the authority of the Shogun and well, that just wasn’t there anymore.

Suddenly, serious lack of authority

The Empire had now a choice- keep suppressing the monks and daimyos. Or stop consumption taxes on several luxury goods. Of course, the choice was obvious- suppression is more fun. Japan stopped consumption taxes on porcelain, luxury furniture and yea, but kept taxing liquor, tobacco and services. Still, this caused Japanese income to drop significantly, making it almost 40 000 in the red each month.

Followed by serious cutback of consumption taxes

There was freedom to trade though. Japan used that- for example, excess iron to Prussian and Quing markets, explosives to the British market, sugar and dyes to the Austrian market. And from another way- furniture from the Spanish market. In time, the list would grow, but for now, Japan was making their first steps in international trade.

First steps in international trade

Other News

In September 1862, the Japanese adopted percussion cap. Meaning, new munitions plants could be built and three of them started construction in Tohoku right away- and were given a priority. When they were complete in May 1863, the entire Japanese army switched over to skirmisher infantry. Making it one of the most modern infantries in the world. No longer was Japan lagging behind, but was instead ahead of most nations.

With this, the Japanese army is one of the most modern ones

In December 1862, Japanese finished Mechanical Production. Meaning sewing machines to textile mills and mechanized workshops for furniture factories. Since Japan was currently in a deep shortage of both furniture and clothes, the switch was made immediately and it showed. The price of furniture for example dropped from 70% plus to 26% plus.

Not so bad shortage no more.

Also in December, Mori Takachika continued his favorite pastime of shooting himself in the foot. For his new scheme of instituting the daimyos back to power had failed spectacularly, with Ienari himself getting into one of his angrier fits. This made the daimyos even less happy, but it also made a serious dent in the already waning popularity of the daimyos.

Few have done so much to destroy the power of the Shogunate then Mori.

In June 1863, rubber was successfully grown in Malaya. What the Japanese were to do with rubber was a bit unclear yet, but hey, it’s good to know you have rubber when you need it.

Bit of an early start

December 1863 saw the death of Kujo Tomonouske, the formal leader of the Industrialists. He was replaced by Mitsune Kantaro, a tactful diplomat and a man with moderate views. Of course, Yoshimichi kept pulling the strings.

New "head" of industrialists

Meanwhile, the USA had convinced Texas to join the union. Much to the dismay of Mexicans, who thought of it as their own land. They could tolerate free Texas, but apparently, US Texas was too much of them. And thus, in the end of 1863, they started a play to regain Texas. And managed to get the French to help them. Not willing to fight the most powerful nation at the time, Americans backed down in January of 1864, ceding Texas back to Mexico.

Texas, safely back in Mexican hands

 

[hjarg]

Things That Go Boom!​

In July 1864, two things happened. First was Chemical Bleaching. Or basically, an opportunity to produce bone china and more importantly, to apply paper bleaching production methods in paper mills. The latter was applied instantly, much to the joy of bureaucrats, who could now enjoy a much better quality paper at a much reduced price. And it smelled nice as well. Meanwhile, this also caused the price of dyes and sulfur to go up, but at least for the government, the cost was normalized.

This created a nice price drop in paper

Now, nitroglycerin was discovered some time ago. The thing was- it was kind of unstable. Sometimes, looking at it the wrong way caused the explosive to go boom and it was a powerful boom. Therefore, the Japanese had avoided using them in other mines. Aparat from gold mines, that is. But then, someone accidentally mixed the nitroglycerin with diatomite and to his great surprise, wasn’t blown to little pieces. Instead, he got a more stable, but almost as powerful explosive called the dynamite.

Better boom!

First, the gold industry got the new dynamite and there was much cheering, for the number of mining accidents involving huge explosives decreased significantly. The Japanese government cheered as well, for now, more gold could be mined. You know, due to the work being not disrupted because someone looked at a crate of nitroglycerin the wrong way and it exploding and disrupting work and forcing HR to work overtime to get some new miners.

Initial adoption.

This also meant that once again, the Japanese budget was in the green. Then, the sulfur and lead mines got dynamite. Then, the iron mines in February 1865. This caused quite a shortage of the dynamite, but new factories were being built. And it also caused Japan to be the number one producer of dynamite in the world by far. And quite a mining power overall as well. For example, number 2 in iron.

Minting, the biggest profit-generator

Shikoku

The Island of Shikoku was not a powerhouse of industry. In fact, it had a few glass factories and was the heart of Japanese military shipbuilding, but neither was really big. Quite the opposite. What it did have was an extensive mining operation. Iron and sulfur were mined in great quantities. Plus, their logging industry was quite big. In addition, it was the main Japanese place for growing dyes, plus a construction sector employing 25 000 people and 5000 soldiers.

Shikoku, mostly mines and dye plantations

It also had no peasants left. Not a single one. All the traditional villages lay fallow while people had moved to work in either the mines or in the dye farms or in the few other modern farms in the area. Or who had just gone to search for a better life elsewhere in the Empire.

Meanwhile, in other states, the peasants still made up about half of the population. Shikoku was perhaps a harbinger of a new era. Where old ways are completely abolished. Or a shining beacon to rest of Japan, showing how good could life get if they abandon the old ways and embrace the new ones.

Standard of living can be pretty high if there are no peasants around

As to alleviate issues with Shikoku now, for the first time, Japan used additional mechanization. Mostly in the form of rail lines being extended towards the plantations and mines, making the transport of goods less labor-intensive.

Onwards to New and Healthier Life

“This went much better than expected,” commented Asashi.

“More faster than expected,” Yutaka corrected him.

“First try,” cheered Yoshimichi.

First try!

“Not like anyone really cared though,” commented Yutaka. “The intelligentsia are happier, the monks are utterly pissed off, but no-one cares about no monks no more...”

“This means some difficult choices though,” said Yutaka

“Like what?” said Yoshimichi

“Like, we are going to have to give up taxing smoking,” replied the younger capitalist with a sigh. “Apparently, you can’t be too liberal and still tax vices..”

“How bad is it?”

“A bit over 10k per week,” said Yutaka. “If we hadn’t gotten the dynamite, we would be really feeling it. The aristocracy have fortunately mellowed again as well, so things are still a bit positive.”

“So, now we don’t discriminate people based on their religion no longer,” said Asashi

“No, just based on their race and nationality,” replied Yoshimichi.

At least we are not discriminating based on religion. This is good, right?

“So, what changed?” asked Ashashi.

“We now discriminate them a bit less,” shrugged Yutaka. “They should feel happy.”

“Oh well,” Asashi dropped it for another time. “What now?”

“I think it is high time for the Japanese to get a proper health system.”

“For the rich?” Asashi looked, kind of amused.

“For everyone who can afford,” replied Yoshimichi.

“Pretty much for everyone who is not a peasant, actually,” added Yutaka.

“This is a rare one,” added Yoshimichi. “We, the industrialists, like it. Everyone else just does not care...”

“Have it your way,” said the Emperor.

Not a soul really cares

Other Matters

In August, the first Japanese art academy was built in Edo. It did not start off very strongly though.

At the end of August, the Japanese adopted the screw frigate. For about two decades, the Japanese had used paddle steamers, but now, it was time to abandon them in favor of much more efficient screw-driven ships.

Finally, some improvement

This also revolutionized shipbuilding, one of the last bastions of old-style production. The shipyards in Shikoku and Kyushu were still operating as merchant guilds, a leftover of the old times. Now, it changes. The shopkeepers were out, capitalists were in and the shipyards retooled themselves to more machinery-based production. Incidentally, increasing the production of ships and it was high time for it, too. Simple merchant ships were getting too expensive, not to mention the military ships. Now, there is one last bastion of the old guild-based production in the Japanese lands. Arms industry.

Modernizing the shipbuilding industry

In May 1865, the Japanese adopted Psychiatry, allowing for more influence. In November, the Japanese adopted Power of the Purse, giving more freedom for captains to make purchases. Much needed change, for the Japanese ships were pretty spread out all over the world by now.

More influence, faster training and more bases.

Elections of 1866

As usual, the campaigns for election started at the end of 1865. The political landscape was still the same. The Free Trade Party and Constitutional Reform Party fought over who would be the leader of the government. The Imperial Party had disbanded. No other parties in sight. It was pretty much the same.

The main surprise came over private health insurance instead. In March 1866, there was considerable grassroots support for the movement, advancing it way faster than predicted. Then, the industrialists really picked things up, making it a pivotal part of their campaign, adding even more chances for enactment.

This is a nice boon

When the elections were finished in June, it was clear that there would be no big changes in the Empire. Both parties continued to rule, the Samurai were rising in power and the poor daimyos lost even more, soon to be marginalized if they keep up acting the same way..

End of daimyos is very near

 

[hjarg]

The Third Decade: Opening Up​

The years of 1856-1866 really saw the investments made in the previous decade pay off. With reformed taxation and centralized bureaucracy, the Japanese had a financial base for expansion and they really used it.

First, though- expansion. The decade saw only one war, when the Japanese attacked Siam. Who happened to be allied with the Dutch East Indies, making this the first war the Japanese waged against a western power. This ended with the subjugation of Siam and taking Dutch West Borneo.

Otherwise, no wars, because Japan had to at least look kind of nice, not like a total mad conqueror for the rest of the world.

It did not mean there would be a stop to expansion though, for during the previous decade, Japan discovered another way of expansion- colonization. This decade, with the discovery of quinine, the Japanese continued their expansion towards the more malaria-ridden Africa. And also, colonized almost the entire Pacific Ocean- the Brits getting Kanak. Finished colonization of South Island and North Cape and Sulawesi.

The Japanese territory. Some of the more not obvious territories are red and green circle is the only British Pacific island.

The Economy

The Japanese construction sector remained more or less stable for the decade. Started at 175, then reached 240 and stayed that way for the better part of the decade. It was still enough to continue the construction at quite a pace.

All iron-framed, all making sure Japan industrializes as fast as possible.

And construct the Japanese did. New mines and new factories popped all over the place. The railroad network of the Japanese became from almost non-existent to the envy of the world. And the new screw-driven Japanese ships roamed the oceans.

Overview of the rail network

With the discovery of dynamite, the Japanese expanded their mining industry. For example, becoming the 2nd iron producer in the world, only slightly losing to Austria. Or the second sulfur production in the world, soon to overtake Prussia.

Iron and Sulfur. Soon, number 1 on both

Dynamite and fertilizers were new to this decade. New chemical industry popped up in Kyoto, and was almost an instant success. The Japanese were not the 2nd fertilized producer in the world and also, by far the lead producer of dynamite in the world.

Chemical industry is really taking off. Especially the explosive kind.

The fertilizers led to an agricultural revolution. Prior to this decade, the Japanese had relied on good old subsistence farming to provide for food. Just, the people leaving for the cities had left many of the fields fallow and to be fair, the old ways were not as efficient as well. Now, new farms and farming methods, taking advantage of the new fertilizers, popped up. By the end of the decade, only 25% of Japanese grain came from subsistence farms, while the new farms in Kanto, Chubu and Kansai amounted to little over 5000.

Agricultural revolution

The best example would be Kansai. 115 000 people, of them 2 000 aristocrats and 6 000 clergymen, meaning the real work would be left to 21 000 farmers and 86 000 laborers, in 23 farming areas, managed to produce three times the amount of rice then the population of 1,3 million peasants in the subsistence farms. Yeah, the peasants produce other goods as well, like liquor and lumber and fabric, but still, the difference is staggering.

115k workers versus 1.3 million workers.

As for other goods. Japan is currently the 3rd producer of steel and tools. On both occasions, the first and second place, France and Great Britain, seem to be very much ahead though, France producing two times the tools and four times the steel. On engines, Japan had actually dropped to 4th place, with Austria taking the third.

Base goods for industries

Then, of course, there is gold. Here, Japan is the undisputed leader in the world, producing almost 6 times the amount of gold as Mexico, owner of the second place. In fact, producing more gold than all the rest of the nations in the world together. Gold mines in Vryuustat and Transvaal alone actually manage to do that, rest is just a bonus.

Gold mine in Vrystaat, netting 30k in week alone.

All this gold translates into a healthy budget surplus. In early 1866, the income from gold mines and minting was the biggest source of income for the Japanese and it was actually larger than the cost of construction goods. In addition, the Japanese gold reserves, which actually dwindled to six-digit numbers for a while, were now bigger than ever. Japan was financially secure and able to keep on building.

More minting then construction goods. And back to a healthy gold reserve

Overall, the Japanese market was still.. lacking. Though mechanization and construction had resulted in less shortage for clothes and groceries for example, it had created a shortage of dyes. And conquest of new people with different tastes had created a shortage of coffee, something the Japanese do not appreciate much. Still, the lead was cheap. Iron was cheap. Meat and fruit are manageable. And at least grain is priced normally- meaning most people can at least get fed.

Most expensive and the cheapest goods in Japanese market. Yes, Japan is number 1 (and only) producer of oil in the world

All this had really given a rise to the Japanese GPD. A decade ago, Japanese GDP was 58,9 million. In 1866, it was staggering 123,4 million. Meaning a growth of about 100% and making Japan 4th largest economy in the world. With the difference between the 3rd largest economy, Great Britain, being only 7 million. As impressive was the growth of GDP per capita. What used to be 1,5 per capita, making Japan 85th, was now 2,92 per capita, making Japan 36th.

GDP really taking off

The Society

Perhaps the most important change in the decade was that while the peasants were still the most numerous of the Japanese people, they were now less than 50%. 44,3, to be precise, with laborers being the second one, with 31,6%

Peasants are no longer a majority

Perhaps now it is a good time to talk about the process of urbanization. The growth of industries and mining and such created sprawling cities all over the world. Perhaps London being the biggest at the time, thanks to it being the heart of world trade. Paris in France being the second biggest European city.

London and Paris, greatest cities of Europe

The thing is- yes, Kyoto was smaller than London. By a margin. But it was bigger than Paris, making Kyoto the second largest city in the world. Edo and Fukuoka were as big as Paris. And Nagoya was actually not that far behind.

Kyoto is bigger than Paris though.

During the decade, Japan once again made quite a transformation, enacting several new laws. Perhaps the most important is adopting protectionism- meaning abandoning the Sakoku laws of isolation and opening Japan up to the world. The first trade routes are already in place and in time, certainly more will come. The second most important one was adoption of wealth voting, cutting the voting rights of most of the aristocracy and clergy. In addition, Japanese adopted total separation, curbing any remaining influence the monks had changed from closed borders to migration controls. The latter meaning that previously, no-one could come to live in Japan. Now, all the people who are not discriminated against could move in. Just one minor thing- everyone who is not discriminated against already lived in Japan- that means the Japanese.

Laws of Japan

As for institutions, Japan had invested heavily. Both education and colonial growth were at level 3, as high as it gets. Home affairs, or the department tasked with suppressing the monks and daimyos, was also as high as possible. The only one left alone was Law Enforcement, for these daimyos did not need any encouragement for sure.

And the institutions

The most important was of course investment in education. By 1866, 43,2% of the Japanese population could read and write. The number had gone up by 12% in a decade. Perhaps even more importantly, Japan had also invested in higher education. There were enough universities to turn all these people who are able to read and write into more educated people. Meaning, Japan was using all their innovation to figure out new things.

Literacy is up 12´%. More universities on the way.

Perhaps the biggest change was in the government. In 1856, Japan was ruled by the Imperial Rule Party, consisting of the Shogunate, Monks and Samurai, plus Industrialists as a standalone force. A decade later, everything had changed. The monks had become marginalized. The daimyos, with their nearly 30% of power a decade ago, were now near 5%. Japan now was ruled by a coalition of Free Trade party, or the industrialists, and Constitutional Reform Party, or the intelligentsia and a newcomer to the scene- Trade Unions.

The Monks are out of this picture. Trade Unions are in.

The World

Rest of the world had been pretty quiet. The Brits had subjugated Burma. Prussia had given up any hope of diplomatically unifying Germany and instead was trying to do it militarily, with Austra, France and Great Britain occasionally intervening to make the Prussians back down. Egypt had still not taken Constantinople. In America, most of Canada became one huge colony under Columbia District. Meanwhile, the US had annexed Texas, much to the displeasure of Mexicans, who then forced the US to give it back. Mexico also controls Wyoming and parts of Montana. In Africa, the French holdings near Lake Tanganyika are growing. And in the North, Sweden, Norway and Denmark had joined into one Scandinavia, who happened to be part of the Russian Customs Union.

Apart from Mexico kicking USA and Prussia tumbling, nothing is really off in that picture.

 

[hjarg]

Continuing the Restoration​

A person stepped off the Kyoto-Edo train. A young man. Or an older boy. At an age where it is kind of hard to say what is correct. Or, at least according to the person in question himself, definitely a young man. According to the rest of the world, still a boy. Anyway, that man-boy stepped off the train. From a first-class compartment, and by the way he was dressed, it was obvious that he was no pauper. Long fur coat and fur hat to cover him from the chilling February winds, and if one could seek below, he would see a western suit, worn with ease.

The man-child stepped out of the train, gazing at the main station of Edo. It was already getting dark, and he seemed clueless. Clueless enough for another man, loitering nearby, to approach. “Shall I call you a horse carriage, sir?”

The man-childed nodded. Then, put his hand into his pocket and gave a few coins to the other man, kind of not noticing one of these coins was gold. The other man apparently did not notice as well, since he put it swiftly into his pocket instead of informing the person of his error. These things happen.

Few minutes later, the man-child was sitting in a comfortable, but freezing open two-horse carriage, trotting through the streets of Edo. With amazement, he watched as the dusk was putting a dark blanket over the thriving city, the people on the roadside rushing to get home. It was a bustling city, filled with people, new constructions- and great chimneys of factories looming on the horizon, making the fresh white snow on rooftops into more shades of gray snow.

The carriage moved through a prosperous neighborhood, until it stopped in front of a house that looked as out of place as a Shinto temple would look in the Vatican Square. A house that would be perfectly fine in London or Paris, but looked totally out of place amongst the traditional Japanese houses.

Man-child stepped out of the carriage, gazed at the house in amazement and then walked up the stairs and knocked loudly.

-

Yutaka was having his 5 o’clock tea and biscuits, a habit he had picked up from his years in Britain. Much to the horror of an average Japanese, he preferred his tea with milk. Some seemingly important papers were laying around on the table, but Yutaka ignored them, holding a cup and looking into a fireplace that was radiating a comforting heat.

Then, his quiet afternoon was interrupted by a knock.

“Yes,” he said, and the butler opened the door. Pale as snow.

“The.. the... the Emperor of Japan,” he announced, stuttering.

“Well, let him in,” said Yutaka, much more calmly.

Moments later, a man-child, relieved of his heavy overcoat, stepped to the room.

Yutaka made a very deep bow, but refrained from throwing himself to the ground.

“I am so sorry for your loss,” he said. “Your father was taken too early from us.”

Man-child looked into the eyes of Yutaka. Cold, calculating at the surface. But below, he saw true compassion and warmth.

“Thank you,” he managed to say, as he followed Yutakas getsure to sit beside on a comfortable armchair next to the fireplace. Feeling a bit uncomfortable while doing it- like it was his first time sitting on the chair. Most likely, it was.

“He was too young to die,” the Emperor said, with a somber voice.

“And I am too young to be an Emperor,” he added after a pause.

“You are about the same age as your father was,” said Yutaku, seating himself opposite to the Emperor. “When your grandfather died and he took over. And look how marvelously he did.”

Then, noticing that the eyes of the Emperor resting on his unfinished tea and biscuits, he added. “Would you like some tea? Lunch is being prepared, but can I offer some tea and biscuits right away?”

The Emperor eyed the tea cautiously. “That’s the English tea?” he asked.

“I can offer some Japanese as well, if you prefer?”

“Tea and milk seems repulsive,” replied the Emperor. “But you never know until you try, right? Give me the English version.”

Yutaku rang the bell, and soon, another set of tea and biscuits arrived. The Emperor tried it, softening biscuits in the tea like Yutaku showed him and bit carefully, sipping tea soon after.

“Could get used to that,” he muttered.

Then, he turned to Yutaku again. “The reason why I am here,” he hesitated.

“Yes?” said Yutaku, encouragingly.

“On his deathbed, my father called me. He gave me your name and your address and told me to sneak out of the palace and give you a visit as soon as possible. He told me that you will explain why...”

“How did you get out of the palace?” asked Yutoku, curiously.

“That was the easy part,” replied the boy. “But you know, buying train tickets or finding a way on my own... is not as easy.”

“But, explain me what?” he looked at Yutoku.

“It will be a long story that started in a rundown teahouse in Kyoto more than three decades ago.” Yutoku drew a deep breath. “When your grandfather and a man named Yoshimichi first met....”

Now, fast-forward a few hours, more tea and biscuits, a proper lunch and a dessert.

The Emperor gazed at Yutoku with amazement. “You want to say that for more than three decades, you have conspired to bring down the Shogunate and restore my dynasty to power?”

Yutaku sighed with sadness. “And we were so close. Just a few more years and the Shogun would have had no chance but to step down... And then, your father unexpectedly died. Without seeing the fruits of his 20-year labor.”

For the first time this evening, it was Yukaku who was utterly devastated.

“I think,” replied the Emperor, thoughtfully, “That my father sent me here for a reason. Not just because he wanted me to hear this, but because he wanted me to continue and finish his work.”

Yutoku slowly raised his head. “You’d be willing to continue?”

“I do not want to be a toy-emperor, like my ancestors have been for almost a thousand years,” the boy said with pride. “I want to be a real Emperor!”

“But I don’t know how,” he added with a more somber tone.

“If you are willing, then “how” can be learned,” Yutaku replied, thoughtfully.

Suddenly, the Emperor stood up. Extended his hand. “As you say in England, it’s a deal?”

Despite having lived in the West for most of his life, Yutoku hesitated for the moment. Touching the Emperor seemed wrong. Then, he stood up and shook the hand of a living God. “Deal.”

“So, we meet at the rundown teahouse soon, dressed as simple peasants?” asked the Emperor.

Now, Yutaku laughed. “If you like,” he said.

“If I like?”

“It was necessary during the reign of Ninko, and perhaps during the early years of Komei. Later... I think your father just liked playing cloak and dagger.”

“Hmm,” replied Komei. “I would like to try it at least once, as well. We shall see from there.”

Yukata bowed. “If you so desire.”

The conversation carried on until midnight. Then, the Emperor got another new sensation- sleeping in bed instead of sleeping on futon. He quite appreciated the softness of the mattress. And after a traditional English breakfast of eggs and bacon and some coffee, Yutaku accompanied the Emperor to Kyoto. No first class this time. When Yutaku traveled, it was with a private wagon.

The Yamato restoration continued unhindered.

Emperor Meiji, a feew years later

 

[hjarg]

The Lion versus the Dragon​

In the summer of 1866, Great Britain had discovered that by subjugation of Burma, they now had a common border with Great Qing. Meaning, perhaps it would be time to get some land in China as well, because why not?

Oh dear. This will not end well for neither

And may it be said, the might of Great Britain was awesome indeed. With all their dominions and subjects and whatnot joining, the Brits managed to field 345 divisions at the moment. Of varying quality, of course. The Brits themselves were top-notch, but their subject armies were more... varied in quality. The thing is, Great Qing could field about twice as much- and they got Russia on their side as well.

Unfortunately for the Brits, the perfect time to attack the Qing was a few decades ago. Now, the Qing had modernized as well, fielding line infantry and mobile artillery instead of more traditional melee-focused troops. And Russian help was nothing to scoff at as well. While Great Britain definitely enjoyed the technological advantage, the quantity of the Great Qing was a quality on its own.

The war started sometimes in October or November of 1866. As predicted, the fight was almost equal. The Brits had a slight advantage, but all the nations had mobilized all their resources. A year in, the Brits had 848 brigades under their command, while Qing had 1339. Putting a tremendous strain on both their economies. The losses were staggering as well. The Brits had lost over 200 000 dead and nearly 400 000 wounded, while the Qing had lost 860 000 dead and 487 000 wounded, making a staggering over a million of Chinese soldiers lost. The cost of war was huge as well.

War, a year in

And they were just getting started.

Hereroland

Japan had been colonizing Herero for quite a while. A nice province in South Africa, with some coal supplies and such. Japan had not been particularly successful in colonizing it though, because of malaria. Just a few provinces. And apparently, just enough to piss off the natives of the lands. In October 1866, Herero, or the decentralized Herero tribes in the region, came to a conclusion- they really did not like the Japanese and started to gather forces to kick the Japanese to the sea.

Japan was gearing up for the war, sending troops to protect the port city and surroundings. And apparently, this was enough. Sight of the Japanese soldiers and a lot of Japanese soldiers for that matter, made Herero tribes to reconsider their violent approach and instead, they sent envoys, begging for their lives and a chance to surrender.

The Japanese happily accepted and annexed Hereroland on 15th of January 1867. The province had coal mines, but not much else.

Hey, you started it!

From there, Japan could press onwards though. South Angola and East Angola were the next targets. With East Angola not even suffering from malaria, making Japanese colonization efforts a bit faster.

Onwards to South and East Angola

Private Health

Asashi smiled as he held a cup of cheap sake in his hands. “Part of the charm of this place,” he said, raising the cup and emptying it.

“To private health insurance,” he said.

Yutaku smiled and emptied his own cup. “To private health insurance!”

“Is this enough though? Perhaps we should try public health insurance?” wondered the Emperor.

“Hmm,” said Yutaku. “I personally prefer a system where we create conditions so that everyone can afford health insurance then have the government pay for it all.”

“Much cheaper for the government as well,” commented Asashi.

“And in the end, we might get better healthcare thanks to that.” added Yutaku.

“Anyway, what now?”

“I suggest we go after the final bastion of the daimyos. The police force- we move from a local daimyo-operated force to a centralized police force.”

“The daimyos will be unhappy again,” Asashi remarked.

“In a way. But not too unhappy. And first, we can afford it. Secondly, the daimyos will be a bit relieved because taking the force from them means less expenses,” Yukatu then grinned, “And I heard they aren’t doing so well financially, so they might appreciate us relieving the burden.”

“Plus, this makes an amazing number of people happy,” added Asashi.

“So, police force reform it is,” said Yutaku.

This was the last time they met. Private Health Insurance was instituted on 6th of January 1867. Emperor Komei died on 30th of the same month.

Komei at least saw this come to fruition

The Police

Dubiously, the Emperor held a cup of cheap sake. “You sure it is safe?,” he asked.

Yutoku laughed. “Didn’t kill your father or your grandfather at least”

“Oh well,” muttered the Emperor, then raised the cup and exclaimed “Kampai!” and emptied it.

“Horrible swill,” he commented.

“Part of the charm of this place,” replied Yutaku.

“I can see that,” replied the Emperor. The rundown teahouse was as rundown as ever and the peasant garb felt uncomfortable and rough. “Perhaps, it is time to abandon the tradition.”

“I am no particular fan of sake here as well, so I don’t mind,” replied Yutaku.

“But for now,” he raised his cup. “To the daimyo-free police force!”

“Passed with just one try,” added Yutaku.

“What now though?” asked the Emperor.

“Now, we wait. There is nothing much else that needs to be done and we are very close to reaching egalitarianism. With that, we can remove discrimination from all our population.”

“Everyone, no matter their origin, color, religion or such gets a chance to be a Japanese?” said Meiji. “I kinda like the sound of that...”

And thus, in October 1867, the police were reformed.

First try (and 26,7% chance)

Building Up

In November 1866, Japan discovered Central Banking. The immediate result was a serious boost to minting once again. Making the Japanese budget overflow with money- more than 40k weekly positive. A year later, in November 1867, the Japanese adopted Reinforced Concrete. Basically, putting steel bars in concrete, allowing the concrete to gain the strength of steel.

More minting, enabling more construction

This created a small revolution in the construction sector, increasing the throughput considerably. Then, it turned out that Japanese coffers can sustain more, so more construction offices were added to Japanese cities. Resulting in a construction score of 321 by the end of November, allowing Japanese to get stuff built at even greater pace.

A jump in construction

Even better- the Japanese budget was still in a healthy surplus.

Minting still covers about all the construction costs

Ending Siam

In November 1867, Japanese began a play to truly annex their very recent subject, Siam. Now, Great Britain and Great Qing were happily killing each other, France liked Japan too much and the Dutch East Indies didn’t have a pact with Siam any more. The poor Siamese were all alone. Having experienced Japanese troops breaking through Malay, taking Bangkok and crushing any resistance a few years ago, they were unwilling to experience it again. In February 1868, Siam was peacefully annexed by the Japanese, becoming just another few states in the Empire.

Siam just giving up, while Brits and Chinese are busy in the north

Few precious states, that is. Siamese lands, like for example around Bangkok, were known to be one of the few places in the world that are suitable for growing opium. Becoming a foundation of Japan as a drug state.. Khm, I mean a worldwide supplier of medical-grade opium, that is.

All that sweet opium

Other Matters

In December, Jutoku Samata, leader of the Samurai and the sole admiral in the Japanese navy, died of old age. He was replaced by a general, Tamon Shinsaku. A man with moderate views, so nothing special. As for the new admiral, Shibayama Heihachiro was selected. The man was quite amazing- he was an excellent naval commander, extra good with convoy raiding and also, an industrialist. Soon, he was promoted.

Tamon Shinsaku taking over the Samurai. And an amazing admiral.

Nationalism was discovered in October 1867. With the diminishing authority, every bit matters and in fact, the Japanese had been running in a bit of negative authority for a while.

Since the supply of authority is getting precious low, this is really useful

 

[hjarg]

The Lion, the Dragon and the Vulture​

The war between Great Britain and Great Qing over who is the greatest was still raging. By April 1868, Qing had lost more than 2 million men dead and wounded, while the British losses kept climbing close to a million, making it the bloodiest war the world had seen for a long-long time.

The War of the Greats

It also had some very interesting consequences. Like the peasants of the Cape getting fed up with their overlords and starting a small revolt of their own. Normally, this would not be a big deal. Yes, the Cape had no real military units of their own, but the Brits would sail in a brigade or twenty, parade them around and make the rebels question their life choices.

Some interesting consequences

The war with China meant that the Brits did not have a single brigade around, most of the British forces were concentrated on China. So, when the revolt finally broke out in June 1868, the rebels had a whopping 4 brigades. The thing is, 4 brigades can be quite a military force if the opposition is exactly zero brigades.

As expected, by August 1869, the mighty rebel army had completely overrun the Cape colony. Even more curious, the rebellion was led by a woman. A minor aristocrat called Margaret Henley, the dictator of the peasant revolt and a general. Again, not a particularly good general, but having no opposition always makes your job easier.

Not looking great for Britain

As a matter of fact, the same thing happened in Lanfang, the Chinese tributary in the Borneo island. The Lanfang did not have any armies, the Chinese were too busy to intervene. And again, this was led by a woman, called Yunmei Zicai. Just, this time, Radical Lanfang forgot quite an important part- in order to revolt successfully, you better have at least some troops. Unfortunately, this was a doomed event.

If only the Radical Lanfang had a single brigade

As for the Cape revolt- on 15th July 1869, they overthrew the colonial government of Cape and became an independent country, the Republic of South Africa, led by the same Margaret Henley, now called El Presidente.

The new Republic, the new President

The Great War came to an end in September. The Brits won, but it was a Pyrrhic victory. They had lost about a million troops, the government had spent millions to keep the war machine going and they did not even get their treaty port. They did get Yunnan though. A nice province, population of almost 7 million, good coal and iron deposits- and a lot of territory to grow all that opium. Yunnan alone had enough for the entire world to get high and stay high. Was it worth it though, for British Raj already was the world leading producer of opium.

Was it worth it?

But for the new South Africa, completely independent from Great Britain, things were not looking as rosy. For they had another Imperial power next to them. And in February 1870, Japan made his move, claiming that South Africa is too weak to defend themselves against hostile foreign powers (like for example, Japan), and would be much better off under the Japanese protection. Margaret Henley did not appreciate it much, nor did she appreciate the Japanese troops amassed at her border. In a mad scramble for help, she found the Portuguese. Who, in turn, soon found Japanese troops amassed near their border in Africa as well.

Three fronts in Africa- and still outnumbered by the Japanese

On 30th of May, Margaret Henley understood that even the combined might of South Africa and Portuguese is enough to just annoy the Japanese. She had no choice but to swear fealty to Tokugawa Ienari and add a Japanese flag to the flag of her nation- and accept Japanese control over South Africa.

Now, Japanese Cape

Like vultures, the Japanese took advantage of the fact that the War of the Greats had some unforeseen consequences.

Faster Way to Angola

In June 1869, Ovimbundu tribes, concerned about rapid Japanese expansion in South Angola, gathered up to kick the Japanese out. Despite the Japanese parading some military troops around, they did not back down this time and the war broke out in October 1869. The locals, despite being a bit primitive, were hard fighters and would have given the Japanese some trouble if there had been more of them. Just, there wasn’t and Kamimura Toshimichi defeated them with ease.

Quite a formidable opposition actually

By the end of November, all the Ovimbundu lands were under Japanese control and by the end of February 1870, it was all over. All they Ovimbundu achieved was making the Japanese progress in Africa a bit faster.

Newest colony in the Empire

On the Way to New Japan

21st January of 1870, in Kyoto.

“Well,” said the Emperor. “This is an improvement.”

They sat in a secluded zone of a newly opened Western-style steakhouse in Kyoto.

“I’m just not used to the chair- and the table,” the Emperor complained.

“Or these things,” he pointed to the fork and knife.

“It does well you to to experience new things,” Yukatku said, masterfully cutting a rare piece of steak and putting it to his mouth.

“Easy for you to say, you have decades of experience with that,” pouted the Emperor, but still managed to cut a piece and eat it. “It is delicious though,” he added.

“Try it with wine,” Yutaku said. “From our vineyards in the South Island.”

The Emperor took a small sip and grimaced. “Needs getting used to. But not bad”

“Anyway, we have Egalitarianism now,” said Yutaku. “Perhaps it is time?”

Time to be nice

“To declare Japan open for all?” That is an interesting concept indeed. Everyone who wants to can be Japanese...”

“Or at least, a citizen of Japan,” Yukatu added.

“I can see the point in that,” said the Emperor. “Right now, we have only 75% of Japanese in our Empire. We have millions of Thai and Malay people and have a total 46 different cultures within our Empire. Hell, one of our richest and most influential people are Sotho in Vrystaat...”

Some of the people in the Empire- like the Sotho gold mining capitalists.

“And all but Japanese are discriminated against,” added Yukata. “Meaning, they could be much happier and productive if they were not...”

“There is truth in that. But I know some people who will not be happy with it,” said the Emperor.

Then, thought about it for a bit. “Ehh, screw the petite bourgeoisie. Let us get it done.”

Pissing off some people

“How are you going to present it to Shogun?” asked Yutaku.

“Simple,” replied Meiji with confidence. “I say I want it done!”

“A novel approach,” commented the older man. “But times have changed. I think it could work...”

And thus, Japan started the institution of multiculturalism. Much to the dismay of the reactionary elements in the government. Who then stopped doing their work as efficiently. Result- the Japanese income dropped to 50k negative. But the problems with bureaucracy can be solved by adding more bureaucracy and new government offices were given a priority. It actually got a bit worse before it got better, in one time, Japan being about 90k per week in the red. But by beginning of 1870, the nation was in the green again.

Oh. This is bad.

Other Matters

In July of 1868, the Japanese adopted the shell gun. Meaning, instead of simple metal balls being hurled towards the enemy, the Japanese now used metal balls that would go boom! upon impact. While being hit by a relatively large metal ball traveling at high speed was a painful experience, you still had to be actually hit by the metal ball to experience that. Now, just being close to the place of impact was equally as painful. The Japanese adopted the new production method, leading to a total surplus of the artillery. Fortunately, the Brits happened to be in dire need for extra guns, so the Japanese happily started to provide Brits with big guns.

This is nice

In May 1868, Austrians thought it would be a good time to go colonial themselves and went after Bali, to gain a treaty port in the Sunda Islands. The Balinese scrambled for support, but the Japanese did not care and the Dutch... well, the Dutch were no match for Austria. In August, the Bali backed down, ceding their island as an Austrian treaty port.

Austrian Indonesia

The Japanese had kept on expanding the construction industry and by August 1869, it reached another milestone. The Japanese construction industry reached 400 construction. And the budget was almost positive, just about 1000 pounds per week in the red. It was decided that hey, enough is enough for now though and no further expansions were planned. It still meant that most of the main states of Japan had at least 10 construction offices, greatly improving the efficiency of construction.

The construction sector is booming

In September 1870, the Japanese got the idea of steel railway cars from the west. They did not implement it yet, though. Perhaps some day?

Meh

 

[hjarg]

The Ships of Iron​

When the first boat was built tens of thousands years ago, it was made of wood. All the ships that followed followed suit. Yes, the first boat might be dwarfed by a floating fortress like the 1st rate ship of the line, equipped with enough cannons to bankrupt a smaller state, but the principle was the same.

The wooden ships had many advantages. Like, for example, the wood tends to float. While for example iron tends to have a nasty habit of sinking to the bottom. But the wood also has some disadvantages, like the ability to withstand cannonballs. Or rather, the lack of ability to withstand cannonballs. Sure, you can make the ship thicker, but there is a limit to that as well.

Iron on the other hand, well, floats terribly, but can easily withstand close-ranged shot of even the biggest gun on ship of the line. About three years ago, Japan begun experimenting with the idea- hey, let us build a ship totally made out of iron, with iron hulls, not just wooden ships with iron plates. To their surprise, they found out that an iron-hulled ship actually weighs less than a wooden ship, due to not needing that thick wood.

Experimentations with iron ships


The maiden voyage of IJN Yamato, ushering a new era, was on 17th March of 1870. A steam-powered, iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship sailed majestically into Edo Bay and totally did not sink or turn over as many skeptics predicted. It also had a full set of sails, allowing it to save coal, but for battle, it was steam only. Armor plating of 4,5 inches thick, speed on coal 14 knots (more if you add sails). The biggest trade-off was the number of cannons. Instead of the average 100+ the first rate got, Yamato was armed with just 40.

IJN Yamato

That did not matter much though. The broadside was enough to kick the first rate out of action. At the same time, the broadside from the first rate, unless it got really lucky, for example by hitting an open gunport, would be just shrugged off by the iron armor of the ship.

Few decades ago, Japan didn’t even have a proper navy. Now, with just one ship, the Japanese had made every other navy in the world obsolete.

The tests of IJN Yamato proved to be so successful that the following day, the entire Japanese small navy of 50 ships began transformation into iron ships. Making it the most modern navy in the world. Well, once the transformation is complete, that is.

The shipyards of Shikoku also retooled themselves to produce steamships. Yes, they focused heavily on building military vehicles, but there was also capacity to build smaller, iron-hulled civilian vehicles.

All are ironclad!

This also meant that the fishing sector and whaling sector, that have been one of the last bastions of the traditional economic model, now adapted something new. Small iron-hulled steam-based trawlers proved much more effective and sea-worthy than the old wooden ships and pretty soon, the fishermen and the whalers were sailing around in their brand new ships, catching more fish than ever before. And, seeing profit, the traditional fishing economy saw the capitalists move in, seeing there are profits to be made. Soon, both the whaling and fishing sectors were modern.

Modernization of fishing industry

The Japanese shipping sector remained true to the more traditional wooden hulled, wind-steam hybrid clippers though. The Japanese had another small clipper factory in Kyushu, but it failed to meet the demand, forcing Japan to import additional clippers from Austria of all places.

Sudden shortage of clippers

Other News

In May of 1870, a demographic shift happened in Japan. Finally, the peasants were not the most numerous of the population. The laborers were now 37,6% of the total population of Japan, while the number of peasants had fallen below 35%. This shift made pretty much everyone happy, and there was renewed hope for a new, better life all over Japan.

Peasants now less then 35%

The elections of 1870 went about as well as predicted. Perhaps the most important fact was that the Petite Bourgeoisie re-established the Imperial Rule Party. That was due to a change in leadership- their new leader, Nakamuta Hyoe, was a traditionalist. Making the Imperial Rule Party again the most regressive force in the nation. Free Trade Party won a landslide victory, while the Imperial Rule Party got around 10% of the votes. The coalition of the Free Trade Party and the Constitutional Reform Party continued to be in the government. The Shogunate was still close to being marginalized, but not quite there yet.

The Imperial Rule Party is back!

In July of 1870, a long war between France and Dai Nam came to a conclusion. It had started a few years ago and ended when the French got themselves together and did a proper naval invasion to Dai Nam lands. France is not a second European power that had entered into Indochina.

Dai Nam and other French overseas territories

 

[hjarg]

The End of Bakufu​

Tokugawa Ienari was usually described as “beyond old”. He felt the same way. After all, he was nearly 100 years old. Born in the previous century, in 1773. He had been 11th Tokugawa Shogun of Japan since 1787. He had come to rule when Kokaku was the Emperor. Then, he survived Ninko, Komei and finally, he was serving under or ruling over 4th Emperor, Meiji. He had lived his life to the fullest as well, with a harem of 900 women and 75 children.

Tokugawa Ienari. Still alive.

Just, the women were no interest to him anymore. He hardly remembered the names of most his children- and well, most of his surviving children had grandchildren. Ienari was just, well. Old. Having ruled over Japan for 83 years, he also set a kind of world record.

Now, almost 97 years old, with his birthday coming in November, he sat on his throne, in the Tokugawa main stronghold, in the Edo castle. It was a very different Japan when he set there for the first time. He gazed past the windows, to the city of Edo. Much more bustling city then it was nearly a century ago, with huge chimneys from the factories puffing smoke, streetcars making noise in the distance and if you’d listen, you’d hear whistles of trains and ships. A city where the new money ruled. A city where he had no more power.

Equipped with the power of hindsight, he could clearly see where things took the wrong turn. More than three decades ago, with first industrial lumber camps and with the tooling industry to support it. Creating the first capitalists in Japan. It all went downhill from there. Slowly, gradually, the new power of money took over. The old power of the land lost thousands of small battles, unnoticed by everyone, gradually chipping away their influence. With each new mine, factory, logging camp, they grew wealthier while the people flocked from villages to cities, lured by hope of a better, more certain life, depriving the power of the land of subjects.

Soon, it was time. Ienari gazed at the room. His loyal retainers were here. A precious few of them. As were his children and grandchildren. The atmosphere in the room was heavy enough to crush the armor of new ironclads.

Edo Castle

There was commotion in the city. People cheering, mostly. It carried faintly towards the Edo castle. Then, coming closer and closer, until it reached the castle grounds. Not subsiding in volume, much to the disappointment of the Shogun.

For the last time, Ieanari rose from his throne. Stepped down the stairs and stood there, waiting, as the commotion was nearing.

Then, the doors of the throne room blasted open. A lone figure stepped in, followed by an army of soldiers. Peasants, mostly, by the look of them, with few samurai as officers. Well-armed peasants though.

The sole figure, as young as Ienari was old, approached and the room full of retainers and relatives made way to him, as he approached the Shogun.

“Emperor,” the Shogun took a deeper bow than he had ever had to.

“Tokugawa,” responded Meiji, not bending his back even a centimeter.

Then, the Emperor passed the Shogun and placed his butt firmly on Shogun’s throne.

“Your ship is waiting,” the Emperor said to Tokugawa. And, with a bit of sarcastic smile, added: “I thank you and your forefathers for your service.”

Ienari took another bow and prepared to leave. His followers continued following him, as he, his family and his baggage train made another procession towards Edo harbor, where a huge ship was waiting for them, smoke coming from her chimneys.

“I hear Tahiti is lovely,” said the Emperor from the throne. “And I’m sure Ieanari and Yoshimichi have much to discuss there.”

The Bakufu had ended with a trip to a tropical island. And ended with the Yamatos being back in power. After about a 1000 years of being just the figureheads, the Yamatos had survived Fujiwaras, Kamakura Shogunate, Sengoku Jidai and Tokugawa Shogunate, and on 1st September of 1870, much to surprise of the world, Meiji, 122nd Emperor of Yamaotos, abolished the Bakufu and reinstated Japan as the Empire of Japan.

The Restoration

---

“So, here I am, the Emperor of Japan. Not just in name no more,” said Meiji, looking out from one of the windows of Edo Castle to the Edo Bay, where a huge steamer was slowly moving out of the harbor.”

“And the remnants of Bakufu are happily sailing to their well-earned retirement,” added Yutaku.

“And we managed that without spilling any blood,” the Emperor added, jubilantly. “Who would have thought!”

“The plans of Ninko and Yoshimichi indeed came to fruition,” agreed Yukatu. “The Shogunate is gone. Their remnants renamed themselves landowners and the former head of Daimyos, Mori Takachika, took the same ship as the Shogun.”

“So, will you be the new prime minister of my new government?” asked the Emperor.

Yutaku thought for a brief moment, then said “I must decline.”

“Oh?” said the Emperor, obviously surprised

“Cabinet meetings would bore me. I abhor the idea of public attention. And being a prime minister is a full-time job- and I like managing my factories.”

“Oh,” said the Emperor again, with a bit of disappointment.

“But my special counsel?” he tried again.

Yutaka smiled. “As things were, basically? This, I can do with pleasure.”

“So, advise me then? What to do with the Samurai?”

“Abolish them as a caste, but the Samurai are actually the most well-educated part of the population. Don’t force them to work against you, but instead, offer them positions in your new government. Officers is the most likely, but they would do well as bureaucrats, even managers of factories and such. They could be great allies, but I would not want to see them as enemies.”

Fall of the Samurai.

“As usual, you are wise,” said Meiji. “I shall do so”

"So, what are your plans?" asked Yutaka.

"This is a nice castle. I think I shall make it into my palace, as I move my capital from Kyoto to Edo," replied Meiji. "And then, I shall form a government, get the ministers sorted out, see how it works- and then,"

"Then," asked Yutaka

"Then, I have some very special plans," grinned the Emperor. "Just you wait!"

On 1st of September 1870, the new era of Japan began, with Meiji Yamato ruling the nation. Officially. He was still 18 years old, he was innovative and charismatic. And he was a staunch supporter of the industrialists. He also turned out to be quite a radical supporter of democracy, believing in universal suffrage, freedom of speech and guaranteed liberties. Perhaps an indication to the direction he will steer Japanan towards to in the future?

The new, radical, Emperor

And the new Japanese Empire

 

[hjarg]

Russo-Japanese War, part 2​

First steps the Japanese did were promotions. Kamimura Toshimichi was promoted to a Lieutenant General and given command of 45 brigades. Being both a very good offensive planner and known for his wrath, he was by far the best offensive general in Japan. At the same time, Shibayama Heihachiro got promoted to the vice admiral and was given command of all the 50 ironclad flotillas the Japan had at her home isles.

New Lieutenant General and Vice Admiral

Along with Kamimura Toshimichi, all other generals in Japan were mobilized and sent to the Hokkaido front. The main difference being that Kamimura Toshimichi was given orders to advance, while all the others got an order to hold ground. In addition to the Japanese, the great pacifist general of South Africa, Louis van der Merwe and his two brigades joined Kamimura in his offensive.

The Japanese forces in Hokkaido. And an esteemed quest.

The opposing forces were 94 Russian brigades under General Bestuzhev-Ryumin. 67 years old, not particularly well-versed in either offense or defense and with a liking to this sweet opium. He was quite a popular general though, loved by his troops.

The enemy general

Since the Russians really did not want to cave in to the very reasonable Japanese demands and were insisting on being imperial bastards, Japan had no choice but to declare war. On 12th of April, 1871, the two nations were officially at the state of war. Japan and their (insignificant) allies went up against Russia, Scandinavia, Finland and to make things even more fun, the Qing as well. The world took a quick look at their maps, concluded that Russia and China against Japan can only end up one way and suggested Japan to fold as soon as possible. The Japanese had other plans.

Japan vs Russia and Qing

As the war began, Russians sent another force of 120 brigades to Hokkaido, led by Mihkail Vorontsov. At the same time, Kamimura and his soldiers were looking for a battle and soon, they found one in Asahikawa. A relatively small battle, just 4 Japanese brigades against 5 Russian ones. It turned out that the Japanese skirmisher infantry was superior to Russian line infantry and with the added skills of Kamimura, the Japanese were much better at offense than the Russians at defense.

The first battle begins

At the same time, Shibayama and his merry man sailed to the oceans. Or at least, sailed around the Japan Sea, hunting for Russian supply ships. Russians need supplies to feed their armies, and they need a lot of them. And integral part of the Japanese plan was cutting off these supplies. On 28th of April, Shibayama and his small fleet of 50 ironclads stumbled upon the first convoy. Defenseless against the Japanese cannons. Unable to outrun the steam-driven iron beasts. 349 convoys were sunk that day. Few weeks later, on 8th of May, they got another. Meanwhile, Russians had sent another general, albeit with just 22 brigades, to the front and they were all feeling it.

The hunt for Russian convoys begins

On 15th of May, Japanese captured the strategic town of Asahikawa. It was the first battle of the war and it showed a clear superiority of Japanese troops compared to the Russian ones. The Japanese, attacking with a smaller force, managed to push out Russians, who were on defensive and inflict more losses on the enemy then they received themselves.

The first battle of the war

With this, the Japanese managed to split the Russian lines, cornering Bestuzhev-Ryumin and his soldiers in the northeastern part of the island. The enemy general, shocked at this development, went full defensive, and two Japanese generals were sent to contain them- also set on defensive, meaning the Hokkaido front saw minor action, but both sides were mostly busy with digging themselves in.

Russian army, pocketed in Northeast Hokkaido

With Bestuzhev-Ryumin securely in his small pocket, the Hokkaido-Sakhalin front was blown fast open. Russian reinforcements were a bit more than a month away and the Japanese continued their occupation of the island quite unopposed. By 22nd of May, all Hokkaido, apart from the small pocket, was under Japanese control and Japanese crossed over to the Sakhalin Island.

And the rest of the enemies, still on their way

It was on 21st of June when the Russians got their forces in and ready. By the time the Russians managed to put up a working defensive line, the Japanese had moved up from the south and managed to reach about halfway to the island. Again, Toshimichi attacked with 10 brigades, while Mihkail Vorontsov was defending with 11. Unfortunately for Russians, Shibayama had been really effective and as a result, the Russian forces were low on supplies and morale, while the Japanese had none of these problems. Result- a sound Japanese victory.

The Japanese reached half of Sakhalin before Russians reacted.

The Japanese were not only ones who could attack shipping though. In August, first reports came that the Japanese convoys were being attacked on the Sulu Sea. It was unclear who they were and to be honest, the damage was not so great, so the Japanese decided to ignore it and keep sinking Russian supply ships.

Japan getting hit as well

By September, the Japanese were pushing steadily northwards in Sakhalin, when Shibayama did yet another sinking of the convoys. This time, he predicted that he had managed to kill most of the ships providing Russians with supplies, basically cutting off 200 brigades Russia had in Sakhalin and Hokkaido from the rest of the world.

This basically means that Russians will get no supplies

As a result, the Russians did not put up any resistance whatsoever. When meeting the Japanese forces, they ran immediately. They had almost no ammunition left, no food, no dry clothes, nothing. It was a sad retreat and by the end of October, the 141 Russian brigades were gathered in the northern tip of the island, desperate for surrender. The Japanese let them go. Sakhalin was Japanese.

Reaching the northern end of Sakhalin

Then, the Japanese turned their attention to Bestuzhev-Ryumin and his soldiers, still stuck in a pocket in Hokkaido. They suffered the same problems as the other Russians- no supplies, for the Japanese had sunk their fleets. The Battle of Kitamu, the last battle of the war, was therefore basically Japanese saying “Booo” and the Russians surrendering en masse. On 25th of October, Japan was in control of both Hokkaido and Sakhalin.

The final, heroic battle against -2700 Russians!

So far, this war has cost Russia about 250 000 soldiers dead and wounded. The Japanese losses were about 85 000 men, dead and wounded. Making it very clear of who the winner of this little conflict was. But this was also the end of the active part of the war. Japan had no desire to attack Russia proper and Russia had no realistic means to attack Japan no more. Meaning, the war turned from an active phase to a waiting game.

Things are not going well for Russians

Lots of Freedoms

“You have gotten your way,” said Yutaku to the Emperor. “The wealth requirement for voting has been lowered from 25 to 15. Meaning, pretty much everyone can vote, unless they happen to be a peasant.”

Meiji looked jubilant. “More people participating in the political process means a stronger nation. People need to see that they matter- and we need this more than ever in these trying times, when we’re going against autocratic Russia.”

New voting laws

Then, the Emperor looked at Yutaku: “But I gather your friends are still pouting about the loss of caviar at political rallies?”

Yutaku nodded.

“In that case, I have good news for you!” the Emperor smiled.

Yutaku looked at him, looking puzzled.

“You know I believe in the political freedom of people.”

Yutaku nodded.

“I also believe in the economical freedom of the people,” the Emperor added.

Yutaku looked at the Emperor, eyes widened.

“So, the next move would be to implement Laissez-Faire, giving you much more freedom in making money,” Meiji added.

“This is something my friends surely appreciate,” said Yutaku, now looking much more happier. So were his capitalist buddies, who again started investing more willingly in construction.

Now, something for the industrialists

Other News

As the war progressed, the people of Edo got another thing to worry about. There was a killer on the loose in the city. A maniac killer, targeting women and killing them in the most gruesome ways. And the police seem to be powerless to stop these murders- or to catch the culprit.. Creating a distrust against the police force and the Meiji government when they needed it the least.

The killer

After the census suffrage was adopted, the authority of the Emperor dropped some more. Before that, Japan was able to keep up the consumption taxes on services and liquor (and keep on suppressing monks and landholders), but now, a difficult decision had to be made. And the decision was to stop taxing the booze. Japan was now again in the red, but there was enough fat in the treasury for it not to be terribly worrying. Still, the booze alone netted Japan 20k per week.

Losing 20k liquor tax is not nice

In July, the Japanese rediscovered bureaucracy, once again allowing the construction of government buildings.

Ahh, the joys of 1.1

 

[hjarg]

Russo-Japanese war, Part 3​

On 25h October 1871, the last Russian troops in Hokkaido surrendered. From there, the war went from active phase to passive phase. There was still some trouble though- for example, the Japanese shipping being sunk near Borneo. So, Admiral Shibayama and his merry men were sent to patrol the shipping lanes.

In February 1872, the Japanese ironclads caught up with the Qing. Their small fleet of 12 ships of the line was attacked without mercy by Shibayama and his now very merry men, who were glad to see some proper ship-to-ship action. As a result, the Qing fleet was no more.

One Qing fleet less

Qing and Scandinavia soon dropped out of the war, in the beginning of April and at the end of March respectively. It was now Russia versus Japan (and some subjects) and by all counts, the Russian will to fight was dropping much faster than the Japanese one.

It was in July when the Japanese fleet managed to hit another raider fleet. Imagine, sailing from the Baltic Sea, sailing across Cape, then crossing the Indian ocean and arriving in South China sea to terrorize the Japanese shipping. The Russian fleet was exhausted, in poor condition and well, small. Just 12 ships. They managed to disrupt the Japanese shipping to some extent- for after the peace with Qing, the Japanese were feeling perhaps a bit too secure.

On 29th of July, the Japanese fleet discovered the raiders and gave pursuit. It was a very uneven battle. The Japanese, outnumbering the enemy, having better ships then the enemy and ships that had not traveled across half the world, descended upon poor admiral Mikhail Lazarev and his not so merry men as hawks. In the end, there was no Russian fleet.

Sailing across half of the world to this...

This was also the latest battle in the war. After the defeat of the Russians, the Japanese shipping was safe. The islands of Sakhalin and Hokkaido were under Japanese control and Russians did not dare to invade. Much to the shock of the world, the Japanese had beaten Russia (and Qing, though the Qing did pretty much nothing).

It was on 9th of November 1872 when the Russians and the Japanese signed the peace. Russia gave up their part of Hokkaido. Removed themselves from Sakhalin. Were forced to pay reparations for Japan- and around 23 000 pounds per week at that. All Japanese islands were now Japanese.

Japanese islands are Japanese now. And Russia is nicely in the red even without construction

And nice islands as well, though a bit infested with the former subjects of the Russian Empire. Besides gold, Hokkaido also had ample supplies of coal, iron, lead and sulfur, Sakhalin had nice iron deposits and some coal.

Hokkaido and Sakhalin. Very much orthodox.

Most important was perhaps another thing. The success of the Japanese had forced Russia- and other western nations- to admit that the Japanese are not some unwashed barbarians from the East. No, the Japanese are a power to be reckoned with. A great nation, both militarily and economically. In short, Japan pushed Russia from the 3rd place in the most powerful nations in the world and assumed her rightful place amongst the greatest.

On our way to greatness. Incidentally, just passed Qing and became 2nd economy in the world

Freedom of Business

“Happy now?” asked the Emperor from his counselor.

“You need a better disguise,” replied Yutaku. Again, the Emperor and he had sneaked out, eating in a small ramen shop in the workers district in Edo. Just, the advance of newspapers and photography and the fact that the Emperor’s photo was on front pages almost daily made him quite recognizable. As was obvious from the revered look of the server, from the care the cook put into this ramen and a small crowd gathering outside.

“But I want to walk among the common people,” exclaimed the Emperor. “To see how things really are!”

“This is commendable,” replied Yutaku. “But seriously, a better disguise. At least sunglasses and a hat that covers your face. And perhaps a security detail, dressed similarly... It would be a shame if you came back from your escapades with a black eye.”

“I’ll do better,” Meiji promised. “But still, you and your buddies happy?”

“Oh yes,” nodded Yutaku while slurping down surprisingly good and well-crafted ramen. “Expect our investments to ramp up significantly.”

Unleashing the caplitalists

“This is good. So, are we net positive?”

“Almost. We are still losing money, but this is pocket change compared to earlier and I expect the budget to be in the green pretty soon,” replied Yutaku. “We are actually financially very secure, with 5 million in reserves. If we weren’t building that much, we’d be swimming in surplus.”

“But we don’t stop building, right?” asked the Emperor

“Never!” replied Yutaku.

“As for now,” the counselor continued. “How about we do something to the poorest and most vulnerable of the Empire?”

“You care?” the eyebrows of Meiji rose. “I thought the cold-hearted capitalists don’t care?”

“I actually spend a considerable part of my income not only investing in the future of Japan, but also on charity,” said Yutaku, proudly. “And I care.”

“A joint venture of Trade Unions and Industrialists,” muttered Meiji. “That’s a first. But fine, have it your way.”

The only matter Trade Unions and Industrialists agree upon

And thus, in October 1871, the Japanese adopted Laissez-faire and started to implement Poor Laws.

As the Emperor and Yutaku departed from the ramen joint, they were greeted by cheers of quite a numerous population. “Better disguise indeed,” mumbled the Emperor as he waved to the onlookers. As for the ramen joint, they added Meiji special to the menu and it was a hit.

Other News

In November, the Japanese adopted realist arts. In fact, there were some fine arts academies in Edo and they were converted to producing more gritty pictures instead of the more romantic ones. Though to be fair, most of them continued the traditional Japanese arts anyway.

Paint me like one of your realistic French girls.

Perhaps the best way to show the professionalism of the Japanese police force is that in January 1872, the Kanto ripper was caught. Using the most modern forensic ideas like fingerprints, the police were really up to the task and made the Japanese.

That was surprisingly quick

Also in January, the Meiji reformation came to an official end. The Emperor’s throne was secure and some people thought it would be a good idea to look beyond the Japanese borders, like to the Korean peninsula. Others pointed out that Korea is perhaps not that valuable of a target.

With this, the Meiji reformation is officially over

In February 1872, the Japanese adapted rifling. This meant that the single last industry in Japan, the arms industry, that was still using merchant guilds and shopkeepers, got converted quickly to more modern, privately owned industry.

With rifling, the last of merchant guild production falls. Not very profitable though.

This was done by industrializing the Ryukyu islands. Small islands got an extensive textile industry, some nice government buildings and every piece of arable land was replaced by cattle ranches. Ryukyu steaks became known throughout Japan for their quality and taste. But this all meant that the population of Ryukyu was not able to sustain the development- but available jobs lured people from all over Japan and some even from aboard to the island.

Ryukyu Islands are becoming a popular migration destination

In October, the idea of poor laws really hit off. There were people preaching all over Japan for the institution of the laws. Instead of using the support to make the law passed more readily, Meiji instead decided to use it to calm the poor people of the Kanto area. Resulting in much more loyal people in Japan.

Getting some loyal peasants for a change.

The Bearded Nihilist

Edmund Brydges was your average Trade Union activist. A man who would have preferred to seek out the source of Nile, but life got him to another position. A deeply religious man as well. Just, life wanted otherwise. The discontent in Great Britain had been brewing for quite some time. The rich became richer while the poor became poorer and the poorest in society were trampled by the highest.

The bearded nihilist. A pious one though.

Until in May 1872, the discontent blew to a full-fledged revolution, with Edmund Brydges, much to his own surprise, in front of the revolution. Revolution that promised universal suffrage and wage subsidies to the needy. And the revolution was big. Encompassing almost all of the British isles, apart from Home Counties in the south and Scottish Highlands in the North. Trouble was brewing in Great Britain.

Most of England, plus Wales and Scottish Lowlands, are revolting.

The revolution officially started in September. The future of the House of Hanover in the British throne seemed... a bit uncertain. Edmund I, Emperor of British Proletarian Revolt, established his capital to Birmingham and the forces under his command marched towards London.

 

[hjarg]

Japanese British Columbia​

In the beginning of 1873, using the time of discord in Great Britain, the sneaky communist Canadians began their own revolt, claiming their independence and rights for all. Ok, at least independence. Since Columbia District, the colonial body in Canada, had depended upon Great Britain for military protection and Great Britain was in an unfortunate situation where they were busy getting smashed by Proletarian Great Britain, the main question for Communist Oregon seemed to be “how fast can our men march”

Communist Oregon...

And in December of 1873, the People's Republic of Oregon came into being. Almost all of British Canada was now under the golden beaver, apart from few territories in the east coast and Newfoundland that remained under direct British control. Oswald Barnum, a yankee commie, now ruled northern North America.

Oregon, the land of the Golden Beaver

By March 1873, the Proletarian Empire had won and Great Britain was now ruled by Edmund I, the Proletarian Emperor, Pro-Emperor for short. Ousting Japan from their 3rd place in the Great Powers race and creating an Empire where Trade Unions ruled supreme. Their greatest dominion, the British Raj, didn’t seem to mind though, as long as business continued as usual.

Conservative Pro-Emperor Edmund I of Great Britain

Who did mind were the Australians. Or, to be more specific, New South Wales did not like their Proletarian overlords and decided to take up arms and kangaroos in rebellion in the summer of 1873. Edmund I was too busy consolidating power back home, or the news did not travel that fast, or something else- for the situation was the same. No troops for the colonial government, so no real opposition for the revolutionaries.

Trouble brewing in Land Down Under

In February 1874, the revolutionaries were successful and New South Wales, ruled by an unlikely coalition of Trade Unions and Industrialists, was a free, albeit a bit insignificant country.

I'm sure it is better than the Old South Wales

And on 26th of February, the Golden Beaver Country got a message from Japan. British Columbia or war and British Columbia. The newly formed government had no friends yet, though the US seemed kind of friendly. And their armies were enough to take the defenseless colonial government, but definitely not enough to withstand Japanese invasion.

Well, this didn't last

Just a bit over a month later, on 29th of March, Oregon backed down. Japan had their first province in North America- Japanese British Columbia. It was quite a large province, though very sparsely populated. It had some steel factories, sulfur and coal deposits and most importantly, gold! Not as much of it and in South Africa, but still some nice gold. Bit undeveloped, but Japan had enough construction to go around, and port, railway and gold mines were prioritized.

Japanese British Columbia

Other News

In March 1873, Japanese adopted Steam Donkeys. Using the power machines to reduce the labor needs in the mines- the thing is, Japan still had too many bloody peasants and therefore, there was no real need for it. Not just yet.

Useless for now

In July, Japanese discovered Mutual Funds and adopted the Labor Movement. The latter was nice, because it allowed Japan to restrict the child labor and from therefore, increase the education institution- and with this, making more people able to read. Incidentally, the literacy rate of Japan just reached 50%. Logistics were also adapted at the end of December. Again, the need for conscripted battalions was theoretical, for the Japanese had plenty of real battalions, but it was nice to have nevertheless.

More stuff discovered

Mutual funds was more important. Direct increase of minting, meaning increased income from gold mines. Meaning, around 109 000 weekly income from printing money and an additional 170 000 from gold mines. In short, this meant that the Japanese budget was heavily in the positive again, with 128 000 net positive. Most of what was invested to the construction sector.

Japanese budget and minting after Mutual Funds

In December 1873, Ito Mineo, leader of the Intelligentsia, declared his true belief in a society that is free. Where people are free, where saying the wrong thing or supporting the wrong interest group doesn’t end up with getting bonked by the secret police. To everyone’s great surprise, Arichi Iwao, the leader of Peasants, listened and found it to his liking. Meaning, Japan had something no-one thought was possible- peasants who liked the new ways, not the old ways.

A reformist peasants. Now I have seen it all

Result- by May 1874, the Japanese construction industry had risen to 522. And the country was still running a positive budget, while happily outbuilding pretty much every country in the world.

Construction over 500

The Invention of Childhood

“You got what you wanted,” said Meiji. This time, just sitting in the docks, watching the ships pass, watching the dockworkers and feeding the seagulls.

“Nice outfit,” Yutaku commented, gazing at the sunglasses, sombrero and rags the Emperor was wearing. “Does not stand out at all.”

“Overdid it?” asked the Emperor.

“Hmm,” commented Yutaku. “Not sure, actually. You look terribly suspicious, but I’m not sure anyone would think you’re the Emperor in disguise. Just some really shady character. As long as the police don’t detain you, you should be fine.”

“But yes,” the Poor Laws are nice to have. Just as long as we don’t go overboard with the institution and start giving too much money to the poor.. Just enough to keep them from revolting.”

The poor laws, or putting the hobos away

“Well, this is good. For next, I have planned something you might not like,” said Meiji.

“Like?” said Yutaku

“Like restricting the child labor,” said the Emperor, looking at ageing industrialist.

Yutaku just shrugged. “Nah, we’re fine.”

“Really?” wondered the Emperor.

“Really,” said Yutaku. “In reality, there is use for child labor, sure. But the bad PR of children dying in the factories outweighs the benefits, to be honest. Sure, there are some amongst us who don’t like it, but they’re the minority. I for one really like the idea of a childhood.”

“This is surprising.” said the Emperor

“What? That I have a heart as well? Oh come on, as I said, I spend a considerable amount of my income on charities,” said Yutaku.

“Plus,” he added. “What are they going to spend their happy childhood on?”

“Playing instead of working?” offered the Emperor.

“Going to school,” replied Yutaku. “And learning to read and write and math and all that needed to become a better quality worker.”

“Heh,” said the Emperor. “This is like a long-term investment to you. You still are a cold-hearted bastard!”

“Sometimes,” replied Yutaku.

Time to put childhood into law

The Elections of 1874

There were plenty of changes. First, the Constitutional Reform party split as the Trade Unions formed the Common People’s Party. The Constitutional Reform Party won by a margin, with Free Trade Party as the next placeholder- with a chance of not being influential soon, if this keeps up. And Trade Unions got third place. In addition, for the first time, Meiji asked the peasants to join the government. Mostly thanks to the reformist views of Arichi Iwao.

New Party, plus peasants in government.

The peasants in the government now meant that there is double the chance to adopt Restricted Child Labor, at least. And Arichi Iwao was dumbfounded, for no-one had thought of the peasants before.

The peasants, doubling the success

 

[hjarg]

The Fourth Decade: Restoration and Recognition​

The years between 1866 and 1876 are perhaps the most important ones for Japan. But let us start from the beginning. By 1866, Japan was already an economic superpower, being the 4th economy in the world. Above Japan were Britain, France and the Great Qing. What Japan lacked was western powers recognizing them as an economic superpower instead of unwashed eastern barbarians.

The decade is defined by two things. The end of Bakufu, or the Tokugawa Shogunate, also known as the Meiji Restoration. In September 1870, the last Shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, was deposed by the young emperor Meiji and for the first time in about millenia, the Japanese Empire had an Emperor who was an Emperor, not a sock puppet. This also caused the color of the country to change to red on maps and adaptation of the Rising Sun flag instead of the Shogunate one.

And the young Emperor Meiji went to war. As early as January 1871, Japan demanded that Russia should get out of Hokkaido and Sakhalin. The Russians just laughed at the demands of the eastern savages. In a fierce war that followed, Japan kicked Russia out of the islands, inflicted large casualties on Russian troops, sunk a Russian fleet and most importantly, proved to the entire world that Japan is a force to be reckoned with. From there onwards, Japan was a Great Power.

Japanese Empire, a great power led by a true Emperor

During that time, the Great War between Great Britain and Great Qing happened. Britain won, but barely, with horrible losses. And the Cape Colony used the fact that the Brits were busy to successfully rebel. Followed by Japan demanding vassalization of the newly formed South Africa to themselves- and then, followed by annexation of the nation.

Japan also finished annexing Siam. In addition, during the Proletarian Revolt of Great Britain, following the Great War, Canada broke off, with People’s Republic of Ontario taking over and declaring entire northern North America as theirs. Japan bullied the new Republic into giving up British Columbia, now known as Japanese British Columbia. The Australia, also known as New South Wales from now on, did rebel as well and soon found themselves as subjects of the Japanese Empire.

In short, Japan consolidated their holdings in Indochina and South Africa, got a first stronghold in North America and as a cherry on top, subjugated one entire continent, albeit a small one and sparsely populated one. Japan now has land in all the continents apart from Europe.

Japanese holdings

The Economy

By 1876, Japanese GDP had reached 275 million, making Japan a second economy in the world. Leader was France, with a GDP of 306 million. GDP per capita was 5.05, making Japan a 13th nation in the world. A decade ago, Japanese GDP was 123,4 million, meaning a growth of a little over two times. And GDP per capita was 2.92, so the growth is noticeable, but not as powerful.

Line goes up

One of the main drivers for this is of course the Japanese construction sector. Grown about twice in size during the decade, from 239 to 551. Allowing Japan to expand very rapidly.

Construction sector is really booming

Of course, construction is bloody expensive. Japan got it cheaper, by managing by keeping the prices of construction goods, especially iron, down. More importantly though, an increase in the economy meant an increase in taxation. Adaptation of the Laissez-Faire economic model meant more investments from the capitalists. And there was also that sweet-sweet gold that helped to fund all that construction.

Net positive despite all that construction

Japan had been the leading miner of gold and other valuables since they took Transvaal and Oranje. In this decade, the difference became even more staggering. Japan produces over 3000 units of gold per week. Next was Mexico with little less than 500. And Japan produced more gold than the rest of the world combined.

Gold. More then the rest of the world produces

Of course, gold was not the only one. By 1876, Japan had become the lead producer of iron, coal, wood and sulfur. Only in the lead, the French held the first place, while Japan held the second. For the most of the time, the difference was not that staggering when compared to France, but quite different when compared to the rest of the world.

Base industrial goods- doing well

As for industrial goods, things were not that great yet. France holds the first place in most of them, and in some cases, Japan is still far behind. Like in steel production, where France triples the Japanese production and tools production, where France doubles it. Japan is the world's largest producer of steam engines though.

Advanced industrial goods- could be better

Then, there is this curiosity- Japanese art had taken the world by storm, making Japan the biggest producer of fine arts. Especially in Great Britain, Austria and of all places, Russia, Japanese art is increasingly popular. It is a niche industry, but it is highly prestigious.

Japan, providing fine art to the world

As for clothes- Japan had finally overcome the shortage of normal clothes. And here, only Qing produces more. With furniture, things are not as good, but 4th place is worth something as well. Luxury products are about the same. For example, France outproduces Japan in luxury clothes almost two times.

Finally did something about the clothes shortage

In agriculture, the amount of grains produced by subsistence farms is about the same- while the output of modern farms has grown considerably. By 1876, a little over 10% of the grain produced comes from subsistence farms and the majority comes from rice farms in mainland Japan.

Basic food is kind of cheap

Overall, the market situation in 1876 is much less shortages, though the demand for coffee and tea had seriously grown. Same with opium- something that will be fixed in the coming decade. Some other prices, especially glass and fabric, had risen as well. On the other hand, there are several really cheap prices, and even the price of grain is visible in the list. Nothing that can’t be fixed by a little construction.

Goods sorted by highest/lowest prices

Kyoto in Kansai had become the greatest city in the world. With a booming chemical industry. Sometimes quite literally. Textile mills, paper industries as well. And a huge university complex to boot- not to mention the silk production and numerous rice fields. The state was home to almost 10 million people and alone contributed to 14% of the Japanese GDP.

Kyoto, the greatest city in the world

The Society

Apart from overturning the Bakufu, Japan had several other changes to society. Most important of these was adaptation of multiculturalism, resulting in a situation where no-one within the Empire was discriminated against based on their race, color, religion or whatever. This also started adding loyalists to the country by numbers.

Increase in loyalists, decrease in radicals

Another great change was that by 1876, the peasants were not the most numerous people in the country. Laborers were now 42,9% of the population, and peasants were second with just 26,6%. Clerks were in third place and machinists were coming up close. In fact, several states with lower population in the islands, like Hokkaido, Ryukyu and Shikoku islands were totally peasant-free. As was for example North Cape.

Peasant population going down

In addition, Japan invested heavily in healthcare institutions at the time. Though it was private insurance, it was still now affordable enough that even the peasants could get some care from professionals. And combined with open door policy- for example, in Edo, the population was still over 90% Japanese, but there were still over 300 000 Mande people and over 100 000 Kyrgyz people living in the state.

Population of Edo

As said, the health benefits reached even to the lowest ladder of the society. Even a peasant could get some medical assistance, as would a laborer. But as usual, if you happened to be in the higher ranks of society, for example as an engineer or a capitalist, your chances to get good medical care increased considerably.

Some healthcare to the poorest. A lot of healthcare ot the richest.

The same applies to education. The poorest of the population, or the peasants, had state-funded education- and to be fair, it was decent enough. Education was accessible to even the lowest strata. Again, the situation here is- the richer the person, the better access to education. But even the peasants were learning how to read and write.

Public education gives even the poorest ones a change of literacy.

The literacy rate in Japan is now 52,7%. Nothing to write home about, making it 99th place in the world. But growing steadily, almost 10% in the decade. It is predicted to grow a bit more rapidly with the law that restricts child labor and increase in education institution, and also with overall population becoming richer.

Going up, but not as fast as it could

Speaking of institutions, Japan has now quite a functional education system. New entry to the table is the health system, also at level 4. Also a new entry is social security, but that level is not so great. And even law enforcement got some funding.

More numerous intitutions

As for laws, during this time, Japan instituted Multiculturalism, Laissez-Faire, restricted the child labor, instituted Poor Laws, reformed the police force to be more centralized and out of hands of local gentry and perhaps most importantly, lowered the wealth requirement for voting from 25 to 15. Meaning, pretty much everyone but the poorest peasants could vote.

Going ilberal

This resulted in decreasing importance of the industrialists, while intelligentsia and trade unions were on the rise. In addition, the peasants got into the government for the first time. During the Meiji restoration, the Samurai reformed themselves as Armed Forces, but they are still kinda important. Most importantly though- neither the Monks or the Daimyos are in sight. The Shogunate, now known as the Landowners, is now marginalized and suppressed.

The government and the Landowners and Monks

The World

The decade saw the Great War between Great Britain and Great Qing. In the end, millions perished, but the Brits got Yunnan. And then, Britain fell into internal revolution and now Great Britain is ruled by a Proletarian Emperor Edumind I. During this time, Canada and Australia saw their chance and became independent.

The French on the other hand are doing fine. Their holdings in Africa are growing- and in addition, they got into Indochina by subjugating Dai Nam. Austria now also has an island in Indonesia.

Prussia is still doing pretty much nothing in Germany. The Zollerverin had basically disbanded and Prussia seemed to be preferring the more traditional unify by conquest method to form Germany, but his bigger neighbors, mostly Austria and France and sometimes even Great Britain, keep on thwarting their plans.

And as for America, currently yet another US-Mexico war is ongoing and Mexico seems to be winning.

Apart from Great Britain being a Bit Less Greater Britain, the world is more or less static.

 

[hjarg]

The Change of Power​

Steel Buildings

In July of 1876, Japanese discovered that steel frames could help to make the buildings sturdier. Opening the way of changing from more traditional iron-framed buildings to buildings of steel and glass.

Time for some steel frames!

It was quite a different beast. Previous construction method had required iron, wood, fabric and tools, roughly in that order. The new method ditched fabric and wood, replaced iron with steel, required ungodly amounts of glass and also, some explosives. Only the tools remained the same. It was a complete change in the construction sector.

The first one to switch production was of course Edo. With this, Japanese construction capacity rose from 551 to 623. It also showed that Japan now had a shortage of, well. Steel. Glass. Tools. And explosives. Especially glass. A week later, Kyoto’s construction office followed suit and the demand for glass went sky high.

All these new goods- and especially the price of glass

Of course, the increased construction capacity also means that one could build the buildings to even out the shortage at a much faster pace. The downside was that Japan had already queued up quite a bit for as important stuff, so there was a slight delay before the construction had taken off. Yes, the construction sector costs were high. But so was the price of coffee and tea. And the Japanese budget had reached to a point where it can sustain high construction costs.

So, Japan built. Expansion of steel mills in Kyushu. New ones in Tohoku. The glass factories in Edo and Chogoku were expanded quite a bit and the ones in Kyushu and Shikoku were told to switch to glass production only and got expansion as well. Tooling factories in Edo, Tohoku and Sapporo in Hokkaido got some expansion. And Nagoya in Chubu got some chemical plants.

By May 1877, though the shortages were still there, the Japanese construction output had reached 1000. The budget was slightly in the red, with 26k per week (and it really shows the strength of the Japanese economy- I’m able to use the word “slightly” for 26k per week negative) and the construction costs were little over 800k. With ample room to diminish.

Reaching 100- and working on lowering these costs

By October 1877, every single construction office in Japan was using steel-framed buildings, the budget was a whopping 285 in green and the price of construction goods had fallen to little over 800 000 per week. Japan now took a deep breath and stopped for a while- while the economy recovers.

All of Japan, converted to steel buildings. And still a slight net positive!

Other News

In April 1876, the spirit of the nation finally remembered that hey, we have mutual funds, right? Time to make use of it! And in the most single sweeping reform, the agricultural industry was changed. Before that, aristocrats were the sole proprietors of land, but with allowing limited stock companies to invest in agriculture, that changed. Capitalists had sneaked their dirty little paws into farming. Soon, the changes were visible- capitalists buying off farms and lands and investing in businesses. Though, to be fair, the Japanese investment budget grew, but capitalists still refused to invest in agriculture.

Right, this one as well

Soon though, a new class of rural capitalists emerged. They were not as wealthy as their factory- or mine-owning fellows, but they still lived a nice comfortable life, while contributing to the investment pool.

The silk capitalists live a visibly good life

Organized sports was adopted in July 1876. Hydraulic cranes in April 1877. Rubber mastication in September 1877. For the latter- Japan had plenty of locations where rubber grew, but lacked practical applications for it. In June 1878, it was Philosophical Pragmatism time.

Lots of things adopted during the time

Suez Isthmus was surveyed in November 1877. The findings show- it is possible to construct a canal that connects the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, shortening the time ships travel from Asia to Europe considerably. Just one tiny thing- Egypt owns the Suez Isthmus. The Japanese solution was to make sure Egypt does not own Suez.

Why buy when you can conquer?

In March 1888, Japan started surveying a proper site for the first skyscraper in the world in Edo. A building that would touch the skies- showing to the world how far Japan had come.

Prepare for skyscraper!

The Change of Power

“Of course I am disappointed,” said Yutaku to the Emperor.

“But I cannot say I am surprised,” he added. “When you pushed through census suffrage, we saw our influence diminish. We predicted that our influence would go even lower when you gave voting rights to everyone in January 1876.”

Every man can vote!

“The people deserve the right to decide their own future,” said the Emperor, firmly.

“Unfortunately, the people don’t see that it was us who made Japan great,” sighed Yutaku. “They prefer people who give them easier choices, not hard work.”

“It is true that you changed Japan- much for the better.” Meiji nodded. “Just, along the process, Japan has changed. The people of Japan have changed. From the peasants to engineers and laborers. From barely surviving to thinking if they should buy this fancy new mahogany table to enjoy fine tea from- or just silk clothes for the whole family.”

The Emperor gave a grinning glance to Yutaku: “And you, the providers of both mahogany tables and silk clothes”

“At reasonable prices,” Yutaku added

“At reasonable prices,” Meiji agreed, “You profited the most from this change. You still do, on a larger scale than ever before.”

“That is true,” said Yutaku. “We have gotten ourselves an immense wealth. And made Japan immensely powerful.”

“Just,” he added after a slight pause. “We have lost our political power along the line.”

“Not the economic one,” Meiju commented. “Though, I’m still surprised you just gave up.”

“We did not give up,” said Yutaku. “We just don’t consider the party to be a viable investment any more. We considered the political situation, gazed at the polls and found that we would lose- so why waste money on a project doomed to failure?”

“Always the pragmatist,” said Meiji.

“The result is also clear- Constitutional Reform Party and Common People’s Party, the sole remaining parties in Japan, have won the election and will continue in the government. Free Trade Party is not here anymore and the industrialists, for the first time since forever, are out,” replied Yutaku in a sad voice.

The new government after the elections of 1878

“You know,” said the Emperor. “The Industrialists are out, sure. But over time, I have come to really value your advice and your leadership. I really hope that you don’t think this is me firing you. Quite the contrary, this is me begging you to stay.”

Yutaku smiled. “I would not miss our little escapades for the world, my liege.”

“Just Mutsuhito from now,” said the Emperor, giving Yutaku permission to use his birth name. A rare honor indeed.

It was quite a moment. That was quickly soiled when Mutsuhito told Yutaku what his plans were next.

“Proportional taxation?” the poor capitalist gasped.

Oh noes!

 

[hjarg]

The Pyramids​

On the 23rd of June, right after the election, the Japanese government sent a demand to Egypt. If you’d expect it to be Sinai, you’d be, well, dead wrong. The Japanese demanded Lower Egypt, with the Egyptian capital of Cairo and the city of Alexandria and with the pyramids and after that, also the Sinai. Because it would be so much wasted effort to go to war over just one very poor isthmus when there are pyramids nearby, after all.

Why take Sinai when you can take Cairo?

The Egyptians were not so keen to give up their capital and all and on 1st of October 1878, Egypt, Two Sicilies and Greece were at war with Japan. Greece was a joke, but Egyptians had a considerable army and Two Sicilies were quite powerful as well. Combined, they had more troops than Japan.

Two Sicilies is actually a formidable ally.

Japan now packed Kamimura Toshimichi, the Japanese leading offensive general and his 45 troops onto ships and sent him to invade Sinai. Why Shibayama Heihachiro thought it would be a good idea to sail across the Cape, through Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean instead of just making a quick incursion to the Red Sea is one of the great mysteries. Admiral himself commented: “It seemed better that way”. He was intercepted near Crete by the Egyptian navy. Though it was also unclear why he took a detour to Aegean, this ended conclusively. His fleet of 60 ironclads met the Egyptian fleet of 27 ships of the line and it did not end well for Egyptians, while Kamimura and his men got a free Aegean cruise.

Always take an Aegean cruise, even when invading Sinai

After the cruise, Kamimura made landfall in Suez. The Japanese caught the Egyptians by surprise- only 4 battalions against Japanese 5. And as it turned out, even when landing, the Japanese were better. Soon, the Japanese made landfall.

The invasion begins

In the aftermath of the successful invasion, the shock was enough for the Japanese to take on coasts of the Gulf of Suez and even the city of Alexandria. But then, the Egyptians did some counting and found out that the Japanese numbers weren’t that great. And Toshimichi made a blunder- he thought he was attacking a weak Egyptian position. Instead, he found that he was assaulting positions of 46 battalions with only a third of the force. While the Japanese were better, they were not that good.

But now, every general in Japan was sent to Egypt. Japan was now facing forces of 176 against 45 and Toshimichi needed support, fast.

This will not go down well

By Mai 1879, reinforcements had arrived. The Egyptians managed to split the Japanese into two fronts though.

Toshimichi found something else- a more equal force of Sicilians, defending with the Egyptians and attacked them. Meanwhile, in Middle Egypt, Shukru Pasha made a similar miscalculation as Kamimura did earlier. He advanced, and suddenly found more numerous Japanese forces in his way., led by Jutoku Kotohito. And the Japanese defense was supreme.

The split fronts

In short, by the end of June, the situation had changed. The Japanese had connected with the pocket and united the front. To what the Egyptians decided to open another front and push back the Japanese from Sinai. How did the 68 000 soldiers cross the Red Sea, dominated by the Japanese navy? I guess one should look at Moses to get answers with that.

How did you get there?

In August 1879, the Japanese won the Battle of Cairo. Kamimura lured Shukru Pasha to launch a full-scale attack against superior Japanese forces- and in a resulting counter-offensive, pushed the enemy back to the Western Nile.

The conquest of Cairo

In December, the biggest battle of the war was fought. The Japanese, led by Masujiro Muto, commanding 53 battalions, fought Shukru Pasha and his 60 battalions. The number of casualties was staggering on both sides- and even on both sides. But in the end, the Japanese held the field and as a result, Alexandria was also taken. Meanwhile, the Sinai front saw minor battles and held.

Now, the conquest of Alexandria

The war was over by 21st of January of 1880. Egyptians, seeing their capital fallen, their losses mounting and Japanese being relentless, saw no other choice but to surrender. The Japanese had now holdings in the Mediterranean. And the Japanese now controlled one of the most ancient buildings in the world, and certainly one of the most famous. The Great Pyramids of Giza. Built when the ancestors of the Japanese were still hunter-gatherers and were already ancient when the First Emperor came to the throne of Japan.

The Japanese Pyramids. And construction of the channel.

In addition, Cairo and Alexandria had quite a large arms industry, a small clipper industry, some paper mills and some textile mills. And the land around the Nile was very suitable for growing one thing- opium. Making the Japanese ambition of becoming the largest narc nati... khm, the world's leading reputable provider of medicinal opium, one step closer to reality. Of couse, the Japanese started construction of the Suez Canal almost immediately.

As for the war, the Japanese losses were about equal to Egyptian ones. Both sides lost over 50 000 dead and while the Japanese wounded were less than Egyptian ones, the scales were not that different. Considering the difference between the size of the nations, this was not optimal- and Japan came from the war, having learned a few things. Like it needs more armies to fight on multiple fronts and also, more navies to open up the more fronts and force the enemy to split their forces.

The Egyptians put up a surprising fight

Taxation woes

“You promised them what?” asked Yutoku with horror.

“A temporary tax cut,” replied Meiji. “Come on, it was only 10%. What could go wrong?”

Not this one, please!

“Us being nearly 200 000 in a week in the red,” replied Yutoku.

“But it is only temporary!” exclaimed the Emperor. “And it helps us to put gradual taxation motion forward.”

“Fortunately,” said Yutaku. “We actually have gold reserves to sustain it. Fortunately indeed.”

This does not look too healthy

In fact, the Emperor’s faith in the Japanese economy was enough that in end of September of 1878, he ordered expansion of the Construction sector in Edo- it is now at a maximum.

Perhaps not the best time, but look at the construction efficiency!

Then, in December, even the Emperor thought it would not be such a good idea- and therefore, refused to give yet another tax cut. Much to the relief of Yutoku and the minister of finance. But this also meant that the success was back where it began, but the Japanese budget was in the negative.

Nonono, not again!

Followed successful debates in March that got the percentage up to 30% again.

Until finally in June 1879, the Proportional Taxation law suddenly passed. It sounded nice- to ensure that everyone pays their equal share to the government. In reality, it was all about getting more income to the government. And of course, this is fine. Because the government does good things with money, like building private factories.

Finally

Of course, the Meiji tax cuts were still in effect. So the result was not as rosy as it could be. Japanese negative budget that actually managed to hit 300k in the red at the high point, now dropped to a more convenient 60k in the red. And the gold reserves had decreased by about 10 million during that time.

Much better.

The good news is that by August, Japanese budget was positive again and Meiji celebrated by building the construction sector in Kyoto to the max as well.

Other News

In May 1879, Japanese adopted repeaters. Rifles that no longer needed reload after every shot and therefore, changed the warfare again. Fortunately, the Egyptians had not adapted these yet. Japanese adopted Aniline in November. Everyone agreed that in theory, this was a good idea. But Japan had plenty of dye plantations, so the introduction to artificial dyes was deemed to be unimportant.

The latter is pretty meh for Japan

In August 1879, Kyushu had run out of peasants. The island had been heavily industrialized and as a result, the peasants had abandoned their villages and searched for more gainful employment in the cities and mines and factories and such. Quite an impressive feat- for the island housed almost 6 million people. All of them are now doing something else than traditional farming.

Kyushu is fresh out of peasants

The same happened to Tohoku in February 1880. Neither were the most populated of the Japanese provinces, but both had numerous industries, numerous mines and also some modern farms.

Tohoku is empty as well

Great Britain thought it would be just great to have their own holdings in Indonesia. So, they started a play to bully Maguindanao, a small country in the South Philippines, into submission. And all was going pretty well for them, until the Great Qing said “Not a great plan” and declared their support for the poor nation, demanding the return of Yunnan. What started as an easy bullying of a really minor nation became a Second Great War.

Great Britain just made a Great Mistake

 

[hjarg]

Continent of Gold​

New South Wales had been under Japanese rule for half a decade. Enough that all the truces had run out. And now, it was time to bring them into Japan proper. It happened on 1st of October 1880. As you can see, the Pacific Ocean wasn’t really popular amongst the Great Powers. Great Britain still had a colony there- and for some reason, France and Austria cared. But they did not care enough to intervene.

Time to take Australia

So, New South Wales looked at the numbers. They have 4 battalions. Plus, ability to mobilize additional 28. Japan has a bit more than that. Japan has a navy. They have none. And none of the western powers were willing to help. Especially Great Britain- it is said the Proletarian Emperor Edmund I got a laughing fit when he heard their plea for help. And, unwilling to make a glorious last stand, the wellies gave up. On 22nd December of 1880, all of Australia, plus the North Island of New Zealand, was officially Japanese. Apart from Noongar territory in South-Western Australia and a tiny speck in North Island.

One continent, please.

Australia was known mostly for her gold, though it also had coal and iron and the largest sulfur deposit in the world. All of these were sadly undeveloped and the total population in the continent was way less than a province in the Japanese mainland.

Fortunately, Japan had a construction industry. Powerful enough to prioritize all the construction in freshly covered states and get the country up to standard as fast as possible. Well, it was mostly railroads and gold mines. No surprise there, right?

First two pages of construction queue

Also, Japan started colonizing these leftover parts of the continent and soon, would claim the entire New Zealand as their own. Not to mention Australia as well.

About a year later, the gold mines in Australia were complete, but still had a slight shortage of workers. The results were showing though. Japanese income from minting was little less than 500k when New South Wales was annexed. A year later, it was almost 620k and growing as new workers would arrive in Australia.

Change in minting after the conquest of Australia and a year later

Removing Censorship

“Wow,” said Yutaku, looking at the proposal. “You really are doing it. But what of the families of the poor censors? Are they destined to starve?”

“You’re joking,” said the Emperor. “But I sense no opposition to this proposal?”

“The Industrialists are indifferent to the matter,” replied Yutaku. And added after a thought. “But it seems like we are the only ones who are?”

“The Peasants don’t care either,” said the Emperor.

“The Trade Unions and Intelligentsia greatly approve,” added Yutaku.

“As do I,” added the Emperor. “And the rest of them, they just hate the thought.”

“More like dislike,” said Yutaku. “Hate is when we go from nationalism to multiculturalism and you happen to be the Petite Bourgeoisie. This is a mild dislike, though very widespread mild dislike.”

“This one is very popular though,” Meiji mused. “Should be passed on the first try.”

This is quite high success chance.

This was in February 1880. First try was in May. Resulting in some nice people distributing illegal pamphlets instead of approving the law. Next step- September. Now, a popular playwright decided to write a play about love blossoming under police batons and two young people find each other during an illegal strike. It was a hit.

Oh come on, get it done

Finally, on the third try, on 1st of November 1880, the law was passed and Japanese could gather freely, without fear of police violence.

End of Censorship

Resulting in Japan becoming something of a magnet to free thinkers, because no state censorship. Resulting in people from all over the world gathering at (quite numerous) Japanese universities and other institutions.

Freedom of thought

Unfortunately, this also meant a loss of authority for the Emperor. Meaning, Meiji had to abolish the final consumption tax on services. Cause no matter how progressive the Emperor was, he knew that suppression of monks and aristocracy is a good thing and must be continued. Resulting in the Japanese budget once again going full 200k to the red. And once again, the Japanese gold reserves are plentiful enough to sustain it.

Dropping consumption taxes on services

The Tallest Building

In March 1880, the engineers in Edo finally finished surveying the location of a building that will reach the skies. The tallest building in the world. And the construction was queued immediately, though not prioritized. Doesn’t matter, the Japanese construction throughput is enough that the construction will start very soon.

It was finished in May 1881. The tallest building in the world, standing tall and proud in the center of Edo. Landmark visible from miles away. Marvel of technology.

Edo area is looking quite urbanized.

“Perhaps we should have waited until we discovered the elevators,” commended one out-of-breath Emperor as he finally ascended to the penthouse on the top floor and looked down to his city.



Malaria Prevention

In March 1880, Japanese advanced Malaria Prevention. This being almost certainly the first discovery in the world where the Japanese were actually the first to come up with it. Quinine combined with several prevention measures, like the mosquito nets, really made malaria plaguing the deep regions of Africa a non-issue.

This speeds things up

The Japanese colonization that was moving at a snail’s pace in Africa really took off now. In Namaqualand and all the other provinces, colonization continued at 10 times the original pace. And Japan joined the scramble of Africa. Or rather, were the first to it.

Let the race begin!

In addition, Japanese also started colonization of Western New Guinea- something they did not do before because malaria was very rampant there. No other nation had done so as well, but Dutch East Indies had a small colony in East Guinea.

End of Monetary Troubles

In April 1881, the tax cut promised by the Emperor finally ran out. Suddenly, Japan had a whole lot more money. The Emperor spent some in increased wages of the military and government, then spent little excess authority he had on taxing glass. Japan still had a lot of money.

Suddenly, in the green

By November, the Japanese construction industry had reached 2000. Meaning pretty much every state in the Islands had a maximum level of construction. Still around 280k in the green.

2k construction, nearly 300k in the green.

Other News

In March 1880, Japan adopted the identification documents. Besides all other good things, it also meant that it would be much harder to hide from the tax collectors. In May 1881, Japanese adopted Jeune Ecole, a naval strategy that places a greater emphasis on smaller naval ships. Not really suitable for Japan though, for the Empire needed large ocean-going ships. Pan-Nationalism was adopted in August 1881.

More techs.

France continued their expansion in the South Mediterranean. In May 1880, they subjugated Morocco. Took a treaty port for some reason. And banned slavery in Morocco. Now, they also control Tripolitania and some coastline in Algeria.

French Morocco

Also by May, the steel and glass situation had improved enough in Japan that all the urban centers adopted Covered Markets. Meaning, the main materials used by the cities were now steel and glass. And Edo, with the Urban Center size of 45, was the biggest city in the world. And the services were for a change plentiful and affordable.

All steel and glass for Edo. No lights yet.

The Brits weren’t as successful as the French. The Second War of the Greats ended with British defeat, and by the time the peace was signed, the Qing troops had penetrated quite deep into India. Yunnan, the state the Brits conquered about a mere decade ago, went back into Qing hands. And Maguindanao, besides retaining their independence, had a serious problem- where to put all the money they received from Brits as part of the peace treaty.

There used to be British Yunnan in the picture

Discovery of Improved Fertilizers in May 1881 meant a new, albeit a smaller agricultural revolution. It meant two things- better fertilizers and more fertilizers. Thanks to demand for explosives, the fertilizer production was already high and the switch went without a hitch. Result- grain, the most basic necessity for people, is cheaper than ever before.

Abundant grain

In September 1881, Japan adopted Shift Work. A bright idea that by dividing the workers into shifts, you can keep the production going on for all day and night, meaning much more throughput for the factories. Not so nice if you happen to catch the night shift, but hey, your sleep is a good price for improved efficiency. And plenty of Japanese industries were big enough to fully benefit from it. For example, this tooling industry in Edo. Largest in the world, most effective in the world.

Maximum throughput

The French-Mexican alliance that had stood strong for decades dissolved. The United States was quick to use to their advantage, for they now had much more power than the Mexicans and Mexico had encroached too deeply to the North. The US made a play, demanding the return of Utah, Arizona and California. Mexico managed to enlist the help of Russia, but France was leaning on the US side...

Things are not looking well for Mexico for a change

 

[hjarg]

California Dreams​

In February 1882, it seemed that the power balance in North America had finally changed. Mexico, facing the threats of the United States, decided to cede Utah to the States. Unfortunately for the States, war would have been preferable, for they also demanded California and Arizona- and now got just Utah.

Heh, cowards!

California is such a lovely state though. Would be such a shame to let the Mexicans keep it, thought the Emperor and the following day, on 22nd February of 1882, Japan started a play to get California for themselves. It was suspected that it would go as it went with the US- for Japan was immensely more powerful than the US.

Let us see if this works the same way

Things got a bit interesting in March though. Russia decided to join the Mexican side. And Russia and Japan actually have a common border. Russian Alaska and Japanese British Columbia share a common border. Japan, in anticipation of the conflict, began to prepare troops to be sent to the Alaskan front, while the navy was making preparations to launch an invasion to Mexico. And another navy began preparations to raid the Russian shipping lanes to Alaska.

Russia joining

All the nice plans fell apart though. On 17th May, Mexico decided that even with Russia, they don’t stand a chance and backed down, ceding California to Japan. The Empire now has two provinces on the North American west coast.

Heh, cowards!

California is known for her gold, though most of it is not in mines, but still in gold fields. It also has big sulfur deposits, quite numerous iron deposits and a tooling factory. Also, it has ample farmlands, especially if you like to grow some wine as well. All that combined with a population of around 600k- the state has potential for sure.

Gold, sulfur, iron and some nice arable lands. A good state.

Agricultural Revolution vol 2

In August 1882, Japan discovered pumpjacks. Meaning, a nice little system to pump oil from the ground in large quantities. Incidentally, Japan also discovered some oil in newly conquered California. That did not matter much for now though, for there was a limited need for oil in Japan at the moment.

Timely conquest of California

What mattered was automatic irrigation. For the Japanese agricultural revolution had been in grain production. Improved fertilizers, shift from subsistence farms to modern agriculture. All of it had been for just grain production. The different plantations across the Empire just carried on like they had. Only grown bigger in size, but not better in technology. This changed now.

For example, the tea plantations in Kansai were the biggest in Japan. And still, there was a shortage of tea. But with the introduction of an automatic irrigation system, the output of the farms doubled and the price of tea in Japan went from expensive to cheap.

Tea before and after

Or opium. What was expensive became dirt cheap. Japan was actually forced to start exporting more, even though the French were already importing tons of opium from Japan and Ottomans were already high as kite.

Cheap opium for the masses!

The same applied to dyes. The dye plantations in Kyushu doubled their production and quadrupled their weekly profit, even though the price fell quite considerably and Japan now produces quite an excess of dyes.

Dyes before and after

Actually, the same applied to every good produced in plantations. Fabrics, coffee, fruits, sugar and so on. To an extent that not all the plantations were updated, not to create a too big surplus in the market. But the prices of everything fell quite nicely.

Of course, this created a sudden influx in demand for engines. Quite a big one. Japanese railways had been the biggest consumers of engines and they still were, their demand being about half of the demand. But in just a short period of time, the demand grew almost two times. But Japanese production capacity- and construction capacity, was nothing to scoff at. About a year later, Japan was producing plenty of engines, additional factories were under construction and Japan was not only the largest producer of engines in the world, it was the largest producer of engines in the world without comparison.

The demand for Engines went up for some reason.

War for Nama

In September 1882, the locals in Namaqualand got fed up with the growing pace of Japanese coming to their lands and just taking over. The tribes united and prepared for a grand war, where Japan would not only be kicked out of Namaqualand, but also from Northern Cape and Hereroland. Nothing wrong with a bit of optimism, right?

Nama, feeling really optimistic

The Japanese reacted by sending 40 battalions to the border, half north and half south.

The war broke out in December. By the end of January, Nama was occupied. In May 1883, all of Namaqualand was Japanese. South Africa looked more and more Japanese each day.

The South Africa looks nicely Japanese

Compulsory Education

“Every man having equal rights is a radical idea,” said Yutaku.

“Do you oppose it?” the Emperor looked at him.

“No,” said Yutaku, after a pause. “I can see the benefits- a system where everyone is equal creates stability. And during my long life, I have noticed that nothing allows for economic expansion than stability.”

“Knowing that my fortunes are guaranteed by the state, unless I do something really stupid,” he continued “Gives me motivation to grow them even further, without fear that some greedy daimyo or something will try to squeeze every penny from me.”

“Plus, we have had them for quite some time already,” he added.

“But not written in the constitution as we have now,” said Meiji. “Even I cannot revoke them.”

Human rights

“This is true,” said Yutaku.“But still, it brings some limitations of freedom...”

“Like?” asked the Emperor

“Like your current law. From everyone can go to school to everyone should go to school to everyone must learn to at least read and write,” said Yutaku. “What about the freedom of children? Or the freedom of parents to choose the proper path suitable for their children?”

“Oh come on, not like the children are employable any longer, what’s it to you?” the Emperor looked a bit annoyed.

Yutaku shrugged. “Just the principle of the matter. I’m an industrialist, therefore, I object to the education of children.”

“Objection noted and ignored,” replied the Emperor.

School is mandatory. Sorry, children.

Other News

The elections of 1882 went about as well as predicted. The Common People’s Party and the Constitutional Reform Party won and kept being in government. With one slight difference- Armed Forces joined the Constitutional Reform Party. This created some friction within, for it was now three groups with different interests, but nothing unmanageable.

The new government

In July 1882, Japanese Congo had grown enough that it was possible to extend Japanese colonies from there. Japan established colonies in Bangala, Yaku and Kuba. Also, the colonization of Eastern New Guinea started.

Expanding some colonies in Central Africa

In November 1882, Japanese adopted monitors. Smaller, more coastal ships, totally suitable for an Empire that span across all the continents but Europe, for sure. Japan adopted it anyway and now has a much more modern fleet.

An upgrade?

Vulcanization, adopted in March 1883, finally led to some usage of all this rubber Japan had around- and actual use of the plantations Japan had built. First thing was replacing horses with bicycles. Creating a small demand for rubber. Then, textile mills in Ryukyu changed to elastic rubber. Then, the others, as production picked up.

Bicycle messengers, here we come

Heavenly Protestant Kingdom

In September, Hu Nie managed to gather southwestern Chinese provinces under rebellion under a protestant flag. The Heavenly Protestant Kingdom, a theocracy, was formed. They actually had quite a big number of armies and GDP rivaling smaller European powers. The thing is, Qing was bigger. Much bigger. And not finding any support from outside China, the rebellion died down.

Heavenly Protestant Kingdom

You’d think that was that, but with annexation of the Heavenly Protestant Kingdom, Qing managed to irk the ire of Austria and Russia. Who combined their forces to cut down the Qing a number or two. The Qing refused to bend and in the beginning of 1883, the war started.

This is an interesting alliance

The Perm-Sichuan front was getting really-really populated. Austrians were actually more modern, though they still used line infantry, just armed with shrapnel artillery. Russian troops were similar to Chinese ones- line infantry and mobile artillery. And the numbers were almost equal.

All of this, one front? Really, Paradox?

Number One!

In June 1883, Japan was not just a Great Power. It was the Greatest Power. Most came from Japanese GDP that had boomed, leaving France far behind, though the Japanese army and navy had grown at a reasonable rate as well. At the moment, France and Japan were main contenders for the first place, leaving Great Britain far behind. As for economic power though, by 1883, Japan was without equal- and growing in an increasing pace.

We are number one!