Japan

"When you think about it, the 21st century is the time of the Corporate nation. There are democracies (few untainted by corp money), and a few kingdoms, but there is only one empire left in the world: Nippon (Japan)"

- Pacific Rim

Japan (日本; Nippon or Nihon, which means "sun origin" or "land of the rising sun") is a major country consisting of 47 prefectures disrupted into 8 regions, as well as various territorial possessions across the globe and is one of the biggest economic and military powers in cyberpunk. It is a very high tech country and it has an ancient culture with many traditions. The Japanese archipelago is located in East and North East Asia.

When the American military left the pacific rim, the Japanese SDF filled in the void of the new military power in charge. Now supplied by the top manufacturers: Arasaka, Tsunami Defense Systems, and Towa. The military is strong, yet outnumbered.

Arasaka the world's most influential and most powerful megacorporation is located in Tokyo, Japan. Arasaka dominates much of Japan's politics, economy, and policing it also has control of much of the third world. The term "third world" is commonly assigned to America. Japan has strong trade relations with the United States.

They have solid relations with Taiwan. Playing a huge role in helping them become an official independent country with the support and protection of government and the Arasaka Corporation.

Overview
"There we were, tooling along at about 90 klicks-per outside of Hiroshima, when the friggin' Bozos came barreling up for chicken. Out of reflex, I fired away with my left Pop-up C-gun, expectin' to shoot clear of the car. Blew the whole front windshield out. God, was I embarrassed!"

- Billy Bob Jackson, Solo, Japan

Japan is the country most people think of first when we hear "Pacific Rim ." Japan has the highest per-capita consumption of cybernetics of any country in the world, and is at the forefront of research and design. They also have on average the the highest percentage of full-borg conversions, private, and corporate. The highly urbanized country is also home to the Corporate cities, where Zaibatsus and their related companies all cluster around important plants, family clans, other zaibatsus and yakuza. However there is much more to Japan than this.

Japan used to be a mono-racial country. Overtime there were many more gaijin (foreigners) who started entering, Koreans, and the second and third generation Japanese-SAs (South Americans) who fled the First and Second Central American Wars of the American continents and returned to the country of their ancestors. As one would expect, few of them spoke Japanese, and most were of a different culture entirety. The main religion, Shinto, is Shamanistic, and they still have an Emperor.

Japan has never had a revolution from below like America, France, and the USSR. Civil wars that took place have been between the powers-that-be. Revolution plans were always discovered long before they erupted by the ninjas and spies that the local and national governments planted in all organizations. There hasn't even been any major social revolutions, even in the modern day it is considered a feudal society.

300 years ago, a person spoke their mind freely could get their head cut off for impudence. By law freedom of speech does exist, however many do not speak the truth in many situations. Criticizing the Emperor, or talking about discrimination are conversational taboos. The truth can upset people, and disrupt the harmony that keeps such a closely-packed society in working order. Being overly opinionated is often seen as immature. The "people's heroes" of Japan were social anarchists (aka, sociopaths) who tried to resist authority and died in tragic ways, much like that of the Christian martyrs. Japanese people are impressed by a good, honorable tragic death.

Many of the cyberpunks and gangers of today seem to be heading toward, a reckless, tragic death in the face of the System. This is why so much of the popular entertainment revolves around Bosozoku and other "maniacs." Naturally, this doesn't represent the whole country, more of a generalization. The Greater Tokyo Area (Kanto) tends to have a more cold atmosphere with more people using their tatemae. Western Japanese (Kansai-jin), from the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe sprawl, tend to be more free and down to earth with their honne.

History
Japan's unique culture developed rapidly during the Heian era (794-1185). The imperial court turned out enduring art, poetry, and prose. The samurai warrior class developed at this time as well.

Samurai lords, called "shogun," took over the government in 1185, and ruled Japan in the name of the emperor until 1868. The Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333) ruled much of Japan from Kyoto. Aided by two miraculous typhoons, the Kamakura repelled attacks by Mongol armadas in 1274 and 1281.

A particularly strong emperor, Go-Daigo, tried to overthrow the shogunate in 1331, resulting in a civil war between competing northern and southern courts that finally ended in 1392. During this time, a class of strong regional lords called "daimyo" increased in power; their rule lasted through the end of the Edo period, also known as the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1868.

Meiji Restoration
In 1868, a new constitutional monarchy was established, headed by the Meiji Emperor that restored practical imperial rule to the Empire of Japan. The power of the shoguns came to an end. The Restoration led to enormous changes in Japan's political and social structure. Japan rapidly industrialized and adopted Western ideas and production methods. After the Meiji Emperor's death, the emperor's son became the Taisho Emperor. His chronic illnesses kept him away from his duties and allowed the country's legislature to introduce new democratic reforms. During World War I, Japan formalized its rule over Korea, Taiwan, and seized control of northern China. In 1915, Sasai Arasaka founded the Arasaka Corporation, which would play a role in the second World War as a manufacturing company to the imperial army.

World War II
Japan entered in a war with the US during World War II, despite early success, they were pushed back and later atomic bombs were dropped on major cities. This resulted in their surrender. After World War II had ended, Japan was devastated. All the large cities (with the exception of Kyoto), the industries and the transportation networks were severely damaged. A severe shortage of food continued for several years.

A new constitution went into effect in 1947: The emperor lost all political and military power, and was solely made the symbol of the state. Universal suffrage was introduced and human rights were guaranteed. Japan was also forbidden to ever lead a war again or to maintain an army, under Article 9. Which was mainly written by the United States. Furthermore, Shinto and the state were clearly separated.

Post War (1950-1989)
With the peace treaty that went into effect in 1952, the occupation ended. Japan's Self Defense Force was established in 1954, accompanied by large public demonstrations. Great public unrest was also caused by the renewal of the US-Japan Security Treaty of 1960.

After the Korean War, and accelerated by it, the recovery of Japan's economy flourished. The 1970s and 80s saw the country flourish as it became an economic powerhouse and the second largest in the world.

Crash of '94 and the Collapse (1994-2000)
In the 1990s World Stock Market Collapse occurred changing the the world's leading superpowers for good. The EEC was established in '92, and Japan was only superpower outside of Europe to join, along with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. In 1995, a grand unification of Ministries and agencies was carried out in within the country. Japan also abolished the pacifist clause (article 9) of the 1947, a decision made by Arasaka backed politicians. This meant Japan was able to have a normal military again with full offensive capabilities. Consequently the US withdrew its military presence in Japan. The corruption in the government did not last long afterwards, as the Bald Hill political scandal occurred in 1997 and 60% of the Diet were arrested for bribery charges.

2000s
Despite the upset of the 90s, Japan was steadily becoming a world superpower, leading the charge in cyberware and commuter development. In 2001, the Japan Aerospace Bureau was established. Japan made solid relations with Taiwan due to their efforts in 2009, which saw Taiwan become an official independent country with the support and protection of them under Arasaka.

In 2015, Japan was officially removed from the EEC, a move that the government had seen coming. To combat it, they established the New Yen currency. The Yen War began in Europe, with Germany aiming to limit international corporations in Europe.

The United States had largely retreated from the Pacific Rim, with Japan filling the vacuum of power and supporting the economies of struggling countries, U.S. being one of them; although tensions remained from the trade wars of the '90s. The United States still participated in military drills with but not limited to Japan and Australia.

By 2020, Arasaka developed their security division and their forces highly trained at the Arasaka school on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. The Hokkaido Training Camp is the main training facility of thousands of potential recruits. The country of Japan was the world's largest superpower.

Fourth Corporate War (2022-2023)
During the time of the Fourth Corporate War, the Japanese Government was worried about their connection in the war effort. Though not having direct involvement, Arasaka had huge pull and this worried them. Japan had put its Self Defense Force on alert readying for the inevitable attacks on Arasaka assets. Preparing with anti-invasion exercises, and for the possibility of a Militech-sponsored Chinese invasion. However the Japanese people saw a time of piece in the country with a lack of yakuza and bosozoku interference, as well as the increase defense had proven to be the safest time in Japan's history. Yorinobu Arasaka, the rebel son of Saburo, didn't side with Militech during the war. Instead he played a role in supplying info to the Government of Japan that helped their nationalization of Arasaka's native offices.

The war had pushed nations to their breaking point. After seeing the success of the EEC taking control of all the assets of Arasaka Europe, Japan nationalized all Arasaka's assets inside the country and nearby territories. The Japanese Government apologized to all nations of the UN, saying they could not do anything about Arasaka beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

With all local Arasaka assets under the Japanese government control, and the US entering the conflict to stop Militech, the global war was effectively over in East Asia. National face was saved. Once the conflict came to an official stop, the government claimed victory, finally realizing that they had the power all along to keep the Corporations in check. The Arasaka Corporation would only go so far, till it eventually would bow to the government.

2040s
Japan had been slowly recovering from the damage of the Arasaka Corporation's abortive coup. Despite this the Japanese mainland still allowed Arasaka to hold on to most of its assets due to its strong alliance with the official government.

Government
"I have experienced failure as a politician and for that very reason, I am ready to give everything for Japan."

- Japanese Politician, Prime Minister

The government of Japan is a constitutional monarchy in which the power of the Emperor is limited and is relegated primarily to ceremonial duties. As in many other states, the Government is divided into three branches: The Legislative branch, the Executive branch, and the Judicial branch.

Japan's Emperor (Nippon Tenno)
The Japanese Emperor, or Tenno, for most of history has been a figurehead, and was once the closest thing to God. The Japanese calendar is also determined by the current Emperor, the era being named after them. The Emperors power now, is purely ceremony and has no say in politics of the country. History was not kind to the Imperial household and even still the Imperial Family struggles as it tries to keep up with the time

Zaibatsus (財閥)
Starting in the 1950s, the big threat to the United States was Communism. However in the modern age, it's believed the Zaibatsus might be the next threat. But in Japan they might just say otherwise, usually most people say the Zaibatsus died out in WW2. In 2020 journalist from the US went to determine the actual status of the zaibatsu in Tokyo by interviewing around 10 million salarymen in the Sunrise City itself, home to many of the largest corporations in the world. The majority denied the accusations, even corporate giants such as SegAtari and Kiroshi mentioned in interviews that the system was a thing of the past.

What is Zaibatsu?
A zaibatsu is a Japanese term referring to industrial and financial vertically integrated business conglomerates, whose influence and size allowed control over significant parts of the Japanese economy. In feudal Japan, during the Meiji Restoration social changes is what led to zaibatsus emerging unto the surface. When the power was taken away from the Shogun and samurai, and given to the Emperor and the merchants. The traditional definition of zaibatsu actually depends on two factors:

1) Family Relationship/Clans
Historically, a zaibatsu is a family that holds control of multiple companies. The "family" doesn't necessarily mean blood relatives. In Japan, if a person showed a superiority in an ability, they could have been adopted into a family of power.

2) Keiretsu
Traditional this is system where the suppliers are owned by the same group as the manufacturers. Generally, most of the zaibatsus owned the various banks in Japan. Each zaibatsu corporation would raise funds from the banks in the form of debts held. All companies from the same zaibatsu would also use the same banks.

An example of this can be seen in producing cars, first a traditional zaibatsu company would import the raw materials (iron). Then they'd sell the iron only to steel companies in the same zaibatsu, who would make steel plates. They would then sell the plates to a zaibatsu auto company who would make the cars, which would be sold through that same zaibatsu's dealership, or through an exporter that works for that zaibatsu. The capital for all this would be gained through the loans by the zaibatsu banks. This then makes an almost self-dependent corporate system, with each company being led by a member of the same family. This also minimizes financial risk, but management freedom is severely limited by the needs of those up the line.

However after WW2, the American Occupation Forces had forced the disband of the zaibatsus. The family relationship was also abolished since each corporation had to be fully owned by different people. It is beleived this is the reason most Japanese salarymen say there are no more zaibatsus, that being said most of its been theorized that the "zaibatsus" are just another corporate group. The Keiretsu system still survived in informal alliances, working along side by side in the same Zaibatsu cities. The family relationships have also most likely survived in less obvious manners.

Military
"What's the weak point of the SDF? Why don't you ask them? They'll be happy to tell you. Not all Japanese are comabt wizrds like myself. The guys who do have some talent find a cushy job as soon as they get enough experience. As far as I'm concerned, the SDF is just a national recruiting and training ground for Japanese SecCorps."

- Ryu Masaki, SDF ACPA Combat Specialist

In all of Asia, probably the most feared "military" force is the Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF). The SDF has a total of 438,000 personal, 2,858 of total aircraft strength, 2,445 combat tanks, 302 total naval assets (six aircraft carriers). Next to France, Germany, and Italy - Japan has one of if not the most advance military in the world. With their advance technology and military training the Japanese Army is a force to be reckon with. However despite their technology the military is much smaller than China, with their population reaching past 1 billion they focus more on excess than advance tech. That being said while other countries might have more, Japan still controls the Pacific Rim and helps the United States keep stable.

The SDF after the government abolished Article 9, the equipment was no longer mainly supplied by the US. This meant Japan needed to supply their own weapons, equipment, and vehicles. In came the many manufacturers that opened up afterwards. However the SDF suffers from two major problems. First their equipment is too high-tech, and their techs can't repair their vehicles (ACPA, Tanks, and AI Drones) themselves; they have to call in corporate repairmen. Their soldiers are loaded down with gear that is so advanced that the men can't operate it. Secondly, exceptional officers quit the SDF ASAP to get lucrative respectable jobs with Arasaka or other security Corps. With these hobbles, it's no wonder the SDF doesn't want to engage in actual combat.

Weapons Manufacturers
"Who are these Maniacs?"

- Pacific Rim

After abolishing Article 9, Japanese arms manufacturing corporations were able to create without anything stopping them. This led to many advances in tech and new weapons that would become the standard. There are many arms manufacturers in Japan and these are the four largest military weapon corporations in the country. Some being in service since WW2 or even longer. Some of these corporations have spread there operations around the world and seen much success, this has also been a huge source of revenue for Japan.

Arasaka is one of the oldest weapon companies in Japan. Their products can be found and sold all over the world. Their weapons have been tested in innumerable fights, so they are known to be of great quality. Johnny Silverhand, famous Rokcerboy of Night City, is known to have used Arasaka weapons when he raided the "cherry-blossom" corp. Arasaka is also known for making heavy ACPA used by the SDF and NPA.

Geography, Climate, and Environment
The Jakota Triangle- (Japan, Korea, Taiwan) is characterized by huge cities, enormous global commerce, high consumption of raw materials, and rapid development. Japan is also part of the Pacific Rim, with land facing the Pacific, relatively high levels of industrialization and urbanization indicating high levels of economic development, and huge imports/ exports which move mainly across the Pacific.

Japan can be seen as small units of mountainous terrain; some scholars suggest that this is one reason for the decentralized pattern of government developed in feudal times. Today, there are forty-seven prefectures, many still following historic mountain boundaries. Japan's regions are: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Chubu, Kanto, Chugoku, Kinki, Shikoku, Kyushu-Okinawa, and the Kuril Islands under a joint control with the Soviet Union. Japan also has control of several islands in the South pacific near Indonesia due in part to Arasaka. Japan's rivers are small, not navigable for any great length, fast moving and useful for generating some hydroelectric power. Rivers and plentiful rainfall make possible extensive agriculture and forest production. Wood is also imported, largely from Southeast Asia.

Environment
Japan consists of several thousands of islands, of which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the four largest. Japan's closest neighbors are Korea, Siberia(Soviet Union), and China. The Sea of Japan separates the Asian continent from the Japanese archipelago. Japan's area is comparable to that of Germany or California. Japan's northernmost islands are located on a similar geographical latitude as Milan or Portland, while her southernmost islands are on a similar latitude as the Bahamas. More than 50% of the country is mountainous and covered by forests. Because Japan is located in a region, where several continental plates meet, the country experiences frequent earthquakes. For the same reason, there are many volcanoes and natural hot springs in Japan. Japan's most famous volcano and highest mountain is Mt.Fuji.

Climate
Due to the large North-South extension of the country, the climate varies strongly in different regions. The climate in most of the major cities, including Tokyo, is temperate to subtropic and consists of four seasons. The winter is cold and rainy while the summer is hot and humid. There is a rainy season in early summer, and typhoons hit parts of the country every year during late summer. The climate of the northern island of Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan coast is colder, and snow falls in large amounts. Snowfall can be up to ten feet in on the northern part of Honshu. Major cities like Sendai and Tokyo experience snowfall for about 10 days out of the year, while in Osaka it's very rare. In Okinawa the mean temperature of January is a warm 17 degrees Celsius.

Prefectures
Japan is divided into several types of administrative areas- To (Capital), Do (Region), Fu (Metropolis), and Ken (Prefeture). There are also four levels of municipalities -- Shi (City), Ku (Ward), Cho (or Machi, Town), Son (or Mura, Village). Municipalities, especially cities, are further divided into Chome (Neighborhoods). A typical urban address will read like this: "Apt. #808, Takayama Building, 4-Chome, Matsuyama-shi, Khima-ken."

Population
The population of Japan is over 138,000,000 including approximately five million foreign residents and refugees. More than half of the non Japanese population is of Korean descent. During the 2010s an influx of Chinese and South American refugees came to the country and settled in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. Japan has one of the largest populations, and is the most populated island in the world.

Religion
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both.

Religion does not play a big role in the everyday life of most Japanese people today. The average person typically follows the religious rituals at ceremonies like birth, weddings and funerals, may visit a shrine or temple on New Year and participates at local festivals (matsuri), most of which have a religious background. Other religions practiced are Christianity and Confucianism.

Shinto (神道)
Shinto, kami-no-michi, during ancient times the various leaders in Japan feared the spirits of the dead and feared the dead that could come back to haunt them in life. In the Japanese culture, the people are very loyal, killing the enemy leader would lead to his armies fighting for the one who killed their leader for as long as they lived. In order to prevent this, during battles, they would try to capture the opposing sides leader, and keep him hostage so his followers wouldn't be able to rebel. This would also in turn would be to make sure that the leaders spirit wouldn't haunt the victors. This however is seen as such a disgrace that they would commit suicide so they could save their honor and avenge themselves from the grave, this ritual suicide is known as seppuku or hari-kari.

After WW2 General MacArthur grew to understand this ritual well. Because of his knowledge of the Japanese culture, he chose not to execute the Emperor as a war criminal, which he believe could potentially lead to Japan rising up again. Instead he changed the role of Tenno from God-Emperor to just be a symbol of Japan.

In the modern day, the Zaibatsus of Japan will frequently try and placate the spirits of the spirits, the opposing leaders and ones that followed them. This is many corporate plazas have Shinto shrines to placate the spirits of the land and trees that were cleared for the building, these consist of but are not limited to Arasaka, Kiroshi, and Tokyo AeroSpace Port. Japanese Shinto (Way of the Gods) sees many dead heroes that make up a large number of its Gods. Saburo Arasaka as head of the Arasaka Corporation would pray to 8 million Gods and spirits every day, this included all those killed his corporation. It's very important to respect the dead wether they were friends or enemies.

Shinto is primarily found in Japan, where there are around 80,000 public shrines; the country's shrine organization claims 113 million adherents. Shinto is also practiced elsewhere, in smaller numbers. Most of the population take part in Shinto matsuri and Buddhist activities, especially festivals, and seasonal events. This reflects a common view in Japanese culture that the beliefs and practices of different religions need not be exclusive.

Family Structure
Most families in Japan are nuclear families. That is to say that a married couple lives together with their children, perhaps with one grandparent. Japanese families can have as many children as they want, and choose to support to them as far into their late twenties.

Health
In Japan people can live well into their 150s, without experiencing illness their whole lives. The health care system in Japan provides healthcare services, including screening examinations, prenatal care and infectious disease control, with the patient accepting responsibility for 30% of these costs while the government pays the remaining 70%. Without cybernetic enhancements or medical care people can live up to 120 years of age and disease is highly more likely to occur.

Education
The basic school system in Japan is composed of elementary school (lasting six years), middle school (three years), high school (three years), and university (four years). Education is compulsory only for the nine years of elementary and middle school, but 98% of students go on to high school. Due to the fact that their educational system is so good, Japan has one of the world's best-educated populations (with 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy). Foreigners are also well educated around Japan, with the most illiterate being in Tokyo.

The difference between Japan and America is huge when talking about lifestyle. The Japanese dance on the vicious edge known as the Exam War from pre-school. High education is the only way to advance. Kids who fail school entrance exams are often referred to as 'Ronin ' and usually end up trying to study for something else. While most Americans or Europeans feel that school is uncool, in Japan that's known as gomi thinking. The Japanese do as they must: being polite and studious during school, while going wild afterwards.

Society
Japan is a highly urbanized society, with 90% of the people living in urban city landscapes. There are many big cities filled with skyscrapers and neon lights. The royalty still continues, rich people, middle class, and the poor. The people utilize a lot of high tech that is developed domestically. Japan has an ancient culture with many traditions. Etiquette, punctuality and harmony is important. Traditionally Japanese culture favors group thought and not individual ideals, however this concept is constantly tested. Despite the Japan often being own for very little crime, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya see much crime due to the influx of foreigners and receives terrorist attacks due to the country's thriving economy. Japan becoming the biggest superpower in the world has also brought the citizens work harder to maintain their current status.

Salarymen
These are Corporates and other employees, white-collar worker who show overriding loyalty and commitment to the corporation where they work; people working for a Corp, or who are Self-Employed. Salarimen become either Mega-corp executives or own their own small corp or business. Employees are those who work for the corps, and are just making a living. R&D techs, Medias, Corporate Solos, and Corp musicians/Rockerboys/Idols are also considered Employees. Salarymen are known for working many hours, sometimes over eighty hours per week. Extreme pressure on salarymen can lead to death by overwork, or karōshi.

Style House Japan
""Men B couragous, Women B charming" is an old saying in Japan. The height of charming woman's style, the Geisha, hasn't died yet, although there are few true geisha left (Lots of Chambara imitators,tho')."

- Tonoike "Mi-chan" Mitsuhiro, editor of Genki Gal Magazine

In Japan, there's a very important word, kawaii, which means; cute, pretty, darling, coquettish, and sexy. For nature, Kawaii are often small, cute things you just want to hug and protect. Bunnies and kittens are kawaii. However, Geisha are also kawaii. An anime character can be kawaii. Mascots, names, clothes, and idols all strive to be kawaii. It's an important part of the Japanese way of life.

In the discos and clubs, girls compete with each other as to see who's prettiest. These body-con (body conscious) girls show up wearing tight next-to-nothings and lingerie that show a lot of skin and silky brushed chrome. If they could go nude, they probably would, except it's against the law, and the omawari will fine you. The old Sorayama 2-D are still a big influence over here. If you have no pockets and want to dance all night, the best place to keep your stuff is in your Waist Pouch. This is a purse (like a clutch purse) that you can attach to your stylish belt. You can use one pouch for many belts, but the truly stylish always match their outfits. Eji of Japan's more minimal outfits are all the rage, and his Kataginu Suits (bolero jackets with the old Samurai wings) are simply delicious four men.

In the Vicki business, a plethora of services exist for all bends of life, and new ones are invented every day. Hameru is a way of life, and sodomy is not a sin, nor is it illegal. Senseis of sekkusu-do are to be much admired. No technique or activity was reproached until the Meji era.

It's purity vs corruption, not sin vs saintliness. They started to import that sort of thing in the Meji era, when all the uptight, Victorian gaijin came in. For a while, up to the 70s, Japan was pretty uptight too, but at the end 19th century, people loosened up again.

Almost all girls are into kawaii things, and some go kinda overboard. It's all braids and stuffed animals, short skirts on their sailor suits, kittens and bunny ears, big eyes, and really high, squeaky, voices. Elf exotics, bunnies, and Kittens fall in here. They don't like free love, because it's so sweaty and icky. But don't misunderstand; very special people and Playbeings are incredibly skilled.

Androgyny
As you know, most courageous way to live is the way of Bushi-do; the way of a warrior and the Samurai's life. Now, to be courageous is not the same as to be machismo. Japanese are not the largest people in the world, so they know that a big body is not skill, and skill is the way to power. "The soft overcomes the hard" are the words of Kano Jigoro, the creator of Judo: "Dexterity, quickness, and skill are important, if you simply must fight. Even in Sumo, where big, beefy men rule, we are always happy to see a smaller man win."

Sometimes, people who are charming and courageous pop up. From the very beginnings, effeminate heroes have been around. In Kabuki, the most charming female roles are best played by men, and in the Osaka Takarazuka Opera, women play all the roles. Yin-yang theory says that by combing opposites, you become stronger, so maybe androgyny is the perfect style for Nippon. Especially in the music world, you'll see many famous Japanese rockers with feminine bio-sculpts, big hair, and make-up, wearing lace and leather. They are so kawaii-and strong. The Anime Braindances and VRs, where you can't really tell which sex they are, are also perfect examples.

Aragoto and Kata
Kabuki is good to understand the Japanese style. Like Martial Arts, Kabuki has Kata: the still pose and expression that shows your emotion (usually crazed) before explosive action. The verb of this is Kabu-ku, to look crazy, or to borrow and vogue another personality vividly. Standing-up hair is deep anger, face-painting is fighting spirit, grief, or some other emotion, depending on the design. Rockers, as well as Bosozoku, Teamers, and other "bad youth" borrow from this. They want to threaten the status quo, corps lifestyle, so they look dramatic.

They use make-up and face painting (Kuma-dori) to look tough, like the Kabuki aragoto (fierce young-man), and modify their school uniforms. Collars become very high and pants are very baggy, girls lengthen their skirts to the ground, and pockets, studs, and extra buttons are put on the uniform so it looks like some kind of armor. Of course, they tag their territory with kanji graffiti. Because being busted is very easy, many wear shades, masks, and bright make-up to hide their identity.

Yakuza follow this too, with their brightly-colored suits, shades, dyed punch-perms and tattoos, not to mention affecting rough, garrulous speech. This is most true for low-ranked chimpira. After a couple of promotions, they can relax, and look like all other corps.

1) Eating:
A lot of international food is available in Tokyo but the most popular national dishes are noodles, sukiyaki and tempura. For more adventurous eaters there is sushi and sashimi, both of which feature raw fish. Prices of various meals are given in the price lists. Travelers often eat from bento boxes, packed lunches that are full of things to eat and available for sale on platforms and trains. Department stores often have whole floors of restaurants and cafes and the numerous Japan Rail railway stations around the Yamanote Line are usually ringed by streets of restaurants of all kinds.Major office buildings usually contain basement restaurants catering to sararimen, and in Tokyo there are plenty of restaurants on the top floors of the skyscrapers, with cool views of the city. O-Cha, green tea, is often served free at Japanese style restaurants.

2) Entertainment:
In Tokyo there are hundreds of establishments invariably called bars, cabarets, nightclubs, discos, beer halls, VRcades, and so on. Some of them are expensive and only cater to local businessmen with an expense account. Others are patronized by the average corporate office worker who after a long day in the office needs a couple of drinks, snacks and laughs. Within this category there are hotels' cocktail lounges and bars, beer halls and summertime beer gardens on the rooftops of office and department store buildings. Night falls at around 7 pm in summer, 5 pm in winter.The neon lights begin flashing their messages long before it gets dark, beckoning the thousands of corporate office workers to the city's nightlife.


 * Aka-chochin: Also red lantern places; generally inexpensive and serve beer, sake and whiskey as well as a wide range of tasty snacks like yakitori or barbecued chicken and grilled fish. Other types of pub are Yakitori-ya specializing in yakitori snacks and robatayaki, where ingredients are grilled at your table as you eat and drink.
 * Western Style Pubs: More standing room than Japanese versions. Serve a wider variety of drinks together with Western food.
 * Beer Halls/Gardens: Safe, reasonably priced eating and drinking houses. In summer there are a number of beer gardens which spring up in unlikely places (such as office roofs).
 * Wine Houses: Very popular and a number of good ones are found in Roppongi and Ginza offering wines and meals at reasonable prices.
 * Bars, Cabarets & Nightclubs: In Tokyo these places tend to be expensive, as in other big cities. These places frequently operate with hostesses and charge handsomely for it. Most of these places are only for expense account corporation entertainment.
 * Video Games, Arcades, & Pachinko: State of the art video game arcades are found in Tokyo using 3D VR technology. A traditional game is pachinko, Japanese pinball where players sit at their upright machines in row after row feeding in steel balls in the hope of winning small gifts.

Economy
The economy of Japan is a highly developed free-market economy. Japan has a low unemployment rate of around four percent. Being the largest economic power, Japan controls much of the world and has a huge influence in various countries. Newly developed cities like that of Night City have a huge influence of Japanese culture and are often built by the Japanese corporations. Japan's economy has a huge focus on Industry, Services, Science and technology, Agriculture and fishery, as well as Tourism. While many countries (Primarily in Europe) fear how far Japan's reach has stretch, many still welcome their industry and services offered from the many corporations and government.

New Yen
In 2015 Japan established the New Yen currency and Japan was removed from the EEC. The Japanese Yen has a purchasing power that is comparable with the U.S. dollar. It is half as valuable as the Eurodollar.

Vehicle Manufactures
Japan has been known for it's Vehicle and Car manufactures since the early 1980s. Japan became the biggest motor vehicle producing country in the world with 11,042,884 motor vehicles compared to the USA's 8,009,841. In 2040 the Japan's manufacturing companies have taken the world by storm and produced cars, motorcycles, AVs, and so on at mass. Here's a list of just the most popular vehicle manufactures.

Corporations/Zaibatsus
The Japanese Zaibatsus, or just Corporations, have heavy influence and control over Japan. As well as ties to the Government itself to gain full control over the country, however this has proven to be very difficult with the the founding of the FACS political party which started an anti-corporate (aka Arasaka) government was formed from this to prevent further interference from the power hungry corporates.

That being said, the Japanese government still struggles with corporate bought politicians and ministries control by certain corporations trying to spread their influence. Still with this negative view on the Zaibatsus, the market thrives and many Japanese Corporations are able to practice their methods throughout the world. While their are many, this list below shows just a select few of the large and small Corporations that can that are Headquartered in Japan, from Tokyo and Osaka to Nagoya and Fukuoka.

Martial Arts


"Bodies are scientific; Minds are wild"

- Horibe Seishi, the Creator of Kenkagei-Koppo

"On street, those like me permitted. I'm a psycho; won't repress urges. And you're a fool; love to murder. We are a wild kind of brother."

- Stormy Tyrant singer, Kisaragi Juri (Translated from Japanese)

For a relatively small island nation, Japan has lots of Martial Arts engraved in it's culture. It's almost like a Martial Arts heaven for any pro fighter. Many exotic weapons such as Katanas, Shuriken, Naginatas, Kusari-gama, and so on all come out of Japan, and were developed from agricultural tools because due to the strict weapons law enforced.

Most Japanese people will claim that Sumo is the oldest of their Martial Arts practiced in Japan. While there is some truth to this, the oldest is actually called "Tegoi" (Pray with Hands) to pray to the 8 million Kami for power. The Arts started with two wrestlers in the Feudal Japan, but the stories also say that the winner kicked the loser to death. Tegoi was an all-purpose style, and allegedly, a master could kill a man in armor with one strike.

Deadly moves usually consist of (thrust, kick, punch), these were forbidden under the new laws, and then Sumo became the art of grappling, although their Ram can be quite deadly as well. Sumo is the national sport of Japan in the modern day. The deadlier Martial Arts retreated into the shadows, and were called "Koppo." This was used by the secretive Ninja clans that would work under the Shoguns. The Ninjas, with their exotic weapons, used Ninjustu-Koppo, and Kenkagei-Koppo, with bare hands. Both were kept secret until the 20th century.

From the 12th all the way to the 16th century, in the Warring States Period, quite a few other styles grew in the political chaos. Aikido and Judo were developed for self-defense purposes. This is where weapon oriented styles grew as well, but were not established as formal Budo until the 1600s. These included Kendo, Kyudo, Shuriken-justu, Sojutsu, and etc.

"If you want to live, you shall die. If you do not mind dying, you will win, and be alive."

- Uesugi Kenshiro, Japan, Warring States era Daimyo

Before the 1600s, Okinawa was a different kingdom, with its own language and culture. The Okinawan people imported Martial Arts from China, and then developed Te from the Chinese arts. Te was then brought to Japan, and the Japanese developed Karate from Te. Some sub-styles are Southern, and others are from the Northern. These are only the beginning point; the Styles have been spread and have evolved throughout the entire world. The two streams unify at the Master level. Beginners tend to focus on the stressed techniques of each style, but the Masters use both Southern power and Northern power balance for incredible effects.

Japan has many more styles, however they are not as common and were more local inventions. Others will also follow the same steps as other styles of martial Arts with slight differences. Finally styles, depending on family, will have different practices of sets making them unique.

Shinobi
Ninja, Kusa, Kage, Rappa, Suppa, Shinobi, all of these are the same idea in Japanese, that is "to conceal oneself." Primarily the art of a Ninja, which relies on being a good spy and assassin. Theoretically, they are masters of all of these, however the reality of it, in the Ninja clans, it was said you must advance your forte, and support the rest, such as the spies, Oni, and fellow clan members. The Shinobi is known to be a clear assassin. A Ninja; these are ancestral clans, that were once Samurai families that became spies for their leaders and would sabotage the opposing samurai lords. Some of these clans hid in the mountainous regions of Japan for the last 1,000 years, only responding to the orders from the Noble clans.

Gangs in Japan
"My borg body? I got it from "Hen na Harry" in Akihabra, 20% off. It's an old prototype from 2017, but it still works really well. You wouldn't believe the power!"

- Shadarn Takahashi, a Metalmax Poser

Japanese society is very socially strict with an emphasis on being respectful and contributing to the country. Individualism is not something emphasized and is seen as selfish. Because of these ideals held, Japan has a lot of gangs. Younger kids usually high schoolers are more likely to get fed up with the school systems, and become rebellious. These kids who want to be free of the restricting uniforms and rules of their school then show their individuality by joining gangs with strict uniform codes and rules. No matter where they go The ideals of respect, honor, and loyalty are always present whether in civil society or gangs. The three main types are Bosozoku, Teamers, and Posers.

Bosozoku
Bosozokus, or 暴走族, can be translated to mean "motorcycle gang", but more closely means "violent run tribe". The name was given literally to describe the lifestyle associated with the fashion style. These gangs are motorized based that roam the cities and highways of Japan with highly customized motorcycles to display their personality. These are tightly large groups of individuals with specific ranks and titles. The Bosozoku charge fees, chant different slogans, and also have regulated uniforms. The leaders are known as atama or socho and are always the senpai of the younger recruits. The second in command is known as fukucho or sabu. The grunts or regular members of the gangs are called ningen or ''heitai. ''The most common form of Bosozuku are the motorcycle riders, while the richest of the bosozokus usually have nice customized cars. That being said all the vehicles that are used by the Bosozoku always are painted with loud colors, designs, and logos, while also customizing the bikes or cars with metal teeth, claws of the front, flags on the back, and special unique seats. They also make a habit of revving up their engines as loud as possible in populated areas, causing much mayhem, and trashing the streets in the process. Bosozokus will wear jumpsuits, known as tokko-fuku, which are elaborately embroidered, or the uniforms of manual laborers. The embroidery many include kanji army slogans, patriotic rising sun patches, ancient Chinese characters, or even manji. These jumpsuits are often worn open to reveal haramaki, or bandages wrapped around the torso, and are paired with baggy pants and military boots. Some Bosozoku wear the standard motorcycle leather, but it's way more common to wear satiny armored jackets with kanji forming different slogans. Female bosozokus would follow the same style with long, dyed hair with excessive makeup. There are all-female Bosozoku gangs usually called "Ladies Teams" who may or may not be affiliated with the other gangs. They usually are very similar to the other gangs, except just females and extravagant wear. They are also called yankis. All Bosozoku and Ladies go on to be professional drivers, mechanics, or runners after leaving the gangs or on occasional would go on to join yakuza clans.

Teamers
Teamers, or chiimaa, are types of zoku groups or cliques of frustrated Junior High and High School students. Teamers used to rule the streets of Shibuya, rolling-and-patrolling in their cars, stopping only to pick fights with rival groups infringing on their territory. Their not often seen in public like Bosozokus and are not as popular. Most Teamers are often found under bridges, street corners, alleyways, or the slums drinking and smoking to their hearts content. Around 90% of them are drop outs frustrated from the education system. They are the opposite of the Yakuza when it comes to committing petty crime, usually paid to cause mayhem. They wear a variety of fashionable clothes or leisure wear.

Posers
By the 1970s, posergangs were on the rise in Japan. Twice a year the Otakus (Manga/Anime fans) would have a Komike. During the beginning of this the Otakus would wear cosplays of their favorite characters. This start of Kosupure (コスプレ) grew to be very popular, and once it hit the mid 1980s groups of street dancers in cosplay appeared all over Tokyo. Who were then kicked out by other existing gangs.

In the year 2000, the Komike became one of the largest counter-culture event in the entire world, with more then 700,000 people attending which also included foreign otakus. There was an estimate of around 50,000,000 Eb that changed hands in and around the Komike free market. Anime, manga, and video games made Japan the biggest market in the world for consumption of media entertainment, which led to many events for the rest of the emerging sub-cultures like: Militarist, Hackers, Historians, Gays/Lesbians, Rockers, Bikers, Weapon Experts, and so much more all come together in these large gatherings where everyone could get along.

During the difficult times the Poser Gangs reemerged as guardians of the subculture, this was to keep their characters alive in people's memories. Arasaka occasionally used Bosozoku or Teamer gangs to run ops on the posers. With this spread of VR/Braindance anime, the Posers continued to grow in strength. In the modern day there are three major poser types in Japan: Grapplers, Metalmaxes, and Chambaras.

"Last week I met this cute, (allegedly) 14 year-old blonde girl with a strange costume. Looked like a modified schoolgirl outfit with a tiara. Even my scanners couldn't detect any cyberware. You wouldn't believe it, but just 3 hours ago, I was covering a Grappler-Bosozoku fight, and I saw her again. She melted a hole in an Ashigaru Cyberbike with a fingermounted laser while saying "Moonbeam power!". These are some seriously twisted kids."

- Tetsuya Goto, Sendai Net 54 News Reporter

Yakuza
"Honor without power was a useless decoration and power without honor was the simple flexing of muscle."

- Yakuza Boss

The word "Yakuza" comes from Sammai Karuta, a Japanese gambling game. In which getting 19 points is the ideal. If you drew the number 20 which was Eight (Ya), Nine (Ku), and Three (Za), it was called "good for nothing".

The Yakuza has spread globally as successfully as the Japanese corporations. In the Yakuza there are only two paths, death or prison. They are among the most violent of all organized crime groups and possibly the most widespread. It has a larger membership than the Mafia. They are based in the Osaka region back in Japan. Due to extensive infiltration of the local police in Japan by the Yakuza, the National Police Agency (Japan's FBI) has been unable to crack the Yakuza. Which is made worse by the pressure placed on the overworked police by the Yakuza-influenced Osaka corporations.

It is involved in a wide variety of criminal activities, from smuggling to gambling, the drug trade to prostitution, and so on. Unlike the Triads who invest a large part of their profits back into the community, the Yakuza like the Sudams and some of the Mafia organizations shows no concern for its community and is concerned only about making money.

National Police Agency


"Why did I quit the SDF? It was too soft. I wanted to keep my edge."

- 1st Lt. Rikudo Zen, Arasaka "Rasetsu" Team

The National Police Agency is an agency administered by the National Public Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office of the Cabinet of Japan, and is the central agency of the Japanese police system, and the central coordinating agency of law enforcement in situations of national emergency in Japan. They are mostly limited to Tokyo and non-corporate run cities of Japan. In quiet residential areas, there is a 20% chance per hour of finding an empty Police Box.

Law enforcement in Japan is provided mainly by the Prefectural Police Departments under the oversight of the National Police Agency, but there are various other law enforcement officials in Japan. The National Police Agency is administered by the National Public Safety Commission, thus ensuring that Japan's police are an apolitical body and free of direct central government executive control. They are checked by an independent judiciary and monitored by a free and active press. Many prefectures opted for Arasaka policing services.

Crime
Japan has the lowest crime rate of any first world country. In terms of crimes such as murder, abduction, forced sexual intercourse and robbery is very low in Japan. Most big crimes are committed through in-fighting of the Yakuza syndicates and Chinese Triads. The Soviet Union is also known to attempt terrorist attacks. In big cities with high amounts of immigration like Tokyo and Osaka see more crime then the rest of Japan. The countryside and roads out in the rural areas of the country are filled with bosozoku gangers waiting for unsuspecting victims.

Infrastructure
"Literally "flying feet", these are the runners who delivered messages and packages by foot. The Usagi-bin company restrained the parcel delivery/security business in Japan, and their effectiveness and glowing media reports helped increase their fame. But not everyone wants to send with a big company. All around the region, there are "Hikyaku," who will transport anything. Every Hikyaku has different ways: AVs, cars, motorcycles, ships, even their own feet. The fee floats depending on the danger involved and their own mood. They are especially favored by people with small, but important physical items. Half of the South Seas make their cash running for the Kiribati Shell Traders, and Bangkok import/exporters."

- Pacific Rim Sourcebook

Transportation
Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it.

Water Supply and Sanitation
Access to an improved water source is universal in Japan. 97% of the population receives piped water supply from public utilities and 3% receive water from their own wells or unregulated small systems, mainly in rural areas. Access to improved sanitation is also universal, either through sewers or on-site sanitation.

Energy
Energy in Japan refers to energy and electricity production, consumption, import and export in Japan. The country's primary energy consumption was 477.6 Mtoe in 2040, a decrease of 5% over the previous year. Following the Fukushima disaster, the general public has opposed the use of nuclear energy. The Japanese government in 2035 planned to reopen the nuclear power plants in again with more safe guards to ensure the safety of the country.

Tokyo - 57 million
Tokyo (東京), officially Tokyo Metropolis (東京都), is the modern day Babylon. It has served as the Japanese capital since 1869, it houses the Imperial Family and the Japanese government. Tokyo forms part of the Kanto region on the southeastern side of Japan's main island, Honshu, and includes the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands. It has remained the cultural center of the country and has had an influx of foreigners raising it's population to 57 million people. It's also home to the massive Japanese zaibatsus who hold much control over the nation. Tokyo leads the charge of corporate research and development, as well as being a leading manufacturing giant.

Osaka - 31 million
Osaka (大阪) is a designated city in the Kansai region of Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest part of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the world with more than 31 million inhabitants. Osaka was traditionally considered Japan's economic hub. The city known for their Rocker and Media talent, mainly comedians. People from Osaka are less formal and more down to earth than the rest of Japan. It's also the corporate hub in the Kansai region.

Kyoto - 3.67 million
Kyoto (京都), is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe. Kyoto is the center for Japanese tradition in the country. Little advancement has kept Kyoto a beautiful traditionally styled city with most buildings being made of wood. There are very little foreigners that come to Kyoto due to the lack of cybernetic enhancements and cyberware. It also has the largest percentage of people without cybernetic enhancements coming at 47%.

"You've just flown into Kansi International for an importnat meeting. You have your Japanese language chip, and you've studied how to bow politely. You're ready to do some business. Your Japanese counterpart walks up, and as you start to bow, slaps you on the shoulder and shouts, "Donai-ya? Morkarimakka!" You have no idea what he's saying! You try to bow, and he says, "Kamehan, kamehan. Meshi-kuutaka?" What do you do? Dialect Chip from Bakumatsu Chipmasters. Includes the polite and rough forms (for those times you get off in the wrong station), and even cutural tips! A steal for only 150 EB. So next time this happens to you, you'll be able to casually reply, "Bochi-bochi ya-lya, mada juutehan. Isso-ni kuini ikoka?" and soon walk away with a contract from your new friend. Also Available! Japanese Okinawa-ben & Hokkaido-ben! In Chinese, Shanghai & Cantonese (Not available in People's Republic of China)! Talk like a local, Bakumatsu Chipmasters Dialect Chips!!! Get 'em NOW! Get 'em FAST! Get 'em from BAKUMATSU CHIPMASTERS!!!"

- Kansai International Airport Advertisement

Nagoya - 4.19 million
Nagoya (名古屋) is the largest city in the Chubu region of Japan. It is Japan's fourth-largest incorporated city and the third-most-populous urban area. It is located on the Pacific coast on central Honshu. It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and is one of Japan's major ports along with those of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama, Chiba, and Kitakyushu. It is also the center of Japan's third-largest metropolitan region, known as the Chūkyō metropolitan area. Nagoya is a manufacturing and transportation giant, with the largest manufacturing of trains and cars. The city is also the country's largest port to the west. It also houses many factories used for cyberware manufacturing, defensive manufactures, and vehicle manufactures.

Sapporo - 4 million
Sapporo (札幌市) is the fifth largest city of Japan by population, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the capital city of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture. It is an ordinance-designated city. Located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, Sapporo lies within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, a tributary stream of the Ishikari River. Sapporo is also home to the third tallest building in Japan. A base is located north of the city to ensure protection in case of a Soviet Union invasion.

Kobe - 3.4 million
Kobe (神戸市) is the sixth-largest city in Japan and the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture. It is located on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, on the north shore of Osaka Bay and about 30 km (19 mi) west of Osaka. With a population around 3.4 million, the city is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kyoto. Kobe has many forgieners and is known as the industrial city in the region. It is known for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor. The Ikuta Shrine, dating to the 3rd century, is among Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. It also has one of the large Chinatown with black market goods.

Timeline
Japan's timeline and history in cyberpunk. It's based on information from all the officially published Cyberpunk 2013 and Cyberpunk 2020 rule books and sourcebooks.

1800s

 * 1854
 * Kyoto Imperial Palace rebuilt.
 * The Ansei great earthquakes series starts with the 1854 Tōkai earthquake and tsunami.
 * 1859
 * Sasai Arasaka is born in Tokyo, Japan.
 * 1860
 * Akio Nagawa is born in Chiba, Japan.
 * 1967
 * Yui is born in Tokyo, Japan.
 * 1869
 * Japanese imperial capital relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo.
 * Emperor Meiji moved his residence from Kyoto to Tokyo. Edo castle became the Imperial Palace. This made Tokyo the formal capital of Japan.
 * 1871
 * Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka postal service begins.
 * 1874
 * Kobe-Osaka railway begins operating; Ōsaka Station (with clock-tower) opens
 * 1880
 * Osaka Stock Exchange and Osaka Chamber of Commerce established.
 * 1881
 * Tokyo Imperial Museum built.
 * Tokyo Vocational School founded.
 * 1889
 * Tokyo City and 15 wards established.
 * Tōkaidō Main Line railway (Tokyo-Kobe) begins operating.
 * 1894
 * Tokyo-fu Government Building constructed in Marunouchi.
 * The First Sino-Japanese War starts.
 * 1895
 * The First Sino-Japanese War is won by Japanese, resulting in the Treaty of Shimonoseki. It was the first major conflict between Japan and an overseas military power in modern times. For the first time, regional dominance in East Asia shifted from China to Japan. Korea became a vassal state of Japan.
 * Japanese invasion of Taiwan.
 * 1897
 * Imperial University of Kyoto established.

1900 - 1990

 * 1901
 * Prince Hirohito is born in Tokyo, Japan.
 * 1902
 * Russo-Japanese War: Japan became the first Asian nation to sign a mutual defense pact with a European nation, Britain.
 * 1904
 * Russo-Japanese War: Japan launched a surprise torpedo attack on the Imperial Russian Navy at Port Arthur.
 * 1905
 * Sasai Arasaka gets married to his wife Yui.
 * Russo-Japanese War: Japan became the first modern Asian nation to win a war against a European nation (Russia). The Treaty of Portsmouth was signed, ceding some Russian property and territory to Japan and ending the war. Pro-war activists staged the Hibiya incendiary incident nevertheless. This changed the global world order. Japan became the main Asian power.


 * 1910
 * The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910 completes the annexation of the Korean Empire.
 * 1912
 * Emperor Meiji died at the age of 59.
 * Prince Yoshihito became the Emperor of Japan. This marked the start of the Taishō period.


 * 1914
 * The Japanese seaplane carrier Wakamiya conducted the world's first successful naval-launched air raids on 5 September 1914 and during the first months of WWI from Kiaochow Bay off Tsingtao. On 6 September 1914 was the very first air-sea battle in history.
 * 1916
 * The industrial company of Arasaka is formed and started construction in Tokyo.
 * 1919
 * Saburo Arasaka is born from his parents Sasai and Yui Arasaka.


 * 1926
 * Emperor Taishō died at the age of 47.
 * Prince Hirohito became the Emperor of the Empire of Japan after the death of his father Yoshihito. This marked the start of the Shōwa period.
 * 1928
 * Sasai Arasaka and Akio Nagawa start trading relations which forms a bond between both families.


 * 1933
 * Shinka Tenno is born in Tokyo, Japan.


 * 1941
 * WW2: Japan attacked the naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan has declared war to the US, Dutch and British, marking the start of the Pacific War theater of WW2.
 * The Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact was signed.
 * 1942
 * WW2: Saburo Arasaka is heavily wounded in combat. He is medically discharged from the Imperial Japanese Navy and returns home to Tokyo.
 * 1945
 * WW2: Atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
 * WW2: Atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the Soviet invasion of Manchuria starts and continues on as the Kuril Islands dispute.
 * WW2: The Surrender of Japan, finally ending WW2.
 * WW2: Saburo Arasaka attempts suicide on the day of the Japanese surrender.
 * 1946
 * Aftermath of WW2: In the controversial International Military Tribunal for the Far East, the prosecution began of Japanese military leaders for war crimes.
 * 1947
 * The Constitution of Japan goes into effect. This changed the Empire of Japan into the State of Japan with a liberal democracy. Article 9 turned Japan into a pacifist country without a military.
 * Akio Nagawa dies from a heart attack in Chiba city, at the age of 87.


 * 1951
 * The US Occupation of Japan ended after the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco and Security Treaty Between the United States and Japan on September 8, 1951, which became effective on April 28, 1952. It restored the sovereignty of Japan and established the U.S.-Japan alliance.
 * 1956
 * Japan joins the United Nations.


 * 1960
 * Sasai Arasaka dies at the age of 101, leaving his son the sole inheritance of the Arasaka fortune.
 * Saburo Arasaka assumes control of the Arasaka Corporation and immediately creates its security division to undertake black operations.
 * SegAtari/Segotari is founded in Tokyo by Kenji Satomi.
 * 1963
 * Yui Arasaka, wife of Sasai and mother to Saburo, dies at the age of 96.
 * 1968
 * Japan surpassed West Germany to become the second largest economic power in the world.
 * The Ogasawara Islands were returned from US occupation to Japanese sovereignty. Japanese citizens were allowed to return.


 * 1970
 * The first successful launch of the Lambda 4S rocket places the Japanese Ohsumi satellite on orbit.
 * The Koza riot was a violent and spontaneous protest against the US military presence in Okinawa.
 * By the 1970s Japan ascended to great power status again. Japan had record high economic growth during the Japanese economic miracle.
 * 1971
 * Zengakuren demonstrate and riot in Tokyo against terms for the return of Okinawa from US to Japanese control. They wanted to remove all American military presence.
 * The 1971 Okinawa Reversion Agreement is ratified and returned the Okinawa Prefecture to Japanese sovereignty.
 * 1974
 * Prime Minister Eisaku Satō, the first Asian to do so, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize.
 * 1979
 * Kiichi Nagawa is born in Chiba, Japan.
 * Iwasao Koremichi is born in Nagano, Japan.


 * 1980
 * Kei Arasaka is born in Tokyo, Japan.
 * Japan became the biggest motor vehicle producing country in the world with 11,042,884 motor vehicles compared to the USA's 8,009,841.
 * 1983
 * Seiji Okano is born in Niigata, Japan.
 * 1989
 * Emperor Hirohito (Showa Tenno) died at the age of 87. His posthumous name is Emperor Shōwa. He was both the longest-lived and longest-reigning historical Japanese emperor, as well as the longest-reigning monarch in the world at that time.
 * Shinka Tenno ascends the throne, and a new age of Nippon begins.
 * The Tokyo Stock Market index, Nikkei 225, hits its peak at 38,957 before closing at 38,916 for the day.

1990

 * 1990
 * Haruko Kanawa is born in Sendai, Japan.
 * 1992
 * Arasaka, EBM and Petrochem fund the creation of Coronado City.
 * The treaty of 1992 establishes the EEC. Zones of Control and Protective Tariffs regulate the activities of the member nations (France, United Germany, Britain, Japan, and Italy). A common currency unit (The Eurodollar, Eb) is established. The US is refused entry because of isolationist and protectionist policies of the ruling Gang of Four.
 * 1993
 * SDF starts research and development of "Cyberwalk" legged vehicle. Foreign Media and Military establishments ridicule the idea.
 * 1994
 * Stock Crash '94: Euro and US governments are paralyzed.
 * 1995
 * Yorinobu Arasaka is born.
 * "Grand Unification of Ministries and Agencies" is carried out. The political influence of Arasaka and Right-wing parties increases.
 * The Great Hanshin Earthquake hits Kobe.
 * Residents living near Kansai International Airport sued the Home Ministry to stop night flights, as the excessive noise made living there impossible. The court turned the case down because "Such a case is not suitable for administrative litigation."
 * 1996
 * Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution is scrapped by Arasaka backed politicians. Due to the outrage and riots by the public and Left wing groups, no "Japanese Army" is re-established.
 * The United States Military starts to withdraw from Japan and Korea.
 * The Bald Hill political scandal occurs in Japan and 60% of politicians were arrested for bribery charges.
 * Ryota Fujimoto is born in Kyoto, Japan.
 * 1997
 * The Yasubisu Affair occurs. 24 French Police officers are killed by Arasaka Security when attempting to arrest a high level executive.
 * FACS is established to counter Arasaka.
 * The US military in Japan and Korea is withdrawn to the American mainland.
 * The "Bald Hill" political scandal.
 * The conflict between Arasaka/Right-wing/SDF versus FACS/Bureaucracy rises to the surface.
 * Hordes of SDF members decide to leave the hobbled orces. Arasaka quickly recruits 95% of them for their new Army.
 * Saburo Arasaka marries his third wife Michiko Arasaka.
 * The Kyoto Protocol to regulate greenhouse gases emissions was adopted.
 * 1998
 * Tokyo Railroad companies finish the construction of linear-rail lines.
 * 1999
 * Hanako Arasaka is born, which leads to the death of her mother Michiko.
 * The Korean War brings tension, but also prosperity. Under the threat of the North's "Nodong 13" nuclear missile, Arasaka's "Family Kabuto" personal shelter made record sales.

2000

 * 2000
 * A Japanese government official quoted as saying, "In the long run, the Korean War will only benefit us" is discharged.
 * 2001
 * The Japan Aerospace Bureau is established.
 * Australia reforms as the Federal Republic of Australia. Western Australia declares independence after rejecting the new government, they are backed by Arasaka.
 * Revival of Stanley Kubric's movie sparks space fever.
 * 2002
 * Food Crash wipes out wheat crops worldwide. Southern China's population explodes as everyone from the wheat-growing north moves to the rice-growing south. Southern China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam make record profits exporting rice, seafood, and synthetic foods.
 * Honda merges and reorganizes with several other car companies.
 * With the aid of FACS, JAB (Japan AeroSpace Bureau) is established, based on the remains of the previous NASDA (National AeroSpace Development Agency) from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
 * Sugo Manufacturing merges with Mitsubishi and is renamed Mitsubishi-Sugo.
 * 2003
 * Sugo Manufacturing merges Mitsubishi-Koridansu, and emerges as Mitsubishi-Sugo. The new corp starts building AFVs and Tanks, as well as cars.
 * Corporate cities begin to emerge from local cities and towns.
 * Junko Nishimura was born in Kobe, Japan.
 * Fuma Kotaro was born in Hakone, Japan.
 * 2004
 * Thomas Matthews, WNS Special Correspondent, reports participation by Arasaka troops in the 2nd Korean War. Both Japanese government and General I deny the reports.
 * 2005
 * During the First Corporate War (2004-2006), FACS member Nakamura Mamoru Ltd., invest massive capital in EBM.
 * EBM Solos attack Tokyo office of Kenjir Technologies, Killing 18.
 * 2006
 * Jinkyoku Tenno is born in Tokyo, Japan.
 * 2007
 * Tokyo residents had complaints about Haneda Expansion Airport.To avoid the Kansai roadblock, they sued the Diet for indemnity over loss of living quality and health hazards from noise pollution. The same court that turned down the case from 1995 Kansai International Airport case, also turned down this case because "Such a case is not suitable for civil litigation.
 * 2008
 * Taiwan declares independence with the assistance of the Arasaka Corporation.
 * 2009
 * "Net Wizard" Janice A. Grubb is enticed away from Kenjini Technologies by Internet.
 * A Korean terrorist group, led by someone using the name "I HoTong" starts attacking Japanese corporate installations.

2010

 * 2010
 * Mitsubishi-Sugo develops prototype ACPA for the SDF. Soldiers nickname it "kakashi" (Scarecrow)
 * 2011
 * Opposing corporate take their warfare onto the main roads that link their cities. Along with corporate sabotage, many Bosozoku gangs raid long-range trucks and mail transport. People begin to rely entirely on the Net or on fax machines for personal mail.
 * Osaka's population reaches 25 million.
 * Tokyo Skytree the broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010 and reached its full height of 634.0 meters (2,080 ft) in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower, and the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa.
 * 2012
 * First viable nano-tech developed jointly by Euro and Japanese labs.
 * Nagoya Transportation begins to use taser-equipped armored trucks and AVs for business.
 * Several people were arrested and sentenced to death for late-night Stinger Missile attacks on passing airplanes. At long last, they had brought on a trial. The court never said "Such a case is not suitable for criminal litigation."
 * 2013
 * Arasaka has a brief conflict with Chinese Triad boss Big Len before finalizing alliance to fight MLC in Hong Kong.
 * After pressure by FACS, Japanese Government grants special licenses to Express Mail companies to use live ammo for defense.
 * After 24 years Shinka Tenno is removed, which causes a period of disorder that lasts until 2019.
 * 2014
 * I.G. Transformations redesign the Net.
 * A major portion of Houston becomes the property of Kizamasu Inc., and "Mekton Warrior" toys.
 * Emperor Shinka-Tenno is removed from power in Japan. Causing a period of Imperial disorder which last until 2019.
 * 2015
 * After 10 years of mutual sabotage and deception, Japan is removed from the EEC.
 * Japan establishes the New Yen currency to counter the Eurodollar. The exchange rate is 200 Yen for 1 E-buck. The Yen War begins in Europe, with Germany aiming to limit international corporations in Europe.
 * Mitsubishi-Sugo develops first Japnese ACPA using the SegAtari VR interface. The MSAS-15 is nicknamed "The Trooper."
 * The Yen War begins in Europe, with Germany aiming to limit international corporations in Europe.
 * 2016
 * SDF secretly develops bipod tank (tank with a human brain control unit similar to full Cyborg conversations). During test, the tank brain goes mad and runs away from the SDF Fuji training grounds. The tank rampages from Fuji to Yokohama city before Arasaka Special Forces unit finally kills it. 31 are killed in the carnage (8 SDF soldiers, 6 Arasaka solos, 4 police, 8 medias, and 5 civilians), which is blamed by the government on Korean terrorists.
 * Rare metal deposits are found under an Arasaka training ground in Southern Africa. The local warlord tries to claim rights, but is ignored by Arasaka, who begins mining. South African natives begin agitation against Arasaka guard units.
 * Water riots begin in Australia. Arasaka funds construction of a desalination plant.
 * 2017
 * Militech supports the native population in removing Arasaka from South Africa, they fail and Arasaka buy the rights to the land.
 * New ACPA are rolled out simultaneously by Mitsubishi-Sugo and Arasaka (for SDF and export, respectively). Both use the SegAtari VRI. The Mitsubishi-Sugo MSAS-17 Trooper is designed by popular manga artist Inoue Keuma. The media provided fantastic coverage, and the SDF received many applicants for Trooper positions.
 * The strongest warlord in the South African area is assassinated by a heavily-cybered black terrorist gang using new Militech weapons.
 * 2018
 * A coup is carried out in South Africa, giving regional power to the "Black Liberation Army." James Miyahara of Network 54 reports Arasaka support of the BLA.
 * Arasaka buys title and mining rights for their (already occupied) land for 5 million Eb, paid to the BLA.
 * Japanese government unveils the "Ground SDF Plan for 2020" which will use ACPA, One-Man Tanks, and AVs. SDF introduces the Mitsubishi-Sugo MBT-18 as the MBT of the 2020's. The National Police Agency starts to use the agile and light MSLT-17 ACPA. It is rumored that Mitsubishi-Sugo and Arasaka have developed a semi-humanoid "walking tank" for GSDF trail in 2021.
 * 2019
 * Emperor Jinkyoku Tenno ascends the throne in Japan. Ending the period of Imperial "disorder," and Jinkyoku Year 1 begins.
 * The Harumi Int'I Convention Center Anime Market is raided by a solo team. 302 are injured, 27 killed. 7 solos are captured, and 3 are killed by Metalmax and Grappler posergangs. The solos are identified as an Arasaka security team. It was rumored that Saburo's Black Book was being traded as game software.
 * The popular TV anime series "Sazae-san" had its 50th anniversary. Celebrations are sponsored by Arasaka Security and Science division.

2020

 * 2021
 * Euro Aquacorp CINO attempts to acquire bankrupt Aquacorp IHAG. Rival Aquacorp OTEC attempts to act as "white knight" in the hostile takeover. As both corps line up allies, a dangerous war at sea begins.


 * 2022
 * 4th Corporate War: Covert operations explode into a shooting war as Arasaka and Militech move front line troops into battle. The ensuing conflict involves operations all over the globe, with heavy combat in major cities worldwide.
 * 4th Corporate War: The Chicago Rebuilding Project collapses as Arasaka Corporate factions detonate virus bomb in an effort to deny the city to Militech.
 * DataKrash virus now infests 78.2% of the NET. Aware of the virus' potential, Saburo Arasaka sets out to create a secure database in the new Arasaka Towers facility in Night City.
 * Seven Hour War: Fed up with the fighting, Highriders at O'Neill 2 declare independence, using deltas and scavenged mass drivers to drop dozens of Lunar rocks at key sites all over the planet, causing widespread death and destruction. US and Japan officially recognize the new Highrider government.
 * 2023
 * Total breakdown of international trade. Container ship and air travel have been totally disrupted. Supplies and food sit on the docks worldwide, unable to reach stores, factories or suppliers. Many Megacorps collapse.
 * 4th Corporate War: The war has taken shape of the smaller conflicts WWII with battles being seen in Tokyo, Washington, Yokohama, and Night City headquarters seeing much conflict. Japan and USA try to take control of the warring corporations.
 * 2025
 * End of the 4th Corporate War: This includes a three year wrap up as pockets of fighting are quelled by Militech and national armies. While there is only one nuke dropped during the war, the world's infrastructure is severely impacted, although not destroyed.
 * Aftermath of 4th Corporate War: The world economy has taken a huge hit, with the US and Japanese governments taking a bulk of the damage due to the Megacorps involved. The Us nationalized Militech in an attempt to save face and stabilize the United States. The Japanese government almost breaks down. By repudiating Arasaka, national face is saved. Arasaka is reduced to a Japan-only Corporation for the next decade. European Union is pretty much restored.
 * NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Bureau launch a joint mission to Saturn.
 * 2026
 * Turk Leon Hagar offered to be the first member of the "S.A.R.O. organization" an elite group of personal that abide by no laws and answer directly to the Governor. Dispatched to Japan to search for a potential terrorist group attempting to destroy Tokyo's government building.
 * 2027
 * Arasaka breaks into three warring factions. Kiji, headed by Hanako Arasaka; Hato, headed by Kei's daughter Michiko Arasaka and who allied with the US government; and rebel faction Taka, led by Yorinobu.
 * 2029
 * Japan's Cabinet Approves $120 Billion Stimulus Package as Economic Clouds Gather.
 * Niigata City sees a terrible tragedy with 30 civilians being caught in an explosion in the Nishibori Rosa mall. The explosion was proved to be a bomb that had been planted 3 hours before. The official police report said it was a rogue Triad group.

2030

 * 2031
 * Tokyo's population climbs to 46 million people, leading to the Japanese government needing to set up a new immigration system that sends new foreigners to other cities in Japan such as Osaka and Nagoya.
 * Rare Fish Festival in Tokyo serves up dishes so good that it leads to people having leaks.


 * 2035
 * Japanese government settles a trade deal with Hong Kong.
 * Arasaka limitation to Japan as issued by the Government of Japan in 2025, finally ends allowing it to branch out again.
 * Rebuilding of old factories and individuals starting to replace lost tech. New Corps start to rise from the wreck-age of the 4th Corporate War.
 * 2037
 * Annual cherry blossom festival in Sendai is interrupted due to a 7.1 Earthquake that ended in a tsunami that struck the North eastern part of Japan. Causalities counted around 55 deaths.

2060

 * 2067
 * An Arasaka bodyguard intercepts an assassin's bullet and saves the life of the emperor.

2070

 * 2074
 * An Arasaka investigation destroys a terrorist cell in Rio de Janeiro, kills all those responsible and ends a series of attacks.