Japan

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

The country 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, both 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. As war raged on in the Americas many refugees fled to Japan, raising the population and crime rates. While the country is still considered generally safe, many areas had been cut off or abandoned by the government. Japan's influence on the world can be seen everywhere with many people adopting their culture, religion, and various business pratices. However many places sought to fight against their influence such as Germany.

Arasaka the world's most influential and most powerful megacorporation is located in Tokyo. 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. The internal power struggle persisted for decades as other Japanese corporations also competed with Arasaka, such as FACS. However overseas, Arasaka maintained the title of the largest exporter of Japanese-made goods.

When the American military left the pacific rim, the 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 and advance, however still outnumbered.

Japan has solid relations with Taiwan. They also have strong trade relations with the NUSA and helps keep the economy stable.

Meji Restoration
During the Meji Restoration, Japan became an industrial giant. The birth of Zaibatsus were present with companies like Fujiwara or Mitsubishi seeing great success. During this Sasai Arasaka founded the Arasaka manufacturing company in 1915.

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.

In 1960, Saburo Arasaka took control of the Arasaka Corporation. 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. After the Collapse, the US economy and political power took a dive. In its place Japan became the largest economic power.

The Arasaka Corporation benefited after the crash, and was now in second place of the global 500 list.

The European Economic Community was established in '92, and Japan was the only superpower outside of Europe to join, along with France, Germany, Italy, and the UK.

In 1993, the SDF started research and development of "Cyberwalk" legged vehicle. Foreign Media and Military establishments ridiculed the idea.

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.

In 1997 numerous Japanese zaibatsus banded together under a banner known as Far Asian Co-prosperity Sphere (FACS). FACS was designed to counter Arasaka has it took more political control over the country. The corruption Arasaka brought on the government was soon taken away due to the effects of FACS, as the Bald Hill political scandal occurred later that year and 60% of the Diet were arrested for bribery charges.

In 1999, the Korean War brought tension in East Asia, but also prosperity. Under the threat of the North Korea's "Nodong 13" nuclear missile, the Arasaka Corporation's "Family Kabuto" personal shelter had made record sales. Officially Japan took a neutral stance on the surface. In reality, Cold War lines were redrawn, and behind-the-scenes aid was supplied, however North and South were too evenly matched.

2000s
Despite the upset of the 90s, Japan a world superpower, was leading the charge in cyberware and commuter development. After the Wasting Plague had torn through Europe and the United States in 1999, finally in the year 2000 a vaccine in Japan was created to end the conflict. In 2001, the Japan Aerospace Bureau was established.

In 2002, the Food Crash wiped out wheat crops worldwide. As disaster swept through the world, Japan along with China, Thailand, and Vietnam made record profits exporting rice, seafoods, and synthetic foods to countries that suffered from the Crash.

As the Korean War continued into the 2000s, a reporter named Thomas Matthews, a WNS Special Correspondent, reported participation by Arasaka troops in the 2nd Korean War. Both Japanese government and General I deny the reports.

In 2007, Yuriko Sujimoto, a graduate student at the University of California at Santa Cruz, invented Braindance.

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. Shinka Tenno, the Emperor of the country after the death of Showa Tenno, was removed from power in 2014. Causing a period of Imperial disorder which lasted until 2019.

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.

In 2017, new ACPA were rolled out simultaneously by Mitsubishi-Sugo and Arasaka. Both used the SegAtari VRI. The Mitsubishi-Sugo MSAS-17 Trooper was designed by popular manga artist Inoue Keuma. The media provided fantastic coverage, and the SDF received many applicants for Trooper positions.

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. Japanese government unveiled the "Ground SDF Plan for 2020" which would use ACPA, One-Man Tanks, and AVs. The SDF introduced the Mitsubishi-Sugo MBT-18 as the MBT of the 2020's. The National Police Agency started to use the agile and light MSLT-17 ACPA. It was rumored that Mitsubishi-Sugo and Arasaka had developed a semi-humanoid "walking tank" for GSDF trail in 2021.

In 2019, Jinkyoku Tenno ascended the throne in becoming the new Emperor. This marked the end of the period of Imperial "disorder," and Jinkyoku Year 1 began. The popular TV anime series "Sazae-san" had its 50th anniversary. Celebrations were sponsored by Arasaka Security and Science division.

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. Prime Minister Jirou Kikuchi 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.

In 2045, Elflines Online, an MMO game, was released for the Segotari RUSH REVOLUTION Interactive Braindance headset.

2077
In 2077, Tokyo faced a housing crisis, as the government proposed a solution of draining part of the Tokyo Bay to make room for more Megabuildings. The Arasaka Corporation also agreed to putting 24 billion New Yen towards building new housing to accommodate the growing population. During this, a German cyberanthropologist reported that despite Japan being known for the technological leaps, the people could still be seen using analog film cameras, and pocket computers. Author Tsutomu Takahashi released his book called 75 Years of Cyberware.

Bioengineers celebrated the first successful cloning of a cave lion. Scientists from Tokyo, Seoul, and Yakutsk used genetic material from the remains of an ancient female lion discovered in a bog near Kolyma river in Northern Siberia.

Arasaka engineers successfully conducted ballistic missile tests on Yakushima. The new electromagnetic missile was to combat the growing terrorist threat as well as other rogue elements that threaten public safety. Rumors circulated of Arasaka developing new line of reflex boosters that would last twice as long as the current models on the market. The corporation was also looking for willing participates for the experiments.

Famous braindance producer, Hideyoshi Oshima, had strived to create real emotionally touching human experiences within his BD studio in Tokyo. For inspiration Hideyoshi travelled to Night City staying at Konpeki Plaza where he met with BD talent.

A brand new game developing company known as Gentomo, started development on a smart holocall simulator that would allow users to design their friends from scratch. The company's hope is to help reduce the suicide rates in countries of Asia.

After the death of Saburo Arasaka was reported and made public by the Arasaka Corporation, many of Japanese public payed respects and mourned the death of the man who helped in the rebuild of the country during the 1970s and 1980s.

The up-and-coming light heavyweight Kazuo Kano, a ronin from Osaka, remained undefeated after twenty professional fights, seventeen of which were won by technical knockout. Some accused Kano of doping, others say he had connections with the Yakuza. Wide scars had been visible near Kano's ribs for his last three fights. Local ripperdocs said that the scars definitely do not look like an appendix removal procedure. Many anticipated whether or not he became the next light heavyweight champion of the world.

Haruyoshi Nishikata, the world's best brain surgeon, was ordered to perform a surgery on a Tyger Claws boss who had been injured. Haruyoshi, however, due to his morals and understanding of the gang, allowed the surgery to fail. After the Tyger Claws found out about his actions he quickly called his contact and fled to America to escape the judgement of the gang.

The popular idol group Us Cracks toured through the country first starting in Tokyo. Afterwards the idol group travelled through Paris, Sydney and later Night City, where they signed a contract to collaborated with Kerry Eurodyne. If things went well the Us Cracks and Kerry Eurodyne later came out with a new hit single called Off the Leash.

Government
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.

Foreign Relations
Japan has an established structure of foreign relations and much of it's influence can be seen all over the globe. Japan maintained strong trade relations with North, Central, and South America, the country has been a key factor in aiding much of the 3rd world including the fractured New United States. Brazil and NUSA remained the home of the largest Japanese communities in the world. In the 1990s, Japan was also offered a position in the European Economic Community due to their rising status as a leading superpower, however in 2015 after years of manipulation and mutual sabotage led to them being removed. Germany fought to limit the foreign influence in Europe as the European Community became more isolationist. While many European nations remained on good relations with Japan such as the Czech Republic or Portugal, Slovakia had the strongest influence from them. Slovakia remained a massive trade partner and was home to the largest Japanese community in Europe. Australia has remained a military ally to the country often participating in military maritime drills. The US military also remained an ally.

In Asia, Japan had a strong trade relation with Taiwan, however the country still struggles with it's relations with other nations in the area. China and Korea fear the power and influence the SDF has on the pacific rim. Especially Korea still sees the Japanese in a negative light. 52% of Koreans think of Japan as "the enemy," and 53% think that the SDF is the dangerous, metal-clad reincarnation of the Imperial Armies. This is in spite of the fact that the Japanese government has donated 8.5 billion Eurodollars to help reconstruct United Korea since 2005.

Imperial House
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 ceremonial 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)
In 2020 journalist from the NUSA went to determine the actual status of the zaibatsus in Tokyo by interviewing around 10 million salarymen in the Sunrise City itself, home to many of the largest Megacorporations 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.

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:

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.

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 believed 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.

Geography, Climate, & 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."

Demographics
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. Few of the refugees actually spoke Japanese, and most were of a different culture entirety. The main religion, Shinto, is Shamanistic, and they still have an Emperor.

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 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.

Population
As of 2077, the population of Japan is over 145,000,000 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.

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. 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 known for very little crime, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya see much crime due to the influx of foreigners/refugees 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
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 (jackets with the old Samurai wings) are very appealing to 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 those ideals in the Meji era, when the Victorian gaijin came in the country. 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 kind of 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.

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 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.

Food
Most food in Japan is real, except for in the poor areas of the country. 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 salarimen, 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.

Entertainment
In the country there are 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.

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, leading to a housing crisis. 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 and the has the largest population of Yakuza in the country.

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%.

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 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 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 foreigners and is known as the industrial city in the region. It's Chinatown is well known for it's black market and Triad dealings. 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


 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 2025
 * NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Bureau launch a joint mission to Saturn.


 * 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

 * 2032
 * The Makigai Corporation release the cheapest mass-produced car avaiable known as the Makigai MaiMai P126.
 * 2035
 * 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.

2040

 * 2040
 * Goro Takemura is born in Chiba 11.
 * 2045
 * The Arasaka Corporation still limited to the Japanese mainland continues operations. The corporation attempts to amend it's relations with the United States. Hanako Arasaka becomes the face of the MegaCorporation.
 * Hananko Arasaka works on a new version of the Soulkiller.

2060

 * 2060
 * Mizutani Corporation releases a brand new sports car, the Mizutani Shion MZ2.


 * 2067
 * An Arasaka bodyguard intercepts an assassin's bullet and saves the life of the emperor.
 * 2068
 * The Yaiba motorcycle manufactureing Corporation in collaboration with the Arasaka Corporation designed the fastest and most expensive motorcycle on the market, the Kusanagi CT-3X. The Kusanagi became a favorite among gangers.

2070

 * 2074
 * An Arasaka investigation destroys a terrorist cell in Rio de Janeiro, kills all those responsible and ends a series of attacks.
 * 2077
 * Arasaka moves it's supercarrier known as Kujira away from Japanese waters, and into Night City bay.
 * While investigating a stole object from his lab, Saburo Arasaka is murdered in his son's penthouse of Konpeki Plaza, Arasaka Waterfront. Millions morn the lose of an influental man who in the minds of many brought oppertunity and prosperity.