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).
Japan (日本; Nippon or Nihon, which means "land of the rising sun" or, literally, ""sun origin") is a country and major global economic power. It consists of 47 prefectures distributed 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 is home to the Arasaka Corporation, one of the most powerful corporations in the world.
History[]
Meji Restoration[]
During the Meji Restoration, Japan became an industrial giant. The birth of Zaibatsus were present with companies like Fujiwara Bank 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 United States 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 : 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.[1]
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.[citation needed]
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 United States 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 United Kingdom.
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.[2][3]
In 1997, numerous Japanese zaibatsus banded together under a banner known as Far Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. 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.[citation needed]
2000s[]
Despite the upset of the 90s, Japan 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 the Government of Japan and General I deny the reports.
In 2007, Yuriko Sujimoto, a graduate student at the University of California at Santa Cruz, invented braindances.
Japan made solid relations with Taiwan due to their efforts in 2009,[3] which saw Taiwan become an official independent country with the support and protection of them under Arasaka.[2] Shinka Tenno, the Emperor of the country after the death of Showa Tenno, was removed from power later in 2014. This caused a period of Imperial disorder which lasted until for years after.
In 2013, an album, Movie Sound, by High Society Fashion Band and produced by Nippon Telefunken was released. The artist who worked on the album were; Yumiko Tanaka, Hanako Sorayama, and Tetsuo Yamaguchi. The album had mixed reviews from critics, but topped the charts in Japan. As the album proved it was competent dance music that had characterized Japanese pop for the last decade.[4]
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.[1]
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.
In 2020, Arasaka developed their security division and their forces highly trained at the Arasaka school on the island of Hokkaido, Japan.[2] The Hokkaido Training Camp is the main training facility of thousands of potential recruits.[3] The country of Japan was the world's largest superpower.[3]
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 peace 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.[5]
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.[6]
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.[7] 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.[citation needed]
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.[3]
In 2045, Elflines Online, an MMO game, was released for the Segotari RUSH REVOLUTION Interactive Braindance headset.[8]
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.[9]
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.[9]
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.[9]
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.[9]
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.[10]
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.[9]
Government[]
- Main article: Government of Japan
I have experienced failure as a politician and for that very reason, I am ready to give everything for Japan.
— Japanese Prime Minister, Pacific Rim Sourcebook
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.[1]
Military[]
- Main article: Japanese Self Defense Forces
Law Enforcement[]
- Main article: Japanese National Police Agency
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.[11] 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.[1]
Culture[]
Japan used to be a mono-racial country, but over time gaijin (foreigners) who started entering, Koreans, and the second and third generation Japanese-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 polytheistic, and the country still has an Emperor.
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. Still, Japan enjoys tradition.
Most people in Japan are employed as Salaryman - businessmen that are expected to be insanely dedicated to their job, meaning they work long hours for very little pay. These salarymen operate on a system of Tatamae and Honne on a daily basis. Tatamae is the mask the people put on for others to suppress their internal emotions. The Japanese are expected to hide any hatred they have, and being overly expressive is considered shameful.
Heroes in Japan were often anarchist or people who fought the system and died an honorable tragic death, counter to regular Japanese society. This is why so much of the popular entertainment revolves around Bosozoku and other "maniacs."
Education is very important in Japan, and failing exams is something exceptionally shameful. Kids who fail school entrance exams are often referred to as Ronin and usually end up trying to study for something else.[1]
Crime & Gangs[]
- Main article: Gangs in Japan
Yakuza[]
- Main article: Yakuza
Geography, Climate, & Environment[]
Japan Map (as of 2020)
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.[1]
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).[1]
| Regions | Prefectures | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido | Hokkaido features only one prefecture of the same name, and its major cities include Sapporo, Asahikawa and Hakodate, which you can easily reach with a Japan Line Pass. Home to the Famous Arasaka Training Camp. |
| Tohoku | Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata | Tohoku, in the north of Honshu islands, is one of Japan's most scenic regions. Known for its mountains and great skiing spots, lakes, hot springs, castles and samurai residences. Its capital, Sendai, is known as the "city of trees" and is home to one of the most popular summer festivals in Japan. Arasaka R&D Facility is located here. |
| Kanto | Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, and Tokyo | Kanto is Japan's most populated region and home to the greater Tokyo area. It's known as the factory that keeps Japan running. Other cities are Yokohama, Hakone (and its five lakes), Saitama, Chiba and Kamakura, an ancient city full of historic treasures. Home to the the largest corps; Arasaka, Fujiwara Bank, and SegAtari to name a few. |
| Chubu |
Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi |
The Chubu region is located in central Honshu, Japan's largest island. It is very diverse, including the cities of Nagoya, Takayama and Kanazawa, the Japanese Alps and the mighty Mount Fuji. Also home to Kiroshi Optics. |
| Kansai | Hyōgo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga and Wakayama | The Kansai or Kinki region is the western region of the island of Honshu and includes the cities of Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. It is the cultural and historical heart of Japan and the second-most populated after Kanto. |
| Chugoku | Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi | Also known as the Sanin-Sanyo region, is the westernmost region of Honshu island. This is where you can ride the Sunrise Express night trains and visit the great Izumo Shrine, Okayama (and its Korakuen Garden), Hiroshima and Miyajima. |
| Shikoku | Ehime, Kagawa, Kōchi, and Tokushima | Shikoku is Japan's smallest island and region and probably the most peaceful one. It is known for its abundant nature, beautiful rivers, and wonderful onsen, and it is the home of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage as well as Matsuyama and Takamatsu cities. |
| Kyushu |
Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Ōita, Saga, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Tsushima and Okinawa |
The Kyushu region includes both Kyushu island and Okinawa islands. Kyushu offers a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and modern cities like Fukuoka. Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture, its known for its magnificent beaches. |
Economy[]
The Arasaka HQ in Tokyo
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.[1]
Zaibatsu's (財閥)[]
A Zaibatsu is a corporate conglomerate in which the both suppliers, manufacturers, and a bank are owned by the same company, allowing them an incredibly large amount of autonomy. Zaibatsus are illegal in Japan, but though they continually deny it, most major Japanese countries count as Zaibatsus. Such companies include Arasaka, Fujiwara Bank, Kendachi, Kiroshi, and Segotari.[1]
New Yen[]
At the creation of the eurodollar in 1992, its value was based on an average of the Japanese yen and other currencies, including the US, French, German, and British ones.[2][3] In 2015, after Japan was removed from the European Economic Community, it established the New Yen as its currency. The initial exchange rate was of 200 new yen for each eurodollar.[1]
Major Cities[]
Gallery[]
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References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 PASQUARETTE, C. Pacific Rim Sourcebook. Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1994.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 PONDSMITH, M. Cyberpunk 2013. Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1988. (p.??)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 PONDSMITH, M. Cyberpunk 2020 Core Rulebook. 2nd ed., Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1990. (p.??)
- ↑ FISK, C. Rockerboy Sourcebook. Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1989. (p.??)
- ↑ SEVILE, A. Firestorm Stormfront. Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1997. (p.??)
- ↑ Countdown to the Dark Future
- ↑ PONDSMITH, M. et al., Cyberpunk RED Jumpstart Kit. Kenmore, WA, R. Talsorian Games, 2019. (p.??)
- ↑ PONDSMITH, C. Elflines Online. Kenmore, PDF. WA, R. Talsorian Games, 2021. (p.??)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 CD Projekt RED. Cyberpunk 2077. Video Game, Multi-Platform. Poland, CD Projekt S.A., 2020.
- ↑ Cyberpunk 2077 - Shard: Left Jab: Boxer's Monthly
- ↑ RAMOS, J. Eurosource Plus. Berkeley, CA, R. Talsorian Games, 1995.