Empire of the Sun

[makif130289]

EMPIRE OF THE SUN

1936

TABLE OF CONTENT

PART I : EMPIRE OF JAPAN

PART II : DECISIONS

PART III : 2-26 INCIDENT

PART IV : REMILITARIZATION OF THE RHINELAND

PART V: ANTI-COMINTERN PACT

PART VI: PARTIAL MOBILIZATION

PART VII: HIROTA KOKI'S CABINET

PART VIII: MARCO POLO BRIDGE

PART IX: OFFENSIVE IN THE NORTH

PART X: LANDING AT SHANGHAI

PART XI: VICTORY IN THE NORTHERN CHINA

PART XII: QINGDAO SIEGE

PART XIII: VICTORY IN QINGDAO

PART XIV: NANJING MASSACRE

PART XV: FALL OF HUAINAN

PART XVI: ADVANCE TOWARDS THE WEST

PART XVII: ANSCHLUSS

PART XVIII: PEACE PROPOSAL

PART XIX: CHANGFUKENG LAKE INCIDENT

PART XX: TREATY OF MUNICH

PART XXI: BATTLE OF NANCHANG

PART XXII: END OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA

PART XXIII: GENERAL MOBILIZATION

PART XXIV: HIRANUMA KIICHIRO'S CABINET

PART XXV: NOMONHAN INCIDENT

PART XXVI: EUROPE AT WAR

PART XXVII: WINTER WAR

PART XXVIII: ADVANCE TOWARDS CHONGQING

PART XXIX: BATTLE OF CHONGQING

PART XXX: OIL EMBARGO

PART XXXI:VIENNA DICTATE

PART XXXII:OPERATION ICHI-GO

PART XXXIII:SHAANXI POCKET

PART XXXIV:TOJO HIDEKI'S CABINET

PART XXXV: FALL OF FRANCE

PART XXXVI: INVASION OF FRENCH INDOCHINA

PART XXXVII: TREATY OF TOKYO

PART XXXVIII: ALLIANCE WITH THAILAND

PART XXXIX: ROAD TO WAR

PART XL: PEARL HARBOR

PART XLI: INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINES

PART XLII: FALL OF SINGAPORE

PART XLIII: THE CHASE IN THE JAVA SEA

PART XLIV: THE SINKING OF USS LEXINGTON

PART XLV: FALL OF DUTCH EAST INDIES

PART XLVI: OPERATIONS IN NEW GUINEA

PART XLVII: ENCIRCLEMENT OF BURMA

PART XLVIII: OPERATION BARBAROSSA

PART XLIX:BATTLE OF JOHNSTON ATOLL

PART L:BATTLE OF PEARL HARBOR

PART LI:MEETING WITH RIBBENTROP

PART LII:WAR WITH SOVIET UNION

PART LIII:FALL OF INDIA

PART LIV: JAPAN JOINS THE AXIS

PART LV: INVASION OF UNITED STATES

PART LVI: BATTLE OF SAN FRANCISCO

PART LVII: STRATEGIC WITHDRAWAL

PART LVIII: VICTORIES OF WEHRMACHT

PART LIX: FALL OF MOSCOW

PART LX: TREATY OF MOSCOW

PART LXI: INVASION OF NICARAGUA

PART LXII: INVASION OF PANAMA CANAL

PART LXIII: MEXICO DECLARES WAR ON THE AXIS

PART LXIV: INVASION OF THE EAST COAST

[makif130289]

SETTINGS

1) 1.02 BETA
2) No Cheats
3) No save-reloads
4) Medium Difficulty
5) Screenshot heavy AAR

[makif130289]

PART I : EMPIRE OF JAPAN

Empire of Japan grew much in strength since the Meiji Restoration. After ambitious industrialisation program and centralization of the power inside, The Empire began to pursue its imperial aims. Korea and Taiwan were annexed to the Empire. Manchuria was brought under Japanese influence.


Empire of Japan in 1936




The government is not stable in The Empire. Imperial Army and Imperial Navy frequently acts independently. Both foreign and domestic policies of the government are strongly affected by military leaders. Nationalists and other extremists force government to take more aggressive stance in the Asian policy.


Japanese Cabinet




Imperial Japanese Army ( IJA) consists of 65 divisions, approximately half of these are garrison divisions. Imperian Japanese Navy ( IJN) is one of the most powerful navies in the world, probably third one after USN and Royal Navy. IJN has 2 carriers, 6 battleships, 1 battlecruiser and dozens of screen ships. Imperial Japanese Army Air Force ( IJAAF) consists of 11 squadrons.



IJN, IJA and IJAAF




Japanese industry is the sixth most powerful industry in the world. Base industrial capacity of The Empire is 90. The statistics showing the industrial strength of major countries is shown below.

USA : 500 IC
USSR : 200 IC
Germany : 150 IC
Britain : 120 IC
France : 116 IC
Japan : 90 IC
Italy : 61 IC

In terms of resources, The Empire is not very lucky. Main isles are very scarce in terms of oil and precious rare materials. This is one of the main reasons that is driving Empire towards territorial expansion. Huge oil need of IJN is mainly imported from United States. Oil trade with USA is crucial for Japanese military strategy.



Japanese Economy




The main rival of Empire of Japan in Asia is Republic of China led by Kuomintang Party. China is still divided amongst various warlord factions, communists led by Mao Zedong are also continuously undermining the control of Kuomintang government, in spite of these, Chiang Kai-Shek's nationalists are slowly uniting the country and are also implementing modernization programs. China tried to curb Japanese ambitions in Manchuria, Korea and Taiwan for dozens of years. Still, China doesn't accept Japanese superiority in Asia and challenges her. Empire of Japan will finally have to deal with China if she truly wants to be leader of Asia


China in 1936

[Cybvep]

Great! I love Japanese AARs! It will be interesting to see how balanced the Pacific Theatre is in DH.

[makif130289]

PART II : DECISIONS

IJN Soryu under construction at Kure Naval Arsenal

Admiral Keisuke's government is favouring more planned economical policies. In order to maximize military production, careful economic planning is necessary. Japanese people cannot afford luxury goods as American capitalists do.

Move towards more planned economy





Technological Researches






Government's armament and industrialisation program, this program envisages major expansion of Imperial Army and Navy.





Distribution of industrial capacity

[Cybvep]

Quite ambitious... Don't you think that you should put more focus on land and naval units right now, given the long buildtimes of naval units and the fact that the Chinese are your main enemy ATM? Their airforce shouldn't be a big threat. You should be fine with one 99x TAC serial.

[Fenrir 1576]

Ambitious indeed, though I really don't understand why you're putting anything into reinforcement, those mobilization events refill all your divisions for you, afterall, but otherwise I'm very much looking forward to this aar, never seen a DH Japan game, nor have I really played one, so it'll be interesting to say the least.

[makif130289]

Quite ambitious... Don't you think that you should put more focus on land and naval units right now, given the long buildtimes of naval units and the fact that the Chinese are your main enemy ATM? Their airforce shouldn't be a big threat. You should be fine with one 99x TAC serial.

I have 25 inf and 6 cav divisions for now. I will have 30 inf and 6 cav divisions by Marco Polo, so total of 36 divisions. I am quite sure that Chinese will have much more divisions than me. I hope that the difference will be my tactical bombers.

Ambitious indeed, though I really don't understand why you're putting anything into reinforcement, those mobilization events refill all your divisions for you, afterall, but otherwise I'm very much looking forward to this aar, never seen a DH Japan game, nor have I really played one, so it'll be interesting to say the least.

You are right, it is my habit back from other HoI games to first bring down my reinforcements to zero.

[makif130289]

PART III : 2-26 INCIDENT

Soldiers in the streets of Tokyo

February, 1936


Popular Front won the general elections in Spain




2-26 Incident

Today, approximately 1500 troops from IJA attempted coup against Okada Keisuke's government whom they see as cowardly and unpatriotic. They killed severeal important figures of the government but PM Okada achieved to escape. In spite of the fact that putschits seized key communication and military buildings in Tokyo, the putschists were defeated within few days.





Composition of IJN

Admiral Mineo divided IJN into two main categories : Carrier Fleets and Battle Fleets. Two fleets of each type was created. Remaining 23 ships are allocated as naval reserves.

1st Carrier Fleet

1st Carrier Fleet is commanded by Admiral Yamamoto. It is based at Busan dockyard in Korea. The Fleet has Carrier Kaga. Average speed of the fleet is 18 kmh. The maximum firing distance of aircrafts of Carrier Kaga is 145 km.





Carrier Kaga




2nd Carrier Fleet

2nd Carrier Fleet is of the same compositions as 1st Carrier Fleet. Carrier Akagi is also sister ship of Carrier Kaga. 2nd Carrier Fleet is commanded by Admiral Nagano and is based at Taiwan currently.





1st Battle Fleet

1st Battle Fleet is commanded by Admiral Ozawa and currently based at Nagasaki dockyard. Ozawa's fleet has 3 battleships, of these 3 Battleships Mutsu is the best one. Battleship Mutsu is capable of firing from maximum distance of 44 km. Battle Fleets are primary weapons to annihilate the entire navy of the enemy.




Battleship Mutsu

Mutsu is pretty fast and powerful battleship. Along with her sistership Nagato, the best battleship of IJN




2nd Battle Fleet

2nd Battle Fleet is commanded by Admiral Mikawa and is currently based at Iwo Jima. Composition of 2nd Battle Fleet is almost as same as 1st Battle Fleet. The best battleship of the fleet is Nagato which is sister ship of Mutsu.

[makif130289]

PART IV : REMILITARIZATION OF THE RHINELAND

German Army entering the Rhineland

March, 1936

Remilitarization of the Rhineland




Minister Change

PM Okada Keisuke replaced Armament Minister Machida Chuji with Ogawa Gotaro. Gotaro is seen as better for increasing production capacity.




April, 1936

Xi'an Incident

Marshal Zang of China kidnapped Chiang Kai-Shek shortly after his announcement of new operations against communists. Marshal Zang wanted Premier Chiang to make peace with communists to counter so called Japanese aggression. Chiang Kai-Shek accepted the proposal and Communists and Nationalists declared truce.




Technological Researches

Mitsubishi completed research of Mechanized Agriculture. Tokyo Imperial University was assigned to research Basic Computing Machines.




May, 1936


Technological Researches

Mitsubishi began to improve new designs of field artillery.




June, 1936

Elections in France and Czechoslovakia




Anglo-Egyptian Treaty




Guanxi - Chinese War




Technological Researches

[Cybvep]

Looks like China is getting stronger and stronger. Do you plan to go after the Soviets/Allies/both of them?

[makif130289]

Looks like China is getting stronger and stronger. Do you plan to go after the Soviets/Allies/both of them?

I will go historical to see how difficult Japanese campaign is. That means attacking Britain, Netherlands and USA in the end of 1941. This will be valid even if I am struck in China ( which is highly unlikely in my opinion )

[makif130289]

PART V: ANTI-COMINTERN PACT

Mushanokōji and Von Ribbentrop signing the pact

June, 1936

Minister Change

PM Okada Keisuke replaced Okamura Yasuji with Takasu Shiro as head of secret service. Takasu Shiro may obtain important information about the industrial tecniques used in the Western countries.




Current IC Situation

Base IC of Japan is 90. Effective IC is 118. The effects are as follows :

Emperor Hirohito = + 10 %
Ogawa Gotaro = + 3 %
Takasu Shiro = + 2 %
Planned Economy = + 15 %
Industrial and agricultural techs = + 14 %
Partisan Effect = - 3 %
Peacetime Effect = - %10
----------------------------------------------
Total = + 31 %





July, 1936

Technological Researches

Komatsu began to research product standardization techniques to increase our total output.




Spanish Civil War

Nationalist generals in Spanish Army started military rebellion against leftist government. Rebellion turned into full scale civil war

Anti - Comintern Pact

Our government and Nazi government of Germany signed an agreement directed against Comintern. Japanese Empire and Germany will give mutual assistance to each other against communist subversive activities. Agreement was signed by Berlin ambassador Kintomo Mushanokōji and Joachim Von Ribbentrop.





Foreign Intervention in Spanish Civil War

Fascist Italy and National Socialist Germany are providing military supplies to anti-communist nationalists while Soviets are providing supplies to leftist Republicans.

German and Italian Material Aid to Franco




Soviet Material Aid to Republicans




August, 1936

Technological Researches

[makif130289]

PART VI: PARTIAL MOBILIZATION

Partial Mobilization

October, 1936

Technological Researches



Unit Deployment

5 infantry divisions were deployed in Hiroshima. 1 Mutsuki-class destroyed was commissioned in Nagoya dockyard.



Imperial Conference, Tokyo

Attendants :



PM Okada Keisuke : Gentlemen, we have gathered here in the presence of his imperial majesty to discuss important economical and militart affairs. General Higashikuni, the commander of China Expeditionary Army in Machukuo will begin.

General Higashikuni : His majesty and respectable members of the cabinet, our intelligence sources in Northern China inform us existence of heavy concentration of Chinese forces along buffer zone. There are 23 Chinese divisions all along the border. We think that there are more in the interior parts. I, as the commander of China Expeditionary Army, have 18 divisions available to me. PM promised me that 9 more divisions would arrive within a week. That would be total of 27 divisions. It is my opinion that to overrun Chinese forces in a possible clash, I would need at least 30 divisions. So, I suggest PM Keisuke and Armaments Minister Gotaro to create more infantry divisions.



Ogawa Gotaro: I understand the concern of general but the problem is that we don't have reserves to call up. All available reserves were already called into service with the formation of recent divisions. We can't form more divisions without enacting mobilization and this would draw up men from our labor force and hence decrease our production capacity. Also, mobilization wouldn't be welcomed by our subjects.



Konin Kotohito: Minister Gotaro, there are more important things than daily life of Japanese people. Our enemies are increasing their number of troops day by day and if we just sit and watch, then I am afraid, the future of Empire of Japan would be in danger. Communists in the North and Chinese in the South is trying all possible ways to undermine our possessions in Manchukuo and Korea. Only way to counter the threats of our enemies is to enlarge Imperial Army. If this requieres mobilization, then Japanese people should do so.

PM Okada Keisuke : Well, In my opinion too, early mobilization would be better as we will already need reserves in the future. We need to protect our possessions in the region. Full mobilization is, of course, not possible. We will enact partial mobilization and will call up able men that is considered to be working in unnecessary industrial sectors. If his majesty approves the decision as well, we can release mobilization decree as soon as possible.

Emperor Hirohito : Prime Minister, if Imperial Army needs more soldiers to protect our realm, then I approve mobilization of my people.


Partial Mobilization




Effect of Mobilization on Economy




Armament Program

After the declaration of partial mobilization, Armaments Minister Gotaro reviewed armament program. 3 infantry divisions were added to the top of the program as requested by General Higashikuni.

[makif130289]

PART VII: HIROTA KOKI'S CABINET

New Prime Minister : Hirota Koki

October, 1936

Government Change

Today, Okada Keisuke's government resigned. Reputation of Keisuke's government was hampered by 2-26 incident. Keisuke's moderate policy was always attacked by more militarist factions. Declaration of partial mobilization few days ago discredited Keisuke in the eyes of the public as well and Keisuke's government fell. Emperor appointed diplomat Hirota Koki as new Prime Minister.




New Cabinet





Effect of New Cabinet on Economy

New cabinet is not as successful as the previous one in terms of economic performance.

Keisuke's Cabinet

Emperor Showa : + 10 % IC
Ogawa Gotaro : + 3 % IC
Takasu Shiro : +2 % IC
--------------------------------
Total : + 15 % IC

Koki's Cabinet

Emperor Showa : + 10 % IC
Shoda Kazue : -1 % IC
--------------------------------
Total : + 9 % IC





November, 1936

Elections in United States




Technological Researches

Kure Naval Arsenal began to develop better carrier class.



December, 1936

Commissioning of Soryu

Aircraft carrier Soryu was commissioned in Osaka today. IJN Soryu is the first of her class and currently is the most modern carrier of Imperial Japanese Navy.




Armaments Program

Armaments Minister Shoda Kazue ordered construction of one more Soryu-class aircraft carrier after request from Admiral Mineo. The new carrier will be named as IJN Hiryu. The construction is expected to be finished in the end of 1939.




Industrial Expansion

Construction of two new industrial facilities are completed. Those facilites that are built by Mitsubishi and Sumitomo will produce military supplies.



January, 1937

Technological Researches



Technological Researches



February, 1937

Construction of New Battleships

In order to close the gap between US Navy and IJN, Prime Minister ordered contruction of two new battleships. These battleships are planned to be the most powerful battleships the world have ever seen. These battleships will show the might of Imperial Japan to the rest of the world.

[Cybvep]

Those BBs look frightening. If you manage to gain air superiority in the contested regions, they can wreak havoc among the enemy ships.

[makif130289]

PART VIII: MARCO POLO BRIDGE

Marco Polo Bridge

February, 1937

Government Change

Today, Prime Minister Hirota Koki resigned over a disagreement with General Terauchi. The Army declared that it doesn't want to work with Koki. Emperor has chosen Hayashi Senjuro to form new government.




New Cabinet



Situation of the Economy



Technological Researches




Unit Deployment

A squadron of Kawasaki Ki-48 medium bombers was deployed in Hiroshima. Total strength of medium bomber force became 6 squadrons.




March, 1937

Revision of Armaments Program

Government revised the armaments program with the addition of marine divisions to the list. Those marine divisions will specialize in amphibious operations. Also, formation of 3 infantry divisions were extended to 6 divisions. Formation of new 3 divisions will begin when current ones are completed.



May, 1937

Technological Researches



Unit Deployment

3 infantry divisions are formed in Nagasaki. Those divisions will be sent to Northern China.





June, 1937

Technological Researches




Marco Polo Bridge Incident

Our troops and Chinese troops exchanged fire at the Marco Polo Bridge. Both sides brought more forces to the region and the clashes turned into proper fighting.


Imperial Conference, Tokyo

Attendants:





PM Hayashi Senjuro : His Majesty and ministers of the Empire, we gathered here, in extraordinary meeting, to discuss urgent matters that are evolving in Northern China. Our forces clashed with Chinese troops at Marco Polo Bridge, near Beijing. Our brave soldiers stormed the bridge and hold for few hours, then numerically superior Chinese forces recaptured it. Since then, we brought many reinforcements to the region. Here, we have to decide on what to do. My opinion is that we have to respond Chinese irresponsibility with the utmost harsness. Chinese have already been undermining our mastery over Manchukuo for years. They don't recognize Manchukuo State and conduct sabotage operations in Japanese controlled regions of Northern China. In order to force China to accept Japanese mastery over Manchuria, we should remove Chinese from Northern China completely. This wouldn't just secure our control of Manchuria, but also would force China to accept Japanese leadership in the whole Eastern Asia.

Emperor Hirohito: Prime Minister, how will Chinese accept our leadership in Eastern Asia ?

PM Hayashi Senjuro :His Majesty, if we could successfully drive the Chinese out of Northern China, this would probably weaken KMT (Kuomintang) and would lead its eventual downfall. While in the turmoil, we could impose our conditions on China, like stationing of troops, economic concessions and foreign policy cooperation. Vast Chinese resources would improve our strategic position greatly. Much more importantly, New Asia united under leadership of Japan would be greatest power on the world.

Emperor Hirohito : I understood Prime Minister, but how is our military capabilities in the North ?

PM Hayashi Senjuro : His Majesty, General Kotohito could reply this question better than me.

Chief of Staff Kotohito : His Majesty, we have 30 division in the Northern China under command of General Higashikuni. His headquarters is in Zhangyuan. He has 23 infantry divisions and 6 cavalry divisions. In addition, General Hata has 9 divisions in the Southern Korea. If we need reinforcements, we could use them.




Chief of Staff Kotohito : Our airforce is based at Port Arthur. We have 6 medium bomber and 4 fighter squadrons there.



Emperor Hirohito : Prime Minister, are you planning to wage full scale war including aerial bombardment ?

PM Hayashi Senjuro : No his Majesty, not exactly full scale war. We won't deliver war declaration, we will just get them out of Northern China with single big offensive. For this purpose, we will use our airforce too. After we defeat Chinese forces, we can make truce and start negotiations with Chinese.

Emperor Hirohito : What will the Navy do while we conduct full offensive in the North ?

Chief of the Navy Hisanori: His Majesty, the Navy is prepared for any possible attack from Chinese Navy. We will deliver message to Chinese to keep their ships in the docks, if they not obey this and send their ships to the open seas, we will sink them.

Emperor Hirohito : Can our aggression provoke United States and Soviet Union ?

Foreign Minister Saotake : His Majesty, Neither Soviets nor Americans would enter the war for Northern China. They will probably issue strong protests to us, as they did for Manchuria in 1931, but I don't think that they could make any concrete step to prevent our offensive.


Emperor Hirohito : General Kotohito, how strong is enemy force in the region ? Could we defeat them easily ? Is General Higashikuni capable of conducting such an offensive ?

Chief of Staff Kotohito : His majesty, the enemy is numerically superior to us. Compared to discipline and spirit of brave Japanese soldiers, they are undisciplined cowards. Our equipment and technology is better than them. So, I believe that we can defeat them within few weeks. General Higashikuni is truly the man made up for this kind of mission. He is brave, relentless and would sacrifice his life without hesitation to protect the honour of his majesty.

Emperor Hirohito : Good, then ministers, I approve the offensive in North China. I am confident that sacrifices of my brave soldiers will bring glory to our holy Empire.

[K W]

Oh, makif, you're the last hope for a Japan AAR that doesn't end after the second page -- I'm following!

[makif130289]

Oh, makif, you're the last hope for a Japan AAR that doesn't end after the second page -- I'm following!

I hope my AAR won't join them seriously, I am enjoying Japan quite a much. Very limited resources but highly ambitious plans, this will be real challenge.

[MastahCheef117]

This looks to be much better written and played than my now-dead-two-page Japanese AAR, xD I will be reading with anticipation! For Honor, Glory, and Japan!