PON The Boshin War (short AAR)

Hmm, I don't think you will see much because almost all Western powers are locked into their own petty conflicts and Nippon in our alternate reality is somehow more advanced and secure, although it has rivals on its back yard.

Screenshots will follow.

Late January 1868

Daimyo Mori Takachika has been named the new high commander of the Japanese forces by the Emperor, bypassing any member of the Tokugawa clan. This may be seen as a serious insult to the Bakufu, but Yoshinobu has decided not to challenge this. Mori is heading immediately from the Choshu han to Edo, to take over the Shogun's army. Katamori is on his way as well. The rest of the Choshu samurai forces are moving to Kyoto where another rebellious figure seems to be emerging: Saigo Takamori! Emperor Meiji has summoned the loyalist Southern clans. He seems eager to appoint his own government, essentially ending the Shogunate...

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In game terms: Saigo Takamori spawns in Kyoto. Strategic redeployment of Mori Takachika from Hiroshima to Edo. Movement of Matsudaira Katamori to Edo.

The French (and Dutch to a much lesser extend) supported the Shogunate. The British and Americans the Imperialists. Nonetheless, I think, and it is historically accurate to say, that Yoshinobu and the entire Bakufu were too weak to provide any serious long-term resistance. Therefore, I think their portrayal simply as "Rebels" is justified. Since v1.03 the Rebels have been upgraded to a "unstable" faction (from tribal) and their abilities have probably raised.

Nonetheless I doubt they can be a serious threat to the Emperor in our alternate reality. This Japan is already more advanced even if I haven't beefed up my defenses specifically for the war.

It all depends if the Westerners (human players in our case!) decide to intervene or not. I have reasons to suspect the Dutch (friendly to the Shogunate, historically accurate) might land on Japan, disrespecting the wishes of the imperialist factions.

Early February 1868

The Emperor is definitely preparing something. As the Shogun, Yoshinobu, is more isolated than ever, Okubo Toshimichi of the Satsuma clan has suggested to Emperor Meiji to decree direct measures to lower inflation: fixing the prices of goods to a max (under pain of death to those merchants that raise them) and take some of the old money of the Bakufu out of circulation, reevaluating the whole Japanese coinage. "This will help our poorest citizens and give support to our cause", said Okubo who seems as the right hand man of the Emperor. More support from the Southern clans have flocked to Kyoto, going under the command of famous samurai Saigo Takamori!



In game terms: Decree to curb inflation from 10% to 5% has passed. Mori Takachika and Matsudaira Katamori in Edo, Saigo Takamori in Kyoto. Most Shogunal armies under command by loyal generals. But will it last?

Late February 1868

Okubo Tochimichi of the Shimazu clan has arrived in Kyoto some days after his fellow clansman Saigo Takamori. Toshimichi is the political equivalent of Takamori, a very capable man with a plan in his hand to put an end to the Bakufu. The Emperor has extreme faith in these two men, as well as General Takachika (from the Mori clan) to put a plan in action for the retirement of Yoshinobu. Toshimichi, the new "Home Lord" believes that any foreign interference might put in disarray the plans so he decided to oust any French or Dutch presence on the islands. Both France and Netherlands have been loyal allies of the Shogunate, helping it secure its power and modernize its armed forces. By stopping this, the Shogun will be weaker.

A temporary martial law has been decreed although at the moment Shogun Yoshinobu is still nominally the head of the government.



In game terms: Okubo Toshimichi the new Home Lord (changed it in local files from Prime Minister, although technically he was neither). Temporary martial law asked for next turn. Cancelled passage rights to France and Netherlands as there was fear of their involvement in saving the Shogunate.

PS. For a comparison to previous Japanese rulers, see here.

Early March 1868

The Emperor has decreed the return of all powers to him directly, effectively ending the Tokugawa rule after almost three centuries. Yoshinobu, the last Shogun, seems to have accepted his fate and has not created any problems so far. However, the insistence of many imperialist-backing clans for his complete banishment is probably creating more problems than necessary. Okubo Toshimichi has further lowered the taxes to gain the approval of the population. A military law has been enacted to make the transition more peaceful. Nonetheless, Nippon is a boiling kettle... everyone whispers that Yoshinobu and his hardcore followers will never admit to fall without a fight...





In game terms: End of Tokugawa Shogunate event. Lowering of most taxes.

Late March 1868

Yoshinobu, leader of the Tokugawa clan and last Shogun eventually decided to challenge the imperial restoration, calling his fellow clansmen and loyal followers to arms against our divine emperor. We were expecting such a move, although the rapidity of the Tokugawa actions surprised us. Mori Takachika, supreme commander of the imperialist armed forces has gathered with Matsudaira Katamori (which is a relative of the Tokugawas from Aizu but who quarreled with his cousin, Yoshinobu) and legendary Satsuma samurai Saigo Takamori, and marches against Nagoya city where the rebellion has erupted. Other revolting provinces are the mountainous and snowy (this period) Toyama and obviously the capital of the Shogunate, Edo!



The resulting imperial army is an astonishing force. Western arms together with loyal samurais who want to free their country and finally modernize it without being forced into signing unequal treaties with the Gaijin. Japan has endured enough insults these past years which had been contacted by the West. Japan has made many retreats and concessions.

Our sources inform us that the old Bakufu cannot match our firepower. Takachika has given command to assault Nagoya at sight and continue so if they don't provide serious resistance.



The imperial navy has also set sail from the ports of Inland Sea and the North of Honshu, in this latter case mainly to avoid being captured in case the Shogun rushes to its anchoring stations. They have orders to bombard the defensing positions of Nagoya.



The pacifying expedition force of Kuriles, stationed in that island chain to counter any possible Russian colonialist ambition has been ordered to use barges to hurry to Northern Honshu as well. Its presence will cower the Northern clans which have been known to support the Shogunate since the 17th century. The local revolt of Hokkaido will be dealt later, it is not as important as Honshu island at the moment.



Finally, our spies and reconnaissance sources tell us that the Nagoya forces are not something to fear of, unless Yoshinobu tries to rush South to help them. Itakura Katsukiyo is probably weak and between Edo and Nagoya lies the industrial port city of Yokohama which its local lord decided not to join the Tokugawa rebels.



In game terms: The revolution has erupted. Units move around as described. The Imperialists will assault Nagoya in a conservative way. In case resistance is huge they will back off in the 3rd attempt. Because of the size of the force, the railway could not be used.

PS. The event script moves the locked Edo Batteries to Kyoto which cannot be moved anywhere else. Whatever, they will now make part of Kyoto's defenses.

Early April 1868

The French have always been supporters of the Shogunate. Although the Emperor wishes good relations with all powerful nations of the world, he cannot hold the ire of some of his own loyalists. An incident has happened in the port of Osaka.



Yoshinobu has rushed with all his supporters from Edo to Nagoya in an effort to save his besieged General. Unfortunately for him, he arrived too late. Nagoya city had already fallen. The General in charge of the city defenses has died. It seems from the battle screens that the Shogunal cavalry that arrived with Yoshinobu charged (in round 2) against our soldiers and was hacked down.



The assault to the city (round 1 of battle)



Takachika and his Generals vs Yoshinobu and his Generals (round 2 of battle).



Home Lord Okubo Toshimichi was so excited by the news that has suggested to enact a medal for all the veterans of this epic battle that will shape the future of Japan once and for all!



The snows have not melted in mountainous Toyama province. It is still too early to attack the Bakufu's supporters there. Our cohesion is low, we should wait this fortnight here. However, the admirals have been ordered to get in place to bombard. When the cherry blossoms open, we shall attack!



The Emperor has agreed into turning the Osaka harbor into a model modern shipyard, capable of providing the Imperial Navy all the necessary facilities for the quick construction and maintenance of ships.



Because of the Shogunate's presence, although some Northern provinces are still under our banners, they don't seem to belong to our core regions. However, contentment and spirits are high, especially in the capital Kyoto!



In game terms: Tokugawa Yoshinobu probably moved to Yokohama and then marched to the sound of guns to join the battle at Nagoya. He must have been too late as their contribution appears only in the second round, when the city was already evicted. A medal has been asked for. The naval stacks move to the Sea of Japan to get in place for the future bombardment. This battle has probably crippled the Shogunate forces for good. It has been the Toba-Fushimi of this alternate reality!

Indeed, ideally perhaps the Japanese player should not be producing any units from 1850 to 1867 if he wants to have a historical clash. Bear in mind that according to the battle of Toba-Fushimi, the Shogunal forces spawn with the right amount of soldiers, more or less... some 15000. But the human player has had the ability to produce something more by then, which is ok for our alternate reality which in this MP is much more cutthroat!

Late April 1868

The snow in the mountainous inland regions of Japan has not yet melted although there is definitely a spring feeling among every Imperialist in Japan. Saigo Takamori is restless and although the troops have not completely recovered by the huge Battle of Nagoya, he demands to be given two divisions and get to Toyama as soon as possible.



Mori Takachika, the overall commander gives his permission as the "winter" campaign might catch the Shogunal forces off guard, but under the condition Matsudaira Katamori goes with Takamori and brings the heavy artillery with him. Tokugawa Yoshinobu is known to be lurking somewhere in the nearby mountains...



Last, the Kuriles expedition force has been ordered to rush back to the island chain as the Russians seem to have landed a marine brigade in our absence. Steamers have also been sighted in the North of Hokkaido now that the ice has melted in that treacherous part of the sea. The Home Lord, Toshimichi asks for more ships in the Japanese shipyards to better survey the situation in the seas near Japan and help with the added mercantile demands of the Japanese people.



In game terms: Movement of units in Toyama and the Kuriles. Order of some more ships, wartime and trade. Notice how Saigo Takamori is helped by the presence of the balloon and the telegraph elements. His explosive character (ability) gives him a severe penalty in the total command cost which is countered by a smart arrangement of his commanding stack... something I suggest EVERYONE should do cause ideally your Generals should march and fight without any penalties. Now, an astute observer might say... how on earth does he reach 13 CPs if the support assets combined provide for less. The answer lies to my Commander in Chief in this theater of operation (the home islands of Japan) which has the "Good Innovative" CiC ability and when active provides a command point bonus to every leader in that theater.

REMEMBER, in this game EVERYTHING counts and small things make the difference between prevailing or retreating...
(ok, not in this very case but generally!)

An explosive character does not get along with the other officers and it's a big -4 CP penalty. It get's "corrected" by the balloon (+1), the telegraph (+2), and the Good Innovative Commander-in-Chief in Nagoya (+2) but only when active.
Yes, our Russian player probably watches this AAR as it happens!

Early May 1868

The siege of Toyama has started, albeit the cold of the altitude does make it still feel like winter here. Saigo Takamori has been asked to rest his troops for the coming assault, as Katamori is setting the siege cannons to bombard the city, together with the ships in the bay. The old ousted garrison is being sent back to the town. The Emperor and his close men have not yet decided over the nature of the campaign medal.



In game terms: The samurai garrison is moved in "offensive" posture to Toyama as Katamori's unit is in defensive. This will make sure that in case the province is attacked by Yoshinobu's loyals the Imperialist forces will try to commit. Except for Takamori which is in passive to gain back cohesion faster. Medal request has failed (again). Trying next turn.

Late May 1868

The time has come. Takamori's troops have rested, the heavy pounding by the siege cannons and the work of engineers have ruined the defensive fortifications of the city of Toyama. The assault is about to begin. However, word is coming that the same is happening in nearby Niigata. Shogunal loyalists are shelling the city and a possible infiltration is imminent. The imperial-backed garrison of the town will try to stop the offenders. They do not want anything to do with Yoshinobu.



More divisions are being asked by our Commander-in-Chief Takachika for the war against the deposed Shogun. Specifications for the veterans medal are still being discussed.



In game terms: Time to assault Toyama and be done with it. Yet another try for the morale boosting medal. More units recruited.

Well, according to the conditions of the event for Japan it needs


which means it should have a 30% chance per turn as there is "threat" from both Russia and Prussia with whom we wave bad relations. I guess HQ and government have much more important things to do when there are real external threats than to design the specifications of a new medal! Notice than when in war, the probabilities are even lower. But noticed it happened this last turn! Finally!

Early June 1868

Deposed Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu tried in vain to assault Niigata. Although the city defenders were mostly ravaged by the aggressive ex-Bakufu soldiers, the loyalist imperialist official guard stopped them before they had a chance to evict the city.



Things went much better for Takamori who assaulted the city of Toyama with great capability. With the help of an observation balloon and good telegraphic communication between the various elements under his command, he breached the city killing many of the Shogunal defenders and capturing no less than 4700 rivals. Yoshinobu tried in vain to influence this battle but the only thing he gained was the death of Matsudaira Sadaaki, younger brother of our own Katamori who was also present. In any way, the supreme performance of Chujo Takamori has been lauded and he is being considered for a promotion to Gensui.



Both Takamori and Katamori now will pursue Yoshinobu in various nearby regions using fast cavalry elements mainly. Primary goal is to lift the siege of Niigata, sometime in the next week.

There has been some state-sponsored research going on these past years. Started with the Shogunate, continued now by the Emperor's provisional governments at all possible levels. The results are in: Japanese philosophers have correspondence with their European counterparts and have developed the theories of "Social Darwinism", the application of Darwin's theories in social matters. These aspects were duly incorporated in the Japanese credo to empower the notion that Japan is probaby the only Asian nation capable enough for greatness to Western levels and beyond! Also, our engineers have worked a lot to develop and improve a working model of a "Torpedo" after the theories of its English inventor in Austria, Robert Whitehead.



Other sponsored inventions include a new method to keep meat fresh for longer periods, important now that we have a modern army on campaign and increased internal consumption, improvements to the elementary school curriculum and system all young Japanese should have, and recently, improvement on the observation balloon so successfully used by Takamori in battle.



A disturbing development: the Russians have reinforced their presence in the Kuriles and have restarted the prosecution of the local population. They know of the Empire's difficulties and hit us now that we are occupied... grrr!



In game terms: Takachika is inactive. Takamori and Katamori in new faster units will pursue Yoshinobu in various Northern regions, trying to have battle with him and defeat him once and for all. Takamori will be promoted to Gensui (3-star General). If Yoshinobu gets one more defeat he will probably be too weak to stop us from getting to Edo. Balloons added to research, the other two were already selected by the time of the Shogunate.