Chapter 1 - Beginning of Our Future
During the Weltkrieg, Japan secured a so-called "Peace with Honor" against their hated enemies in the German Empire. The aftermath of the Weltkrieg saw the collapse of France and the United Kingdom, two of Japan's mightiest trading partners, and thus Japan itself fell into a spiraling economic collapse. This would be followed by years of turmoil. The despised German Empire struck hard and captured vast areas of China while Japan could do nothing, multiple revolutions were attempted, multiple leaders tried to control the Empire, and it had seemed that Japan would collapse in on itself.
Until, that is, the military successfully occupied Manchuria and helped to establish the nation of the Fengtien Republic which would be a loyal partner of Japan for many years along with Transumar. The success of this campaign showed the Japanese people that strength, stability, and a modern country could only be ensured by a strong military.
As of January 1, 1936, Japan is a prosperous nation. Our people are ruled by a government that is best described as social conservative. The loyal ministers of Emperor Hirohito run their respective departments efficiently. The policies of Japan are indecisive with many policies lying in the middle of the more extreme options as a result of the years when Japan's rulers were too cautious to create a mighty Japan. Hirohito had no such caution and he decided that the government would become more important in the outside world with a policy of interventionism.
Programs have been in place ever since the economy of the Empire began its recovery. The focus of Government-controlled production is to build up the Navy and has in its production a modern Air Carrier, which shows potential in ridding the Pacific of German Battleships once and for all. The process is slow, however, as the running of an Empire requires money, all the supplies a modern military requires, and state-of-the-art equipment. Soldiers are also being trained to fill empty ranks in some divisions of the army.
The Government has also hired groups of highly-intelligent scientists, military leaders, big business owners, and cabinet members. Currently, five groups have been hired in order to advance many areas. The Japanese Infantrymen, Military-Hospital System, troop transports, New ideas for the running of Japanese Industry, and modern artillery design are specified as the most important areas in need of technological advancement.
Only a little over a week into the new year, it is apparent to Generals, Admirals, and Hirohito that Japan is faced with an oil shortage which could be crippling in the event of a war. Among the largest producers of oil in the world is the German Empire; however, not wishing to trade with the Germans, trade deals are secured with 3 other countries throughout the Earth. One such deal is with the Mexican Empire.
With January winding down, the Emperor contacts the Chief of the Army and requests full reports on the situation on the Russian border and the border with the Qing Empire. Japan, Hirohito realizes, is relying too much on garrisons to guard the Russian border and plans a correction of this in due time. He also hopes that infantry divisions can be brought up to better defend the Qing-Japan border.
In Febuary, the German Economy collapses and almost all of Europe is plunged into an economic crisis. Japan, thanks to the wisdom of Hirohito in avoiding trade with the German Empire, is free of this so-called "Black Monday".
The leader of Mongolia announced in early January that he would unite all the Ethnic Mongolians into a great Empire once-more. His threats were not taken seriously by any country, it seemed, but after forming an alliance with Tibet, military officials believe they are planning an invasion. Perhaps the Mongol leader actually believes he is the next Genghis Khan? Even if he is, no matter. The murderer Genghis Khan was stopped before taking any of Japan and so would this upstart were a war between Mongolia and Japan to take place. Either way, leaders plan war scenarios and try to come up with the best course of action in a Mongol War.
From February to April, not much happens in the Empire. Technological advances continue, as does the production of the Navy. Then, the Mongolian Army takes its first steps of expansion and sends in troops to "free" Mongols legally within the borders of Xibei Lianbang Yiyuan. This would start a war just days later.
Instead of the predicted war, Xibei Lianbang Yiyuan cedes the territories the Mongols considered theirs in an attempt to keep their country intact. Their biggest fear was likely a two-front war with Mongolia and Tibet and as such, the barbaric Mongols aligning with Tibet had already payed off.
The rest of April was uneventful for the Empire and Hirohito hopes that Japan's production can turn toward new, modern Infantry divisions that can defend Fengtien and Korea in case of war. The situation in Asia is unstable and this may either serve to increase Japanese holdings in Asia or threaten them in the future. Japan must itself decide if it will venture out to provide order among the chaos.
(coming in Chapter 2: A complete look at the military of the Japanese Empire and details of the emergency plans in case of war with Mongolia. Military plans also for the fight against the German Empire in the Seas.)
. Japan without knowing the event chains is really fun.
