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I am not sure it isn't very good. Just look at the fun I have with my other AARs. Maybe we should say it isn't very realistic. None of Paradox's games are realistic. Germany, in most of my HoI3 games seems to win. And my Crusader Kings 2 game has Aztec in it. And they didn't even exist yet! And as for my Victoria 2 games...they just end up nutty as fruit cakes.
I absolutely agree with this, realistic is not the same as fun. The Campaign for North Africa board game is realistic (the rule book is 3 large volumes and has rules covering extra water for pasta and a single game takes 1,200hours+) but is more of a challenge and something to survive than fun.

You do need a certain level of something like accuracy to avoid utterly breaking the immersion and Paradox are undoubtedly terrible at research, so you can definitely make games that were just as much fun while also being a bit more realistic, as the HOI3 mod scene proves regularly.

But there are so many problems at Paradox right now (not least the most recent EU4 DLC which I believe had the lowest rating of any item to ever be put on Steam) that they probably have bigger problems to deal with.
 
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Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Two : Sixth Week - 9.12.1939 To 15.12.1939
Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Two : Sixth Week - 9.12.1939 To 15.12.1939

5pplkHUn_o.jpg


The Land War​

The sixth week of the war with Yunnan was filled with the sound of boots marching as the Japanese divisions moved inwards. The enemy was slowly, oh so slowly, being squeezed into a smaller and smaller area.

The world didn’t approve of this but the major powers were already involved in their own problems. The Russians and the Americans, the only powers not involved in some kind of conflicts, just watched from the sidelines. They didn’t trust the Japanese but weren’t willing to do anything to save the Chinese either.

Yz92qJwy_o.jpg

The 5. ‘Moukogo’ Kiheishidan was slowly riding their horses towards the Capital of Kunming. They reported no problems with supplies and it seemed their only issue was the landscape. Horses don’t do well in mountains.

While this was happening mountain and infantry divisions were approaching the Provinces of Kaiyuan and Qujing. The Chinese forces in those areas were in full retreat and it was doubtful they would even bother to put up any type of fight.

lMrxTtQ3_o.jpg

Then, shortly after lunch on the 9th of December, the Army announced it had attacked the Province of Mile. One Japanese infantry division was going up against a Chinese infantry division. Over eleven thousand attackers against just under six thousand defenders.

The IJA, likely remembering some of the criticism from the media, ordered some of the Bomber Groups to launch attacks on the Province of Mile. (See Air War)

VPc33S5V_o.jpg

Then the Army, on the morning of the 10th, launched an attack on the Province of Yuanyang. Over eleven Japanese Mountaineers against under six thousand Chinese soldiers. The Japanese launched an all over Assault as they had the numbers AND the Chinese had no skilled Commander in charge.

It looked like the Army was trying to cut off the Capital from the rest of the nation. But since that suggested forethought General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya assumed it was just a bit of a luck.

wUZj7V1l_o.jpg

Before noon the Battle of Yuanyang came to en end. The Army lost zero men while the Chinese also lost zero men. This suggested that the Chinese were having more issues than the Japanese units were.

1lXdhREG_o.jpg

On the 12th of December the Army reported that the Battle of Mile had come to an end. The Japanese had gained a victory at the cost of 89 soldiers. The Chinese lost 311 men.

1wAWzxji_o.jpg

On the morning of the 13th the 1. Sensha Shidan was ready and deployed to the Province of Sasebo. Now two partially completed Japanese Armored units were waiting for their Anti-Tank Brigades to be finished.

And a debate inside the Imperial Japanese Army spread into the upper ranks. Which Front would be assigned the First Armoured Corps? The Russian Front or the Chinese Front?

There was even question of how they should be deployed. As one unit under one of the Theater HQs or split up among many Army HQs?

6erkL3CS_o.jpg

Then during the late evening of the 13th some annoying news came over the wireless. The Chinese had placed a unit inside Kunming. A small infantry units of only about six thousand and not even properly led.

But this started ANOTHER Battle for Kunming. The cavalry, of over twelve men and horse, once again had to fight over the enemy Capital.

Though there was reports that the Chinese defenders lacked supplies and were heavily disorganized it was still an annoyance.

ZC2Tv73d_o.jpg

On the morning of the 15th the Army launched an attack on the Province of Zhongdian. Only one Japanese division of over eight thousand soldiers against two Chinese divisions totaling about twelve thousand defenders.

While the Chinese had the numbers their Commander, Major General Liu Wen-hui, was not as skilled as the Japanese Commander, Major General Kawabe, so it was hoped there would be a swift victory.

R1Kc2wEM_o.jpg

By sunrise on the 15th the Battle of Kunming came to an end. Again. The Japanese won at the cost of 56 men while the Chinese lost 98 men. A somewhat close victory to be honest. But still a important victory.

By the end of this week the Army claimed three victories at the cost of 145 men. The Chinese had lost 409 men to Land Combat.

The Pro-Army newspapers were even willing to praise the IJAA for its support and credit it with helping in the Province of Mile.

09EnI4xP_o.jpg


The Air War​

On the evening of the 9th the 1. Hikoutai and the 3. Nihon Koukuujieitai were redirected to attack the Province of Mile. They were ordered to do so night and day, fuel be damned.

It was to support the Army’s attack on the province. (See Land War)

The Province of Mile was attacked six times and resulted in the death of 847 defenders by the 15th.

While that was happening the 1. Nihon Koukuujieitai was ordered to stand down. The airbases in Chengdu were not supplying the two Wings with enough fuel and military supplies to allow them to be effective. They were ordered to wait till the stockpiles could be replenished.

Y4aDJPy7_o.jpg


Misc. Events​

The Province of Ch’ongjin, in Korea, finally announced the completion of the port. Now supplies could be sent to the Japanese troops stationed there and they could stop stealing from the farms and local businesses.

A convoy was soon sent up to supply the brand new port. At least these soldiers would be prepared if a conflict broke out with the USSR.

Some of the Garrisons in Southern China were also having supply issues. But, once again, as they were not in danger this wasn’t seen as a problem.

At around the same time another Trade Deal was made with Siam. This was both to help the Treasury gain some cash and strengthen ties with the nation of Siam.

On the 11th the Fins accepted Military Access offered to them by Sweden. A weird decision but Europe was becoming a knot of politics and alliances that was becoming impossible to untie or understand.

That same day Germany asked Japan to join the Axis and was turned down.

On the morning of the 12th the Ministry of Armaments announced that the Research Team working on improving the methods and procedures to be used by Security units had been completed.

lKSYfeTN_o.jpg

The Research Team was next assigned to working on better designs and armour for Light Armoured Tanks. Of course this would increase weight and would slow them down slightly. But future Light Tanks would be better protected.

On the 14th the Team working on the equipment and organization of Airborne Infantry announced they had finished. Now Airborne Infantry units could be assembled and trained.

DOBMcXYC_o.jpg

The Team was then assigned to improving on the Anti-Aircraft guns for Battlecruisers. There were rumbles within the IJN that the next generation of surface ships would be needed soon. And when such craft were to be built they would be better protected.

At the same time Airborne units were added to the list of divisions and ships being assembled by the military industry. It was believed the first couple of units would be ready some time in June next year.

The Head of Intelligence reported that the US had captured three Japanese agents, Canada had captured one Japanese agent, and Brazil had captured one Japanese agent.

Japanese Security reported that they had arrested a spy from Bhutan and a spy from Tibet,

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Author’s Notes:

OOC - Behind The Scenes : Veteran Army

4RbwAdIc_o.jpg
 
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Do we actually need to conquer anything else once we've conquered China fully? What's the point?
 
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Do we actually need to conquer anything else once we've conquered China fully? What's the point?
OOC : China does not have much in the way of resources when you take into account its size. Its kind of empty. The European colonies in Asia WOULD be better for our industry.
 
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But future Light Tanks would be better protected.
Cowards. A true IJA officer would only wish for a faster engine, that the crew may drive him closer so he could hit the enemy with his katana.
DYAEiOu.gif
 
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Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Two : Sixth Week - 9.12.1939 To 15.12.1939

5pplkHUn_o.jpg


The Land War​

The sixth week of the war with Yunnan was filled with the sound of boots marching as the Japanese divisions moved inwards. The enemy was slowly, oh so slowly, being squeezed into a smaller and smaller area.

The world didn’t approve of this but the major powers were already involved in their own problems. The Russians and the Americans, the only powers not involved in some kind of conflicts, just watched from the sidelines. They didn’t trust the Japanese but weren’t willing to do anything to save the Chinese either.

Yz92qJwy_o.jpg

The 5. ‘Moukogo’ Kiheishidan was slowly riding their horses towards the Capital of Kunming. They reported no problems with supplies and it seemed their only issue was the landscape. Horses don’t do well in mountains.

While this was happening mountain and infantry divisions were approaching the Provinces of Kaiyuan and Qujing. The Chinese forces in those areas were in full retreat and it was doubtful they would even bother to put up any type of fight.

lMrxTtQ3_o.jpg

Then, shortly after lunch on the 9th of December, the Army announced it had attacked the Province of Mile. One Japanese infantry division was going up against a Chinese infantry division. Over eleven thousand attackers against just under six thousand defenders.

The IJA, likely remembering some of the criticism from the media, ordered some of the Bomber Groups to launch attacks on the Province of Mile. (See Air War)

VPc33S5V_o.jpg

Then the Army, on the morning of the 10th, launched an attack on the Province of Yuanyang. Over eleven Japanese Mountaineers against under six thousand Chinese soldiers. The Japanese launched an all over Assault as they had the numbers AND the Chinese had no skilled Commander in charge.

It looked like the Army was trying to cut off the Capital from the rest of the nation. But since that suggested forethought General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya assumed it was just a bit of a luck.

wUZj7V1l_o.jpg

Before noon the Battle of Yuanyang came to en end. The Army lost zero men while the Chinese also lost zero men. This suggested that the Chinese were having more issues than the Japanese units were.

1lXdhREG_o.jpg

On the 12th of December the Army reported that the Battle of Mile had come to an end. The Japanese had gained a victory at the cost of 89 soldiers. The Chinese lost 311 men.

1wAWzxji_o.jpg

On the morning of the 13th the 1. Sensha Shidan was ready and deployed to the Province of Sasebo. Now two partially completed Japanese Armored units were waiting for their Anti-Tank Brigades to be finished.

And a debate inside the Imperial Japanese Army spread into the upper ranks. Which Front would be assigned the First Armoured Corps? The Russian Front or the Chinese Front?

There was even question of how they should be deployed. As one unit under one of the Theater HQs or split up among many Army HQs?

6erkL3CS_o.jpg

Then during the late evening of the 13th some annoying news came over the wireless. The Chinese had placed a unit inside Kunming. A small infantry units of only about six thousand and not even properly led.

But this started ANOTHER Battle for Kunming. The cavalry, of over twelve men and horse, once again had to fight over the enemy Capital.

Though there was reports that the Chinese defenders lacked supplies and were heavily disorganized it was still an annoyance.

ZC2Tv73d_o.jpg

On the morning of the 15th the Army launched an attack on the Province of Zhongdian. Only one Japanese division of over eight thousand soldiers against two Chinese divisions totaling about twelve thousand defenders.

While the Chinese had the numbers their Commander, Major General Liu Wen-hui, was not as skilled as the Japanese Commander, Major General Kawabe, so it was hoped there would be a swift victory.

R1Kc2wEM_o.jpg

By sunrise on the 15th the Battle of Kunming came to an end. Again. The Japanese won at the cost of 56 men while the Chinese lost 98 men. A somewhat close victory to be honest. But still a important victory.

By the end of this week the Army claimed three victories at the cost of 145 men. The Chinese had lost 409 men to Land Combat.

The Pro-Army newspapers were even willing to praise the IJAA for its support and credit it with helping in the Province of Mile.

09EnI4xP_o.jpg


The Air War​

On the evening of the 9th the 1. Hikoutai and the 3. Nihon Koukuujieitai were redirected to attack the Province of Mile. They were ordered to do so night and day, fuel be damned.

It was to support the Army’s attack on the province. (See Land War)

The Province of Mile was attacked six times and resulted in the death of 847 defenders by the 15th.

While that was happening the 1. Nihon Koukuujieitai was ordered to stand down. The airbases in Chengdu were not supplying the two Wings with enough fuel and military supplies to allow them to be effective. They were ordered to wait till the stockpiles could be replenished.

Y4aDJPy7_o.jpg


Misc. Events​

The Province of Ch’ongjin, in Korea, finally announced the completion of the port. Now supplies could be sent to the Japanese troops stationed there and they could stop stealing from the farms and local businesses.

A convoy was soon sent up to supply the brand new port. At least these soldiers would be prepared if a conflict broke out with the USSR.

Some of the Garrisons in Southern China were also having supply issues. But, once again, as they were not in danger this wasn’t seen as a problem.

At around the same time another Trade Deal was made with Siam. This was both to help the Treasury gain some cash and strengthen ties with the nation of Siam.

On the 11th the Fins accepted Military Access offered to them by Sweden. A weird decision but Europe was becoming a knot of politics and alliances that was becoming impossible to untie or understand.

That same day Germany asked Japan to join the Axis and was turned down.

On the morning of the 12th the Ministry of Armaments announced that the Research Team working on improving the methods and procedures to be used by Security units had been completed.

lKSYfeTN_o.jpg

The Research Team was next assigned to working on better designs and armour for Light Armoured Tanks. Of course this would increase weight and would slow them down slightly. But future Light Tanks would be better protected.

On the 14th the Team working on the equipment and organization of Airborne Infantry announced they had finished. Now Airborne Infantry units could be assembled and trained.

DOBMcXYC_o.jpg

The Team was then assigned to improving on the Anti-Aircraft guns for Battlecruisers. There were rumbles within the IJN that the next generation of surface ships would be needed soon. And when such craft were to be built they would be better protected.

At the same time Airborne units were added to the list of divisions and ships being assembled by the military industry. It was believed the first couple of units would be ready some time in June next year.

The Head of Intelligence reported that the US had captured three Japanese agents, Canada had captured one Japanese agent, and Brazil had captured one Japanese agent.

Japanese Security reported that they had arrested a spy from Bhutan and a spy from Tibet,

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

Author’s Notes:

OOC - Behind The Scenes : Veteran Army

4RbwAdIc_o.jpg
Any reason why Chihli Gulf is not ours?
 
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Any reason why Chihli Gulf is not ours?
Edited - I have no idea. Really.

Found this after searching on Google.
"if you play Japan and conquer nationalist china in 1937 without being a member of axis, you also don't get the strategic effect. Only when you join axis you get it.
I suppose that since the faction isn't specified communist or allies factions will qualfy as well."
 
Last edited:
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Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Three : Final Week - 16.12.1939 To 19.12.1939
Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Three : Final Week - 16.12.1939 To 19.12.1939

Scl49Iym_o.jpg


The Land War​

At the start of the seventh week the Imperial Japanese Army was engaged in the Battle of Zhongdian. Two Japanese infantry divisions against two Chinese infantry divisions. Another Japanese unit had joined in the battle since it had started on the 15th.

FufFzcJr_o.jpg

While the Japanese were launching a Reckless Assault, due to having a Superior and aggressive Commander, it wasn’t looking good. The Chinese troops in this region of Yunnan was pretty well organized and supplied.

93olvR7G_o.jpg

On the morning of the 17th two Japanese infantry divisions marched into Yunxian and started a battle with the lone Chinese unit defending it.

Over seventeen thousand attackers against under six thousand defenders. Though the Japanese did have to cross a river they did have Superior Leadership. In that the Chinese had an unskilled Leader in charge of them.

DrJTitrP_o.jpg

At noon, on the 17th, the Army announced the occupation of the Province of Kaiyuan.

IOwPlNL0_o.jpg

On the 18th the Japanese took the Capital of Kunming. The Chinese tried to launch an attack to take it back and failed. The Chinese lost four men while the Japanese cavalry lost not a man or a horse.

The 4. China Kikei Shidan was ordered to Kunming to act as a Anti-Partisan unit for the region. As planned.

qPgADc30_o.jpg

During the evening a Mountain division attacked the Province of Longwu. The long Chinese HQ, who had been bombed for days, was the lone defender. Over eleven thousand soldiers against just over six hundred clerks and staff officers.

Jf7480K6_o.jpg

A few hours later the Battle of Zhongdian came to an end. The Army announced it as a victory. The Japanese divisions lost 436 men while the Chinese units lost 574 men.

rbEZUIRc_o.jpg

Shortly after that the Battle of Longwu also ended as a victory. Neither side had any loses. No doubt the HQ unit just fled.

rU34gKOl_o.jpg

On the morning of the 19th the government of Yunnan, displaced without a Capital or a industrial center or a Treasury, finally agreed to surrender to the Empire of Japan. And the nation was no more.

Even while this was happening the Chinese fighting at the Battle of Yunxian, hearing that the war was over, fled. The Army reported it as a victory. They had lost 65 soldiers while the Chinese had lost 141 men.

The Army claimed four victories AND the Final Victory. With some help from the IJA. During this time period the Army lost 501 while the Yunnan military lost 719 men to Land Combat.

QlDtZuRi_o.jpg

Now China Operations had to move to the north and the next target. While marching through mud. In the rain.

Three Provinces of Xibei San Ma would be the main objectives. Golmud, Lanzhou, and Tianshui. The only urban centers of any value.

OwocpBGj_o.jpg


The Air War​

The Bombers didn’t carry out operations during the last few days of the war. But now they had to be moved back northwards so they could be within range of the future enemy provinces.

The 1. Hikoutai and the 3. Nikon Koukuujieitai were ordered to the airbases in Beiping.

The 1. Zerosen no Hikodan were ordered to join 1. Nihon Koukuujieitai in Chengdu. To be honest Lt. General Obata wasn’t happy his Bombers would be sharing the airfields with Fighter Wings. He didn’t see why they were even needed as the enemy didn’t even HAD airfields. And his crews had FINALLY stockpiled enough fuel and supplies for his two Bomber Wings. Now he would have to share that too!

The 3. Zerosen no Hikpdan were ordered to the airbases in Jinan. A province well known both to the pilots and their ground crews. The province had become a well fought over piece of land during the war with the Republic. And then barely used.

By the end of the 19th of December all Wings belonging to the IJAA were being deployed, or had already been deployed, to the north.

ozCxuNl3_o.jpg


Misc. Events​

The economy started out well and by the 19th the Military Supplies, Fuel, and the Treasury was in doing well. Even Crude Oil was in abundance. On the other hand Coal, Metals, and Rare Materials were all in the red. But that happens when you have a industry pumping out war material.

Even when the UK broke a Trade Deal with Japan it was not even noticed.

On the 18th the Leader of Germany sent the Leader of the USSR a telegram on his birthday. The Russian was celebrating his sixtieth year on the Earth. The telegram wished Stalin “good health and a happy future for the peoples of the friendly Soviet Union”.

On the 19th, even as the war was coming to an end, the Ministry of Armaments announced a Technology Improvement within the Field of Agriculture. This would allow more men and women to work in the factories and the armed forces.

aiRbKf04_o.jpg

The Research Team was than assigned on developing Tactics for proper Strategic Bombardment. It was hoped the project would be finished before any conflict with a Major Power. And would help the pilots of the new Strategic Bombers once they were ready.

The first two Militia units being built for Anti-Partisan Operations in China were pushed up the Production Que. Only the last Aircraft Carrier being built still had priority over them. It was felt they would be needed soon.

The European War continued to roll along. In North Africa the UK was not gaining much in ground while the Italians had gotten as far as taking Tunis.

auJyF0RI_o.jpg

While French North Africa had more ports available France had a small problem.

The Italians had pushed deep enough into France so they now occupied all ports on the French southern coast. Any reinforcements or supplies sent to Africa by the French would have to travel all the way around the Iberian Peninsula.

0HUvxxCd_o.jpg

On the other hand it looked like Germany had been pushed back right before taking Paris. Had the English come to help or had the Germans pushed too hard and were now too worn out to advance?

The Head of Intelligence ordered agents into Xibei San Ma on the 16th. By the 19th nine agents were already active within the nation. At least those that had survived.

It was reported, from the 16th to the 19th, that Xibei San Ma captured three Japanese agents. And Yunnan captured one last Japanese agent right before surrendering.

During this same time period Japanese Security arrested a spy from Nepal.

The General pondered when the Imperial Japanese Navy would next be involved in a military action and went to work on suggestions for future builds and future operations.
 
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On to unify these pesky Chinese for the Glory of Japan!
 
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Now China Operations had to move to the north and the next target. While marching through mud. In the rain.
Three Provinces of Xibei San Ma would be the main objectives. Golmud, Lanzhou, and Tianshui. The only urban centers of any value.

If XSM is that worthless overall, why bother? unless it is to preempt them joining the Cominterm.

The Bombers didn’t carry out operations during the last few days of the war. But now they had to be moved back northwards so they could be within range of the future enemy provinces.

Hopefully the Army will be reminded that aircraft require fuel.

On the 18th the Leader of Germany sent the Leader of the USSR a telegram on his birthday. The Russian was celebrating his sixtieth year on the Earth. The telegram wished Stalin “good health and a happy future for the peoples of the friendly Soviet Union”.
Apparently the German DOW on the Soviet Union is imminent; I can see no other reason for such an overt act of friendliness.

The Head of Intelligence ordered agents into Xibei San Ma on the 16th. By the 19th nine agents were already active within the nation. At least those that had survived.
It was reported that from the 16th to the 19th, that Xibei San Ma captured three Japanese agents.

And in other news: rain is wet and polar winters are cold.

The General pondered when the Imperial Japanese Navy would next be involved in a military action.
It suddenly got very cold in here. Where's my parka?
 
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On the 18th the Leader of Germany sent the Leader of the USSR a telegram on his birthday. The Russian was celebrating his sixtieth year on the Earth. The telegram wished Stalin “good health and a happy future for the peoples of the friendly Soviet Union”.
How many men did we lose finding out this 'important' information?
The European War continued to roll along. In North Africa the UK was not gaining much in ground while the Italians had gotten as far as taking Tunis.
This happens a lot in hoi3. Are the Italians good or the british bad? Or both...
On the other hand it looked like Germany had been pushed back right before taking Paris. Had the English come to help or had the Germans pushed too hard and were now too worn out to advance?
Que people (by which I mean El Pip) jumping in to remind us that this means the german war machine should be about to collapse and the war lost for them.

Hang on...should. Should mean that.
 
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How many men did we lose finding out this 'important' information?
I think we need to rename the Intelligence service of the Japanese to the Bothans. Because they just can't bloody well stay alive. As Admiral Ackbar says in the absolutely hilarious comic: "Last time I send Bothans to do anything. I sent them to get me coffee. All dead."
This happens a lot in hoi3. Are the Italians good or the british bad? Or both...
Silence you insolent curr! Before @El Pip arrives and brings forth the Imperium!
Que people (by which I mean El Pip) jumping in to remind us that this means the german war machine should be about to collapse and the war lost for them.

Hang on...should. Should mean that.
Fucking Plot Armor. That's what it is.
 
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Silence you insolent curr! Before @El Pip arrives and brings forth the Imperium!
Yes yes heresy etc.
HOI has always been a bit shit etx etx
Why are we all even bothering etx etc etx

Oh god, the 20th century, the 20th century...etc etc etc etc.
 
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Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Four : Buffer State Or Annexation? - 20.12.1939
Utsunimiya’s War
(HoI3 TFH - Interactive Japan AAR)
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Four : Buffer State Or Annexation? - 20.12.1939

NyZivyxl_o.jpg


A Moment Of Peace​

As the Imperial Japanese Army and the Imperial Japanese Air Administration moved into position for the next war Japan, and her growing Empire, moved along nicely.

Most of the occupied territories seemed peaceful. True, Tibet had broken off a import deal for coal, but did little to slow down the growth of the Treasury.

And some of the Anti-Partisan units were complaining of a lack of supplies. But once again as long as the fighting units got their share it didn’t matter at the moment.

During the day Japanese Security arrested a spy from Yemen and the Head of Intelligence reported that Xibei San Ma has captured another Japanese agent.

But this was all minor news. The most important event during this day was a letter the Prime Minister was about to start composing in his office.

---

Kan6PXLd_o.jpg


Decisions For The Advisers​

The 20th of December was a Wednesday and a very busy Wednesday as that. The government and military were preparing for the next war. So while citizens roamed the streets, drinking to the Emperor’s health and cheering on any military personnel on the street, the ministries and the military headquarters buzzed with activity.

Prime Minister Keisuke Okade looked through the report he had received from General Sho-ichi Utsunimiya.

The young man had a few suggestions on what needed to be built next. All ships for the Navy. With the approval of the Advisers, of course.

First, the General suggested two new Battleships be built. A Ise-Class, Fourth Generation Battleships, with all the modern technology that had been developed in the last few years.

Second, he also suggested a NEW Aircraft Carrier be built. A Hirgu-Class. In other words a Fourth Generation Aircraft Carrier. He pointed out that the Carrier coming out in 1940 would go to the 5th Task Group. But that would leave the 5th Task Group with one Aircraft Carrier and one Escort Carrier. He felt it should have TWO fully functioning Aircraft Carriers to be a proper fighting force.

Then, interestingly enough, the General suggests the construction of a Escort Carrier. A Ryuho-Class, Third Generation Escort Carrier, to join the first Escort Carrier. With Destroyers the two Escort Carriers could protect the interior convoy routes in Japan’s waters.

Which it also why he suggested the building of four new Destroyers. Fubuki-Class, Second Generation Destroyers, to add to other Destroyers to help in the patrols. Old designs but maybe the Minister of Armaments could research some more Destroyer technology to add to their equipment before they were finished?

The Prime Minister placed the General’s report to one side and picked up another report. This was from the Chief of Staff, Prince Kotohita Kan’in, in which he suggested that turning the nation of Xibei San Ma into a ‘Puppet’ and, therefore, a buffer state. The Prince felt this would be best.

The Prince didn’t like the idea of the Soviet Union being right next door to Japanese territory. When, or if, the Empire of Japan went to war against the USSR he wanted the battles to be fought in the buffer zone. Any Japanese Province lost to the Russians would be a blow to the Japanese spirit and damaging.

The Soviets would have to fight their way through Japan’s Allies and any Japanese forces positioned in the buffer zone. This would give the Imperial Japanese Navy time to hit the Russian’s coastal provinces. The Navy could take valuable resources and important ports away from the enemy before they could even reach the Empire’s own lands.

Of course, The Chief of Staff agreed to leave this decision up to the Advisers.

The Prime Minister placed the two reports to one side, pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and picked up one of his favorite ink pen.

---

owF2ShbP_o.jpg

Soon Christmas presents were being hand delivered to homes, businesses, and secret drops. The men who delivered the packages were normal looking delivery men. They were not armed and were even polite. They were only noticed by men with tattoos and missing fingers.

The gifts they carried contained a lovely tea cup and saucer. Plus a letter from the Prime Minister and copies of the two reports.

The letter said the following:

From: Keiuke Okada (Prime Minister)
To:___ ___
Date: 20.12.1939
Dear Sir,

As a important member of the government we need your input in a few decisions. The Navy must grow. But in which direction?

Please read the two reports before continuing to answer the following questions. It is important you understand why each decision is required.

1. Should We Build Two New Battleships -

A. Yes
B. No

2. Should We Build Four New Destroyers -

A. Yes
B. No

3. Should We Build A New Aircraft Carrier -

A. Yes
B. No

4. Should We Build A New Escort Carrier -

A. Yes
B. No

Now, as you may know, the Empire of Japan will soon go to war with the nation of Xibai San Ma. Should we make it a ‘Puppet’ or Annex it?

5. Should Xibai San Ma

A. Be Annexed
B. Become A Puppet

Please reply as soon as possible and make sure not to pass this secret information to anybody. Don’t even tell your friends and family. Not even your wife or mistress. We all know how much the womenfolk love to gossip. Long live the Emperor! And enjoy the gift.

Signed,

Keisuke Okada
 
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1. Should We Build Two New Battleships -
A. Yes, we can never have enough battleships!
2. Should We Build Four New Destroyers -
C. Only if we can build slightly modernized versions. I don't see the point in building something out of date. I would suspect DD engines are the most important, but I could be wrong on vanilla TFH...
3. Should We Build A New Aircraft Carrier -
A. Yes, the best naval compromise is to build carriers and battleships! We can pay for this by taking from the IJA's budget (but don't touch their tanks, those are almost as cool as battleships)
4. Should We Build A New Escort Carrier -
B. No, why should the glorious IJN be worried about convoy raiders? WWI already proved that submarines can't strangle the UK, so why should Japan be any different?
5. Should Xibai San Ma
B. Become a puppet. I don't think there's anything worth having and dealing with rebels in this region is annoying due to the bad infrastructure, giant provinces, and rough terrain.
 
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From: Keiuke Okada (Prime Minister)
To:___ ___
Date: 20.12.1939
Dear Sir,

As a important member of the government we need your input in a few decisions. The Navy must grow. But in which direction?

Please read the two reports before continuing to answer the following questions. It is important you understand why each decision is required.

1. Should We Build Two New Battleships -

A. Yes
B. No

2. Should We Build Four New Destroyers -

A. Yes
B. No

3. Should We Build A New Aircraft Carrier -

A. Yes
B. No

4. Should We Build A New Escort Carrier -

A. Yes
B. No

Now, as you may know, the Empire of Japan will soon go to war with the nation of Xibai San Ma. Should we make it a ‘Puppet’ or Annex it?

5. Should Xibai San Ma

A. Be Annexed
B. Become A Puppet

Please reply as soon as possible and make sure not to pass this secret information to anybody. Don’t even tell your friends and family. Not even your wife or mistress. We all know how much the womenfolk love to gossip. Long live the Emperor! And enjoy the gift.

Signed,

Keisuke Okada
1. No
2. Are they up to date else wait till they are
3. Yes, but also build some subs.
4. Yes, they are good against the enemies best weapon namely subs.
5. Leave them alone so they can act as a buffer.
 
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Should We Build Two New Battleships -
How many do the british and amercians have?
Should We Build Four New Destroyers -
Will they be 'new' or utterly out of date (like everything else in our arsenal)
Should We Build A New Aircraft Carrier -
Probably. Better question is can we afford the planes and pilots and fuel?
Should We Build A New Escort Carrier -
Hmm...not sure it's worth the resources. Better used on aircraft and proper carriers.
Should Xibai San Ma
Puppeted. Another army, a buffer state to bleed in, and a bunch more resources for our empire.
 
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1. Should We Build Two New Battleships -​
Are we refitting the old Ise-class or are we creating a new Ise-class? (This is something I noticed from playing as Japan, when I tossed new Battleships into the production queue, they were using the Ise class names, I believe because of a typo of an added space in the actual names being used on the on-map units). Do we have a chance to increase our production values for these hulls? I would argue that we had best build the best ships we can... 20" guns or bust!
2. Should We Build Four New Destroyers -
New, yes, but perhaps two to heat up the shipyards which have been so devastatingly ignored these last several years, then four of the newer classes once those have been appropriately researched.
3. Should We Build A New Aircraft Carrier - 4. Should We Build A New Escort Carrier -
If we go the route I articulated for the above about the destroyers, then we should go the full-deck carrier and avoid trying to "top up" the numbers. If we do not expand our escorts, we should definitely have the two carrier decks. That said, we have a clear traitor in our ranks who is more concerned about the defense than our glorious offensive capabilities!
5. Should Xibai San Ma
Alternative: can they be released into a Greater Chinese puppet? This might be the better option.
 
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Are we refitting the old Ise-class or are we creating a new Ise-class? (This is something I noticed from playing as Japan, when I tossed new Battleships into the production queue, they were using the Ise class names, I believe because of a typo of an added space in the actual names being used on the on-map units). Do we have a chance to increase our production values for these hulls? I would argue that we had best build the best ships we can... 20" guns or bust!
It is a Tier IV Battleship. So a NEW Ise-Class design.

New, yes, but perhaps two to heat up the shipyards which have been so devastatingly ignored these last several years, then four of the newer classes once those have been appropriately researched.
By the time the Destroyers are finished they should be new designs since we have already advanced in some Destroyer tech. And plan to Research more before they are finished.

Alternative: can they be released into a Greater Chinese puppet? This might be the better option.

I am not sure we have that option.
 
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