Part II. Development and War.
"You cannot tell whether a person is good or bad by his vicissitudes in life. Good and bad fortune are matters of fate. Good and bad actons are Man's Way. Retribution of good and evil is taught simply as a moral lesson"
The long and arduos war* against the Koreans caused considerable concern back in Edo. It was feared war with China, which was being considered, would be tantamount to suicide. Trade in Edo was monopolised in 1522 and despite a political crisis in 1524 the army continued its gradual but focused buildup within the korean peninsula. In 1528, following a rush of colonists, the first trade post outside of Japan is established in Taiwan (Fig. 5). The following years are spent battling inflation, and improving the equipment of the army and developing the infrastructure of government. In 1530 another trade post is established in Nakhodka [North-East of Yalu] (Fig.6). The army is reformed in 1531 as news of pending conflict with China arises and this coincides with the Japanese monopolisation of trade in Tianjin, China.
In 1534 war is declared against China and after a massive opening battle in Nothern Korea (Fig. 7) in which the Japanese Imperial Army, under the capable leadership of Mori Motonari, annihilate a far large chinese army. With a great majority of the Chinese army either destroyed or routed it is not long before Heiongjiang, Hunyang and Liaoting are captured. The only loss to the Japanese is the destruction of the Trade Post in Nakhodka. In 1539, by treaty, Hunyang and Liaoting are annexed to Japan (Fig. 8). The stage is no doubt set for further conflict.
* Both provinces had large fortresses and this made me fell at least better about taking so long to capture them!
