Toujin Republic

Toujin Republic 島人共和国 (Iton)
Flag emblem
Motto: "平和と進歩" ("Peace and Progress")
Capital	Tarabashi
Largest	Kobayatsu
Official languages	Itonese (Iton)
Ethnic groups	72.6% Toujin 16.3% Rensai 4.7% Shinto 6.4% Other
Demonym(s)	Toujin
Government	Semi-Democratic Unitary Constitutional Republic
Legislature	United Congress
• Upper house	Higher Chamber of Representatives
• Lower house	Ministry of Legislation
Establishment
• The Toujin Revolution	1864
Area
• Total	67,239 km2 (25,961 sq mi)
• Water (%)	4.4
Population
• Estimate	24,300,000
• 2017 census	24,287,463
• Density	360/km2 (932.4/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2017 estimate
• Total	$631.64 Billion
• Per capita	$24,000
Gini (2017)	42.8 medium
HDI (2017)	0.783 high
Currency	Toujin Yen(₮) (TYN)
Time zone	UTC-3 (AST)
Driving side	left
Calling code	+22
Internet TLD	.tj

Toujin(Iton:島人[tôuu'jin]), officially the Republic of Toujin(Iton: 島人共和国 [tou'jin kyōwakoku]), is a semi-democratic unitary constitutional republic located in the east Atlantic. The current government, the Republic of Toujin, was founded in 1864 after the Toujin Revolution as a result of the collapse of the "Toujin Alliance" The country itself was originally founded in 1536 and was simply called "Toujin". The island nation is situated on the island of Toujin, which is where the country takes its name. Toujin is neighbored by other island nations, its closest neighbors being the Rensai Conglomerate and the Republic of Shinto. The country itself resides in an archipelago in the east Atlantic Ocean, and is comprised of 12 island nations. The culmination of these Island nations is called the "Nagasaki Conglomerate" also known as the NC, and holds annual sporting events for all members of the archipelago. The Republic of Toujin has an area of 67,239 km² and a population of 24,287,463, making it the largest and most populated island of the archipelago, and often hosts these annual events.

Toujin is officially divided into 22 prefectures, and 4 territories. Each territory elects two representatives that participate in the Higher Chambers of Representatives. The capital territory, Tarabashi, is comprised of 5 prefectures, and elects three representatives. Each prefecture has representatives based on population that are delegated by local officials. These representatives participate in the Ministry of legislation, which is comprised of 100 representatives, and works primarily on local legislation. With the capital territory having the most delegates and representatives of the three territories, they hold the most political power in the democratic system. Outside the democratic system in Toujin, the United Congress takes charge of national level legislature, and constitution modification. The members of the United Congress are elected by a select group of individuals comprised of government delegates and officials, as well as other special interest groups such as CEOs, and celebrities. While these individuals are technically part of a democratic process, this election is not influenced by the citizens, thus it takes place outside the democratic system. These elections are held once every four years, differing from the bi-annual elections of territorial delegates. There is also no term limit, opposed to the four term territorial delegate limit.

The geography of Toujin is harsh and heavily mountainous. Approximately two-thirds of the country's terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, and less than one-sixth of land is suitable for agriculture. As a consequence of highly mountainous terrain, the majority of Toujin citizens reside in one of the nations many cities, as the urban population accounts for nearly 80% of the nation's population. The largest of these cities is the city of Kobayatsu, with a population of 7.4 million, followed by the capital Tarabashi, and the entertainment hub Sendai.

The Republic of Toujin is considered a developed economy with a GDP per capita of $24,000 and a HDI of 0.783. Throughout the 19th century, Toujin's economy was initially built on its abundant natural resources such as coal and iron. After the "Toujin Recession of 1912", the economy shifted away from its reliance on natural resources, and towards manufacturing and other industries. As a result, the economy shifted towards secondary and tertiary sectors at a rapid pace throughout the 20th century. During the late 20th century, the economy had almost completely shifted away from natural resource production and refinement. As of 2017, More than 78% of the workforce works in the tertiary or quaternary sector, and less than 1% work in the primary sector. The nation's two highest grossing industries are entertainment and electronics.  

History

The Island of Toujin remained mostly uninhabited until 1536, when an independent exploration crew discovered the island. Before this discovery, the island remained mainly inhabited by local tribes. The largest of these tribes would be the Inoquwei tribe which heavily aided early colonists of the island. The island, however, was mainly mountainous, and the majority of the local tribes relied on livestock and hunting opposed to traditional agriculture to feed their peoples. Tribes that resided on the coast relied on spear fishing to feed their people, and only had primitive boats and housing. The exploration fleet that initially discovered the island was comprised of two main ships, the Nagawa and Kagami, and a smaller supply ship, the Takemi. While the majority of exploration fleets at the time were comprised of large military ships, this fleet opted for repurposed cargo ships, and a smaller supply ship to help endure the long voyage. The ships used were modified, three masted carracks, and the supply ship was a modified two masted caravel.The two masts were designed to keep speed with the two larger ships, and the hull was designed to carry supplies and

The Nagawa (Left), the Kagami (Right), and their supply ship the Takemi (Middle) on an expedition to further explore the East Atlantic Ocean, 1535.

cargo. They set sail February, 1535 from South East Asia, and made their voyage to the East Atlantic Ocean. They made supply stops in Europe, and eventually found the Island of Toujin June, 1536. The total voyage lasted nearly a year and 4 months, yet the crew miraculously reported zero casualties. The captain of the Nagawa, Ryouuske Toujin named the island after his family name, and began colonizing the newfound island. He initially planned for the island to be an unaffiliated territory, but later planted roots that eventually led to the creation of a formal government. After colonization began, Captain Toujin sent back the Kagami and Takemi to bring more supplies and colonists, and to bring his wife and family to the newfound island. Thus founded the beginning of history for the island of Toujin, and the long history of its people. 

Early History

Early Colonies on the island of Toujin struggled to secure sources of food and fresh water. Attempts to begin agricultural production were short lived, as much of the land was uneven and difficult to plow. During the winter of 1536, the local Inoquwei tribe helped support the colony of Koji during these harsh months, and taught them how to spear fish. Indebted to the local tribes, colonists shared their modern technologies with the natives, such as basic shipbuilding, clocks and timers, as well as the compass. These initial exchanges helped shape the relationship between the colonists and local tribes. The two initial colonies that began expanding were the Koji and Masagawa colonies. In the year 1540, the local reported population of the Koji colony was 2,359 and the reported population in the Masagawa colony was 1,083. The Masagawa colony was located in the mountains, and heavily relied on hunting for food. The Koji colony was located on the eastern shore, and in tangent with the Inoquwei tribe, provided food through various fishing methods such as spear fishing and net fishing. These two colonies were about 27 km apart, and often traded with each other. In 1563, the Toujin League of Colonies aka the TLC was founded to give structure to the newfound colonies. Led by the initial founder, Ryouuske Toujin, the TLC comprised of 6 colonies, and approximately 10,000 people. The TLC helped establish basic infrastructure, as well as a small military designed to prevent crime and keep the peace. The TLC established their headquarters in 1564 at Tarabashi, one of the newer colonies in Toujin.

The Noiburo Residence, one of the wealthier families in the Masagawa Colony, 1542.

In the late 16th century, the population of the colonies began to boom. From 1575 to 1603, the population more than doubled. This was partly due to a large influx of colonists, but also due to the more readily access to food and fresh water. Food production powerhouses such as the Koji and Johsai colonies has massive fishing vessles, and provided the majority of the food for the island of Toujin. Apart from food production, shipbuilding became a mainstay industry for coastal colonies. Due to Toujin's abundant iron deposits in the mountainous regions to the north, many colonies began to mine iron, and trade those resources for food with the coastal colonies. The rise of shipbuilding allowed the people of Toujin to further explore the archipelago, and colonize other islands. In 1641, the TLC had grown from a small organization of a few colonies, to a pseudo nation comprised of 24 cities and towns. The population of colonies under the TLC had grown from around 10,000 to 143,205. In a short 80 years, the population of the TLC had grown by a magnitude of 14.

In response to the rapidly growing size, the TLC had enacted various policies to help fund and expand the TLC's newfound responsibilities. In 1645, the TLC had a standing army of around 2,000 soldiers, and 14 ships, as well as 3 fortified camps. In 1647, they introduced a central currency, the Toujin Yen, and began evolving more into a central government. From 1650 onwards, the TLC transitioned from the Toujin League of Colonies to the Toujin Alliance and began taking the role of an official central government. The Toujin Alliance declared itself a sovereign nation on September 24th, 1651. It comprised of 3 territories, all located on the Island of Toujin, and all run under the Central Toujin Government (CTG). It officially transitioned its military from a local peace keeping force into a national army, and established its two branches, the army and navy. In addition, the CTG established various other government organizations such as the National Reserve, Toujin Taxation Bureau, and National Trade Organization. Thus marked the beginning of the Toujin Alliance, and the island's transition from colonies to a full fledged nation.

Rise of the Toujin Alliance

The Toujin Alliance was founded in 1651, and comprised of 3 territories, all located on the Island of Toujin. These territories included the capital territory, Tarabashi, as well as the Johsai and Hajimari Territories. The Toujin Alliance was an autocracy, and was rules by the Central Toujin Government (CTG). The CTG was run by Chairman Hiro, as well as his three appointed Government Officers. Chairman Hiro reserved control over the Federal Reserve, National Army and Navy, as well as the Toujin Taxation Bureau. Despite his overwhelming power over the government, Chairman Hiro was well liked among the people of the Toujin Alliance. His efficient implementation of government regulation was appreciated among the trading community, and his tendency to spend government funds on public infrastructure contributed to a high approval rating. He placed emphasis on economic strength of the nation, and founded numerous trade schools including the prestigious Sendai Technical Institute(Iton: 仙台技術機関 [Sen'dai gijǔtsu kikán]).

Flag of the Toujin Alliance. The two stars represent the two major territories, Hajimari and Johsai, 1651.

The Toujin Alliance heavily relied on importing food to sustain its growing population. As of 1722, the nation's population had swelled to 1.4 million, and its food production could only provide for roughly 50% of its residents. Toujin's lack of agricultural production meant that the majority of food produced by the nation were either livestock or fish. In order to sustain its economy, the National Trade Organization of Toujin placed emphasis on exporting goods to nearby nations. The Island of Rensai, Toujin's closest neighbor, had a developed food production sector and was Toujin's main source of imported food. To pay for this massive importation of food, Toujin relied on exporting goods like iron, coal, and sophisticated ships, as Toujin's ship building industry was extremely developed. However, in the late 1700s, many of Toujin's iron mines began shutting down.

Toujin's natural iron supply had dried up in 4 of the 6 major iron producers on the island. Only the Takegawa and Nijima iron plants had maintained production efficiency over 80%. The other 4 plants had an average production efficiency of 22%, and eventually led to all 4 being shut down. The 4 plants that shut down were responsible for 70% of the nation's iron production. This sudden decrease in iron production caused the economy to be sent into a severe recession. This recession caused numerous shortages across the island, and delayed the island's industrialization in the late 1700s. Toujin's main industry, shipbuilding, was also severely affected by iron shortages. The number of ships produced annually fell from 132 to just 40, causing the industry to falter. As ships were one of the nation's main exports, the country struggled to continue importing food. The TCG urged its citizens to produce more food domestically, anticipating a severe food shortage. Through programs such as the Toujin Agricultural Incentive Act, the TCG provided financial incentives for its citizens to expand the agricultural production of the country. However these attempts were unsuccessful. The natural mountainous geography of the island made it nearly impossible to expand agricultural production. Despite heavy incentives from the TCG, agricultural production only increased 4% from 1780-1786. On top of an impending food shortage and economic recession, many neighboring countries formed trade agreements to economically exploit the food starved nation, and eventually led to the collapse of the Toujin Alliance.

Workers of the Tansai Railroad Company strike due to food shortages and poor working conditions, 1860.

The Toujin Revolution

The aftermath of severe iron shortages led to major food shortages across the nation. Initially, the TCG attempted to secure trade deals with its neighbors, offering bonds and future payment. However, many neighboring nations such as the Rensai Republic and Shinto Confederacy were wary of entering trade negotiations with a nation in such economic downturn. As a result, many negotiations fell through, and the TCG struggled to find trading parters in which to import food. Eventually, the Toujin Relief Fund was founded in 1857 aiming to help raise money to feed the people of Toujin. However, the fund ultimately failed due to lack of contributors across the nation. This was mainly due to the impact already being felt by the people of Toujin. Many families were beginning to struggle to feed their families, and discontent across the nation began to rise. In the year of 1860, over 2,000 people died to starvation, and an estimated 13,000 were deemed extremely malnourished. Numerous cities were forced to distribute food sparsely, and the economic production of the Toujin Alliance grinded to a hault. In response to this severe lack of food, many workers went on strike, further damaging the economy.

Defectors of the 11th Coastal Platoon seizing coastal batteries defending the coast of Hajimari, 1864.

As a result of the massive food shortages across the nation, many uprisings began to sprout across the nation. Initially these were mainly peaceful protests, and involved pleads to the government to provide its people with food. However, these peaceful protests eventually devolved into violent riots, calling for the downfall of the government. Many food stockpiles had to be defended by military forces to prevent Citizens from raiding the stockpile. In addition to massive food shortages for the people of Toujin, the TCG was also struggling to feed its own soldiers. Numerous supply lines across the nation became inactive due to increasing riots along the roads. Food supply trucks were constantly being raided, even with military escort, and the TCG as a whole lost control over numerous military bases. In addition to this, fishing boats were raided for food, and began to require naval escorts when going out to sea. The people of Toujin became more desperate and riots began to spiral out of control. Citizens claimed their government was incompetent and uncaring of its people. Violent riots began to sprout across the nation and lead to many event further decimating the Toujin economy. Riots in the port of Hajimari became extremely violent and dangerous. The largest riot was in 1863 and was called The Riot of the Hajimari Redistribution Center. The riot caused over 300 deaths, and many ships and buildings being pillaged and razed. The military defending the redistribution center was easily overrun, as many soldiers defected due to their own lack of food and poor living conditions. As a result, many coastal military bases failed to come to the aid of the Hajimari governing body, which resulted in TCG control being forfeited to the rioters. Out of the 12 platoons stationed near Hajimari, only 2 came to defend the city, while 7 defected and 3 remained inactive during the riots. The defector military platoons quickly raided their own food stockpiles, and began the Toujin Freedom Fighters under regional Captain Tojima Akamatsu. The rebels marched towards the capital, Tarabashi, aiming to overthrow the TCG. While this was happening, the TCG ordered its own most trusted military battalion, the 2nd Battalion, as well as the Royal Guard to defend the TCG governmental building, as well the citizens of Tarabashi.

Leader of the freedom fighters, Captain Tojima Akamatsu, and his trusted generals plotting the invasion of Tarabashi city, 1864.

The Toujin Freedom Fighters began amassing an army, consisting of volunteer fighters, as well as defecting soldiers. Akamatsu and his men went to various villages and towns on the way to Tarabashi, recruiting men as he went. The people were in favor of his Freedom Fighters, and offered support with food, water, and shelter. While Akamatsu was determined to overthrow the current government, he refrained from forcing men into his ranks, and absolutely avoided harming citizens as they were the ones he was fighting for. With an army of nearly 16,000 troops, Captain Akamatsu prepared his invasion of the capital. Due to food shortages across the nation, many of his soldiers were starving as well. In light of this, the Freedom Fighters sought to quickly end the revolution and restore trade agreements to import food once more. With the defending force only consisting of 2,000 2nd Battalion soldiers and 250 Royal Guardsmen, the capital Tarabashi was easily overrun by Akamatsu and his forces. The Defending forces surrendered before the fighting even began, and laid down their arms. The Freedom Fighters began to raid food stockpiles across the city to feed their troops. After the last stockpiles were pillaged, the Freedom Fighters marched into the capital building, and demanded the Chairman and other government leaders to stand down. Akamatsu demanded that the chairman shall forfeit the reigns to the country to him.

Akamatsu and his men annexed the Toujin Alliance and looked to the people to create a new government that will put the well being of its citizens first. He began to send his men to far away nations asking for aid and promised the people of Toujin that within a year, they will all be eating happily once more. During the initial annexation of the TCG, Akamatsu was popular amongst his men as well as the people. His ideals were righteous and he looked to help his citizens more than anything. He began many food aid programs in the country to try and relieve the starving people. He demanded that wealthy families help feed the people, and used military force when necessary. His determination to stray away from the previous rules led to the disbandment of the Toujin Alliance. He declared that the current government structure was oppressive and only served the self interest of its rulers. He pushed for a democratic government, and planted the foundations for the new Toujin Republic.

Image of the parade following the official founding of the Toujin Republic, 1886.

The Founding of the Toujin Republic

Following the downfall of the TCG, a new government rose in its place. However, the name Toujin Alliance stayed for decades after the fall of the TCG. After the Toujin Revolution, many soldiers swore allegiance to Akamatsu as he was their leader. Akamatsu swore to reform the government and prevent the tragedy that had befallen before them. Over the next couple of decades, Akamatsu gathered government officials across the nation to discuss and form a new government system that would replace the old autocratic nation.

During this time period, the temporary government was run by the National Trade Organization who took care of funding public policy, the military, and most importantly form new trade agreements with foreign parties. This, however, would lead to many unfavorable trades for the people of Toujin, as the National Trade Organization was desperate to acquire new food import deals, and auctioned off various government assets to do so. This led to many problems in the future for the Toujin government, especially in terms of supply line infrastructure and government assets. After the new government was formulated, Akamatsu and 40 delegated officials officially founded the Republic of Toujin on August 8th, 1886. After the nation was officially founded, there were many parades celebrating the foundation of the Toujin Republic, including one outside the old house of parliament. All national organizations and power was handed back to the Republic of Toujin, and the newly found government began its first election cycle of its history. As a result of the newfounded government, the country was split into 4 territories and 20 prefectures. Later, the Sendai and Wakatori prefectures were added making the entire territory comprised of 22 prefectures. The government was founded at the turn of the industrial era, and the economy was eager to industrialize. Early economic policy mainly included incentives to build numerous factories across the nation, and begin industrializing the entire nation of Toujin.

Early factory in Noiburo, manufacturing steam engines, 1904.

Industrialization of Toujin

The industrialization of Toujin was rapid, and sudden. After the founding of the Toujin Republic, the economy was eager to industrialize. Due to massive food shortages throughout the Toujin revolution, industrialization was almost non existent in the economy. However, due to recent trade agreements, food shortages were solved and the economy could begin its recovery, and eventually its growth. The main industries in Toujin shifted from harvesting natural resources to manufacturing and producing secondary goods. Their proficiency in ship building was not lost, as many factories were dedicated to creating parts for ships. Shipyards in Hajimura and other port cities were converted to begin producing ironclads, in order to modernize the Toujin Navy as well as the nation's trade ships. Railroads were completed across the nation, and further interconnected the nation's territories. In addition to industrialization in transportation and ship building, other forms of industrialization influenced Toujin way of life. Telegraph stations became common place in cities, and the Toujin National Mail Service was founded.

Toujin's economy began to take shape in the early 1900s. The country began to become proficient in a variety of manufacturing processes, such as steam engines, ship building, and steam trains. The Toujin economy used these proficiencies to export their newfound products to nearby countries such as the Shinto Republic and Rensai Conglomerate. However, despite these economic advances, poor trade deals made during the wake of the national food crisis continued to slow down the economy. Exports were at a record high, yet the quality of life within the nation had barely improved. The United Congress of Toujin sought to improve quality of life, and attempted to renegotiate trade agreements with neighboring countries, to no avail. In the year 1911, the nation's iron reserves had completely dried up, leading to the greatest economic recession in Toujin History.

Toujin Recession of 1912

The Toujin Recession of 1912 was a combination of rapid industrialization, and complete lack of natural iron resources. In addition to already importing a large quantity of food, these trade agreements were heavily unfavorable to the Republic of Toujin, and took a major toll on the economy. Having to import iron and steel put further strain on the economy, eventually leading to economic collapse. Shipbuilding, still one of the nations leading industries, had to hault production entirely until outside sources of iron were secured. This in addition to numerous factories being shut down for the very same reason, led to the economic production of Toujin to fall over 50%. This massive fall in economic production led to numerous investors in the country to begin pulling out funding from government bonds and shares. The United Congress began to look for help from its neighbors, and eventually secured foreign aid from the Kotaru Republic and the Najiro Confederacy. However, the fall in economic production still had repercussions for government spending and support.

The D51-498 steam engine, one of the most prevalent early engines in Toujin's rail system during the recession, 1912.

Fall in economic production led to massive unemployment across the nation. The unemployment rate rose from 7% to 20% in 6 short months, and many families became homeless due to lack of a job. This tied in with expensive imported food led to many families going hungry without secure access to food. The United Congress took action immediately following the spike in unemployment. Public works project went underway such as the Yakamatsu bridge, to try and spark the economy out of recession. These public work projects helped alleviate the unemployment rate back to 12%. However this put more strain on the economy, as government support became heavily limited due to the costs of these public work projects. The Toujin Republic put forth many aid programs to help alleviate food shortages and feed the hungry. In the year 1913, the government had accrued massive debt, but the recession began to subside. Foreign iron imports were secured from the Kotaru Republic, and shipping routes began to take shape.

Having to import iron, the Toujin economy shifted to heavily rely on manufacturing to produce in its economy. Luckily, the country's massive coal reserves remained operational throughout the recessions, lessening the blow as coal took over as the country's main export. This coupled with the country's efficient rail network made the impact of food shortages and unemployment less severe. While the government had accrued a large amount of debt, the United Congress set forth economic plan to try and bring the Republic of Toujin from a wavering, weak economy towards a strong and robust one. The Toujin Recession brought to light the extremely unfavorable trade agreements that had been previously made following the Toujin Revolution, and angered the people. Many protested for the government to re-evaluate these trade agreements, and forge new ones with more favorable trade conditions. The United Congress and the National Trade Organization of Toujin sought to reform trade agreements with the Rensai Conglomerate, but to no avail. This led to heated tensions between the two nations, and eventually led to The Fisherman Wars of the 1920s.