Tsukinode Teikoku
Table of Contents
Overview
Formal Name: Dai Tsukinode Teikoku
Demonym: Tsukinode
Official Language: Tsukigo
Official Religion: Nijishindoism
Primary Ethnicity: Tsukijin
Capital: Ichikara, Ichikara Province
Tennō: Motohito
Kōgō: Shōshi
Kotaishi: Prince Iyahito
Population: 243.4 million
History
Government
The Empire is ruled from three places and ruled under three different interests. From Ichikara rules the Celestial Emperor, from Nara rules the Seisei Taishōgun, and from Edo rules the Seitō Taishōgun. In theory, the emperor has absolute power over these two Shoguns, but in reality, he has little to no power. On the other hand, the Shoguns have hard power over the lands they were granted to rule over and are the true ruling powers in their realms.
Structure
The governmental structure of the Empire is centered around the emperor himself in theory as the most powerful and influential man in its entirety. However, in practice, things are much different.
Imperial Power
The emperor has little actual power in the workings of Government outside of Ichikara. Indeed, it was the realization or weakness perhaps of (insert Emperor from history) in the past that caused the two shogunates to arise. Thus, while the emperor does have the control to dismiss either one of the Shoguns if he wishes, he generally stays out of their affairs. There have been exceptions to this over the years, where the emperor has tried to reassert his authority in a meaningful way that ultimately proved unsuccessful, however there have also been several instances where the emperor dismissed a ruling shogun and his clan and replaced them.
Imperial Court
The Imperial Court is an often overlooked but important of the corpus of the state. By technicalities, both of the Shoguns are part of the imperial court as they are commander in chiefs for the West and the East, but in this context of the term, they are not part of it. Rather, the Imperial Court is made up of advisors, court officials, and representatives from both of the Shogunates and from the Navy. While the two formers are general advisors to the emperor, and represent largely matters pertaining to religious policy, Ichikara provincial matters and boring things like taxation; the latter represents the three major military and political forces within the Empire that are competing with each other. In particular, the Shogunates and the Navy, are rivals whose interests directly interfere with each other. The Shogunates, by law, are ordered to pay for the naval budget from their own taxes, thus causing them to constantly petition for the reduction of naval spending in peacetime, while the Navy is constantly trying to increase its own budget. Both factions understand their own necessity and thus it is no surprise that the navy itself has political factions within the courts of both of the Shoguns themselves.
Role of the Two Shoguns
2 tsu no hosoku or "The Rule of Two" came about as a result a series of invasion and rebellions that were ineffectively managed due to the sheer distance of the Empire during the (time period). Thus, the solution as decided by emperor (name) in (year) that divided the Empire into three zones. The Ichikara Province, ruled by the emperor, The Western Shogunate and the Eastern Shogunate. Over time, these military appointments were gradually expanded upon and resulted in the loss of the emperor's hard power over much of his lands. More detail on the mechanism of the Shogunates is shown within their own respective documents: Hanabatake Shogunate and Mononobe Shogunate.
Society
Nationwide, within both Shogunates, society is rather decentralized and localized towns and settlements that formed around shrine for individual Kami. As such, the nation is rather unique for a global power in that it retains much of its feudal nature and communal nature. Natually, this also leads to vast differences between the metropolitan and rural areas of the two realms. A general rule is that most of the major cities are located on the coastline, along rivers, or at trade hubs. Another rule is that the further inland you get, the more rural and traditional society becomes. This leads to an interesting dynamic between the bulk of the population, located in the rural interior, and the cosmopolitan cities.
The cultural gap between these two entities is on that is rising over the years and is causing internal tension in both realms. Peasants, feudal lords, local artisans and conservative Kannushi are growing increasingly restless at the perceived injustices and dishonour that comes from the rising importance of the cosmopolitan cities of the realms. Peasant revolts have happened on numerous times already, but it is just the surface of a deeper problem, that being that the traditional way of life of these people and their beliefs are perceived to be under attack by the wickedness that comes from the cities.
General Structure
The structure of the Empire is broadly the same across its entirety but has minor regional variations that will be noted in the sub documents on individual shogunates.
Ichikara Province
Ichikara Province, being the personal domain of the emperor himself, is rather unique with its governance. Though rather small, encompassing the Ichikara and the surrounding countryside; it's stands as a model province for traditionalists in particular, who are beginning to see the Shoguns as increasingly decadent and abandoning the sacred principles. The emperor takes a more hands-on method to ruling the province through his appointed bureaucrats and officials. Though Ichikara is a rather large settlement, it in some ways represents the ideal city for Traditionalists and Accelerationists alike. In part, it has to do with the sacredness of the city itself, which is seen as the beating heart of the Tsukijin themselves and that because it is the residence of the Divine Emperor, it reflects the aspect of sacredness associated with the emperor.
Role of the Emperor
The role of the emperor in greater society beyond the boundaries of Ichikara is great and represents soft power more than actual power. Given his divinity and the sacredness of his duties, the emperor, should he choose to speak on any matters of the state, society or culture is taken as the word from the Kami themselves. It is a hope amongst the traditionalists that one day, the emperor would speak out against the vices and excesses of the cities; condemning them for their wickedness so that the growing tension would dissipate and that the cities would look towards Ichikara for guidance.
Culture
Tsukijin Culture is one of the oldest and most prominent in the history of Vitubia. It dates back thousands of years, back to pre-historic times and the dawn of civilization itself. Influential as it was, many gaijin and yabanjin fail to realize its importance in history for their own purposes; going as far to claim it is insignificant or that its influence was so destructive and calamitous to the old ways, that it destroyed them. The proud people of Tsukinode not only reject such notions, but believe it was uncivilized ways of the Shùzì and the Horosumu; which destroyed the old ways and the harmony of those days.
Common Values and Traits
As one famous sage once said, "From the ethics of its people, is a culture is formed". And the same is true about Tsukinode. Many of its people share common beliefs, values and character traits that they were nurtured into from birth. From the teaching of the Divines themselves, to that of prominent philosophers over the years, the Tsukijin have become what they currently are as a collective. These include:
- A spirit of independence and freedom; that goes beyond the nation itself and compels one to think for oneself. Not one that works against the nation or community but alongside it in unity.
- A common belief in the sacredness and purity of families and communities. The sanctity of which, is valued highly; before the nation itself.
- A rejection of the tribal thought of superiority based upon the concepts of the Shùzì and the Horosumu. Wickedness comes from the philosophy of the Shùzì and loss of harmony from the Horosumu.
- Respect and Honour towards the Emperor, thy religion, thy family, thy community and thy peers. Honour and Respect are shown through love but also being unafraid to question superiors or offer criticism towards them.
- Being at peace with nature and the land, which all under the moon and the sun are equal in the eyes of the Kami.
- Chaos and Peacefulness are both valued equally. A stable world needs both to prosper.
- Service to one's community and Kami are the foundation of all things.
As a result of these commonly held values, have caused these character traits to be common amongst the people of Tsukinode:
- Free Spiritedness, in regard to thought and potential actions. (So long as it embraces the religious values and ethics of the nation)
- Openness to criticism
- Duty
- Respectfulness, honourablity and trustworthiness
- Longing for family and community
- Piety
- Amicability
- Creativity and Passion
Traditions and Customs
Calendar
Fine Arts
The promotion of the fine arts: painting, sculpture, gardening, architecture, music, dance, theatre, and poetry; have always been part of the essence of Tsukijin culture and long promoted by the upper and middle classes. The finer arts are reflection of a society's values and thought about the world around them.
The Visual arts (Painting, sculpture, gardening, and architecture)
The Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Theatre)
The Literary Arts (Poetry, and Books)
Entertainment
Language
Tsukigo is the official language of the Empire and is by far the most common tongue spoken by it's citizens. It is an evolution, a rather drastic one from the ancient tongue of Yamago. Scholars are not certain as to how or why this changed occured. It appears to have started around ca. 200 BVT during a time of great change in the Empire when influences from the Horosume and internal conflicts began to change society. The old tongue never truly was the tongue of the common man, and it is believed that it was this that lead to the Tsukigo rising as a language. Many of the placenames remain in the Yamago tongue, which can be rather confusing as they often do not represent what the placenames would currently mean.
Another example of this is the odd word Naichijin, which is being used as a term to describe the people of the tributary states to the south. It's origin meaning from the Yamago texts that survived is "natives", as in Imperial Citizens, but in the new warped language, it specifically refers to the "natives of south."
Religion
Nijishindo, or Nijishindoism translates to "The way of the Kami and the Rainbow" in Tsukigo. It is more than a religion but a way of life that centers one's life around principles of Nijishindo. It is a way of being at peace with the natural world, the human aspects of life, and the Kami themselves.
Beliefs
In simple terms, these common beliefs are shared amongst all that practice this faith.
- The belief in the Natural Order of things
- Benign harmony of all things and the inherent goodness of all Tsukijin.
- Holiness, purity and sanctity of one's family and community.
- The four virtues: Sincerity, Honesty, Purity, and Harmony
- The purification of the body from pollutants by bathing, those pollutants being death, disease, witchcraft, the flaying alive of an animal, incest, bestiality, excrement, and blood associated with either menstruation or childbirth.
- The harmony of chaos and peacefulness.
- Sanctity of Nature itself.
According to popular belief, it is the faithful practice of the way that has transformed the land itself and made it the way it is today.
Religious Policies
For both sides of the Empire, the free worship of Kami within the Nijishindo way is accepted but this is in particular manifested itself in the west due to to a variety of factors that have caused a sizable minority of Naichijin to migrate to this region. This policy has caused problems from Naichijin who aren't willing to adapt their ways into the way of Nijishindo and there has been some conflict with Naichijin within the west over this issue in the past; however this policy largely works and has produced a great amount of peaceful harmony in the Empire.
Cults, Unnatural faiths and any practice of the ways of the Shùzì and the Horosumu is strictly forbidden under all circumstances. Horosumu are welcomed as merchants within the cosmopolitan cities but are forbid by national law to venture further inland unless they civilized enough to earn such a right. These however only applies to the Gaijin that have good relations with the Empire, and is a privilege, not a right.
Role of the Emperor
Despite being a decentralized faith without a real religious hierarchy or structure, the emperor stands as an exception to this standard role because of the nature of his position. Being the divinely appointed Son of Heaven, the Emperor's own faith and following of the way is seen as essential for the state itself. A pious emperor, who listens to the concerns of his people, uses his power for the betterment of them and follows the path as best as he can brings prosperity, harmony and unity to the land; whilst a wicked emperor, who care not for the people, uses his power for his own gain, and lives a life of vice and luxury bring destruction, disunity and judgement upon the land. It is thus no surprise that the emperor is seen as the head of the faith and a demi kami turned kami in the afterlife.
He takes a central role in the conduction of many religious festivals within Ichikara and steps down from his lofty throne to take part in them as merely another citizen under the Kami through humility. It is said that by this custom, the emperor stays humble and pious towards his people, and during this time he freely interacts with them, refusing any acknowledgement of his stature, but rather that he is as lowly as a peasant during these periods.
"So long as the emperor himself is willing to forgo his own rights for the sake of his people in faith, so shall the Celestial Realm prosper under his rule."
Military
The Armed Forces of the Empire are as old as the Empire itself. But both have taken very different shapes. The Army is split between the two shoguns and is mostly of a older feudal levy type while the navy is the modern, powerful and one of the most feared in the world.
Imperial Guard
The lone exception to the land forces being under the control of the Shoguns is the Imperial Guard. Numbering some 250 men, this force is rather out of date in both tactics, uniform, and weapons. It is mainly a ceremonial force dedicated to the protect of the emperor himself. The same cannot be said of the garrison forces in Ichikara, which are well equipped and trained in modern tactics.
Imperial Navy
On the orders of Emperor Yōmei upon the continued defeats by the old fleet at the hands of the Agnami Caliphate, the Teikoku Kaigun was founded in 988 VTE. All existing warships under the command of both Shogunates aside from river gunboats were transferred to this new centralized organization headed by the Dai-gensui-kaigun-taishō (Lord High Admiral) and two Admiralties in the East and the West under two Gensui-kaigun-taishō (Marshal-Admirals). This organization would be separate from command from the two Shoguns and would serve as its own entity directly under the Emperor as the Shoguns were.
History
The Imperial Navy had a lot of growing pains during the 10th and 11th centuries that were a result of a variety of factors including: The need for professional naval officers, the de-feudalization of the fleet, the modernization of the fleet, the nature of how the fleet fit into the existing system, the supply demands for the growing fleet, and the repeated defeats suffered against the Agnami Caliphate. Each of these problems would be resolved during this first century, but how they were solved reveals an interesting story for each one.
It was obvious from the beginning that the fleet needed to be professional, de-feudalized and modernized to adequately fit the billing that it was supposed to fill. One of the first acts of the first Lord High Admiral, Itō Heihachirō was to establish four naval academies in the Empire, one at Suzuhara, one at Kure, one at Yamagata and the last at Suzuya. Each of these academies would teach modern naval tactics from the period and invited professors from outside the Empire to teach during their opening years. It was an easy adaptation for the nation as a whole, which had a long-standing naval tradition to adjust to the new techniques and professionalization of an officer class. Within 10 years of their foundation, the goals of making a professional naval officer class and de-feudalizing the navy were complete. However, the modernization of the fleet was a different story.
When the Imperial Navy was founded, many of the ships it inherited from the old fleets were outdated by many standards. This was a result of centuries of complacency and lack of attention from the Shoguns. It would take assistance from engineers from Syrenia and Moriji to truly begin transforming the fleet into a modern one. While it was easy on paper for this process to occur, with the designs being made avaliable, the logistical struggles of actually turning this into a reality were a whole different problem. Many of the local shipwrights were not prepared to build such ships nor understood the techniques that went into them, and even after Syrenian and Pomeranian Engineers were brought into for direct assistance; the problems did not subside.
These problems came from logistical problems in regards basic things such as clothe, rope, cannons, and timbers; the lack of proper shipyards suited for the construction of such ships, local resistance to the changes, and forestry management. The latter in particular was a major problem for 50 years, as the clearcutting of forests was met with great resistances by locals and even caused a few peasant revolts; one of which managed to burn down two ships of the line under construction. The solution came in 1026 with the establishment of the Imperial Forest Management Agency, which allowed the navy to get the proper amount of wood it needed and furthermore allowed the sacred forests to be replanted. A national reserve was also established for the navy as well as part of this act. With these problems out of the way, the Navy was truly modernized by 1039.
Despite this, the growing pains would continue as the fleet continued to expand. The logistical issues were still there and while they were being addressed, they could not yet keep up with the fleet's growth until the latter half of the 11th century. Furthermore, as it grew, the fleet's position within the existing system was an issue because of the fact that the fleet was funded by the two shogunates but wasn't under their control. This issue still remains today, but the attempts by Shoguns to use their influence over the navy also led to other issues, to be precise, more defeats at the hands of the Agnami Caliphate under their legendary corsair, al-Hamid. He caused such great problems for the Western Fleet during his 20 years of terror (1056 to 1076) that the Empire had to use the Syrenian Fleet to resupply its vassals in the south after their successful intervention in Mujigae in 1045.
But al-Hamid finally broke the desire of the Shoguns to interfere in Naval affairs about a decade into his reign of terror and caused the navy for the first time to have true autonomy. This newfound autonomy, along with the steadily growing fleet and quality officers led to the most famous victory in the history of the Imperial Navy in 1076 on what is known as the Glorious 21st of August. This battle was a defining moment in the history of the Imperial Navy and truly marked its coming of age into the power it has become and resulted in the utter defeat of al-Hamid and the destruction of much of the Agnami fleet.
Since that great day, the Navy's place within society has been held in the highest regard by much of the populace and even gave the Shoguns themselves great reason to be willing to provide more money for the navy. The two companies, the K.A.G and the C.I.O. rapidly expanded in the aftermath of this special day as well, given that new markets were more accessible finally to them. More on them in trade and their own separate works.
(Intervention in the South 2 electric boogaloo, Oiseau assistance, Phase War up to present.)
Eastern and Western Fleets.
The Navy is organized into two separate admiralties, with the Lord High Admiral mediating between the two. The Western Fleet's Admiralty is located in Suzuhara and the Eastern Fleet's in Kure. Both of the fleets have an intense rivalry between each other, with one admiral jokingly saying that the most dangerous enemy for both fleets was each other.
This started all the way back in the beginning first as a friendly competition for excellence between the two fleets but has escalated into a mutual hatred and contempt of each other. While the Lord High Admiral has stopped this from becoming actually detremental to the objectives of the nation, the reality is that it has caused both fleets to attempt to outdo the other regularly.
Out of the two, the Eastern Fleet is the most prestigious, conservative and traditional. This shows itself on the tactical level as there may be no better fleet in the world in terms of coordination and manoeuvring as the Eastern Fleet. Everything is so precise and orderly with how they fight that it's almost an artform. A deadly artform. Facing traditional naval powers like the Hoshiyomians has made them like this. While they may be near perfect at the tangile aspects of fleet combat; innovation, arrogance and unwillingness to be aggressive that could cause more problems as times goes along.
The Western Fleet, on the other hand, has experienced countless numbers of defeats and disasters in addition to great victories. In many ways, it has become the opposite of the Eastern Fleet for this reason, as it has always seen it's as the scrappy underdog. Even though it's been 50 years since the Fleet finally crushed its biggest enemy, the traditional spirit of innovation, and audaciousness has become a staple in the teaching in their naval academy. While the East will remain the better trained of the two for years to come, the West is catching up fast and with Suzuhara booming, it could very well within the next decade or two become the dominant of the two fleets: in size, innovation, and experience. They will never perfect the coordination of the East but the innovativeness in the end will likely triumph.
While the moonlight is setting on the East, it is rising in the West.
Organization
Diplomacy
Intraimperial Diplomacy
Both nations have a rather cooperative relationship with each other. This comes down to necessity because it is understood by both that they both need each other.
Geography
Geography has a major impact on cultures and civilization; and Tsukinode is no different in this regard. The nation as a whole has a very diverse set of geological, topographical, and climatological features that are said to come from the blessings of the Kami themselves onto the people for their virtuous way under the Celestial Realm.
Topography and Geology
The nation is a very interesting study in Topography, given the diverse features of the landscape. In the west, mountain ranges, and valleys dominate the landscape. The central plateau, ranging from the Petra border in the north to the Shōnai river in the South, being bordered by the Eastern and Western Mountain ranges is a mix of flatlands, hills, and valleys. Past the Tsukino and Kashimayari lays the Eastern and Southern coastal plains, relatively flat lands with swamps mixed in along with some hills. As a whole, rivers dominate the Eastern and Greater Tsukinobe coastal plains. The two great rivers, the Chitose and the Abashiri end their course in the Heavenly Sea.
The Tsukushima Islands have active and dormant volcanos on them and are frequently hit by Typhoons. Typhoons are also common on the Eastern Coast as well.
Lake Tazawa is the largest lake within the Empire, and numerous other lakes dot the landscape. Some of these lakes are caldera lakes and are of particular note as hot springs used for Onsens; an important part of Tsukijin life.
Climatology
As a result of the terrain of the nation and the supposed magical connection to nature that the Tsukijin people enjoy, 5 distinct climates have emerged as part of the nation. The west experiences two subset of Humid Continental, while the Monsoon weather from the Heavenly Sea have produced on the Eastern and Central plains Subtropical and Continental Monsoon conditions. Along the Greater Tsukinobe coastal plains is Humid Subtropical, and on the far-off islands of Tsukushima lies a Tropical Monsoon climate
Regions
There are 26 regions of note within the Empire, which are shown by the map above. The regions are not based upon political boundaries but rather arbitrary cultural and historical boundaries that do not necessarily translate properly. Some regions share nearly the same culture and history as their neighbors while others are totally different from their neighbors.
Places of Note
Edo
Kure
The Emerald City. Kure is the heart of all shipping in the Chitose River. As one of the three great ports of the East, along with Yamagata and Yokosuka; its stands as one of the greater trade hubs on the continent. It is the headquarters of the Eastern Fleet and is well known for its vast shipyards.
Ichikara
Nara
Suzuhara
Known as the "Pearl of the (name) Sea", Suzuhara is a bustling metropolis and one of the largest ports in the world.
Suzuya
Lake Tazawa
Tsukushima Islands
Yamagata
Yokosuka
Economy
The Empire has a diverse economy that is well developed in many fields
Primary Sector
The Primary sector of an economy that includes any industry involved in the extraction and production of raw materials, such as farming, logging, fishing, forestry and mining. It is from the primary sector that the other economical sectors are fed. In the Empire, the primary sector is rather diverse and has many different products that come from it.
Agriculture by Region
Given the terrain and climate of the Empire, agriculture varies by region. The most productive agriculture regions are in the East, where the many rivers and great soil make it ideal for farming. The density of farms around the two great rivers in particular is rather high. A general rule in regards to farming in particular is that it will be concentrated around the rivers of the nation, where they can be properly irrigated.
Eastern and Southern Coast
As mentioned, the greatest and most productive agricultural regions are found along the eastern coast, and generally follows the Subtropical Monsoon climate that goes along the coast down below the Kashimayari mountains.
From the east, vast amounts of food crops like rice, pickles, sweet potatoes cucumbers, soybeans, sugarbeets, leeks, lettuce, carrots, beet, rosemary; black, chili, red, bell, and wasabi peppers; parsley, and potatoes are grown from it's soil.
Orchards providing such fruit as Koji oranges, tsukinode cinnamon, apricots, lemons, limes, and kei apples are also very common and well kept, according to religious customs.
Cash crops like cotton, opium, sugarcane, hemp, black tea, jasmine tea, green tea, and silk are also grown in large amounts as a means of profit for more enterprising families, usually of noble stock.
Livestock within this region is common, as their uses for manure, food and labor are essential. Cows, Horses, Hogs and Sheep are all common but their use is less than in other regions.
Central Coast
The Central coast is another rather productive agricultural region, though not to the same degree as the east and south. This zone generally follows along the coast and foothills of the region with a Humid Subtropical Climate
From this region, Wheat, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, spinach, sugarbeets, tomatoes, eggplants, grapes, beans and peas are common food crops.
Orchards within this region provide citrus, apples, pears, cherries, and peaches. Cherry trees will always have a significant place in Tsukinode society and are considered to be sacred, thus being the most common type of fruit grown.
Cashcrops like cotton, hemp, flax, indigo, sugarcane, and silk are grown as well, and by whom you would expect too; the nobles and rich landowners.
Livestock within this region is common, as their uses for manure, food and labor are essential. Cows, Horses, Chickens, Goats, Hogs and Sheep are all common in this region but other regions focus on livestock more than this one.
Central Hills and Plains
Running from the northern border down to the coast lies this region between the Mamiya and Tsukino Mountains. This region is also a rich agricultural region, just as much as the Central Coast and shares many characteristics with it.
From this region, Wheat, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, spinach, wasabi, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, kale, tomatoes, eggplants, grapes, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, beans and peas are common food crops.
Orchards within this region provide cherries, apple, apricots, plums, and pears . Cherry trees will always have a significant place in Tsukinode society and are considered to be sacred, thus being the most common type of fruit grown.
Livestock within this region is common, as their uses for manure, food and labor are essential. Cows, Horses, Chickens, Goats, Hogs and Sheep are all common in this region but other regions focus on livestock more than this one.
Western Coast and the Western Plain.
The Western Coast and plains are similar in nature to the Central hills and plains excepted due to the lack of fresh water, the yield is far less. As a result, while the crops grown here are identical to the Central hills and plains, they are not grown as much. Instead, agriculture here focuses more on Livestock, and this region, particularly in the Western plain has the highest concentration of livestock in the nation.
Central Mountains
The Central mountains, as one might suspect, are not ideal for large scale agriculture. This region provides the lowest yields and is the least developed agriculturally. Naturally, this balances out but when it comes to this region, it grows the same types of crops as the two previous regions but in less amounts.
However, this region has the most orchards in the nation, with the same type of trees found in the neighboring regions and having a distinct type of Cherry Tree known as the Shōwa Cherry which is extremely valued nationally and worldwide. It is the official fruit of the nation and is the most sacred of the already sacred cherries.
Livestock within this region are somewhat common, with the usual types being found.
Mining by Region
Mining is a truly crucial industry to the economy of the Empire and the richs of the earth that come from the hills, mountains and valleys are a backbone of the economy as much as logging and agriculture are.
Central Mountains
The Central Mountains are the most heavily mined and resource rich region within the Empire. Large metallic ore deposits of high quality iron, bituminous coal, maganese, gold, and silver are found here. Ores such as zinc, and tungsten are more less common while there are small amounts of lithium, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, uranium also.
Non-Metallic ores like graphite, and sulphur are common as well, with trace amounts of boron also found.
From the mountains and hills also comes complex mineral sources in large amounts, such as limestone, granite, phosphorite, kaolinite, diorite, pyrophyllite, talc, asbestos, and calcite
Eastern Hills and Mountains
This region is also a central mining location that brings a lot of ores and minerals to the Empire. Iron, bituminous coal, zinc, tin, cobalt, lead and chromium are all metallic ores found here. Non-metallic ores and minerals extracted include clay, sulphur, arsenic, asbestos, limestone, phosphorite, kaolinite, petuntse, gypsum, fluorite, zeolite, antimony and basalt.
This region also provides precious gemstones like jade, emeralds, aquamarine, topaz, turquoise and garnets are to be found here as well.
Elsewhere
While mining is mostly found in these two regions, mining does take place in most regions to some extent. Most of the metallic ores usually not found in other places, aside from minor deposits of iron, coal and copper. However, things such as Laterite, limestone, sandstone, basalt, sand, clay, peat and potash are all common.
Fishing
Fishing is important. Nothing more needs to be said for now (lol). I am not figuring it out yet.
Logging
Logging is a critical industry for the nation as a whole, as not only do the woods of the Empire provide excellent trees and plenty of them, but the need for lumber is always in extremely high demand. Logging in the Empire is conduced under a selective harvesting and replanting system, as trees are considered to be rather sacred by Nijishindoism. Many of the forests are found in the hills and plains of the West and along the mountain ranges across the nation.
Trees such as Birch, Cherry Birch, Oak, Red Pine, Cypress, Cherry Blossom, Pine, Hemlock, Bamboo, Fir, Spruce,Katsura, Keyaki, Torreya, Mastwood, Dogwood, Camphor wood, Japanese Cinnamon, Magnolia, Evergreen, Elm, Kometsuga, Yew, Tsukinode umbrella-pine, Tsukinode Apricot, Sour Cherry, Cherryblossom, Blue Beech, Beech, Fig, Juniper, and hop-hornbeam are all native to the Empire and it is said each one has it's own story and importance to the nation.
(I will write on some of the major forests eventually.)
Secondary Sector
The Secondary Sector or the manufacturing sector is a rather diverse and growing economic sector concentrated along the rivers and cities of the Empire. Artisans still dominate and will dominate this sector for years to come but with new technologies, comes greater production capacity and lesser need for skilled labourers. Given it's diversity, it is rather hard to talk about every good produced in the Empire but several key industries are worth mentioning
Soapmaking
Soap making is one of the most profitable and important culturally industries in the nation. Given the importance of cleaning, the soap industry has a long history and has seen rapid growth with the introduction of "Sailor's Soap" made of Potassium salts, and the luxury scented soaps that have also been developed. It is found in many cities across the nation and those who specialize in the trade will always benefit from the importance it has culturally and religiously.
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is a long-established history that dates back to the beginning of time in the Empire. The seafaring nature of the coastal populace has led to the fast and efficient construction of ships of all types. (Talk about some of the more traditional ship builders found in smaller cities and villages vs. the major shipbuilders in metropolis' like Suzuhara, Yokosuka and Kure)
Metalworking
Metalworking is one of the most key industries in the Empire. Typically, the Industry runs on a supply chain that sees the raw ores and minerals processed into ingots or other materials in Foundries, that are largely near the mines before the refined metals are sent to production facilities where they are transformed into many different products. Smiths are still extremely important in this field, but are under threat by major production facilities that are developing in cities and towns that are either near rivers or are trade centers. Machine tools, Guns, Cannons, Normal Tools, Die, Luxury goods, etc.; all are starting to be produced in greater quantities than ever before.
Textiles
The Textile industry is beginning to boom with recent inventions like the spinning jenny and the flying shuttle increasing production greatly. Many textiles are still produced by Cottage industries and by artisans, however textile mills dedicated to the mass production of these goods are starting to be set up in cities like Suzuhara, Ashigara, Suzuka, Sakawa, Yamagata, Hanamaki and Atsugi among others. The production of linen and fabric has skyrocketed in the past decade and a half, as has the avaliability of these goods to the masses in the numerous finished forms they can be made into.
Ceramics
Kilns and the production of Pottery, bricks and tiles within the Empire has always been one of the more dedicated and finer trades. Porcelain in particular has a long history of quality, and to this day Tsukinode Porcelain is considered by many to be the finest in the world. The Kilns are usually set up near where the resource deposits are and where trade settlements are located. The industry is rather industrialized, in particular the Porcelain industry and has been for several centuries now. The State has also issued edicts on the quality of porcelain over the years to maintain its quality. This was due to the rising ability of other nations to produce Porcelain on the same scale as the Empire. The natural response, as taken was to refine the quality and the result has been a stabilization of the Porcelain trade to other nations.
Lumber
The Lumber industry is a backbone of the secondary sector for how important it is towards the economy as a whole. In the supply chain, most Lumber mills are found rather close to where logs are cut down while the facilities that produce wooden goods are located down the rivers. Like the textile industry, the wood craftsmen are valued artisans and the goods they produce with the many unique trees avaliable are prized for their quality. While these wares are useally produced in a non-industrial way, the same cannot be said about the timber themselves, which are very much produced by industrial means such as using a water wheel and seasoning the wood using kilns. These seasoned timbers are largely used for the Navy and other large scale building projects.
Chemicals
The Chemical Industry is a rather new industry that involves the refinement of raw materials into products such as Sulphuric Acid, Potash, Hydrochloric acid, Calcium hypochlorite. Each one of these chemicals has their uses in other industries and are an important part of the economy. Whether it be in paper production, the production of fertilizer, glass production, textiles, ceramics, and even explosives, this industry is growing in importance and will for years to come as more of these plants are build nationwide.
Tertiary Sector
The Service industry is an interesting one within the Empire, as the growing importance of transportation and the growth of cities has seen this sector start to blossom. Banks within the Empire are forbidden to use usury. This sector will, however, remain an extremely small portion of the economy for years to come.
Tax Collection and Bureaucracy
Tax collection is usually done on a feudal level for most of the nation, where the local nobles take their share before passing it up the line to the top, the Shoguns (except in Ichikara). This however is beginning to change nationwide with urbanization seeing the increasing need for Bureaucrats for this purpose, where the taxes go directly to the Shoguns as is becoming the case for many cities. This is leading to national tense because of this centralization of some aspects of the state and this could spill over into violence in the future.
Trade
Trade is an interesting part of the economy, as the nature of the nation in transition is shown by it. The protectionist stance of the the traditionalists and the one maintained mostly by the Shoguns is coming under increased scrutinty by the Accelerationists in both realms as being harmful to the economy. The fact that the C.I.O and K.A.G. are bringing great amounts of wealth, goods and capital into the Empire has only made this worse, as some of the richest men in the Empire come from this merchant class that is held with scorn by the traditionalists. Tarriffs are kept the same in both Shogunates for the sake of not running into the potential problems that could arise from having a middleman interfere with trade.
Economy of the Tsukushima Islands
The islands have a rather unique economy due to their nature. Most of the food consumed by the Islanders comes from the sea, with some banana and fruit plantations also existing inland. The volcanic soil the islands is rather rich and produces great yields of these crops that are often sold to merchantships and the Imperial navy, given the importance of Fruit on ships to prevent scurvy.
There isn't a logging or mining industry despite the potential offered by them to the Islands because the Islanders are extremely dedicated to the preservation of nature to please the Kami which inhabit the islands. The superstition of their destruction coming from massive eruptions from local volcanos is tied into this, as exploiting this sacred land would certainly trigger it in their minds. Being punished regularly by Typhoons for their own sins, it is not a shock the Islanders thing this way.
Industrialization is non existent on the islands, merely that most things in the secondary sector are produced by local artisans or imported. The same is true about the Tertiary sector, which is practically non existant aside from ferry routes.
Infastructure
The nation as a whole has a well-developed and maintained infrastructure network revolving around paved roads connecting the cities and town of note, two major canals, one of which is considered to be a world wonder and great amounts of shipping at sea and on the rivers.
Iwaki Canal
The Iwami Canal, or the Gateway to the East as it is known by many sailors, is truly a wonder of the world and has been around for 1500 years. Back in during the "Edo Period", where Imperial Power itself was at its height and the empire was a world leader in technological and economic progress, the need for a canal connecting the Iwaki River to the Chitose River became of national importance for both prestige and economic reasons. For the latter, the whole idea of a canal connecting the Sea of Tsukinode to the Heavenly Sea was seen as a major boon the shipping industry and transportation of raw good. For prestige reasons, the canal was to be a perfect representation of the skill of the Empire on the world stage to the barbarians that surrounded it. If they could build such a canal, truly they would be masters of the world.
Construction dates have been lost in time, but it is believed to have been a 100-year venture that used hundreds of thousands of labourers to get it completed. The marsh lands of the Ōtsuki region made construction hard and it has been claimed that 100,000+ labourers died of disease during it's construction. When it was completed, it was some 400 tkm long and had a depth capable of being used by the heaviest ships during the period.
The canal saw a 500-year reign of widespread us, and many writers talk about it in their travel tales to the Empire well into the 2nd century VTE. Even after the Ichikara Era began in 152 VTE, the Canal was still in proper us. Things however would change in ~180 VTE when the canal was hit by two disasters that left it crippled for 700 years. First, several massive Typhoon struck the Chitose River that has become known as the kami no ikari in Tsukinode History. Many towns within Katsuragi, Ōtsuki, Fujiyoshida, and Yatsushiro provinces were destroyed, and dams were burst, causing the course of the Chitose River to change. The other disaster was a much more manmade one, caused by the rebellion of the Seiteki Taishōgun Ōtomo no Tadabumi. His rebellion is detailed elsewhere, but one of the actions he took in his campaign of 191 VTE known as tochi no hakai was to destroy the locks of the Canal to prevent Pro-Imperial forces from landing troops behind his front lines. He blew up around 20 locks and had parts of the canal completely blocked off by causing breakwaters and forming dams. The damage was so extensive with both of these that it was assessed after the Tadabumi Rebellion had been put down that it would take decades to get it back in service. There was also little reason for it to be put back in service, as the need for it had passed with the end of the Edo period and the lack of shipping along the eastern coast due to the turmoil within the barbarian south. So, the canal would sit in ruins, for 700 years, until the Age of Discovery changed everything.
With the discovery of Indeia, and the opening of trans-oceanic trade during the 9th century, the Canal's importance was finally revived and could reach it's full potential. On the decree of Emperor Seimu in 878, the reconstruction and recovery of the Canal would be undertaken. While much of it was in disrepair and the damages suffered in particular during the long past Tadabumi rebellion were still wounds left untreated, repairs would be easier than they were 700 years before thanks to better tools, and equipment that had been invented and refined over this period. Furthermore, the repair of many of the dams along the Chitose River had fixed it's course again, allow the canal to be used properly for its original purpose.
With great vigor, resources and manpower, the Canal was repaired over the course of 25 years. Not only were the damages from the long past needed to be addressed but damage from looters, and silting required more effort to be placed into it. New innovative locks, the expansion of the width and depth, and the construction of the "Iwaki Waggonway" along the canal; which would allow better use of the beasts of burden that were required for transit were crucial developments in the "Second Iwaki Canal" and with its grand reopening in 906 VTE; it proved to be a responding success.
While still limited in scope largely to the speed of crossing in sailing ships without paddles, the Canal was a major boon once more as the Piratic activities of the Sea of Tsukinode and Yellow Sea, along with the prosperity of the eastern ports such as Kure at the mouth of the Chitose River causing much traffic to use the canal for trade along the Heavenly Sea from western ports.
Since then, the Canal has been a staple of the economy, and has seen several expansion efforts made and regular Maintenace, keeping such things as the locks in perfect condition. The limits of the canal, largely being down to the abilities of pack animals, are notable and have prevented it from reaching it's true potential but the advent of the steam engine, and most importantly, the Steam Tug during the past 30 years have started to provide that long needed solution to speed up time and as the first steam powered tugs are entering regular service in the canal in the 1130s, the Canal certainly has a bright future ahead of it and travel time will be cut down drastically.
Kiso Canal
The much smaller Kiso Canal, which connects the Mogami and Abashiri rivers, has a less glorious and important role in the economy but is still rather important for local shipping. The canal was constructed in 425 BVTE over a 15-year period and is around 100 tkm long. It runs through Lake Kiso in the center and its draft is mostly for river boats, as it was designed. It never suffered the same fate as its larger sister and has largely gone under the radar for those reasons mentioned, but for local traffic heading from Ichikara to cities like Yamagata or up to Nara, it is an important part of regional trade and transportation.