Anastasia Stoltz, Press Corps 14
THE FALL OF EDO, Historical Crisis — Amongst many new updates on the status of Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate is focusing on relations with the Imperial Court. While many members are establishing communication, and focusing on allying and unifying the Shogun and the Court, there are also members who think conflict is inevitable.
Viscount Enomoto Takeaki seems to be preparing for conflict, as he proposed a directive that would only be acted upon if the Imperial Court declares war. The directive, “Worst Case Scenario” was passed, so it can be assured that if war erupts in Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate has a plan.
“I think war is very possible, and I have information that the Imperial Court is planning an attack against us. Establishing a democracy takes time, it will not alleviate the tensions between the Court and the Shogunate. If they are already planning a war against us, it will happen very soon,” states Viscount Takeaki.
It seems that Viscount Taekaki was correct, tensions and power disputes have reached an all-time high between the Imperial Council and the Shogunate, despite developing democratic relations. Both the Imperial Court and Tokugawa Shogunate want their branch to be more powerful than the other.
The tensions between the Shogunate and Imperial Court have erupted into violence. Members of both sides have been kidnapped and/or assassinated. Both sides are debating whether to resolve this peacefully or go to war. The future of Japan depends on whether the Court and the Shogun can make amends.
Many members of the Shogunate are arguing for an alliance, prioritizing the future of Japan. “I have been kidnapped, but I still believe we should mend our relationship before we try to solve our other issues,” declares Matsudaira Sadaaki. In response, a member of the Court agrees, “The Imperial Court and the Tokugawa Shogunate have not been in contact, that is why I kidnapped Sadaaki; we need to improve communication with each other if we want progress.”
However, many members insist on going to war. “It is obvious that members are doing secret things behind our backs, why would I continue to support a corrupt system,” states Chikako. “I don’t think Japan is in a position for a democratic government,” explains Itagaki Taisuke.
While it might be obvious that there are two sides: one in favor of war, and one in favor of peace, there’s also an unforeseeable group that has risen out from this debate. The Nihon Women’s Revolutionary Movement has also gained traction as a development that would establish a matriarchal society in Japan. The slogan for this movement is “We like peace, but we like women more.
While Japan is currently in a civil war, the Nihon Women’s Revolutionary Movement, run by women with power, land, wealth, and resources, will secede from Japan to create a society that uplifts and protects women. “We want to liberate all of the women in Japan to create a society that will truly appreciate all of their efforts and contributions,” declares Abe Masahiro. The feminist government now occupies the top third of Japan, controlling most of the agricultural industry.