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Description
Here's an in-verse map for Japan and the surrounding areas. The Empire's story has been mentioned here: [link]

Time had not been kind to the Japanese. Despite the wars and upheavals that marked the 1930s-50s, the Empire succeeded in preserving a large part of its territory, at the cost of horrendous casualties and the reluctant "sacrifice" of Karafuto-Sakhalin.

Its northern frontiers are almost exclusively the realm of the Imperial military, with the main strongholds along the La Perouse Strait and the few Kurile Islands still under control. In the years since the Terror, these soldiers have honed themselves to be formidable defenders. At the same time, however, there is growing concern over the way they conduct "defense;" extensive military trials have all but rendered the Kuriles a "No Man's Land."

To the west lies the Kingdom of Korea, locally known as Chosun. At different times a friendly, rival and client state, the Koreans emerged from the chaos militarized and defiant in holding back Red agents. Yet over the past few decades, Reactionary ideas have increasingly taken hold of their way of life. Some speculate that it would be only a matter of time before the country makes a complete transition. In any case, the only comfort to be had is that the Koreans are there at all.

Further south (though not visible) lies what's officially the Sovereign State of Free China. In reality, it is under significant influence in a manner similar to Brazil's relationship to Gran Patagonia. Formed from whatever could be save of the Chinese Empire, it serves as both a military deterrent and an economic hub. Increasingly, however, it is taking the appearance of a puppet state, as officials place their stakes on the Japanese missions.

Within the country itself, life continues in a carefully monitored balance. Social order is similar to what it would have been in post-war Japan in the real world, though significant remnants of the old Shogunate continue to persist. The country also bears host to a number of gaijin enclaves descended from Russian, Belgian-Dutch and Chinese refugees, mainly around Sapporo, Nagasaki and Shiminoseki. Yet in spite of this, they have largely been welcomed into the wider society, contributing to a thriving economy and research body.

Yet concern is beginning to grow on the country's future. A rising wave of xenophobia and Red paranoia is coinciding to the emergence of a Reactionary party in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Imperial military has become increasingly prominent in countering this threat. Some fear that it may either be following the same path as Korea or end up a Shogunate-style junta.

As all this is happening, a certain Honda Kiku finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his calm.

Description
Here's an in-verse map for Japan and the surrounding areas. The Empire's story has been mentioned here: [link]

Time had not been kind to the Japanese. Despite the wars and upheavals that marked the 1930s-50s, the Empire succeeded in preserving a large part of its territory, at the cost of horrendous casualties and the reluctant "sacrifice" of Karafuto-Sakhalin.

Its northern frontiers are almost exclusively the realm of the Imperial military, with the main strongholds along the La Perouse Strait and the few Kurile Islands still under control. In the years since the Terror, these soldiers have honed themselves to be formidable defenders. At the same time, however, there is growing concern over the way they conduct "defense;" extensive military trials have all but rendered the Kuriles a "No Man's Land."

To the west lies the Kingdom of Korea, locally known as Chosun. At different times a friendly, rival and client state, the Koreans emerged from the chaos militarized and defiant in holding back Red agents. Yet over the past few decades, Reactionary ideas have increasingly taken hold of their way of life. Some speculate that it would be only a matter of time before the country makes a complete transition. In any case, the only comfort to be had is that the Koreans are there at all.

Further south (though not visible) lies what's officially the Sovereign State of Free China. In reality, it is under significant influence in a manner similar to Brazil's relationship to Gran Patagonia. Formed from whatever could be save of the Chinese Empire, it serves as both a military deterrent and an economic hub. Increasingly, however, it is taking the appearance of a puppet state, as officials place their stakes on the Japanese missions.

Within the country itself, life continues in a carefully monitored balance. Social order is similar to what it would have been in post-war Japan in the real world, though significant remnants of the old Shogunate continue to persist. The country also bears host to a number of gaijin enclaves descended from Russian, Belgian-Dutch and Chinese refugees, mainly around Sapporo, Nagasaki and Shiminoseki. Yet in spite of this, they have largely been welcomed into the wider society, contributing to a thriving economy and research body.

Yet concern is beginning to grow on the country's future. A rising wave of xenophobia and Red paranoia is coinciding to the emergence of a Reactionary party in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Imperial military has become increasingly prominent in countering this threat. Some fear that it may either be following the same path as Korea or end up a Shogunate-style junta.

As all this is happening, a certain Honda Kiku finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his calm.