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On a Knife's Edge, a Post Weltkrieg 2 Kaiserreich Japan Game

1966, Turn 18
One year on, and the things we have accomplished in our first year alone is pretty tremendous. Indigenous Harmonization, Union strengthening, Shows of strength to our allies, and Anti Buraku discrimination legislation. All good stuff, but of course, the new campaign promises of the Shakai Taishuto is much more than just those things. So we have a whole list of stuff that needs to be legislated this year, and also some foreign issues that needed handling as well.

Let's do this shall we?

Crises that needed addressing

A man on the moon?

This is insanity. We do not have the technology to do this, and the amount of resources poured into our space program would be ridiculous, right?

Well, the resources are, but the technology? Not so much, at least from what the Scientists from JASA tells us. It is possible to put up a manned spacecraft on the moon, and then bring the crew back into the Earth. It'll involve a lot of heavy engineering, and lots of money, but it is possible.

We have also heard rumours that the Syndicalists might be planning the same thing. So there might be some vested interest in doing a first that the Syndicalists haven't done yet. France and Britain are not backwater countries after all.
[ ] Write In

The end of the Note Crisis
In 1962, a note was sent into Finland that set off a national crisis in the country, and we stepped up to send them arms and supplies in order to prevent the situation from spiraling even further. And it seems that the situation has finally worked out in our favour, the assistance of the Russians was key on this endeavour, since the arctic route was mostly blocked off by ice, and East Russian icebreakers paved the way for huge convoys of ships to arrive in Murmansk and unload weaponry and supplies for the Finns.

And it seems that the Syndies, now tied up with their engagements in North America and South Africa, have backed off. They have issues a supplementary note that the Finns have no need to be scared, and that the Socialist west will respect the independence of the Finns and any foreign policy decisions they would take (with the added note that they shouldn't interfere in the domestic affairs of their Baltic and Nordic neighbors, something the Finns have no interest in doing anyway).

Now, with the end of the Note Crisis. What shall we do? President Urho is very much asking that Japan builds a small base and a 'tripwire' force to be placed in Helsinki, a more permanent gesture of friendship to the Finns than the weapons shipments, and command does have some troops willing to be placed there. What shall we do?
[ ] Write In

The War in North America
But of course, the War being fought in North America is extremely concerning. With France, Britain, Canada fighting against America. The entire world is being put on caution, and in fear as well. All the participating countries, with the exception of Canada, are nuclear powers. And the possibility that one of these countries might launch a nuclear strike is a very real possibility.

A possibility that might destroy the world.

The Foreign Ministry suggests that we scream our hardest in the United Nations, currently, they are conducting a long truce, but the possibility of war breaking out in North America is a strong possibility, a diplomatic effort from not only us, but fellow CPS members to bring some sort of treaty to prevent the conflict from spiraling further is a necessity, and practically every country in the CPS agrees to such an endeavour.

Perhaps even some other countries in the Socialist West. We've been hearing rumours that the Iberians, Italians, Polish, Germans and Dutch are not very happy with the conflict either, and will probably vote in our favour should the war continue. Perhaps a UN General Assembly Resolution might be in our best interests here.
[ ] Write In

The War in South Africa
And of course, the war in South Africa. Who would've expected this right?

Needless to say the conflict is broiling over, with no-one really desiring to back off anytime soon. But it seems that the priorities of the North American war is seriously sapping the will of the Socialists to continue the conflict here. Should we continue the course? Or perhaps go on the advance for once? It seems that the Nightstalker flights we've been conducting is seriously degrading the Socialists' AA systems throughout the region. And some lightning attacks across the border might be worth undertaking, destroying bases, seizing supplies for both the South Africans and Botswanans, and degrade morale even more.

Ultimately it's up to you.
[ ] Write In

Action Points
[ ] Write In
[ ] Write In
[ ] Write In
[ ] Write In
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network.

Japan Air Pollution Control Law
In the wake of the Americans signing their Clean Air Act. The Japanese public's interest in the quality of their air, and the pollutants that might poison it. Has seen significant increases. And the public demand for some air quality regulation is increasing by the day. An Air Pollution Control Law. Which will establish daily PPM Standards for various pollutants, add fines for companies spewing massive amounts of pollutants into the air, and also empower the Ministry of the Environment to enforce these laws, by way of increasing their budget, should be a simple way to satisfy their demands.

Should be a straightforward law to pass. Demand is pretty high for this law to be passed.

Formation of JICA
JICA, or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is an idea proposed by Foreign Minister Kijuro Shidehara. It would involve turning responsibility for all our current foreign investment program under One Government Agency, the formation of JICA will pretty much ensure that we can further fine tune our foreign investment/ aid money since supervision of these projects, whether it's grant money for Hyundai Rotem, continued Mantetsu funding, and even Railway modernization in Insulindia would be all under one roof.

The main problem? Well, it's super tricky. Since JICA's formation would be a direct attack on MITI, The Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance, ALL of them incredibly powerful government agencies with Civil Servants that has high influence in Japanese Politics. MITI alone is a giant to conquer, MITI, FM and MoF altogether? Well, Kijuro Shidehara can handle the Foreign Ministry, but MoF and MITI fighting against your agenda will be...

Just don't underestimate Civil Servants.

Reevaluate the Iron Triangle
A political concept popularized by the German Elite during the era of the Kaiserreich. It generally states that Big Business Conglomerates, the Bureaucracy, and the Government all have an overriding interest in reinforcing their power structures at the expense of everyone not inside of it. The practice of this concept was refined to a T during the glory days of the Kaiserreich, but was shattered when French tanks broke through the Siegfried line and outflanked the Germans in Alsace-Lorraine.

And we don't wanna end up like the Germans now do we?

This will be a gigantic effort, and will take years, if not decades, you're not even sure if you wanna go forward with this. But should you want it, passing a series of labour reforms, strengthening workers rights, create antitrust legislation (will be a first in Japan), and make Japan more Democratic is a surefire way to prevent the self reinforcing power structures in the Triangle from going too far.

GIDC Project: Port Klang and Tanjung Priok expansion
Still a massive project proposed by the Insulindian and Malayan delegates, but considerably more conservative. The cities of Klang and Jakarta is set to begin expanding their port facilities to meet the demands of their rising middle class, and unfortunately they are still trying to entice investors across Australia, Japan and New Zealand to fund their project. It will no doubt be a significant boost to the Insulindian and Malayan economies should the expansion be approved as a GIDC Project, but nonetheless, it will count for tens of billions of dollars of funding for the next couple of years.

Still more feasible than what the Indians are proposing though.

Reevaluate Japanese Democracy
The current system of Japanese elections involve some manner of district, in which a single candidate is elected from said district. A system that works in the general, but nonetheless a system that has to be reinforced via independent redistricting commissions and a lot of public relations campaigns throughout the 40s.

There is a new system, increasingly being voiced by the Urban members of the various parties, and it would rework the way of how representatives are elected, for both houses.

It would rewire the districts, but these districts would have the seats for multiple candidates, so a single district can elect a Socialist, a Social Liberal, a Conservative, and a Market Liberal at the same time. It would use the D'hondt apportionment method, and it would also involve a lot of public relations campaigns as well.

In short, it would make the way our system works from a Single District system, into a Proportional Representation system. And there is a clear rural-urban divide in terms of support for this methodology of electing members, at least from the Home-Islands. We are not sure how the outlying islands will react to this way of counting votes though.

The Fukuoka-Busan connector
This is not a GIDC Project, but it could very well would be in terms of scale and scope. A bridge spanning from Fukuoka into the sea, before dropping down into the ocean, ending up in a tunnel reaching Busan, a physical connector between Japan and Korea. And for that matter, Japan and Greater asia. The engineering for this project would be something else, but it is within the realm of possibility.

It would also connect the islands of Tsushima and Iki, which would bring increased economic development into both isles, with also the possibility of making a Rapid Train line from Fukuoka into Busan. A promising project, but who will fund it?

Further fund JXRNET
The JXRNET project is slowly chugging along. Initial funding and continued funding of it even to today is showing results. But this JXRNET project, this revolutionary project, could potentially be online for testing this very year, yes, the year 1966. Should we give it a few more million dollars in funding. The Computer Scientists and everyone on board in this project is not so subtly suggesting that this JXRNET project could begin prototyping and even, commercial deployment into the mid to late 70s should we fork just a little bit more money into it.

Should we do it? Admittedly this project is a bit of an experimental one and kinda hard to comprehend due to it's scale and technicality, but everyone that knows something about computer is highly interested in JXRNET's progress, and is lobbying the government to give it the extra boost needed to make it operational in some form.

GIDC Project: The Caucasus Chains
With the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, our caucasus members are proposing a series of road and rail networks that can criss-cross the caucasus mountains, perhaps bringing travel times down to a matter of hours in some areas. This project does have a military angle to it, allowing the rapid deployment of Middle Eastern CPS members into Russia, and Vice Versa should the big war happen. But it also serves a purpose of further linking the Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia into the wider CPS economic network, boosting their economies as a result.

Shall we do it?

The Green Revolution, bringing it to bear
A Proposal from the East Russians, the Green Revolution has revolutionized the way Russians eat their grains. Increased irrigation and further fine-tuning of their crops has allowed significantly increased crop yields within the northern country, not only that. The Green Revolution within Russia has also been exported into the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and parts of India as well. Significantly increasing food harvests and potentially improving the dietary qualities of the people living there.

Perhaps it is time to bring these various miracles into the wider CPS.

A PR campaign promoting the usage of these new selectively bred crops into the wider CPS, alongside with grants from our government for irrigation and pesticides should the farmers that want to use these high yielding crops need more resources to increase their yields. This project could also be exported outside as well. Into countries such as Mexico, Nigeria, Denmark, and many others that obviously want some more food security. This is a simple project, very straightforward, but it'll cost you.

GIDC Project: The Tibet 'Windmills' network
Tibet, after signing a very technical treaty with China and India, has agreed to not build any dams within their river networks in order to provide some security for both the Indians and Chinese. The Yangtze and Brahmaputra river valleys both originate in Tibet, and construction of a dam in a country where these sources of water originate which is a big no no for both countries.

Tibet is also a rapidly developing country that needs electricity, and is currently importing most of their electricity from Chinese coal plants, a drain in the budget that could potentially be used for other things such as infrastructure and welfare.

Tibet is planning on changing this, and they're gonna use Windmills as their primary weapon. This is a decades long project, only capable to bear fruit in the 80s, but the potential for money is high, and the potentials for scientific advancements that could be used for other sectors is also very high. Should we look further into this 'Wind Turbine' proposal Tibet's been banging about? Our Universities have been able to generate power from wind, but such a gigantic project, to power an entire nation from wind power, is radical.

EDIT: Added 1 law that might interest you.
 
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[X] Plan To the Moon, Aoi

A man on the moon?


[X] Commission a study by experts of what infrastructure, equipment and support is needed for a manned expedition to the moon. The focus should be on safety and proven technologies. This will be an GEACPS mission with the scientific research, infrastructure and results shared among members. The plan should be first how to get equipment into orbit, assemble the vehicle to travel to the Moon, land and survey an area for a future scientific station (look for water). Before manned missions we will map the lunar surface entirely and launch unmanned probes to test for minerals and water near the poles.

The end of the Note Crisis

[X] Build the 'Tripwire' Base.
We shall build a small base with a security and training forces to assist the Finns with their new equipment. We will guarantee non-interference with the Baltics states. We will also set up covert listening posts to intercept and decode civilian, commercial and military communications. While the base may be small we will have runways and facilities than can accommodate our largest cargo transports.

The War in North America

[X] Use our influence (both overt and covert) to call for a vote at the United Nations for a Resolution calling for an end of the conflict. Call for both sides to step down and negotiate some sort of agreement under UN supervision. There will be no compensation or adjustments of territory since the perpetrators are dead and both sides have inflicted damage on each other. Provide Humanitarian Aid if needed to civilian populations.

The War in South Africa

[X] Using the Nightstalker raids to distract the Socialists in one area we launch lightning attacks on military bases and stockpiles nearest the border. We are to strike, destroy everything available and then withdraw. Talk to the South Africans and Botswanans about a possible Cease Fire since all sides are exhausted by war and the Syndicalists are busy in North America. Allow refugees to return home if they wish and set up humanitarian aid for displaced populations.

Action Points
[X] Japan Air Pollution Control Law
Begin a process of shutting down older existing coal powered power plants and building new nuclear, hydro and natural gas plants. Offer subsidies to businesses to set up new ventures in coal mining areas for displaced miners. Cars and vehicles older than 15 years are to be banned and tax credits given for individuals, businesses and local governments to purchase new less polluting vehicles. Credits shall also be issued to people to trade in coal based heaters for more efficient electric ones. Taxes for coal both domestic and imported are to be raised to pay for the conversion. Similar programs to transition from coal to oil, natural gas, hydro, nuclear and renewable services. A public information campaign on why this is being done (Better Health, Preservation of Environment) will be done on radio, print and television.

[X] Reevaluate Japanese Democracy
As the nation and the GEACPS changes we must also adapt the way we govern ourselves. We should have representatives of the government travel across the country advising people on how the system will work and how it will allow people in various regions more representation. It will also allow more transparency and competition between political parties and groups to prevent corruption and voter suppression. It will require possibly more coalition building among smaller representative regions.

[X] Further fund JXRNET
We have seen how electronics have made our world smaller and more connected. It also has opened a new front in warfare. Therefore we must continue to improve our communication and electronics technologies and industries through the funding of JXRNET. While right now it will be used mainly for education, scientific research and government communication we believe that can be used to connect communities and families not only in Japan or GEACPS but the world. This will open new worlds in business, civic life and communications by allowing people to access libraries and materials no matter where they live or what time of day.

[X] Replenish military weapons and equipment stock to pre-South Africa levels with newer arms and equipment. Slowly phase out Second Welt Krieg era equipment by selling and shipping to allies.
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network.
 
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C'mon Christopher. I'm sure that you can add more descriptions into your plans than those small paragraphs. I need more details in both the crises and action points for me to consider rolling.
 
[X] Plan To the Moon, Aoi

Eh thing is we are starting the *race* to the moon later than OTL.

So it will probably a thing for the 70's
 
[X] Plan To the Moon, Aoi
 
1966 Results, Turn 18
[X] The moon mission has gotten significant traction (You rolled a 16)

There are two parts of this moon mission that has gained traction. The research paper published by JASA has gained much acclaim within the scientific community, and, more importantly. Garnered public support once JASA distributed It's findings on stations like NHK. Which aired the possibility of a moon mission towards the public. And secondly, is the finding of resources. Corporations and the Government alike are very interested in finding potential resources that are abundant on the moon but incredibly rare on the Earth. In addition to the huge benefits the scientific mission will bring. The potential for some form of Japanese Moon Industry is also a potential gamechanger.

What hasn't gotten traction though, is the support from GEACPS members. China balks at the thought of supporting Japan, SE Asian members are busy trying to modernize their own economies, with Siam and the Philippines soundly not interested, to even bother doing a moon mission. India might be interested, but it seems that they are conducting their own independent space program currently. While the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand has been tepid in terms of support.

Really, the only country remotely interested is East Russia. Since supporting a potential moon program would actually bring some benefit in terms of military rocketry for the gigantic nation. A benefit that the East Russians could use in their own military rocketry programs.

[X] The Tripwire Base's construction a relatively muted affair (You rolled a 15)

The Construction of the Helsinki-Malmi joint base went along swimmingly. The land around the airport was procured at great cost for the Imperial Japanese Military, but since the military don't want to crowd out the existing Vantaa international airport. A Joint base between the Army, Air Force, and Finnish army was decided to be built in Malmi.

And the construction was a relatively muted affair, generally speaking. By the end of the year, most of the construction at the Malmi site is finished, and the Helsinki-Malmi Joint Base will be finished by the summer of next year. After the end of the Note Crisis, the Syndietern didn't really tried to make a huge noise about our Tripwire base construction, and it seems that our efforts to defuse tensions with the Syndietern's Baltic members seemed to bear fruit. As there are no major naval or aerial movements from anywhere within the Socialist side of the Baltic sea.

[X] Both the Socialist West and America puts in all their might in order to ensure our vote fails (You rolled a 5)

Unfortunately, as is the case with every progress, there are major setbacks, and the situation in the Americas was a setback for sure. Our efforts to curry favour in Istanbul with the German, Iberian, Italian, and Polish representatives didn't went unnoticed, and France and Britain deployed all their economic and diplomatic might in order to ensure that their votes stayed in line with their interests. Their efforts failed, but only just so, since the only countries that aligned with our resolution, that comes from anywhere within the Syndietern, was only those 4 countries. The rest of the Syndietern voted to shut down the resolution, as does the Americans as well.

It looks like this war is going to be continuing in the near future.

[X] South African lightning attacks a failure (You rolled a 6)

And just as a setback in North America besets the country, another setback in South Africa also happened. The Nightstalker operations that tried to destroy enemy AA emplacements were a success, but the lightning attacks didn't, with only sporadic victories for the Japanese 'volunteers' coupled with significant losses of life. It did kinda prevented a potential attack from the Angolans and Namibians, but the losses of life were nothing short of catastrophic for the Japanese. Clearly a reevaluation of our strategy in South Africa and Botswana is needed in order to maintain a stable South Africa.

[X] Air Pollution Control Law passes without significant opposition (You rolled a 14)

In the Domestic Front. The Japanese Air Pollution Control Law was passed with a pretty big majority. There is surprisingly little to no major resistance form all parties once the law was introduced. Even the Minseito, with potential links to Big Businesses, surprisingly put up a tepid resistance at best once the law was introduced. Perhaps the general sentiment of the public is just too strong for everyone to ignore. Still, this law will take years to implement, and the construction of new, more energy efficient and less polluting power plants (especially of the Nuclear Variety) is going to take some political will in order to go through.

Still, celebrate, the Air Pollutant Standards alone will significantly enhance the quality of life for people living in the big cities, with the mayors of Nagoya, Osaka, and the wards of Tokyo all debating currently on how to enforce such stringent standards already.

[X] The New Japanese Election law becomes highly popular once the public actually knows what it entails (You rolled a 20)

The system of Proportional Representation with the D'Hondt method of vote apportionment was passed quickly by the Japanese Diet, and quickly became law later in the year. While the public was initially skeptical of what this new voting system entails. The resulting electoral system of Multi Member districts eventually started winning people over as PR Campaigns and leaflets passed around in the local government offices started getting traction. With the system even more democratized. Public participation within the 1968 Japanese elections is widely expected to rise, and in conjunction with that, no party within the House of Representatives and House of Peers is expected to gain an absolute majority from this recent change within the way Japanese elections work. This is a system that will be tested as the years go by, and will probably be amended multiple times in the future, but Proportional Representation within Japanese Democracy is here to stay by the looks of it.

[X] The first transmission between Tokyo and Kyoto was made under this newfangled TCP/IP Communications protocol (You rolled a 13)

This is a miracle of technology, a new communications protocol and a simple network, connecting the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, with the line being built from Tokyo to Nagoya and Osaka respectively. Soon enough, a network of wires will connect all the major Japanese Universities, and it'll allow near instantaneous communications between these Universities for Academic purposes. We are truly at the cutting edge of technology when it comes to the JXRNET.

Already, the potential for commercial exploitation of the network is being discussed, but realistically. Nothing will happen until the full network between Universities is fully built up and tested extensively. Nonetheless, this is a significant advancement in the field of telecommunications, and it is expected that the aftereffects of this revolution will be felt for decades after this simple transmission.
 
World Events, 1966
1 January: The Tashkent declaration. Representatives from the Central Asian Federation, East Russia, and Afghanistan. Has signed a joint declaration to 'forever renounce war with each other'.

3 January: The ceasefire in North America was broken the moment an American soldier mistakenly fired his rifle on what he saw as an attempted infiltration by French forces. Sporadic fighting continues across the American-Canadian border.

10 January: The Central Asian Federation begins negotiations with East Russia regarding construction of a Space Station in the city of Baikonur. Potentially with Chinese cooperation as well.

19 January: Indira Gandhi. Of the 'Modernizers' party in India, wins election for the office in the Council of Commoners. Becoming the Prime Minister of India. It is not known how relations between Gandhi and the Nizam of Hyderabad will be.

22 January: Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa announced that an impending military coup against him was thwarted by the Nigerian Intelligence Services.

1 February: over 5.000 Japanese soldiers were killed in action in the South African conflict thus far.

4 February: All Nippon Airways Flight 60 plunges into Tokyo Bay, 133 people are killed.

7 February: President John F Kennedy and Président Simone de Beauvoir talked in a telephone call for 90 minutes, discussing the conflict and potential ways to end it.

14 February: The Australian Yen (AUY) was introduced to replace the Australian Pound. At a rate of 100 yen per Pound.

18 February: The T-64 is adopted as the Main Battle Tank for East Russia. This is the first time the term 'Main Battle Tank' was used as military jargon.

1 March: The decimalisation of the Pound Sterling was announced by the British Government to come into force on 15 February 1971.

5 March: Chinese president Chiang Ching Kuo announces China's intent to join the 'space race', in cooperation with East Russia and India.

10 March: The Frost Report, a satirical comedy show in the form of a newscast, was aired in the Union of Britain for the first time.

15 March: Operation South Shield, a Japanese air strike on various Mozambiquan, Angolan and Zambabwean air defenses, was launched. It was the first usage of a 'Strike Package' and involved high usage of Nightstalker flights from the Japanese side.

27 March: Japan passes the Air Pollution Control law. Marking Japan the 2nd country after the American Union State to regulate air pollution.

1 April: The Flintstones airs on American television for the first time.

5 April: Siam announces plans to implement a Universal Healthcare system in the same vein as Japan's SHIS. Marking Siam the 2nd country in the CPS to attempt to universalize healthcare for all Siamese citizens.

7 April: The first proposal for the Grasberg mine in West Papua, Insulindia, was discussed among high level Insulindian leadership.

13 April: Operation Maritime Dawn. An American attempt to destroy the Syndicalist presence in the port city of Halifax, nearly succeeded, if not for a stray spy plane that caught the image of the American fleet and relayed the information to the French Navy commander whose ships are still moored in port. The attack was indecisive, with both equal tonnage of French and American warships sunk.

21 April: The Chinese government has begun it's first initiative to fund their burgeoning movie industry in Hong Kong.

27 April: The first transmission using TCP/IP communications protocol was conducted in Japan. Between the University of Tokyo and the University of Kyoto.

1 May: Floods occur on the Finnish coast.

4 May: Fiat announces a deal between the company, and the French, German, and Italian auto workers union. Allowing the company to build factories in France and Germany.

8 May: Insulindia and Malaya sign the Treaty of Cooperation and Mutual Defense. Solidifying the relationship of both countries, opening visa free travel for 30 days for both Insulindians and Malayans with a valid passport, and a formal defense pact, ensuring that an attack on one is an attack on both.

12 May: Massive strikes occur in Ireland, due to the government's inability to compromise with the unions in negotiating a new labour law. British intervention is suspected.

24 May: In later declassified documents. President John F Kennedy mulls the potential use of tactical nuclear devices on the war effort. But eventually decides against it.

31 May: The Philippines also becomes the 3rd country in the CPS to begin the process of implementing Universal Healthcare. As the Filipino Congress begins debate on a proposal to implement a national health insurance scheme for all Filipino citizens.

1 June: The Final episode of the Dick van Dyke show airs in the Union State.

2 June: Éamon de Valera is reelected as President of Ireland.

6 June: Civil Rights Activist James Meredith was shot during a Civil Rights protest in Mississippi. Police arrested the perpetrator 10 days later.

12 June: The San Juan incident, Puerto Rico police unearthed an American Spy Ring attempting to intercept communications concerning the war effort from the Syndicalist side. The Americans were expelled from the country, and relations soured once more between the Americans and the Syndicalists.

17 June: Air France announces nonstop flights between their European hubs and South America.

30 June: The Organisation Internationale du Femme (International Women's Organisation), was founded by Feminist activists in Paris, France. It is the first civic society organisation active in the Socialist West.

1 July: 500.000 Anti war protestors marched on Washington D.C. Demanding an end to the North American war.

6 July: The Ibuki. The first ever nuclear powered cargo ship was launched in Osaka to much controversy. The ship conducted it's worldwide promotion tour to much success though.

12 July: Indira Gandhi visits Yekaterinburg. To meet the East Russian president in order to discuss the joint space program.

18 July: The Helsinki-Malmi Joint Base has completed construction.

20 July: Japan begins drafting plans for a series of next generation fighters, involving 2 primary models. Both of them will have the ability to do multirole tasks, equipped with the latest sensors, and highly maneuverable.

28 July: A Japanese RP-1 Supersonic Aircraft was deployed on a mission to fly over the Pacific Ocean, and land on Pearl Harbour, hawaii. This was the first mission testing the capabilities of the RP-1.

29 July: Bob Dylan was injured in a motorcycle accident near Woodstock, New York. He has not been seen for a year.

1 August: The Iberian Federation begins the process of switching from the Iberian Réal into Iberian Workpoints. Iberia became the first Socialist country in the Syndietern to begin the conversion of currency into workpoints.

5 August: Caesar's palace and hotel opens in Las Vegas.

12 August: Massacre of Braybrook Street. 3 plainclothes policemen are shot dead by Harry Roberts, John Dundy, and Jack Witney. All are sentenced to life imprisonment.

19 August: The Varto Earthquake, measuring at 6.8 on the Richter scale. It killed 2,394-3,000 and injuring at least 3,000 individuals.

30 August: A new Japanese election law was passed by both the House of Representative and House of Peers. Marking Japan the first democratic country in Asia to switch to a Proportional Representative system.

1 September: Ralph Baer writes a four page document on the basic principles of a video game to be played on television.

8 September: The anime series Space Battleship Yamato airs on Japanese television for the first time.

16 September: The beginning of the North-South football rivalry. Between Hanoi FC and Saigon FC. A game that ended in a close victory for Saigon FC spurred the rivalry.

18 September: The Oakland Alameda County Coliseum opens in Oakland, California.

30 September: For the first time in the 20th Century. The combined GDP of the Indo Pacific region is larger than the combined GDP of continental Europe.

3 October: The construction of the first mosque in the Commune of France was met with much controversy. Spurring a debate within the Syndietern about Religion, Oppression, and Minority Rights under Socialism.

5 October: A series of roadway accidents in the Italian Riviera created a massive 10 hour traffic jam.

10 October: France and Britain sign a joint treaty for cooperation in Nuclear Research.

14 October: The Nakajima Strike. A general strike was called by unions after failure between Nakajima management and Union representatives to reach a deal on payment. The strike lasted 10 days.

21 October: The AFL-NFL merger was approved by the American Congress.

27 October: Korea has reached the status of a Middle Income country.

4 November: Floods of the Arno river in Italy hit Florence, flooding it to a maximum depth of 6.7m, leaving thousands homeless and destroying millions of masterpieces of arts and literature.

10 November: Seán Lemass retires as Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland.

12 November: A total solar eclipse occurs.

15 November: Two couples in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a weird moth-like creature, which would become known as the Mothman.

17 November: Somalia becomes the first African country to reach Middle Income status.

30 November: A French Naval Task Force docks in Barbados, West Indies Federation. Triggering a scare in America that French warships would attack the Southern Coast of the Union State.

2 December: An attempted vote by the Japanese UN representative to call an end to the North American conflict fails in the General Assembly.

18 December: Dr Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas, narrated by Boris Karloff, airs on the CBS Network. Beginning an annual Christmas Tradition in the Union State.

24 December: New York TV Channel WPIX broadcasts the Yule Log for the first time. Starting a Christmas Tradition for New York.

31 December: Eight Paintings worth millions of pounds were stolen from the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London. It was recovered in a week.
 
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1967, Turn 19
The years go so fast. Work's being done, progress are being made, and most of all. Japan seems as prosperous as ever. But yet, dark clouds are within the Horizon, as a looming election season comes with a new election system, and the potential chaos that's about to unfold, and to the conflict in South Africa, seemingly raging on without end. And perhaps, a potential quagmire closer to home, in the most unexpected of places.

Monarch Points: 0

Monarch Point Opportunity. You will get 5 Monarch Point should you complete the task successfully.

This is perhaps the final barrier in Japanese society that people don't break, the barrier everyone secretly debates about but completely in hushed tones. In a free society such as Japan. It feels very... odd that such topics are discussed like one were a dissident in some authoritarian state, and yet, this specific avenue of discussion is nonetheless forbidden to talk about in Japanese society, with real repercussions for anyone that breaks it.

Lèse-Majesté. The insult of the Emperor himself, is a very forbidden topic within Japanese society, and apparently this law was tested in a very unexpected way. A person who identifies as a 'Republican' stood up in a traditional soapbox, straight off the Imperial Palace, and hurled insults to the Emperor, talking about the necessity for Japan to become a 'true Democracy' in order to lead the Eastern World from the Socialist West. He posits that the Emperor must step down and the ranks of the nobility and Emperor be permanently abolished.

He was subsequently arrested, but not before making such a spectacle that there is now a fierce debate around Japan about the necessity of such laws, and this debate is getting hotter by the minute.

By any measure, a politician should stay away from passing a measure for or against such a thing, but that is when you got a call from the Imperial Palace itself, and the subsequent meeting with the Emperor reveals that he wants this law revoked, he did not give a detailed explanation as to why, other than 'We must turn a page in our history.'

He promises you significant political leeway in future legislation should you enact his will, so what will you do? Remember that elections are one year away, and this is not a settled issue at all, but the promises from the Emperor is also incredibly hard to resist.

Crises that needed addressing.

Continuation of the South African War.

On the surface, the South African conflict seems to rage on, both the Socialist and Democratic factions are fighting, with the White Minority caught in the middle, Japanese 'volunteers' from all three branches of the Imperial Japanese Military are fighting fiercely, but the infiltration attempts from Namibia and Zimbabwe kept happening.

This conflict must end one way or another.

We are in a stagnating point in the conflict, even though last year's offensive failed, it also took out a lot from the Socialist Southern African states' side as well, lost initiative, some equipment losses, and most importantly, fear of the Japanese Nightstalker planes. Perhaps we should go to the negotiating table and try our luck there? Or do we continue our escalation in preparation for another attack?
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The Army/ Air Force Debate.
The conflict in South Africa, as well as the war in North America, has spurred a debate within the Japanese military circle as well. This time though, much to our fortune, the debate is only strictly academic in nature, no more killings and targeted assassinations that make up the fierce Army/ Navy rivalry of the early 20th century Imperial Japanese Military. Whatever trace of that legacy was practically killed in the '61 coup, and the military officials that sided with the government decided to turn a new leaf.

But this debate is still nonetheless important. Since it will decide the direction of the entire Japanese military apparatus for decades to come, if not forever.

On one side, we have the army advocating that we should focus more on Air Defenses and Artillery, invest more in crew training in IADS and giving away light forms of artillery potentially to the squad level. We're not talking grenade launchers here, but 60mm mortars. The IJA faction reasoned that the Air Force could not be relied on should a potential 3rd Weltkrieg situation occurs, since most of their airbases in the Volga and East Russia would be primary targets, and such a degree of 'operational independence' from the Air Force is necessary.

On the other hand, the IJAF faction argues that the Japanese government must invest more in our Air Force. F-1 Nightstalkers, carrying anti-radiation missile, has proven their worth in the conflict in South Africa, and the planned next generation combat aircraft will have even more advanced capabilities and range, not to mention our VTOL aircraft project as well. They advocate for making the Air Force 'tougher', investing more in AWACS aircraft, building more variants of fighter planes, and diversifying our aircraft inventory. Air Cover provided the Japanese victory in the war against Savinkovist Russia they added, not artillery.

We will not spend more money in our defense, merely focusing our efforts in a certain sector, but both sides agree that we must take a side, because the current situation is not satisfactory to both sides.
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Action Points
[X] Occupied with the moon program (will end until the Japanese lands on the moon, may be modified)
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network (will end in 1970)
[X] Occupied with JXRNET funding (will end in 1969)
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Rebrand the Imperial Japanese Military
Imperial, bah! Such an old term. It evokes images that are by this point incredibly uncivilized and harkens back to an era of barbarity and brutality, an era of Imperialist Nations, an era of Colonialism, of subjugation and suppression. As a country that has taken the mantle of being the bearer of Liberal Democracy (as unlikely to the world as it may seem), there is a growing discrepancy between our actions and our labels. And the Imperial Japanese Military is one such label.

There is a real will within both the Political and Military circles, especially after 1961. To rebrand the Imperial Japanese Military into a new agency. Make it less Imperial and perhaps more... Royal, perhaps?

The Royal Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force of Japan does have a nice ring to it, and public opinion does back such a measure. A veritable shoe-in really.

The 5 languages of Formosa law
Formosa, or Taiwan, or Taihoku, is an island south of the Japanese archipelago, and it is a burgeoning place. A place of wide opportunities and beautiful scenery, of high economic growth and a dynamic population. It is a place where Chinese immigrants go in order to stake a living in Asia's most developed country, it is also the first region in Japan where a large number of European refugees flock to when Japan opened it's doors to the growing refugee crisis resulting from their expulsion from a Socialist West.

And it is this law's intention that their presence is recognized and respected. It would make an exception, just for Taihoku, to adopt 5 official languages for governmental duties. Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, French, English, and German. A nod to all the major people groups that now inhabit the island, road signs would be changed, government offices will be rebranded, and society as a whole will be reorganized. It's a tough law to stomach among the old elite, but the will within the Japanese public, especially in Formosa, is there, and they demand for it.

Lobbying and Corporate Influence Law (Campaign Promise)
This is considered No. 1 in legislative priority for this year. It will pretty much ensure that campaign contributions from Zaibatsus and major corporations with employees above a certain limit (which will be fixed to 1 million yen unless one were to amend this law) is banned, meetings between Corporate officials/ lobbyists and government officials within the legislature would also be monitored by a third party (the OSI) and any attempt from the Zaibatsu or major Corporation to extract some kind of favour from the governmental official would be met with a fine deducting a certain percentage of the official's annual pay.

The only allowable form of massive private campaign contributions would be from Small/ Medium businesses or private individuals, and even then there is a hard limit set by the election committee, that will prevent campaign contributions to exceed a certain limit (set at no more than 50% for an independent candidate, and 25% for a party candidate), while funds from MoF towards public funding of political campaigns would be set as well. Effectively making the funding of political campaigns the government's job and not the job of the party/ private donors.

The Shakai Taishuto, in practically it's entirety, is ADAMANT that this law be passed before next year's election. Since they have no desire of potentially giving up their absolute majority in parliament, and then having to potentially compromise with other parties that have received generous campaign contributions from private forces. This could set a worrying trend in Japanese democracy, for the Taishuto's election prospects, and the purpose of the party as a whole.

If you have to pass just ONE law for this entire year, the Taishuto will demand that it will be this law be passed.

Workers Rights or Breakup (Campaign Promise)
The law concerning Zaibatsus and Workers Rights is a proposal from our Shakai Taishuto members coming from the Aomori region. Also known as the Zaibatsu law, it's premise is brutally simple. IF you are a big business operating in Japan, you should ensure that your workers, ALL your workers, are set a standard of living that complies with the law, and you will comply to regulators checking up and ensuring you follow the standards for work safety laws, working hours, and other working rights under Japanese workplace laws. Break it, and the Japanese government will initiate proceedings to fine the company a certain percentage of it's gross profits, and perhaps, completely breakup the Zaibatsu and prevent it's subsequent 'disintegrated companies' from joining each other, or any other Zaibatsu, ever again.

Many will argue that such a law is redundant, that Japanese workplace laws are already good enough in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment, but this specific piece of legislation will pretty much ensure that the price of breaking the various rights of the working man will be incredibly costly for the company.

Formation of JICA
JICA, or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is an idea proposed by Foreign Minister Kijuro Shidehara. It would involve turning responsibility for all our current foreign investment program under One Government Agency, the formation of JICA will pretty much ensure that we can further fine tune our foreign investment/ aid money since supervision of these projects, whether it's grant money for Hyundai Rotem, continued Mantetsu funding, and even Railway modernization in Insulindia would be all under one roof.

The main problem? Well, it's super tricky. Since JICA's formation would be a direct attack on MITI, The Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance, ALL of them incredibly powerful government agencies with Civil Servants that has high influence in Japanese Politics. MITI alone is a giant to conquer, MITI, FM and MoF altogether? Well, Kijuro Shidehara can handle the Foreign Ministry, but MoF and MITI fighting against your agenda will be...

Just don't underestimate Civil Servants.

Reevaluate the Iron Triangle
A political concept popularized by the German Elite during the era of the Kaiserreich. It generally states that Big Business Conglomerates, the Bureaucracy, and the Government all have an overriding interest in reinforcing their power structures at the expense of everyone not inside of it. The practice of this concept was refined to a T during the glory days of the Kaiserreich, but was shattered when French tanks broke through the Siegfried line and outflanked the Germans in Alsace-Lorraine.

And we don't wanna end up like the Germans now do we?

This will be a gigantic effort, and will take years, if not decades, you're not even sure if you wanna go forward with this. But should you want it, passing a series of labour reforms, strengthening workers rights, create antitrust legislation (will be a first in Japan), and make Japan more Democratic is a surefire way to prevent the self reinforcing power structures in the Triangle from going too far.

GIDC Project: Port Klang and Tanjung Priok expansion
Still a massive project proposed by the Insulindian and Malayan delegates, but considerably more conservative. The cities of Klang and Jakarta is set to begin expanding their port facilities to meet the demands of their rising middle class, and unfortunately they are still trying to entice investors across Australia, Japan and New Zealand to fund their project. It will no doubt be a significant boost to the Insulindian and Malayan economies should the expansion be approved as a GIDC Project, but nonetheless, it will count for tens of billions of dollars of funding for the next couple of years.

Still more feasible than what the Indians are proposing though.

GIDC Project: The Caucasus Chains
With the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, our caucasus members are proposing a series of road and rail networks that can criss-cross the caucasus mountains, perhaps bringing travel times down to a matter of hours in some areas. This project does have a military angle to it, allowing the rapid deployment of Middle Eastern CPS members into Russia, and Vice Versa should the big war happen. But it also serves a purpose of further linking the Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia into the wider CPS economic network, boosting their economies as a result.

Shall we do it?

The Green Revolution, bringing it to bear
A Proposal from the East Russians, the Green Revolution has revolutionized the way Russians eat their grains. Increased irrigation and further fine-tuning of their crops has allowed significantly increased crop yields within the northern country, not only that. The Green Revolution within Russia has also been exported into the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and parts of India as well. Significantly increasing food harvests and potentially improving the dietary qualities of the people living there.

Perhaps it is time to bring these various miracles into the wider CPS.

A PR campaign promoting the usage of these new selectively bred crops into the wider CPS, alongside with grants from our government for irrigation and pesticides should the farmers that want to use these high yielding crops need more resources to increase their yields. This project could also be exported outside as well. Into countries such as Mexico, Nigeria, Denmark, and many others that obviously want some more food security. This is a simple project, very straightforward, but it'll cost you.

GIDC Project: The Tibet 'Windmills' network
Tibet, after signing a very technical treaty with China and India, has agreed to not build any dams within their river networks in order to provide some security for both the Indians and Chinese. The Yangtze and Brahmaputra river valleys both originate in Tibet, and construction of a dam in a country where these sources of water originate which is a big no no for both countries.

Tibet is also a rapidly developing country that needs electricity, and is currently importing most of their electricity from Chinese coal plants, a drain in the budget that could potentially be used for other things such as infrastructure and welfare.

Tibet is planning on changing this, and they're gonna use Windmills as their primary weapon. This is a decades long project, only capable to bear fruit in the 80s, but the potential for money is high, and the potentials for scientific advancements that could be used for other sectors is also very high. Should we look further into this 'Wind Turbine' proposal Tibet's been banging about? Our Universities have been able to generate power from wind, but such a gigantic project, to power an entire nation from wind power, is radical.

The Fukuoka-Busan connector
This is not a GIDC Project, but it could very well would be in terms of scale and scope. A bridge spanning from Fukuoka into the sea, before dropping down into the ocean, ending up in a tunnel reaching Busan, a physical connector between Japan and Korea. And for that matter, Japan and Greater asia. The engineering for this project would be something else, but it is within the realm of possibility.

It would also connect the islands of Tsushima and Iki, which would bring increased economic development into both isles, with also the possibility of making a Rapid Train line from Fukuoka into Busan. A promising project, but who will fund it?
 
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[x] Plan The Emperor Is -not so- Sacrosanct! 1.0

[x] Launch a thorough investigation on *Republican*
- If he has ties ANY ties to the West Syndies make said ties public, throw the provocateur in prison and never speak of him again, Imperial desires be damned.,
-If he is a genuine ideologue make certain he gets his day in court, since he did commit a crime and the law is the law is the law and then pass a quiet amendment on the lesse majeste law, striking out punishment for general criticism or even calls for abolishment of the monarchy. The articles about inciting violence or launching death threats against the Monarch stay though.

[x] Keep fighting both in the battlefield and out of it.
-Have your diplomats in the various European and African capitals sent out feelers for a cease fire agreement and what manner of peace terms our opponents are looking for. But the military operations will continue without pause. Let there be no mistake, the feelers are NOT a sign of weakness.

[x] Side with the Airforce
-The Army has more than enough toys to play with. And current conflicts had been crystal clear on who carries most of the weight of rapid deployments and interventions. The Army will keep, the Airforce cannot and will not be left behind the curve.

Lobbying and Corporate Influence Law (Campaign Promise)
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Ban massive campaign contributions for parties and independent politicians alike. A hard limit on contributions and financing by large corporations will be set, said limit to be decided on a yearly basis by the OSI. Exception to said law will be contributions by regular party members or crowdfunding ops by the parties themselves such as lotteries, dinners, rallies. To ensure the smooth operation of political parties they will be funded by the state budget. The size of said funds will depend on the size of the party -number of registered, paying, card carrying members- and electoral percentage -of the 2 latest NATIONAL elections.

The Green Revolution, bringing it to bear
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The stunning success of the so called Green Revolution, an ingenious combination of carefully selected and raised crops and seeds, nitrate fertilizer and other -heh- revolutionary measures that multiplied the crop yields of East Russia MUST be brought to the wider CPS. Food Security had alway been a specter hanging over the Empire even in its most glorious days. Typhoons, tsunamis, draughts and other mostly natural disasters seasonaly put a strain on the food supply of the Home Islands, the Wider Empire and the CPS, demanding massive and aggressive action both political and military to ensure that starvation is kept at bay. Getting rid of that specter will ensure the legacy of both politicians and Monarch that manages it and most important of all may open new venues of diplomacy, soft this time around,
 
[x] Plan The Emperor Is -not so- Sacrosanct! 1.0
 
1967 Results, Turn 19
Lese Majeste revision law passes without much controversy, but the sentencing of the Republican gathered minor controversy (You get 3 Monarch Points)

While the trial of the Republican took the nation by storm, with intense television debates hosted by the NHK and other news channels regarding the status of Lese Majeste in a nation supposedly defending Democracy. The law that would change Lese-Majeste itself passed quietly and without much fanfare through both houses, signed by the Emperor immediately when it entered his office.

It was only after the sentencing of the man, the court making the sentencing as light as possible due to the changes in the law. That the public realized that talking about their Emperor freely, except calling for his death or inciting a crowd to call for his death, was now legalized, and then a minor public debate ensued before fizzling out once more. A good exercise in political maneuvering for all that's concerned. Although the Emperor was disappointed that the Republican was still sentenced to jail. So you only get 3 instead of the 5 he promised you.

Relative success on both the Diplomatic and Military fronts when it comes to South Africa (You rolled a 12)

The feelers were actually met with a rather warm reception, especially from the African nations of Angola and Mozambique. They felt that the Japanese were sincere with the efforts, and soon enough, limited peace negotiations were conducted at locations throughout the globe.

Negotiations went rather well with the African Syndicalist representatives when it comes to negotiating a peace in the war. They didn't specify anything, just some pleasantries about needing to end the war in 'due course', but saying nothing much more than that. Japanese diplomats pressed the African Syndicalist reps for a peace treaty this year, but they moved back and forth when it comes to that. Not signaling anything close to a peace treaty.

While on the military front, the situation had improved for our side. There is a new type of helicopter being fielded by the army in the Spring of this year, carrying rocket launchers and a 30 mm autocannon that can shred any light vehicle, and this has improved the mood of the troops, who are able to call in fire support more readily, since artillery would need travel time to get there and aircraft can be rather inconsistent at times. There are no significant changes in the front, but incursions from the African Syndicalist nations have slowed down.

Air Force victory paves the way for Next Gen Fighter program, CAS Aircraft, Strategic bombers, and airlift planes (You rolled a 10)

With the victory for the Air Force in the military discourse. The floodgates in terms of funding is opened up. The Air Force is set to expand it's manpower to some 600.000 men. Quite an increase in personnel, and also plans for the Next Gen fighter aircraft has gone up in the priority scale, as well as a CAS Aircraft, a Strategic bomber with supersonic flight capabilities, as well as a new generation of Propeller driven Cargo Aircraft to complement the CP-1.

Pictured below are concept designs for the Next Gen fighters (one multirole and one dedicated air superiority fighter), the CAS aircraft, the strategic bombers, and the new Cargo Aircraft.
Both next gen aircraft will be highly maneuverable, carry significantly more missiles, feature a more computerized cockpit, and able to switch roles from dedicated Air Superiority, CAS, Anti-Ship strike, and everything in between.

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The dedicated CAS Aircraft would be able to go Supersonic, and carry significantly more diverse armaments than the conventional FA-1. While the FA-1 needed extensive modifications in order to be a Nightstalker Aircraft, the new CAS plane would be able to carry dedicated Anti Radiation warheads straight from the factory. It is also a much easier design to modify and maintain. With a potential navy version being discussed.

A solid design with promising future.
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Supersonic Bomber, with sweeping wing design. Able to carry more bombs than the G12N. While also capable of going Mach 2+
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If you think that this Aircraft is smaller than the CP-1. That's because it is, this new design prioritizes STOL, better fuel efficiency, longer range, and higher altitudes rather than carrying ability. Take it as a complement to the CP-1, while the heavy cargo aircraft role is reserved for the CP-1. This new plane would be able to carry everything in between. A middle ground between needing to ferry cargo fast via the C-1/ C-2, or needing to ferry a lot of cargo via the CP-1.

Lunar module being constructed, with potential for preliminary moon mission being discussed by JASA (You rolled a 17)

Flight testing of the Lunar module is being done right now in the Tanegashima facility, and it seems that the Astronauts being enrolled for the moon mission seems familiar enough with the spacecraft that they can land the module in the moon should the reach the moon's atmosphere. Furthermore, discussions for a gigantic rocket. Potentially the largest rocket ever built by humanity, is being seriously considered, especially considering the challenges associated with a moon mission.

A slam dunk when it comes to regulating Corporate Interests (You rolled a 20)

This is bound to be a party line vote. Even the opposition was sure of it. There is also a lot of warning signs that the Corporate World will not take this well and will fight the government at every nook and cranny they can find when it comes to legislating something this unprecedented.

And while fights did happen in the offices of the representatives and in the Corporate Boardroom. The voting proses itself went relatively smoothly, sure there were a lot of fights between representatives of the Taishuto and the Minseito, but nonetheless the Taishuto bill sailed through both houses and was signed by the Emperor before the end of the year. Signifiying a big victory for the Japanese Social Democrats.

Your chances of winning the election is raised, as if that needs to be talked about after the passage of this bill.

The Green revolution is already making waves all across the CPS. (You rolled an 11)

The rice yields from Insulindia, Siam, and Burma has already seen significant increases after the introduction of the new seeds, while more drought resistant crops being fielded to Somalia, Ghana, and Ethiopia is already making waves as well. It seems that the rollout is going well, although some roadblocks ahead could be envisioned by the food security planners.
 
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World Events, 1967
10 January: The first foreign investment law in Insulindia was drafted.

18 January: Operation Fugaku, a joint military operation all across the Frontier of South Africa, was launched. It involved the first usage of a Japanese Attack Helicopter.

26 January: The Congress of the Union of Britain passes a law mandating extended labour protections in the Steel Industry. This is the first extensive labour law targeting a specific sector for the UoB, since union power in Britain is very strong. It involved a lot of campaigning and negotiations of the Steelworkers Union in the UoB.

2 January: The American Basketball Association was formed.

5 February: Japan launches the Tsukuyomi 5. Yet another Lunar Probe into the moon. From 1964-1967. Japan has launched 5 lunar probes into lunar orbit. Bringing valuable scientific data.

10 February: Tunisia and Algeria became the second and third African countries to hit middle income status, and the first ones in 'Socialist Africa.'

18 February: In a firefight in Montreal. Two handlers supposedly coordinating Kennedy's assassination was shot by American agents. Which fled by car. They were killed by Canadian authorities after attempting to cross the border by force.

1 March: The city of Hatogaya in Saitama was founded.

6 March: Mark Twain Tonight, featuring Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain. Premieres in CBS Television in the Union State.

18 March: SS Torrey Canyon ran aground in the coast of Cornwall, Union of Britain. Causing an Oil Spill incident.

29 March: British Fleet Air Arm and Air Force bomb and sink the grounded SS Torrey Canyon, in an attempt to burn the vessel and prevent further oil spills from polluting the ocean. The ship sank after some 161 bombs and 16 rockets were launched.

4 April: Martin Luther King and Malcolm X deliver a joint speech denouncing the North American War. Boosting the American push to end the conflict.

9 April: The First Mitsubishi Skyjet 300 takes flight.

14 April: In local elections for London's city council. Syndicalists win out over Radical Socialists and Totalists. Appealing to more 'common sense' reform packages over the Radsoc's more abstract appeal to decommodify and demarketize the economy, and the Totalist's authoritarianism.

27 April: Negotiations to formally end the North American war begins in earnest. Set in the city of Toronto.

4 May: A comprehensive Japanese law regulating business interests in elections was passed in a party line vote. The law would significantly reduce the ability for large private organizations to influence elections via campaign donations and introduce public funding for Political Parties.

7 May: GO Transit. Canada's first interregional rail transit organization, was first established.

8 May: Hong Kong 1967 Riots. Labour issues in the city of Hong Kong bubbled up to the surface and riots ensued. After the riot's end. Chinese President Chiang Ching Kuo publicly announces that he will 'make improving working conditions his administration's first priority.'

20 May: The springtime movements in France and Britain. Peace protests break out across cities across France and Britain. Demanding an end for both the North American and South African wars.

1 June: A Japanese attack helicopter was shot down for the first time in the South African conflict. It's pilot was taken hostage by Mozambique forces, and was eventually released after some negotiations.

4 June: Stockport Air Disaster. A civilian plane crashed near Stockport, Cheshire, England. Killing 72 people. It is one of the worst civil aviation disasters in British history.

8 June: The Hatsuyuki Incident. The IJN Hatsuyuki, first of it's class, was nearly fired upon by French navy forces during a routine mission escorting transport ships carrying equipment for Japanese forces in South Africa.

27 June: Buffalo peace riots. A peace protest in the city of Buffalo. New York. Turned into rioting as American riot police accidentally shot dead a peace protester.

28 June: The first ever Automatic Cash Machine (voucher based) is installed at a Sumitomo Bank office in Tokyo, Japan.

4 July: Homosexuality is declared legal in the Commune of France.

10 July: Heavy rains and landslides batter Kobe and Kure, Hiroshima, Japan. Killing at least 371.

11 July: New Zealand officially changes to the New Zealand Yen. With 1 New Zealand Pound equivalent to 100 New Zealand Yen.

29 July: A massive air crash accident on the Kaga. A Japanese carrier, leaves hundreds dead and the carrier having to be towed to port for massive repairs.

1 August: The first 'Turbotrain' prototypes makes it's first test runs in the Colorado countryside. This is the first glimpse of the American High Speed Rail program unveiled to the public.

13 August: A '1 year truce' was signed and formalized between all 4 combatants of the North American War, and would be observed throughout the rest of the year.

17 August: The first 'marine radios'. Radio stations in the sea that can broadcast nearly anything, due to being in international waters. Airs for the English audience. Australian and Japanese marine radios would soon sprout out as well.

25 August: American National Populist Party leader George Lincoln Rockwell was assassinated by an unknown assailant in Arlington, Virginia.

1 September: Volga Trucks Incorporated was founded in the city of Volgograd, East Russia. The company would later be the premier truck manufacturer for trucks in Russia and Central Asia.

17 September: A riot at a football match in Kayseri, Turkey. Leaves 44 dead and 600 injured.

18 September: The first drafts for a dedicated aerial refuel tanker for the Air Force and Navy is designed. Previously. Cargo aircraft with dedicated pylons for aerial refueling would do the task for mid-air refueling for the Air Force, and another fighter jet with fuel pylons would do the job for the Navy.

1 October: A tri-national exercise between India, Tibet, and China. Ends in tragedy as a friendly fire incident killed some 25 soldiers of all sides.

12 October: The American Secretary of State declares in a Congressional hearing that 'peace in America is within sight.'

19 October: A French launched probe overflies Venus.

25 October: The Abortion Act of 1967 was passed by the British Congress. Making abortions in certain situations legal in the Union of Britain.

26 October: The Housing and Development Board of Malaya was founded. In charge of taking care of all public housing properties all across the country, it is also tasked with ensuring the long term health of public housing all across the country.

3 November: After long debate. The Federation of Malaya would have 4 official languages. English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin Chinese.

8 November: Lee Siu-Lung. Otherwise known as Bruce Lee. Begins his acting career in Hong Kong cinema.

10 November: The 'Cold war in the tracks.' The organizing committee in Le Mans bans all 'Non Socialist' racing teams from participating. After losing time and time again to Japanese racing teams, this sudden ban would set off a row between the Japanese and European racing worlds.

28 November: The first pulsar was discovered by observers in the constellation of Vulcepula.

1 December: Jimi Hendrix releases Axis: Bold as love

4 December: A volcano erupts in Deception Island, Antarctica.

11 December: The Supersonic Airliner Concorde was unveiled in Toulouse, France.

29 December: Hyundai Motors was founded in Korea.
 
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1968, Turn 20
1968. A year that is set to be very important for Japan. An election, some crises, and a very, very radical proposal coming from the French and British has reached our ears. You might wanna hear them on this one.

Crises that needed addressing

The 1968 Election

This will be an incredibly important election for everyone involved. The first Japanese election that uses the Proportional representation system, and the first Japanese election where the future of each political party involved is uncertain.

On one hand, we have the incumbent Shakai Taishuto. Their performance from 1964-1968 has been phenomenal, with the first female Prime Minister outdoing herself, but the new system may bring in unexpected developments for the ruling Japanese Socialist Party, perhaps some misunderstood ballots? Some confusion among voters? A segment of the population highly upset at the current government and may vote in another party?

An upset is very much possible, who will you vote?

[ ] Cast your vote and reasoning (every user must vote once)

The Hatsuyuki Incident and what should be done next

The Hatsuyuki is the bleeding edge in Japanese technology when we're talking about Destroyers. Armed with SAM's, Advanced Fire Control Systems, Anti-Ship missiles and an array of radars and sensors that makes the ship incredibly hard to destroy. Still though, last year's incident involving the ship and the French navy is incredibly concerning, the fact that French Naval forces nearly fired on us is cause for concern enough, the fact that repeated hails from the Hatsuyuki didn't dissuade them from nearly firing upon us is also a cause for concern.

Is this a sign that the Europeans might not be happy in our involvement in South Africa? How will you respond to this? The press has caught wind of this and are publishing it, and the public is demanding that we respond.

[ ] Write In

The South Africa Peace Treaty

Speaking of conflict. It appears that the negotiations between us and the Southern African Syndicalists have bore fruit. A peace treaty that will partition South Africa into 4 states, 2 Syndicalist and 2 Democratic. With South Africa and Botswana being Democratic, while Zimbabwe and Namibia being Syndicalist, is being proposed by the Southern African Syndicalist states. This is technically a win for both of us, we would have 2 democratic states in Southern Africa, while the Syndicalist revolution further grows with the addition of two more states into the Socialist world, but it is theoretically possible for us to push further, prolong this conflict even further for even bigger gains?

The choice is yours.

[ ] Write In

Mantetsu Renegotiation

Speaking of foreign matters. Another issue has come to light. It has been 20 years ever since the Mantetsu treaty was negotiated in 1948, and the Chinese is not satisfied with just a 50-50 split of the company. Under Chiang Ching Kuo, their revolutionary new President, the Chinese are now demanding that they have absolute control of the company. A 60-40 split in favour of the Chinese.

This is an issue of National Importance for the Chinese. China has come a long way since 1948, and the Manchurian Railway Company doesn't play a significant role anymore in the Chinese economy, but this is a matter of pride for China. Long has this company been a source of Japanese control over Chinese affairs, and China wants this symbol back in their hands.

[ ] Write In

A Nuclear Non-Proliferation pact?

A curious proposal from the French and the British, with a similar proposal being sent to DC with a peace treaty set to be signed on the summer of this year. This is a treaty that will limit the amount of nuclear warheads each country could possess, and, crucially, allow the development of Anti-Ballistic Missile weaponry should any of them try to develop such weapons.

The ABM provision while simultaneously limiting the number of nuclear warheads might be perplexing, but a word from our ambassador in London and Paris indicates that there is still massive desire in both countries to spread the Socialist revolution, and Mutually Assured Destruction would prevent the achievement of their objectives.

Looking at the Syndietern's reach across the globe. It makes sense from their perspective. They have Europe, and significant parts of Africa and the Americas under their control, the fact that South Africa is about to be partitioned 50% in their favour has done no favours in stopping their expansionist mindset.

Should we sign it?

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Action Points

[X] Occupied with the moon program (will end until the Japanese lands on the moon, may be modified)
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network (will end in 1970)
[X] Occupied with JXRNET funding (will end in 1969)
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Rebrand the Imperial Japanese Military
Imperial, bah! Such an old term. It evokes images that are by this point incredibly uncivilized and harkens back to an era of barbarity and brutality, an era of Imperialist Nations, an era of Colonialism, of subjugation and suppression. As a country that has taken the mantle of being the bearer of Liberal Democracy (as unlikely to the world as it may seem), there is a growing discrepancy between our actions and our labels. And the Imperial Japanese Military is one such label.

There is a real will within both the Political and Military circles, especially after 1961. To rebrand the Imperial Japanese Military into a new agency. Make it less Imperial and perhaps more... Royal, perhaps?

The Royal Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force of Japan does have a nice ring to it, and public opinion does back such a measure. A veritable shoe-in really.

The 5 languages of Formosa law
Formosa, or Taiwan, or Taihoku, is an island south of the Japanese archipelago, and it is a burgeoning place. A place of wide opportunities and beautiful scenery, of high economic growth and a dynamic population. It is a place where Chinese immigrants go in order to stake a living in Asia's most developed country, it is also the first region in Japan where a large number of European refugees flock to when Japan opened it's doors to the growing refugee crisis resulting from their expulsion from a Socialist West.

And it is this law's intention that their presence is recognized and respected. It would make an exception, just for Taihoku, to adopt 5 official languages for governmental duties. Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, French, English, and German. A nod to all the major people groups that now inhabit the island, road signs would be changed, government offices will be rebranded, and society as a whole will be reorganized. It's a tough law to stomach among the old elite, but the will within the Japanese public, especially in Formosa, is there, and they demand for it.

Formation of JICA
JICA, or the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is an idea proposed by Foreign Minister Kijuro Shidehara. It would involve turning responsibility for all our current foreign investment program under One Government Agency, the formation of JICA will pretty much ensure that we can further fine tune our foreign investment/ aid money since supervision of these projects, whether it's grant money for Hyundai Rotem, continued Mantetsu funding, and even Railway modernization in Insulindia would be all under one roof.

The main problem? Well, it's super tricky. Since JICA's formation would be a direct attack on MITI, The Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance, ALL of them incredibly powerful government agencies with Civil Servants that has high influence in Japanese Politics. MITI alone is a giant to conquer, MITI, FM and MoF altogether? Well, Kijuro Shidehara can handle the Foreign Ministry, but MoF and MITI fighting against your agenda will be...

Just don't underestimate Civil Servants.

Reevaluate the Iron Triangle
A political concept popularized by the German Elite during the era of the Kaiserreich. It generally states that Big Business Conglomerates, the Bureaucracy, and the Government all have an overriding interest in reinforcing their power structures at the expense of everyone not inside of it. The practice of this concept was refined to a T during the glory days of the Kaiserreich, but was shattered when French tanks broke through the Siegfried line and outflanked the Germans in Alsace-Lorraine.

And we don't wanna end up like the Germans now do we?

This will be a gigantic effort, and will take years, if not decades, you're not even sure if you wanna go forward with this. But should you want it, passing a series of labour reforms, strengthening workers rights, create antitrust legislation (will be a first in Japan), and make Japan more Democratic is a surefire way to prevent the self reinforcing power structures in the Triangle from going too far.

GIDC Project: Port Klang and Tanjung Priok expansion
Still a massive project proposed by the Insulindian and Malayan delegates, but considerably more conservative. The cities of Klang and Jakarta is set to begin expanding their port facilities to meet the demands of their rising middle class, and unfortunately they are still trying to entice investors across Australia, Japan and New Zealand to fund their project. It will no doubt be a significant boost to the Insulindian and Malayan economies should the expansion be approved as a GIDC Project, but nonetheless, it will count for tens of billions of dollars of funding for the next couple of years.

Still more feasible than what the Indians are proposing though.

GIDC Project: The Caucasus Chains
With the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, our caucasus members are proposing a series of road and rail networks that can criss-cross the caucasus mountains, perhaps bringing travel times down to a matter of hours in some areas. This project does have a military angle to it, allowing the rapid deployment of Middle Eastern CPS members into Russia, and Vice Versa should the big war happen. But it also serves a purpose of further linking the Caucasus countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia into the wider CPS economic network, boosting their economies as a result.

Shall we do it?

GIDC Project: The Tibet 'Windmills' network
Tibet, after signing a very technical treaty with China and India, has agreed to not build any dams within their river networks in order to provide some security for both the Indians and Chinese. The Yangtze and Brahmaputra river valleys both originate in Tibet, and construction of a dam in a country where these sources of water originate which is a big no no for both countries.

Tibet is also a rapidly developing country that needs electricity, and is currently importing most of their electricity from Chinese coal plants, a drain in the budget that could potentially be used for other things such as infrastructure and welfare.

Tibet is planning on changing this, and they're gonna use Windmills as their primary weapon. This is a decades long project, only capable to bear fruit in the 80s, but the potential for money is high, and the potentials for scientific advancements that could be used for other sectors is also very high. Should we look further into this 'Wind Turbine' proposal Tibet's been banging about? Our Universities have been able to generate power from wind, but such a gigantic project, to power an entire nation from wind power, is radical.

The Fukuoka-Busan connector
This is not a GIDC Project, but it could very well would be in terms of scale and scope. A bridge spanning from Fukuoka into the sea, before dropping down into the ocean, ending up in a tunnel reaching Busan, a physical connector between Japan and Korea. And for that matter, Japan and Greater asia. The engineering for this project would be something else, but it is within the realm of possibility.

It would also connect the islands of Tsushima and Iki, which would bring increased economic development into both isles, with also the possibility of making a Rapid Train line from Fukuoka into Busan. A promising project, but who will fund it?

Southern Islands autonomy law
This is a most interesting proposal from our Southern Isles MP's. Despite our focused investment into our Southern Pacific territories, in most areas such as educational attainment, average and median incomes, healthcare outcomes, and life expectancy. Life as a Japanese in our Southern territories is still much austere and less prosperous than living in Taihoku or Osaka. This is something that can bring unrest should we let it fester.

Perhaps certain autonomy on economic issues, and some self governance could be a potential solution. This law would loosen Tokyo's authority to direct the economic direction of our Southern Island territories, and will allow the Prefectural governments in the southern isles to have more autonomy on various matters. Mostly regarding economic matters such as certain regulations allowing and disallowing certain economic activities, but also some political autonomy such as the ability to schedule their own elections (within reason of course).

This does not really infringe on Tokyo's ultimate authority on matters of Foreign Policy and high level economic decisions though. Only free local authorities to create regulations that fit the needs of their local constituents.
 
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Hmmm. I think accept the South Africa peace treaty. Not sure about the nuclear pact.
 
[X] Plan Something Old and Something New

[X]
Shakai Taishuto. A Steady Hand is needed for the Ship of State.

The Hatsuyuki Incident and what should be done next


[X] We shall continue escorting shipping to our allies in Southern Africa until the end of hostilities. While we desire peace we shall respond with appropriate force if fired upon. We shall also provide all records and documents from the Navy that can be safely released to show we were in the right.

The South Africa Peace Treaty

[X] We agree to the agreed peace proposal. We also ask for a limiting of armed forces for a period of 10 years, the return of Prisoners of War and allowing civilians to move from one neighbor to another for a period of two years.

Mantetsu Renegotiation


[X] If China wishes to purchase ten percent of our share we shall be willing to sell it to them.

A Nuclear Non-Proliferation pact?


[X] We shall push for a Test Ban Treaty, the limiting of WMD in Space and the Oceans and a modest reduction in stockpiles.

Action Points

[X] Occupied with the moon program (will end until the Japanese lands on the moon, may be modified)
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network (will end in 1970)
[X] Occupied with JXRNET funding (will end in 1969)
[X] Rebrand the Imperial Japanese Military
[X] The Green Revolution, bringing it to bear
 
Oh snap.

Forgot about the Green Revolution. That was a mistake on my part, Eliar already enacted such a law last year.
 
[X] Plan Something Old and Something New V. 2.0


[X]
Shakai Taishuto. A Steady Hand is needed for the Ship of State.
-Not much to say really i was reluctant last time cause they were newcomers and unknowns. Now results speak for themselves

The Hatsuyuki Incident and what should be done next

[X] We shall continue escorting shipping to our allies in Southern Africa until the end of hostilities. While we desire peace we shall respond with appropriate force if fired upon. We shall also provide all records and documents from the Navy that can be safely released to show we were in the right.
-We shall not blink

The South Africa Peace Treaty
[X] We provinsionally agree to the peace proposal. We also ask for the return of Prisoners of War and allowing civilians to move from one neighbor to another for a period of two years. It goes without saying that our forces will remain in place as long as the Syndics are there and off course for as long our allies are willing to have us.

Mantetsu Renegotiation


[X] If China wishes to purchase ten percent of our share we shall be willing to sell it to them. IF and only if it is done at a low key, respectful manner for all involved. Make it clear to the Chinese leadership that this is not a matter suitable for nationalistic fervor or trying to earn cheap political points. We are willing to have an envoy attend a modest handover ceremony that emphasizes on the deep bonds between our people, the value of continued cooperation and hail the Chinese takeover as a matter of routine and deepening economical integration. We hear a peep about imperialism and colonialism in any official manner all bets are off.

A Nuclear Non-Proliferation pact?

[X] We shall push for a Test Ban Treaty, the limiting of WMD in Space and the Oceans and a modest reduction in stockpiles. All overseen by a supranational UN agency with all relevant parties having access to it.

Action Points
[X] Occupied with the moon program (will end until the Japanese lands on the moon, may be modified)
[X] Occupied by the full electrification of the Japanese train network (will end in 1970)
[X] Occupied with JXRNET funding (will end in 1969)
[X] Formation of JICA
-Dumping increasingly ludicrous ammounts of money on peripheral and allied giant infastracture projects exarberates and increases the lure and danger of massive corruption, graft,embezzlement and cronyism.Japanese civil servants are some of the best paid and disciplined in the world but rellying on work culture alone and trying to push trillions of yen along a multitude of agencies each with its own fiefdom of officials and their opaque procedures is a recipe for disaster
- Invest 2 monarch points

[X] The 5 languages of Formosa law
 
[X] Plan Something Old and Something New V. 2.0
 
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