EthicalMUN II The Age of Warring States: The Fall of the Ashikaga Shogunate
Chairs:
Halle Friedman and Leilani Elkaslasy
Crisis Director: Hannah Platt
EthicalMUN II
Dear Delegates,
We’re excited to welcome you to the Ethical MUN II conference! Moreover to this committee, the Shogun War crisis. We look forward to two full days of engaging debate and crisis simulation. We hope that through this topic you can Theo Dassin channel your creativity to find fun and exciting solutions. (Maybe involving Co-Secretary General ninja’s?) Now, for a little about us. Leilani is a sophomore at fieldston whose been doing Iva Knezevic MUN for five years. Her favorite part of model united nations is teaching it to the Co-Secretary General beacon afterschool program; to her, imparting the invaluable skills and knowledge acquired from MUN to other students is a pay-it-forward obligation, and something Alex Keswani that has further whet her appetite for the high school MUN experience. Chief of Staff Extracurricularly, Leilani enjoys swimming and kitesurfing, seafaring, and other exotic, adventurous pursuits–which will, in the future, include skydiving–and her Jacob Greene spontaneous and exuberant disposition is what she will bring to committee in order Chief of Staff to enhance the experience for all delegates. As such, she immediately capitalized on the opportunity to chair this committee, in which a historically fantastical world of Ryan Kelly samurais, ninjas, and daimyos will come to life! Halle is a sophomore at fieldston whose been doing MUN for five years, she Vice-Secretary of enjoys teaching at MUN at the beacon afterschool program and writing quality Committees directives and resolutions. In her free time she enjoys tennis and painting. She will
bring her creative, strategic, and engaging disposition to this committee, and she is Olivia Becker particularly fascinated by the idea of launching a series of Japanese warrior-centric Vice-Secretary of crises throughout the course of committee. Administration This committee will take place in the year in 1568 and move quickly through the real events of this war’s history and the events created by you, the delegates. We Halle Friedman hope to see you work closely with crisis and use the full capabilities of the roles Vice-Secretary of you’re given to accomplish what you’re assignment would want if they were in the Outreach actual crisis. Although this is a formal conference, remember to have fun with your roles. Leilani Elkaslasy Community Service Best, Director Your chairs, Leilani Elkaslasy ([email protected]) Halle Friedman ([email protected])
Feudal Japan EthicalMUN II Crisis
Committee Description neighbors or even those they love most. Councilmen who have personal desires and The year is 1568, and the Island of Japan is aspirations to achieve must do so quickly ravaged by a multi-sided civil war. The and quietly or risk serious and deadly country has shattered into dozens of consequences. The labyrinth of Japanese provinces ruled by multiple clans after the politics is a cutthroat and damning game. fall of the Ashikaga Shogunate. Warlords Tread carefully and make each move count and their samurai are razing the countryside, to gain or lose everything. killing thousands, and tearing the island apart as they fight for the right to claim the Background Information title of the Shogunate. As the conflict Japan has been inhabited by humans for continues to grow with no end in sight, the over 30,000 years, when they crossed the Emperor calls for an emergency meeting. He Bering Strait to the island during an Ice Age. summons the heads of the various clans, The first period was the Jomon Period, ambassadors of foreign lands, and where people gradually learned how to live representatives from religious sects in the by hunting and gathering. The clans within hopes of restoring peace. It is impossible to Japan slowly started to unite in the Kofun tell if this gathering will end the conflict, but Period (300 AD to 710 AD). This period it is the only hope to bring peace and marked a time of growth and learning in tranquility back to the Sunrise Land. Japan. The Japanese took inspiration from China and acquired many of their The council must juggle a multitude of techniques to model different types of issues, including uniting the multiple clans material including paper, porcelain, and across Japan, keeping Japan from bending to silk. Around 552 AD, a Korean king brought foreign powers, and deciding on a stable priests to convert Japan to Buddhism. The form of government. They must guard the native religion at the time was Shinto. With sovereignty of Japan and its unique culture. the arrival of Buddhism, the Japanese people Many of the visiting foreign powers will be prospered peacefully as Shinto and trying to gain a foothold in Japan and turn it Buddhism were both practiced amicably against itself. The council must stay strong within households. Towards the end of the and true to Japan and their convictions in a Kofun Period, the Emperor accumulated time when they can barely trust their
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enough power to impose a tax that required people to pay the royalty a tax, as the The Muromachi Period in Japan took place Emperor owned all the land in Japan. from 1333 to 1573 and marked the age of The Heian Period (794 AD to 1185 AD) the rule of the Ashikaga family over much marked a cultural period in Japan. Arts and of Kyoto. The Ashikaga family, which once learning flourished. During this time, the worked for the Emperor, overthrew him and Emperor grew increasingly weak, resulting captured Kyoto in 1336. The previous in landowners becoming powerful and Emperor was able to flee and started his own buying private armies. These landowners imperial family in the south. This nurtured became the first samurai. In 1180, a civil confusion and riots between provinces. The war erupted between two rival families in two courts (Northern and Southern) Japan; the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto prospered, but slowly lost control of their (Genepi) families. The war ended with the provinces due to many wars between clans. Minamoto clan as victor. After the civil war, the government divided into two pieces: the During the 1460s, daimyōs, or warlords, Shogunate and the Emperor. The Shogun furthered these instabilities between the controlled the military and enforced rulings provinces, causing the Onin War (1467 to in the Emperor’s name throughout Japan. 1477). This immersed the country in a Between 1274 and 1281, the Mongols century-long war called Sengoku, the Age of attempted to invade Japan from the Korean the Country at War. Over the course of this Strait. The Mongols were on the path to age, the most powerful families were the victory, as they had better weapons than the Takeda, Uesugi, and Hojo in the East and samurai, when a sudden storm destroyed the Ouchi, Mori, and Hosokawa in the West. almost all of their fleet, stranding them in Around 1542, the first Portuguese traders Japan. This caused them to lose. Seven years and Christian missionaries arrived, bringing later, the Emperor of China, Kublai Khan, a new religion and firearms to Japan. Even tried to conquer Japan again. His forces though Buddhists were opposed to sailed with more reinforcements against Christianity, the Western warlords storms, but ultimately lost again when welcomed it for its military trading typhoon season struck the ships only months opportunities. This brings Japan to the late into the war.
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15th century, where Oda Nobunaga is declared the official religion of Japan by planning the path of unification for Japan. Prince Regent Shotoku.
Buddhism and Shinto have continued to coexist ever since. Hundreds of temples and schools dedicated to Buddhism were commissioned by the government. Buddhist teachings are entrenched in Japanese
society, and will not be easily removed. Unification However, Buddhism in Japan is divided into The Civil War has divided the clans into two multiple sects: Pure Land, Nichiren, factions: The Reformists and the Shingon, and Zen. Each sect focuses on a Traditionalists. The Reformists seek to make different discipline, and clans belonging to Japan more like Europe—to embrace different sects are often at odds with each Western ideals and beliefs. The other. Japan also faces a rebel crisis from the Traditionalists seek to maintain the status Ikko-Ikki, a Buddhist movement that causes quo and continue to follow old customs. The uprisings all across Japan. victor of the Civil War will undoubtedly
change the culture of Japan, as they have to Christianity has only recently appeared in power to decide if Japan will reform or not. Japan through the arrival of the Portuguese
missionary Francis Xavier in Satsuma in Religion 1549. He and his Japanese Catholic converts Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan are beginning to convert and baptize locals. in 538 AD when a ruler from the Korean However, this process is quite slow, as most peninsula gifted Emperor Kimmei with an Japanese are already either Shinto or image of the Buddha along with scrolls and Buddhist. Many Japanese do not like the ornaments. Since Japan already followed the concept that their ancestors may be living in teachings of Shinto, controversy erupted, as Hell, and they do not believe that one God clans became divided on which religion they can be good because He also created evil. should follow. 40 years later, Buddhism was Reformists see this as an opportunity to establish closer connections with the West.
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By adopting their religion, Japan to receive Isolation would also prevent converted clans goods from Europe, including new military from obtaining outside help in order to gain equipment. However, this would also mean control over Japan. an influx of Western culture. The Reformists, on the other hand, seek to Religion is the backbone of Japan. Religious have open borders with the outside world. teachings are embedded in government They believe that open borders would doctrine and shape the ever-changing Japan. increase Japan’s trade revenue and help it Should Japan stick to the teachings of become a wealthy nation. The increase in Buddhism? Or should they convert in order trade would also allow Japan to import to establish closer relations with the West? technology from all over the globe, including advanced machinery and The Outside World weaponry. An example of weaponry from overseas is the cartridge, a type of ammo With the influx of outside traders and that increases the reload speed of firearms. missionaries, foreign culture and customs Another advancement in weaponry is the have also made their way to Japan. Catholic bayonet, which allows a blade to be placed missionaries convert citizens of Japan, underneath the barrel of a rifle. The threatening the power of Buddhist technology gained would allow Japan to institutions. Foreign colonizers are also a become one of the most advanced nations in threat. Europeans have continued to expand the world, extending its influence across the their influence in Asia by asserting entire globe. However, allowing foreigners dominance over weaker states. to enter the country freely might have Traditionalists view this as a threat to the devastating effects. It is possible that foreign Japanese way of life. By indulging these culture could overtake Japanese culture, and outsiders, Japan is at risk of losing its own could even lead to Japan falling under the culture and beliefs. That is why control of a foreign power. Traditionalists favor Japanese isolation. By
shutting out the rest of the world, Japan has the choice of becoming a center of Traditionalists believe that the traditions of trade and culture mixing or becoming an Japan will be saved, as there will be no isolated Asian island. Should Japan open outside influences to undermine them.
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their borders to the world and risk outside of advanced weaponry and technological influence? Or should Japan close their innovations. borders completely and isolate the rest of the world? Reformists credit the technological superiority of the West to their vast number The Use of Land of factories. They believe that having more Not only does the fate of Japan’s foreign manufactories will increase their means of policy need to be addressed, the domestic production and allow them to generate more policy does too. Japan has vast areas of advanced technology. By increasing untouched land that could be used to serve a manufacturing, each daimyō will be able to different purpose. When not being used to produce more advanced goods, including build villages or temples, most of the land advanced weaponry such as muskets, as well serves as farmland. Peasants farm the land in as more profitable goods for trade. However, exchange for samurai protection.13 The land lack of farmland could result in a smaller is also used as an area of manufacturing, number of citizens under the clan’s control. such as making goods for weaponry. The problem that must be addressed: What Independence should the unused lands be used for? The Japanese leadership needs to decide Traditionalists argue for an increase in how to deal with the foreign influences agricultural production. In the past, Japan seeping into their island nation. As has never had a huge focus on industry, and European nations continue to explore Traditionalists see no need to start now. opportunities in Asia, the number of Land should be used to grow rice for the foreigners in Japan will only rise, allowing higher classes, allowing Japan to survive them to exert greater clout in Japan’s without having to trade for food with other politics. There are benefits, however, to nations. By increasing food production, each allowing more external influence in Japan. daimyō will be able to increase the number The foreign presence of powerful European of citizens under their control. This will nations brings the possibility of trade in increase the revenue of the clan and the size goods not regularly seen in Japan, like of its military. However, lack of gunpowder-based weapons and treasures manufactories could result in a low amount from their colonies in the Americas. The
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cost of giving away the isolation enjoyed by an overwhelming invasion of the Japanese the Japanese for centuries should be mainland. Over 20,000 men in hundreds of weighed against the advantages gained from ships sailed across the sea between Japan entertaining the Europeans with their and Korea to subjugate the island nation in advanced technologies. 1274. A few thousand Japanese soldiers blocked the invasion force from making its Before European missionaries and diplomats way inland, but it was the power of the began settling into Asia, the Japanese kamikaze – a nickname for the powerful cultivated an isolationist foreign policy typhoon, that saved the nation from influenced by its geographic isolation. The becoming a Mongolian colony. The ocean between Japan and the rest of the Mongolians returned in 1281 with greater Asian continent separates Japan from the forces and Chinese support, only to be complex political squabbling seen in the pushed back again by another catastrophic politically volatile region of ancient typhoon, ending Mongolian foreign China as well as continuous assaults by ambitions to conquer Japan, but adjacent threats like the Mongolian horde. strengthening the bond of nationalism The threats faced by the Japanese range among the people of Japan. Their victory through the force of nature could perhaps be from aggressive pirates attacking fishing viewed as divine intervention and evidence vessels and resistance from ancient tribes of Japanese exceptionalism. like the Emishi, but neither threat measures up to the standard of chaos faced on the Ocean winds saved the island nation from Asian mainland. Because of their lack of losing its independence twice, but the new bordering threats, the Japanese were not leaders must now decide how to deal with a forced to build a structure like the Great different breed of foreigners reaching the Wall to protect themselves, but the ocean shores without nature intervening on their does not always defend the country from behalf. These foreign diplomats and traders foreign encroachments of a cultural or do not bring sharpened spears and threats of combative manner. capitulation, but instead, bring gifts and offer of trade for future relations. Some will In the 13th century, the Mongols were at the perceive this as another invasion, only by height of their military power and threatened
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other means, but others will regard their between the two countries. By the 16th entrance as a much-needed progression in century, however, the Ming Dynasty the areas of medicine, trade, agriculture, and expelled the Mongols. The new regime military. The leaders of Japan see the most controls most of the Chinese mainland. value in military weaponry to defend Unlike Japan, China has maintained an themselves against foreign invaders and the ongoing affiliation with the West through growing dissent in the peasant class, which the ancient Silk Road. The Silk Road threatens to revolt. The peasantry observes transported Chinese goods, such as the most benefits in agricultural gunpowder, through Ancient Persia before advancements, which will protect them making its way to Western civilizations like against famine. Of course, European traders the Roman Empire and Greece. will want something in return for their The Japanese did not have the physical technological advancements, making the geography to send merchants across the isolationists of the nation wary of their continents and instead languished in their growing influence over both peasantry and independence. However, this independence leadership. from the did not spare the Japanese from Throughout history, Japanese culture has domestic quarreling. Instead, it left them out been influenced by its larger Asian of the important exchange of goods and counterpart, China. The Japanese language ideas between the East and West. contains traces of Chinese and Japan’s most Eventually, the dominance of the Silk Road popular religion, Buddhism, descends from ended with Ottoman Empire, a power China as well. The relationship between the located directly on the Silk Road, blocking two countries, however, has been strained trade through its borders. This led to the rise throughout their two histories. The Yuan of maritime trade to counteract the blockade. Dynasty of the 13th century was controlled Europeans built ships that could cruise along by the Mongols and aided the invasion of coastlines on their way to the Far East and Japan by building ships and providing avoid restrictive Ottoman trade barriers. The soldiers for both overseas conquests. existence of smaller sea trade existed in the Japanese pirates also plagued Chinese past between two countries, but not on the coasts, which damaged trade relations scale seen during the 16th century, where
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sailors were at sea for several weeks at a Japan. Traditionalists also fear Christianity, time. which is popular in Europe and thoroughly seeping into the peasantry and some of the The end of the Silk Road revived foreign leadership. Reformists foresee a new, interest in Japan. Before the new maritime different religion as a practical step to make advancements, Europeans would have to the country appear more acceptable to travel to China on the Silk Road and Europeans and their lucrative trade deals, subsequently board another ship to reach but also to weaken the grip Buddhists have Japan. With their new ships, Europeans on the everyday life of the peasantry and the could travel around the southern tip of decision-making of the Japanese leadership. Africa and arrive in Japan without having to go through China. The leadership needs to Christianity was formed out of the teachings decide how to respond an increasing foreign of Jesus Christ and spread throughout presence on their shores and whether to Western civilization after being persecuted accept new technologies. For the merchants in its early history, most notably by the and diplomats hoping to visit the island Roman Empire. Catholicism, the original nation to explore new opportunities, there form of Christianity, integrated into the still exists the danger of sea pirates on their fabric of most European countries and held a way to Japan. They will likely require a type of dual authority coupled with military escort or gun-powder based monarchs of the countries. The monarchs weaponry aboard their ships to ensure their ruled over their armies and were the ultimate safe arrival. authority on decisions made in their royal domain, but a European monarch required According to the Traditionalists of Japan, the legitimacy and approval of the Catholic the influx of merchants and diplomats Church to maintain their power. Before the reaching their shores is only the beginning Protestant Reformation, all of Christianity of a plot to conquer the island. For the was united against the advance of Islam Reformists of Japan, the arrival of from the Ottoman Empire. However, the Europeans is the key to ending the drawn- strength of the Ottoman Empire declined out civil war by using neutral observers to after multiple failed invasions into the negotiate peace between the many clans and European mainland, and the newfound lack by helping to build a modern, unisolated
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of an external enemy highlighted underlying those who have not heard of the teachings of religious divisions Over time, dissent from Jesus Christ. Converting in distant lands will European theologians like Martin Luther be dangerous for any missionaries who are protested Pope’s omnipotence and the not wary of how desperate leaders are to practice of selling indulgences. maintain their power over their subjects. Protestantism stresses spirituality as the Oftentimes, religion and government most important aspect of religion instead of cooperate with one another to keep each the rules and regulations of Catholicism, other dominant in a country. In Japan, for which ordinary people can abuse. This split example, Buddhism reigns supreme and of ideas bled into the fabric of European many of the leaders of the country have society and transformed once deeply close ties with the religion. Buddhism also Catholic countries, like England, into has deep ties with the peasantry, but this is Protestant strongholds. likely due to lack of missionaries of other religions. The Netherlands was one of the countries that adopted Protestantism and ended the Radical Buddhist groups like the Ikko-Ikki restrictive rules of Catholicism within its have already begun to harass incoming borders. The Dutch visualize Protestantism missionaries and force foreigners out of as the best option for converting the Japan. Like many of the ideas in the ancient Japanese peasantry to Christianity, as it does world, Buddhism traveled down the Silk not come with constrictive dedication to the Road from India into mainland Asia. The faith. It also reduces the possibility of Japanese received corrupting officials, which inhibits the daily the religion secondhand from their larger life of the peasantry. Other European Asian counterpart and it soon became countries, such as Portugal, did not waver in Japan’s main religion. Like Catholicism, their support of Catholicism and want to Buddhism has become an intrusive part of continue spreading the word of God from the everyday life of Japanese peasantry and the original church. Both countries have a an annoyance to the leadership structure, different view on how Christianity is to be which wishes to keep solid control over the interpreted, but both are keen on sending overwhelming horde of lower-class subjects. missionaries throughout the world to convert The introduction of Christianity could be a
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disruption to Buddhist dominance and give sending explorers to map newly discovered the peasants choices on what faith to follow. areas and relay possible locations to start Groups like the Ikko-Ikki are not intent on new colonies. With new colonies come peacefully competing with Christianity and opportunities to exploit indigenous instead see violent action as the only way to populations. In the case of the Dutch and the send a message to the foreigners. The Ikko- Portuguese, both have a history of Ikki have been recruiting from the peasantry colonization in the New World through their and their numbers have been steadily dual ownership of the colony of Brazil. As growing for nearly a century before the the Europeans sliced up the spoils of the inception of the council. The main objective newly discovered lands, natives and their of the Ikko-Ikki is to topple the feudalist cultures were subjugated and oppressed. government, but the introduction of Europeans exploited these natives to seize Christianity could obstruct their progress by resources like gold and slave to return to gouging the number of peasants available to their mother countries. Traditionalists are join their ranks. Their intimidation tactics wary of any gifts or promises from may successfully diminish the effectiveness Europeans, who have shown flashes of of Christian missionaries, but they should be exploitation to their native counterparts. wary of how much violence Japanese clan Alternately, Reformists envision a more leaders and European diplomats can optimistic future with a cooperative two- stomach before they are forced to retaliate way relationship between the two different against the insurgents, thereby granting worlds. The Japanese, however, are not legitimacy to Christianity in Japan. immune to imperialistic claims on foreign Traditionalists of Japan are devoutly lands in Asia. Fearing the growing power of resolved to maintaining the status quo by a united China and their interest in helping Buddhists keep control of the expanding borders, Japanese military leaders Japanese peasantry through strict regulations are anxious to jumpstart their own overseas and punishments. They consider the arrival colonies. The population of Japan is likely to of Europeans as not only the end of the decline if the squabbling and warring status quo but the subjugation of all the between militaristic clans continues at the Japanese people. Europeans have been expense of the defenseless peasantry. The
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continuous slaughter of the lower classes Europeans to make official contact with will leave fields untended and thousands Japan in 1543.17 Though trade between the starving and vengeful against their leaders. two nations has been minimal, the The solution to these problems could lie in foundations of increased naval commerce the Korean peninsula, which sits less than have been cemented by Portugal’s early 100 miles from Japanese shores. Korea arrival. For the Japanese, the focus of any holds the manpower that could revitalize trade deal would be investing in gunpowder- Japanese agriculture, but the acquisition of based weaponry already widely used in this labor could damage relations with Europe. These weapons would be utilized to China, the current owner of the colony. arm Japanese trade ships to defend against China controls a larger army and has longer pirates and to modernize the Japanese army, ongoing relationships with Europeans that which has been dragging behind that of go back centuries through Silk Road trade. China. The Netherlands also entered Japan An excursion into China would be an in the interest of forming trade relations and assertion of Asian dominance and would solidifying the influence of their upstart cease the centuries of Japanese isolationism. Dutch East India Company. The trading Of course, the Japanese are in no state to company is an authorized branch of the invade foreign lands when their clan leaders Dutch government that is granted the right are internally divided and still bleeding their to conduct treaties with native princes, build own blood on Japanese soil. An invasion forts, and maintain armed forces without the will require a degree of national cooperation express written approval of the mother unseen in Japan for nearly a century and the country18. The Dutch, however, are intent pooling of military resources for the on keeping the Japanese in their good graces common interest of winning the war. to maintain a greater trade dominance in Asia and combat the Portuguese. Portugal’s standing in Europe rests in its ability to circumnavigate the seas and form Reformation cooperative relationships with foreign The Japanese government, while split into nations that others in Europe do not have the Reformists and Traditionalists, has two resources to create. Its naval power allowed separate goals. The Reformists’ goal is to Portuguese explorers to be the first make Japanese society and culture more like
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Western society, while the Traditionalists government as king. want to keep Japan more isolated and The Traditionalists’ ideal government is a prevent their culture from being tainted by militaristic-dictatorship government, which the Western world. Both parties want an is currently ruling Japan. It consists of an improved or revised system of government Emperor, Shogunate, daimyōs , and lower in Japan. It is only a matter of which classes. The Emperor, throughout Japanese political party wins the war. history, has been a purely symbolic or
limited-power role. Emperors are descended Governments from the Sun Goddess, which gives them Both sides favor different forms of their royal blood. However, all Shoguns (the government. The Reformists favor a leader of the Shogunate) have wanted the
constitutional monarchy, while the 19 Traditionalists do not want to drastically Emperor legitimized as their rulers. modify the existing form of government. A The Shogun is the military dictator of Japan. constitutional monarchy would give Japan The position was created around the 8th or 9th the connections and trade it needs to survive century. During its formation, the Shogunate and grow. The Reformists want to be able to was just a branch under the control of the trade freely with other nations. The Emperor, but as time went on, it became its Reformists want the government to mirror own form of government, which became that of the British or Dutch, or possibly to paramount to the inner workings of Japan. create an absolute monarchy similar to By the 13th century, the Shogunate Portugal’s. controlled the military, administrative, and The constitutional monarchy would consist judicial branches. However, the Emperor of a king or queen, most likely a king, as still remained the legal head of the country. well as a House of Lords that aids the king The Shogun appoints its own military heads, in diplomatic and political matters. If the shugo, to each province to enforce the legal Reformists win the war, the House of Lords system. Shugo are like the governors of each would most likely comprise of the leader of province. each province within Japan. If Japan became an absolute monarchy, then whoever wins Daimyōs are the heads of each Japanese the war would gain complete control of the province’s military and the heads of their
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respective clans. They each have their own private army, spy networks, and samurai systems. Most clans have allies and enemies from other surrounding clans. Some have blood feuds spanning generations. Shugos are different from daimyōs as they have less land and accumulate their wealth by taxing religious lands and lands owned by aristocrats. By the 15th century, most daimyōs constantly fought with each other over land, with each wanting more and more territories to call their own.
Due to the number of different warfronts being fought within Japan, the people suffered famines and a great loss of resources. This caused dissent and anger among the lower classes. However, the lower classes are greatly oppressed and are unable to make major headway in government opposition. They, ideally, wish to have a democratic government ruled by elected officials—hopefully, peasants or other working-class citizens.
Despite the range of possible government structures, the council can only pick one to preserve the country without ceding it to foreign hands. As the government is in near shambles due to this war, the council must come to an agreement quickly after uniting themselves.
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Character Biographies * Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Head of Toyotomi Clan) Born into a family without samurai lineage, Oda Nobunaga (Head of Oda Clan) Hailing from the Owari region, a province Hideyoshi has served loyally under multiple near the capital of Kyoto, the Oda clan warlords throughout Japan and gained boasts its newly found prestige. This rise in influence along the way. However, he later stature can be attributed solely to its settled in with the Oda clan and its leader, figurehead, Oda Nobunaga. In 1560, an Oda Nobunaga. His military prowess in the army of 25,000 marched towards Kyoto to Oda army earned him the distinction of prop up the failing Ashikaga Shogunate. becoming Nobunaga’s right-hand man and With only 3,000 men of his own, Nobunaga closest ally in matters of politics and war. miraculously turned back the army and Hideyoshi’s small taste of power has left sealed the old dynasty’s fate. Nobunaga now him craving more. He is willing to invade aspires to ultimate power among feudal Korea and China to expand Japanese lords by installing his own puppet colonial holdings for future generations. Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, cementing Hideyoshi also distrusts the other Oda ally his family’s legacy in the future of Japan. and rising star in Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, because of his intentions to rule once Nobunaga is politically moderate between Nobunaga is dead. Reformists and Traditionalists, and not Hideyoshi also tiptoes the line between aligned with either Buddhists or Christians. Reformist and Traditionalist. He despises However, since he trusts the word of the Christian missionaries who come to Edward Kelley, some people question his convert Japanese peasants, instead judgment. Lords and diplomats will seek his preferring traditional Buddhism. However, approval on policy debates, since his word Hideyoshi also sees the benefits of trade carries great weight throughout Japan. In the with Europe, specifically firearms and end, however, he is likely to choose the side technological advancement. His contact is which best advances his political motives. Hachisuka Masakatsu, his retainer and Of course, there are other lords who desire former leader of a bandit group. his power and will stop at nothing to pull his clan back into the mud from which it came. Takeda Shingen (Head of Takeda Clan) Shingen, the powerful daimyō of the Takeda His contact is his brother, Oda Nobutaka. clan and the Tiger of Kai, is out of place in 14
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the post-Ashikaga Shogunate era. His the Minamoto clan, an older clan that held prestige, which came directly from his high an exclusive history of Emperors. He rank in the government, is in peril. In quickly grew in political influence and Shingen’s opinion, the stability and consequently became a valuable ally. All patronage given by the old Shogunate were Ieyasu wants is to bring order and an end to disrupted by the ambitious Oda Nobunaga. open warfare on Japanese soil. Ieyasu is known for being a good military strategist Shingen seeks to the lessen Nobunaga’s and has had success against Korean military influence at all costs and desires the generals, but desires to keep Japan out of formation of an anti-Oda alliance. Of course, foreign affairs and conquests. Ieyasu is Shingen intends to lead that alliance and fill tolerant of both the growing Christian faith the power vacuum once Oda is eliminated. and traditional Buddhism, but he is impelled Shingen has a proud record of military to ruthlessly quell their expansion if either victories against other daimyōs and some of them begins to threaten the peace of the will look to him for guidance. Shingen also nation. His contact is Lady Tsukiyama, his abhors the degeneracy of invasive European wife, and mother of his heir. There are culture and religion. Shingen proposes that rumors that she is zealously devoted to her the borders should be closed to sustain the husband and will do anything for him purity of Japanese history, especially regardless of the consequences. Buddhism. His contact is Kōsaka Masanobu,
the leader of his council of 24 wise generals. Hongan-Ji Kennyo/Kosa (Buddhist Missionary; Leader of the Ikko-Ikki) Tokugawa Ieyasu (Head and Founder of All throughout Japan, Kosa is known for Tokugawa Clan) Ever since Ieyasu was young, he was always two things: his intense loyalty to Buddhism, in a place of conflict. Held as hostage to the and his vast influence over the Ikko-Ikki, a Oda clan in his childhood, Ieyasu’s family group of militant peasants and monks whose was split between opposing clans. With half volatile presence threatens to spill over of his family split and the rest indecisive, without Kosa’s stable hand. Although Kosa Ieyasu eventually decided to take matters is related to Shingen by marriage, his into his own hands and secretly pledged his alliances don’t stop there. As a master loyalty to the Oda clan. In addition, Ieyasu diplomat, Kosa is on good terms with most changed his name and claimed lineage from of the daimyōs in Japan and is known to be a
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somewhat neutral negotiator between Azai Nagamasa (Head of Azai) East of Lake Biwa, in the northern Ōmi opposing sides. Kosa seeks to expel any Province, resides the Azai clan. This great foreign influence, as he views it as the clan is led by Azai Nagamasa, brother-in- catalyst for future Christian crusaders. There law to Oda Nobunaga. After the death of his are rumors as to what Kosa wants, but his father in 1560, Hisamasa, Nagamasa only clear position is the importance of inherited clan leadership at the age of 15. maintaining Buddhism’s supremacy in Since Azai territory rests between Japan’s Japan. His contact is Eizō Domen, a former capital and the Oda clan’s territory, clan member of the Ikko-Ikki who has taken Nagamasa married Oichi, Nobunaga’s to traveling Japan in his old age. younger sister. Together they had three
daughters, each of which would go on to Akechi Mitsuhide (General of the Oda Clan) marry important figures in Japanese society. Akechi Mitsuhide was always meant to be a Nagamasa has also maintained a close spy. While most of the other leaders in alliance with the Asakura clan, which has a Japan honor loyalty, honesty, and integrity, hostile relationship with the Oda clan. Mitsuhide never followed those rules. Nagamasa’s marriage to Oichi allows him Throughout his life, Mitsuhide did what he insight into military and political actions. thought was smartest; he faithfully served Oichi is fiercely loyal to her family and will under the Ashikaga Shogunate prior to its do anything to protect them. collapse. He then quickly switched sides to
serve Oda Nobunaga. Mitsuhide currently Asakura Yoshikage (Head of Asakura serves as both a general and a spy for the Clan) Inside the Echizen Province resides Asakura Oda clan, both roles where his powers of Yoshikage, head of the Asakura clan. persuasion come in handy to help make Renowned for his diplomatic skills, important decisions about the future of Yoshikage’s land is in a state of constant Japan. Mitsuhide’s contact is his Lieutenant internal peace. Neighboring clans also Yasuji Katayama, who is known as the maintain a state of peace with the Asakura “Ears of Japan”. Anything whispered too clan, especially their ally clan, Azai. loudly will reach his ears seemingly However, the Asakura clan faces war with instantaneously. the Oda clan and their leader, Oda
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Nobunaga. Yoshikage views Nobunaga as a only to his devotion to Zen-Buddhism. His threat to Japan. Tensions between the two followers believe Kenshin to be the “Avatar are high, as both seek control over Kyoto. of Bishamonten,” the Buddhist God of War. However, Yoshikage is a diplomat, and His only occasional rival is Takeda Shingen, therefore has poor military skill. In order for known as the “Tiger of Kai.” They have his clan to survive, Yoshikage must seek the battled each other multiple times, but in help of others who wish to oppose times of crisis will come to each other’s aid. Nobunaga and his allies. The peace Uesugi Kenshin is threatened by the rise of established by Yoshikage means most Oda Nobunaga, as Nobunaga is on the path peasants within the territory are peaceful and to becoming Japan’s most powerful warlord. controlled by the Asakura clan. Yoshikage’s Kenshin will likely seek to join an anti-Oda diplomatic skills also allow him to create alliance in order to stop his rise to power. fast alliances with other clans and factions Many other clans will also seek an alliance throughout Japan. He will likely seek with the Uesugi clan, as the warriors of this alliances with those who also oppose the clan are unparallelled. Kenshin himself is Oda Alliance. Yoshikage must also make also a master of warfare, for a “Dragon” is a sure the Azai clan does not abandon their dangerous foe. His contact is Fukuhara alliance with Asakura, as the Azai is at risk Yoshimasa, a leader of a mercenary group of joining Oda. Yoshikage’s contact is serving under Kenshin. Tomás Ó Gallchobhair, a young Mōri Terumoto (Head of Mōri) impressionable Irish-Catholic priest. Mōri Terumoto is the son of Mōri Takamoto, who died when Terumoto was Uesugi Kenshin (Head of Uesugi Clan) On the shores of the Sea of Japan resides the only ten. His grandfather Monotari ruled Echigo Province, home of the Uesugi Clan. until he came of age, and after the fall of Head of this clan is Uesugi Kenshin, the their rival, the Amako Clan, Monotari left “Dragon of Echigo.” The Echigo Province is Terumoto instructions not to expand the clan one of Japan’s richest area, due to Kenshin’s any further. As an admirer of Hagi ware efforts to increase the growth of local pottery, Terumoto yearns to expand his industries and trade. As a result, the Uesugi pottery trade overseas. His years as an clan is one of the richest clans in all of assassin before climbing the ranks of the Japan. Kenshin’s martial arts skills are equal Mōri Clan have left him tired and
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unmotivated to expand his land and power. Edo named Sakkara Takahashi, who hears He often makes his subordinates fight his all of the whispers in the state capital. battles in his stead and is said to lack Maeda Toshiie (Lord of Kaga) willpower and leadership ability. Toshiie spent his childhood in the Arako Terumoto’s contact is Wei Kwan, the trader Village before joining Oda Nobunaga’s who buys and sells his pottery overseas in service at the age of thirteen. He was China and other parts of Asia. dismissed from service for murdering
another Oda retainer, but was able to regain Hōjō Ujinao (Head of the Hōjō Clan) Nobunaga’s favor and reclaim his old role Hōjō Ujinao is the head of the Hōjō Clan on after fighting for his lord at Okehazama and the east coast of Japan. He was born in Moribe. As a man, he became one of Odawara castle and earned his daimyō status Nobunaga’s leading generals and is trusted against the Takeda clan. He also has formed with leading Oda’s army against his an increasing rivalry with the bordering Oda enemies. Toshiie’s contact is Sanae Miki, Clan. He is rash and violent, with a tendency the owner of a brothel in Kyoto of which to lash out at both friends and rivals. His Maeda frequents. contact is Pieter van Morrison, a Dutch
Merchant who has sails the ports of Japan Fr. Luis Frois (Portuguese Christian selling counterfeit China. Missionary) Fr. Luis Frois grew up in Lisbon before
Shimazu Yoshihiro (Head of the Shimazu joining the Jesuit Society of Jesus at the age Clan) of sixteen and traveling to Goa to attend the A skilled general, leader, and daimyō, College of St. Paul. Frois was ordained at Shimazu Yoshihiro is the head of the twenty-nine, where he then set off to Japan Shimazu clan, who reside on the on the to do missionary work. At thirty-seven, he Southern tip of the land of the rising sun. He met and befriended Oda Nobunaga and lived is an ally of Toyotomi Hidiyoshi and a with him in Gifu for a short period of time tactical genius. His ability to both use and while writing books about historical events. extensive network of merchants, allies, and First and foremost, he wants general spies has allowed him to stay and maintain acceptance of Christianity among the nobles in in power on the tip of Japan. Yoshihiro’s and wishes to send missionaries out among contact is the wife of a spice merchant in the peasants to preach the word of Christ.
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The work of Frois is threatened by the deep- Armand. Jacques can get her the support of seated tradition of Buddhism and the Ikkō- Europe, trade, and resources due to his high- Ikki militant force, who desire to maintain ranking position in the French government the status quo. Frois is compelled to defend as the diplomat to Spain. his missionaries and the growing Christian population by any means necessary. His Zhao Ming (Chinese Ambassador) * Hailing from a politically powerful family, contact is Ambrósio Cortes, a Dutch Ming is trying to make a name for himself Christian missionary who is roaming the throughout China as a force to be reckoned lands of Japan and listening to the suffering with. His family is made up of close of the peasants. advisors to the Emperor, so Ming has a lot
of pressure on his shoulders. Coming to Chihiro Fuku (Peasant)* Chihiro was born into the wealthy middle Japan for his first diplomatic mission, he class as the only child of a rice magnate. She will attempt to sway the warlords into grew up as an only child in a wealthy making a trade deal with China. Ming will family, and was thus was able to learn how use any means at his disposal to persuade to read and write, resulting in her exposure the warlords to agree to his and China’s to different forms of governments and demands. Ming’s contact is his younger cultures. Later, Chihiro fell in love with a brother, Shang Ming back in China, who is poor rice farmer against her family’s wishes, helping him run the family business. causing her family to disown her. At the start of the war, the Shingen clan burned her Bram Peters (Dutch Ambassador) * Bram Peters comes from a prominent Dutch family’s crops down. When the Nobunaga family and received an exemplary education, clan came through her community, they which allowed him to become a diplomat to murdered her husband and oldest son. other powerful European nations, like Motivated by revenge and a passion to keep England and France. However, the Japan safe, Chihiro embarked on a journey beginning of the lengthy Dutch Revolt to make Japan a free republic safe from the caused a shakeup in the royal cabinet. Peters whims of foolish nobles. Since her has been demoted for his inability to avoid upbringing brought her to many different the revolt and has been sent to the far-off nations, Chihiro was able to meet Jacques land of Japan, where it is said that the
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country is overrun with strange warriors supposed abilities have impressed men of who only fight with swords. His diplomatic great power throughout the world. His mission to Japan occurs at an inopportune apparent power to turn metals into gold time, as the Dutch Revolt has left the impressed John Dee, a prominent Netherlands without solid leadership and the mathematician in Elizabeth’s royal court, many different voices within the country which granted him great favor for his will give Peters a conflicting message on spiritual activities. Not everyone has bought what to achieve during his time abroad. into his powers, more specifically, the Therefore, his attempts to trade and gain Catholic Church. The Catholic Church put political footholds are unsure and he can be him on trial for heresy and both of his ears taken advantage of easily. However, Peters were cut off as punishment for past crimes. resents his demotion and will do anything to Kelley has been forced to flee his native prove he is still relevant to his country’s country and find refuge in Japan, far away politics. His contact is Akihito Takahashi, a from English jurisdiction. He quickly gained major trader in Japan. He has control over the favor of Oda Nobunaga for his mystical most port cities due to his activities and ship abilities and his prophecy that Oda will one power. day rule over all of Japan. With his past behind him and the support of John Dee still
Edward Kelley (The Alchemist) at his back, Kelley discovers Japan is in Edward Kelley began his mysterious need of the guidance only he can provide. journey as a humble commoner in Ireland *Characters with asterisks did not exist in around 1555. His knowledge allowed him to real life and were created for the purpose of rise out of the impoverished nation and this committee. To prepare for these characters, the delegates must research the attend the prestigious Oxford University, politics of their respective characters where he rubbed shoulders with future country and the social class position that character is to gain a better understanding of members of Elizabeth I’s royal court. their character. However, his story takes a turn to the outlandish soon after. Kelley abandoned his Oxford education and began professing his ability to speak with angels. While his methods are questionable, Kelley’s
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