MUNI XXIII

MODE L UN I T ED NAT I ONS AT I L L I NO I S

CRISIS: JAPAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Director………………………………………………………………………..….2

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..3

Letter from the

Chair.……………………………………………………………….……………..4

Committee Structure……………………………………………………………………………....6

Background History…………………………………………………………………………….....7

Unification…………………………………………………………………………….................10

Religion……………………………………………………………………………......................11

The Outside World…………………………………………………………………………….....13

The Use of Land…………………………………………………………………………….........15

Independence…………………………………………………………………………….............16

Reformation……………………………………………………………………………...............25

Governments……………………………………………………………………………..............26

Mission Statement……………………………………………………………………………......29

Character Biographies……………………………………………………………………………30

Resources……………………………………………………………………………...................40

1

Letter from the Director

Hello, Delegates!

Welcome to MUNI XXIII! My name is Jemima Elsherbini and I’m currently a sophomore at

UIUC. This year I am the director for this committee. For all of you chosen to be on this

committee, welcome to 15th century Japan—arguably the best era of Japan. As a crisis delegate

myself, I tried my best to bring in the best elements of crisis to this committee and make it as fun

and educational as possible. Before entering the committee or throwing yourself knee-deep in

research, please know that I have not based or written any of this committee on anime or manga.

So, please do not do any research through these mediums. Any connection to any existing

Japanese fictional works is completely accidental, so please do not come to committee spouting

Naruto facts or trying to bring Titans to Japan.

In American school systems, we traditionally do not study other countries and if we do, it

is a brisk overview. By having a Feudal Japan committee, I hope to expose you to a different

culture and era of history. I’ve always taken an interest in other countries’ histories and conflicts

and I hope that all of you will enjoy learning about the history and political struggle between

Japan and other nations during this time period. I wish you all luck in uniting Japan’s many clans

and making Japan the affluent kingdom it should be. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to

contact me and I will answer all questions to the best of my ability!

Best,

Jemima Elsherbini

jelshe2@illinois.edu

2

Feudal Japan

Introduction

The year is 1568, and the Island of Japan is ravaged by a multi-sided civil war. The country has

shattered into dozens of provinces ruled by multiple clans after the fall of the Ashikaga

Shogunate. Warlords and their samurai are razing the countryside, killing thousands, and tearing

the island apart as they fight for the right to claim the title of the Shogunate. As the conflict

continues to grow with no end in sight, the Emperor calls for an emergency meeting. He

summons the heads of the various clans, ambassadors of foreign lands, and representatives from

religious sects in the hopes of restoring peace. It is impossible to tell if this gathering will end the

conflict, but it is the only hope to bring peace and tranquility back to the Sunrise Land.

3

Letter from the Chair:

For research, most of the relevant information on specific characters in the committee is

in the background guide and character letters that you’ll be receiving before the first committee

session. Because of that, I would recommend concentrating your research on the more broader

aspects of Japan in the 16th century, such as the cultural, political, and societal state of the

country, as each of these aspects played a part in shaping the future of Japan.

As a crisis committee, there will be some different rules that we encounter due to the

nature of the committee. Although we are in a perpetual state of war in the committee, in all

likelihood there will be a portion of the committee committed specifically to war games.

Therefore, I would recommend that you make yourself familiar not only with the allies and

enemies of your clans, but also the allies and enemies of Japan itself in the relevant time period.

Not only will this help you in major conflicts, but they can potentially be resources throughout

the committee. In general, as this is a crisis committee, other non-standard procedures like trials

and such are available for the delegates if it fits the committee.

At the end of the weekend, awards will be given out in a ceremony. They will be decided

by the conjoined efforts of the chairs, staffers, and the director. Awards will be given mainly, but

not only, based on your front-room and backroom presence, as well as the quality and

effectiveness of your directives.

When we planned this committee, we planned for it to be fast-paced and dynamic.

Every character has the potential to create a significant impact at the committee, though it might

be at different points. Our plan works best when everyone is active and is making moves. For the

majority of the committee, all of the delegates will be in a perpetual state of war, so there’s

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plenty of opportunities to make moves. Although some delegates might not have the military

manpower to compete with other delegates, we have ensured that there are other ways to

influence the committee. As a staff, we are looking forward to seeing the creative ways that you

choose to shift the course of 15th-Century Japan.

5

Committee Structure

The council acts as a standard crisis committee organized by diplomats of both foreign

and Japanese descent. Within this council, Emperor Ōgimachi of Japan will operate as oversight

and attempt to steer the diplomats into maintaining productive political discussion. However, the

Emperor does not wield supreme executive power over the body and the council will follow a

democratic process to solve issues and enact legislation for the island nation. Each diplomat, no

matter their influence or nationality, will have one vote to affect policy outcomes. The

committee’s external powers will be to distribute limited resources around the nation, manage

trade, and command a small army which heeds the will of the council. These external powers can

be translated into legislation which can solve issues including areas of religious and cultural

conflict. The council can send their small army anywhere within Japanese borders to impose

their will, but the army cannot be sent abroad on foreign missions.

6

Background History

Japan has been inhabited by humans for over 30,000 years, when they crossed the Bering

Strait to the island during an Ice Age. The first period was the Jomon Period, where people

gradually learned how to live by hunting and gathering. The clans within Japan slowly started to

unite in the Kofun Period (300 AD to

710 AD). This period marked a time

of growth and learning in Japan. The

Japanese took inspiration from China

and acquired many of their techniques

to model different types of material

including paper, porcelain, and silk. Around 552 AD, a Korean king brought priests to convert

Japan to Buddhism. The native religion at the time was Shinto. With the arrival of Buddhism, the

Japanese people prospered peacefully as Shinto and Buddhism were both practiced amicably

within households. Towards the end of the Kofun Period, the Emperor accumulated enough

power to impose a tax that required people to pay the royalty a tax, as the Emperor owned all the

land in Japan.

The Heian Period (794 AD to 1185 AD) marked a cultural period in Japan. Arts and

learning flourished. During this time, the Emperor grew increasingly weak, resulting in

landowners becoming powerful and buying private armies. These landowners became the first

samurai. In 1180, a civil war erupted between two rival families in Japan; the Taira (Heike) and

Minamoto (Genepi) families. The war ended with the Minamoto clan as victor. After the civil

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war, the government divided into two pieces: the Shogunate and the Emperor. The Shogun

controlled the military and enforced rulings in the Emperor’s name throughout Japan. 1

Between 1274 and 1281, the Mongols attempted to invade Japan from the Korean Strait.

The Mongols were on the path to victory, as they had better weapons than the samurai, when a

sudden storm destroyed almost all of their fleet, stranding them in Japan. This caused them to

lose. Seven years later, the Emperor of China, Kublai Khan, tried to conquer Japan again. His

forces sailed with more reinforcements against storms, but ultimately lost again when typhoon

season struck the ships only months into the war. 2

The Muromachi Period in Japan took place from 1333 to 1573 and marked the age of the

rule of the Ashikaga family over much of Kyoto. The Ashikaga family, which once worked for

the Emperor, overthrew him and captured Kyoto in 1336. The previous Emperor was able to flee

and started his own imperial family in the south. This nurtured confusion and riots between

provinces. The two courts (Northern and Southern) prospered, but slowly lost control of their

provinces due to many wars between clans. 3

During the 1460s, daimyōs, or warlords, furthered these instabilities between the

provinces, causing the Onin War (1467 to 1477). This immersed the country in a century-long

war called Sengoku, the Age of the Country at War. Over the course of this age, the most

powerful families were the Takeda, Uesugi, and Hojo in the East and the Ouchi, Mori, and

1 Lambert, Tim . "A BRIEF HISTORY OF JAPAN." A Brief History of Japan. 2017. Accessed December 29, 2017. http://www.localhistories.org/japan.html. 2 "History of Japan: Timeline." HISTORY OF JAPAN. Accessed December 29, 2017. http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=iar. 3 "Japan, 1400–1600 A.D. | Chronology | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. 2000. Accessed December 29, 2017. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/08/eaj.html.

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Hosokawa in the West. Around 1542, the first Portuguese traders and Christian missionaries

arrived, bringing a new religion and firearms to Japan. Even though Buddhists were opposed to

Christianity, the Western warlords welcomed it for its military trading opportunities. This brings

Japan to the late 15th century, where Oda Nobunaga is planning the path of unification for Japan. 4

4 "Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573)." Japanese history: Muromachi Period. 1996. Accessed December 29, 2017. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2134.html.

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Unification

The Civil War has divided the clans into two factions: the Reformists and the

Traditionalists. The Reformists seek to make Japan more like Europe—to embrace Western

ideals and beliefs. The Traditionalists seek to maintain the status quo and continue to follow old

customs. The victor of the Civil War will undoubtedly change the culture of Japan, as they have

to power to decide if Japan will reform or not.

10

Religion

Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan in 538 AD when a ruler from the Korean

peninsula gifted Emperor Kimmei with an image of the Buddha along with scrolls and

ornaments. Since Japan already followed the teachings of Shinto, controversy erupted, as clans

became divided on which religion they should follow. 40 years later, Buddhism was declared the

official religion of Japan by Prince Regent Shotoku.

Buddhism and Shinto have continued to coexist ever

since. Hundreds of temples and schools dedicated to 5

Buddhism were commissioned by the government.

Buddhist teachings are entrenched in Japanese society,

and will not be easily removed. However, Buddhism in Japan is divided into multiple sects: Pure

Land, Nichiren, Shingon, and Zen. Each sect focuses on a different discipline, and clans

belonging to different sects are often at odds with each other. Japan also faces a rebel crisis 6

from the Ikko-Ikki, a Buddhist movement that causes uprisings all across Japan.

Christianity has only recently appeared in Japan through the arrival of the Portuguese

missionary Francis Xavier in Satsuma in 1549. He and his Japanese Catholic converts are

beginning to convert and baptize locals. However, this process is quite slow, as most Japanese

are already either Shinto or Buddhist. Many Japanese do not like the concept that their ancestors

5 “Buddhism Introduced to Japan,” Buddha Net, Accessed December 29, 2017 http://www.buddhanet.net/nippon/nippon_partI.html

6 Powers, John (2000). "Japanese Buddhism". A Concise Encyclopedia of Buddhism. 1. Oxford: Oneworld Publications. pp. 103–107.

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may be living in Hell, and they do not believe that one God can be good because He also created

evil. Reformists see this as an opportunity to establish closer connections with the West. By 7 8

adopting their religion, Japan to receive goods from Europe, including new military equipment.

However, this would also mean an influx of Western culture.

Religion is the backbone of Japan. Religious teachings are embedded in government

doctrine and shape the ever-changing Japan. Should Japan stick to the teachings of Buddhism?

Or should they convert in order to establish closer relations with the West?

7 Xavier, Francis. The Letters and Instructions of Francis Xavier. Translated by M. Joseph Costellos, S.J. St Louis: The Institute of Jesuit Sources, 1992

8 Ellis, Robert Richmond. “The Best Thus Far Discovered”: The Japanese in the Letters of St. Francisco Xavier. Hispanic Review, Vol. 71 No. 2 (Spring 2003), pp. 155-169 University of Pennsylvania Press. 30 November 2008

12

The Outside World

With the influx of outside traders and missionaries, foreign culture and customs have also

made their way to Japan. Catholic missionaries convert citizens of Japan, threatening the power

of Buddhist institutions. Foreign colonizers are also a threat. Europeans have continued to

expand their influence in Asia by asserting dominance over weaker states. Traditionalists view 9

this as a threat to the Japanese way of life. By indulging these outsiders, Japan is at risk of losing

its own culture and beliefs. That is why Traditionalists favor Japanese isolation. By shutting out

the rest of the world, Traditionalists believe that the traditions of Japan will be saved, as there

will be no outside influences to undermine them. Isolation would also prevent converted clans

from obtaining outside help in order to gain control over Japan. 10

The Reformists, on the other hand, seek to have open borders with the outside world.

They believe that open borders would increase Japan’s trade revenue and help it become a

wealthy nation. The increase in trade would also allow Japan to import technology from all over

the globe, including advanced machinery and weaponry. An example of weaponry from overseas

is the cartridge, a type of ammo that increases the reload speed of firearms. Another 11

advancement in weaponry is the bayonet, which allows a blade to be placed underneath the

barrel of a rifle. The technology gained would allow Japan to become one of the most advanced 12

nations in the world, extending its influence across the entire globe. However, allowing

9 “The Seclusion of Japan,” users.wfu, Accessed December 29, 2017 http://users.wfu.edu/watts/w03_Japancl.html

10 Ronald P. Toby, State and Diplomacy in Early Modern Japan: Asia in the Development of the Tokugawa Bakufu, Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, (1984) 1991. 11 Sparano, Vin T. (2000). "Cartridges". The Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. Macmillan. p. 37

12 Brayley, Martin, Bayonets: An Illustrated History, Iola, WI: Krause Publications

13

foreigners to enter the country freely might have devastating effects. It is possible that foreign

culture could overtake Japanese culture, and could even lead to Japan falling under the control of

a foreign power.

Japan has the choice of becoming a center of trade and culture mixing or becoming an

isolated Asian island. Should Japan open their borders to the world and risk outside influence?

Or should Japan close their borders completely and isolate the rest of the world?

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The Use of Land

Not only does the fate of Japan’s foreign policy need to be addressed, the domestic policy

does too. Japan has vast areas of untouched land that could be used to serve a different purpose.

When not being used to build villages or temples, most of the land serves as farmland. Peasants

farm the land in exchange for samurai protection. The land is also used as an area of 13

manufacturing, such as making goods for weaponry. The problem that must be addressed: What

should the unused lands be used for?

Traditionalists argue for an increase in agricultural production. In the past, Japan has

never had a huge focus on industry, and Traditionalists see no need to start now. Land should be

used to grow rice for the higher classes, allowing Japan to survive without having to trade for

food with other nations. By increasing food production, each daimyō will be able to increase the

number of citizens under their control. This will increase the revenue of the clan and the size of

its military. However, lack of manufactories could result in a low amount of advanced weaponry

and technological innovations.

Reformists credit the technological superiority of the West to their vast amount of

manufactories. They believe that having more manufactories will increase their means of

production and allow them to generate more advanced technology. By increasing manufacturing,

each daimyō will be able to produce more advanced goods, including advanced weaponry such

as muskets, as well as more profitable goods for trade. However, lack of farmland could result in

a smaller number of citizens under the clan’s control.

13 “Feudal Japan Hierarchy,” Legends and Chronicles, Accessed December 30, 2017 http://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/feudal-japan/feudal-japan-hierarchy/

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Independence

The Japanese leadership needs to decide how to deal with the foreign influences seeping

into their island nation. As European nations continue to explore opportunities in Asia, the

number of foreigners in Japan will only rise, allowing them to exert greater clout in Japan’s

politics. There are benefits, however, to allowing more external influence in Japan. The foreign

presence of powerful European nations brings the possibility of trade in goods not regularly seen

in Japan, like gunpowder-based weapons and treasures from their colonies in the Americas. The

cost of giving away the isolation enjoyed by the Japanese for centuries should be weighed

against the advantages gained from entertaining the Europeans with their advanced technologies.

Before European missionaries and diplomats began settling into Asia, the Japanese

cultivated an isolationist foreign policy influenced by its geographic isolation. The ocean

between Japan and the rest of the Asian continent

separates Japan from the complex political squabbling

seen in the politically volatile region of ancient China

as well as continuous assaults by adjacent threats like

the Mongolian horde. The threats faced by the Japanese

range from aggressive pirates attacking fishing vessels and resistance from ancient tribes like the

Emishi, but neither threat measures up to the standard of chaos faced on the Asian mainland.

Because of their lack of bordering threats, the Japanese were not forced to build a structure like

the Great Wall to protect themselves, but the ocean does not always defend the country from

foreign encroachments of a cultural or combative manner.

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In the 13th century, the Mongols were at the height of their military power and threatened

an overwhelming invasion of the Japanese mainland. Over 20,000 men in hundreds of ships

sailed across the sea between Japan and Korea to subjugate the island nation in 1274. A few 14

thousand Japanese soldiers blocked the invasion force from making its way inland, but it was the

power of the kamikaze, a nickname for the powerful typhoon, that saved the nation from

becoming a Mongolian colony. The Mongolians returned in 1281 with greater forces and

Chinese support, only to be pushed back again by another catastrophic typhoon, ending

Mongolian foreign ambitions to conquer Japan, but strengthening the bond of nationalism among

the people of Japan. Their victory through the force of nature could perhaps be viewed as divine

intervention and evidence of Japanese exceptionalism.

Ocean winds saved the island nation from losing its independence twice, but the new

leaders must now decide how to deal with a different breed of foreigners reaching the shores

without nature intervening on their behalf. These foreign diplomats and traders do not bring

sharpened spears and threats of capitulation, but instead, bring gifts and offer of trade for future

relations. Some will perceive this as another invasion, only by other means, but others will

regard their entrance as a much-needed progression in the areas of medicine, trade, agriculture,

and military. The leaders of Japan see the most value in military weaponry to defend themselves

against foreign invaders and the growing dissent in the peasant class, which threatens to revolt.

The peasantry observes the most benefits in agricultural advancements, which will protect them

against famine. Of course, European traders will want something in return for their technological

14 Yasuka, “The Mongol Invasion of Japan,” KCPInternational, 13 April 2015, https://www.kcpinternational.com/2015/04/the-mongol-invasion-of-japan/.

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advancements, making the isolationists of the nation wary of their growing influence over both

peasantry and leadership.

Throughout history, Japanese culture has been influenced by its larger Asian counterpart,

China. The Japanese language contains traces of Chinese and Japan’s most popular religion,

Buddhism, descends from China as well. The relationship between the two countries, however,

has been strained throughout their two histories. The Yuan Dynasty of the 13th century was

controlled by the Mongols and aided the invasion of Japan by building ships and providing

soldiers for both overseas conquests. Japanese pirates also plagued Chinese coasts, which

damaged trade relations between the two countries. By the 16th century, however, the Ming

Dynasty expelled the Mongols. The new regime controls most of the Chinese mainland. Unlike

Japan, China has maintained an ongoing affiliation with the West through the ancient Silk Road.

The Silk Road transported Chinese goods, such as gunpowder, through Ancient Persia before

making its way to Western civilizations like the Roman Empire and Greece.

The Japanese did not have the physical geography to send merchants across the

continents and instead languished in their independence. However, this independence from the

did not spare the Japanese from domestic quarreling. Instead, it left them out of the important

exchange of goods and ideas between the East and West. Eventually, the dominance of the Silk

Road ended with Ottoman Empire, a power located directly on the Silk Road, blocking trade

through its borders. This led to the rise of maritime trade to counteract the blockade. Europeans

built ships that could cruise along coastlines on their way to the Far East and avoid restrictive

Ottoman trade barriers. The existence of smaller sea trade existed in the past between two 15

15 Joshua J. Mark, “Silk Road,” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 28 March 2014. https://www.ancient.eu/Silk_Road/.

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countries, but not on the scale seen during the 16th century, where sailors were at sea for several

weeks at a time.

The end of the Silk Road revived foreign interest in Japan. Before the new maritime

advancements, Europeans would have to travel to China on the Silk Road and subsequently

board another ship to reach Japan. With their new ships, Europeans could travel around the

southern tip of Africa and arrive in Japan without having to go through China. The leadership

needs to decide how to respond an increasing foreign presence on their shores and whether to

accept new technologies. For the merchants and diplomats hoping to visit the island nation to

explore new opportunities, there still exists the danger of sea pirates on their way to Japan. They

will likely require a military escort or gun-powder based weaponry aboard their ships to ensure

their safe arrival.

According to the Traditionalists of Japan, the influx of merchants and diplomats reaching

their shores is only the beginning of a plot to conquer the island. For the Reformists of Japan, the

arrival of Europeans is the key to ending the drawn-out civil war by using neutral observers to

negotiate peace between the many clans and by helping to build a modern, unisolated Japan.

Traditionalists also fear Christianity, which is popular in Europe and thoroughly seeping into the

peasantry and some of the leadership. Reformists foresee a new, different religion as a practical

step to make the country appear more acceptable to Europeans and their lucrative trade deals, but

also to weaken the grip Buddhists have on the everyday life of the peasantry and the

decision-making of the Japanese leadership.

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Christianity was formed out of the teachings of Jesus Christ and spread throughout

Western civilization after being persecuted in its early history, most notably by the Roman

Empire. Catholicism, the original form of Christianity, integrated into the fabric of most

European countries and held a type of dual authority coupled with monarchs of the countries.

The monarchs ruled over their armies and were the ultimate authority on decisions made in their

royal domain, but a European monarch required the legitimacy and approval of the Catholic

Church to maintain their power. Before the Protestant Reformation, all of Christianity was united

against the advance of Islam from the Ottoman Empire. However, the strength of the Ottoman

Empire declined after multiple failed invasions into the European mainland, and the newfound

lack of an external enemy highlighted underlying religious divisions Over time, dissent from

European theologians like Martin Luther protested Pope’s omnipotence and the practice of

selling indulgences. Protestantism stresses spirituality as the most important aspect of religion

instead of the rules and regulations of Catholicism, which ordinary people can abuse. This split

of ideas bled into the fabric of European society and transformed once deeply Catholic countries,

like England, into Protestant strongholds.

The Netherlands was one of the countries that adopted Protestantism and ended the

restrictive rules of Catholicism within its borders. The Dutch visualize Protestantism as the best

option for converting the Japanese peasantry to Christianity, as it does not come with constrictive

dedication to the faith. It also reduces the possibility of corrupting officials, which inhibits the

daily life of the peasantry. Other European countries, such as Portugal, did not waver in their

support of Catholicism and want to continue spreading the word of God from the original church.

Both countries have a different view on how Christianity is to be interpreted, but both are keen

20

on sending missionaries throughout the world to convert those who have not heard of the

teachings of Jesus Christ. Converting in distant lands will be dangerous for any missionaries who

are not wary of how desperate leaders are to maintain their power over their subjects.

Oftentimes, religion and government cooperate with one another to keep each other dominant in

a country. In Japan, for example, Buddhism reigns supreme and many of the leaders of the

country have close ties with the religion. Buddhism also has deep ties with the peasantry, but this

is likely due to lack of missionaries of other religions.

Radical Buddhist groups like the Ikko-Ikki have already begun to harass incoming

missionaries and force foreigners out of Japan. Like many of the ideas in the ancient world,

Buddhism traveled down the Silk Road from India into mainland Asia. The Japanese received

the religion secondhand from their

larger Asian counterpart and it soon

became Japan’s main religion. Like

Catholicism, Buddhism has become

an intrusive part of the everyday life

of Japanese peasantry and an annoyance to the leadership structure, which wishes to keep solid

control over the overwhelming horde of lower-class subjects. The introduction of Christianity

could be a disruption to Buddhist dominance and give the peasants choices on what faith to

follow. Groups like the Ikko-Ikki are not intent on peacefully competing with Christianity and

instead see violent action as the only way to send a message to the foreigners. The Ikko-Ikki

have been recruiting from the peasantry and their numbers have been steadily growing for nearly

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a century before the inception of the council . The main objective of the Ikko-Ikki is to topple 16

the feudalist government, but the introduction of Christianity could obstruct their progress by

gouging the number of peasants available to join their ranks. Their intimidation tactics may

successfully diminish the effectiveness of Christian missionaries, but they should be wary of how

much violence Japanese clan leaders and European diplomats can stomach before they are forced

to retaliate against the insurgents, thereby granting legitimacy to Christianity in Japan.

Traditionalists of Japan are devoutly resolved to maintaining the status quo by helping

Buddhists keep control of the Japanese peasantry through strict regulations and punishments.

They consider the arrival of Europeans as not only the end of the status quo but the subjugation

of all the Japanese people. Europeans have been sending explorers to map newly discovered

areas and relay possible locations to start new colonies. With new colonies come opportunities to

exploit indigenous populations. In the case of the Dutch and the Portuguese, both have a history

of colonization in the New World through their dual ownership of the colony of Brazil. As the

Europeans sliced up the spoils of the newly discovered lands, natives and their cultures were

subjugated and oppressed. Europeans exploited these natives to seize resources like gold and

slave to return to their mother countries. Traditionalists are wary of any gifts or promises from

Europeans, who have shown flashes of exploitation to their native counterparts.

Alternately, Reformists envision a more optimistic future with a cooperative two-way

relationship between the two different worlds. The Japanese, however, are not immune to

imperialistic claims on foreign lands in Asia. Fearing the growing power of a united China and

their interest in expanding borders, Japanese military leaders are anxious to jumpstart their own

16 Mike Maikeru Baker, “Militant Buddhists: A Look at the Ikko-Ikki,” Samurai Archives, 2005, https://www.samurai-archives.com/ikk.html.

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overseas colonies. The population of Japan is likely to decline if the squabbling and warring

between militaristic clans continues at the expense of the defenseless peasantry. The continuous

slaughter of the lower classes will leave fields untended and thousands starving and vengeful

against their leaders. The solution to these problems could lie in the Korean peninsula, which sits

less than 100 miles from Japanese shores. Korea holds the manpower that could revitalize

Japanese agriculture, but the acquisition of this labor could damage relations with China, the

current owner of the colony. China controls a larger army and has longer ongoing relationships

with Europeans that go back centuries through Silk Road trade. An excursion into China would

be an assertion of Asian dominance and would cease the centuries of Japanese isolationism. Of

course, the Japanese are in no state to invade foreign lands when their clan leaders are internally

divided and still bleeding their own blood on Japanese soil. An invasion will require a degree of

national cooperation unseen in Japan for nearly a century and the pooling of military resources

for the common interest of winning the war.

Portugal’s standing in Europe rests in its ability to circumnavigate the seas and form

cooperative relationships with foreign nations that others in Europe do not have the resources to

create. Its naval power allowed Portuguese explorers to be the first Europeans to make official

contact with Japan in 1543. Though trade between the two nations has been minimal, the 17

foundations of increased naval commerce have been cemented by Portugal’s early arrival. For

the Japanese, the focus of any trade deal would be investing in gunpowder-based weaponry

already widely used in Europe. These weapons would be utilized to arm Japanese trade ships to

defend against pirates and to modernize the Japanese army, which has been dragging behind that

17 Roy Anthony Starrs, "First European contact with Japan," The Literary Encyclopedia, 13 September 2005, https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1585.

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of China. The Netherlands also entered Japan in the interest of forming trade relations and

solidifying the influence of their upstart Dutch East India Company. The trading company is an

authorized branch of the Dutch government that is granted the right to conduct treaties with

native princes, build forts, and maintain armed forces without the express written approval of the

mother country . The Dutch, however, are intent on keeping the Japanese in their good graces to 18

maintain a greater trade dominance in Asia and combat the Portuguese.

18 Kenneth Pletcher, “Dutch East India Company,” Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 November 2015, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dutch-East-India-Company.

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Reformation

The Japanese government, while split into Reformists and Traditionalists, has two

separate goals. The Reformists’ goal is to make Japanese society and culture more like Western

society, while the Traditionalists want to keep Japan more isolated and prevent their culture from

being tainted by the Western world. Both parties want an improved or revised system of

government in Japan. It is only a matter of which political party wins the war.

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Governments

Both sides favor different forms of government. The Reformists favor a constitutional

monarchy, while the Traditionalists do not want to drastically modify the existing form of

government. A constitutional monarchy would give Japan the connections and trade it needs to

survive and grow. The Reformists want to be able to trade freely with other nations. The

Reformists want the government to mirror that of the British or Dutch, or possibly to create an

absolute monarchy similar to Portugal’s.

The constitutional monarchy would consist of a king or queen, most likely a king, as well

as a House of Lords that aids the king in diplomatic and political matters. If the Reformists win

the war, the House of Lords would most likely comprise of the leader of each province within

Japan. If Japan became an absolute monarchy, then whoever wins the war would gain complete

control of the government as king.

The Traditionalists’ ideal government is a militaristic-dictatorship government, which is

currently ruling Japan. It consists of an Emperor, Shogunate, daimyōs, and lower classes. The

Emperor, throughout Japanese history, has been a purely symbolic or limited-power role.

Emperors are descended from the Sun Goddess, which gives them their royal blood. However,

all Shoguns (the leader of the Shogunate) have wanted the Emperor legitimized as their rulers. 19

The Shogun is the military dictator of Japan. The position was created around the 8th or

9th century. During its formation, the Shogunate was just a branch under the control of the

Emperor, but as time went on, it became its own form of government, which became paramount

19 "Emperor." Japanese Emperor. Accessed January 11, 2018. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2135.html.

26

to the inner workings of Japan. By the 13th century, the Shogunate controlled the military,

administrative, and judicial branches. However, the Emperor still remained the legal head of the

country. The Shogun appoints its own military heads, shugo, to each province to enforce the

legal system. Shugo are like the governors of each province. 20

Daimyōs are the heads of each Japanese province’s military and the heads of their

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. 21

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. 22

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.

20 "Shogunate." Encyclopædia Britannica. February 01, 2011. Accessed January 11, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/shogunate. 21 "Daimyo." Encyclopædia Britannica. February 16, 2016. Accessed January 11, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/daimyo. 22 Hackney, Greg. "Feudal Japan: 1185 - 1603." Facts About Japan. 2018. Accessed January 11, 2018. http://www.facts-about-japan.com/feudal-japan.html.

27

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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Mission Statement

The council must juggle a multitude of issues, including uniting the multiple clans across

Japan, keeping Japan from bending to foreign powers, and deciding on a stable form of

government. They must guard the sovereignty of Japan and its unique culture. Many of the

visiting foreign powers will be trying to gain a foothold in Japan and turn it against itself. The

council must stay strong and true to Japan and their convictions in a time when they can barely

trust their neighbors or even those they love most. Councilmen who have personal desires and

aspirations to achieve must do so quickly and quietly or risk serious and deadly consequences.

The labyrinth of Japanese politics is a cutthroat and damning game. Tread carefully and make

each move count to gain or lose everything.

29

Character Biographies*

Oda Nobunaga (Head of Oda Clan)

Hailing from the Owari region, a province near the capital of Kyoto, the Oda clan boasts

its newly found prestige. This rise in stature can be attributed solely to its figurehead, Oda

Nobunaga. In 1560, an army of 25,000 marched towards Kyoto to prop up the failing Ashikaga

Shogunate. With only 3,000 men of his own, Nobunaga miraculously turned back the army and

sealed the old dynasty’s fate. Nobunaga now aspires to ultimate power among feudal lords by

installing his own puppet Shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, cementing his family’s legacy in the

future of Japan.

Nobunaga is politically moderate between Reformists and Traditionalists, and not aligned

with either Buddhists or Christians. However, since he trusts the word of Edward Kelley, some

people question his judgment. Lords and diplomats will seek his approval on policy debates,

since his word carries great weight throughout Japan. In the end, however, he is likely to choose

the side which best advances his political motives. Of course, there are other lords who desire his

power and will stop at nothing to pull his clan back into the mud from which it came. His contact

is his brother, Oda Nobutaka.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Head of Toyotomi Clan)

Born into a family without samurai lineage, Hideyoshi has served loyally under multiple

warlords throughout Japan and gained influence along the way. However, he later settled in with

the Oda clan and its leader, Oda Nobunaga. His military prowess in the Oda army earned him the

30

distinction of becoming Nobunaga’s right-hand man and closest ally in matters of politics and

war. Hideyoshi’s small taste of power has left him craving more. He is willing to invade Korea

and China to expand Japanese colonial holdings for future generations. Hideyoshi also distrusts

the other Oda ally and rising star in Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, because of his intentions to rule

once Nobunaga is dead.

Hideyoshi also tiptoes the line between Reformist and Traditionalist. He despises the

Christian missionaries who come to convert Japanese peasants, instead preferring traditional

Buddhism. However, Hideyoshi also sees the benefits of trade with Europe, specifically firearms

and technological advancement. His contact is Hachisuka Masakatsu, his retainer and former

leader of a bandit group.

Takeda Shingen (Head of Takeda Clan)

Shingen, the powerful daimyō of the Takeda clan and the Tiger of Kai, is out of place in

the post-Ashikaga Shogunate era. His prestige, which came directly from his high rank in the

government, is in peril. In Shingen’s opinion, the stability and patronage given by the old

Shogunate were disrupted by the ambitious Oda Nobunaga.

Shingen seeks to the lessen Nobunaga’s influence at all costs and desires the formation of

an anti-Oda alliance. Of course, Shingen intends to lead that alliance and fill the power vacuum

once Oda is eliminated. Shingen has a proud record of military victories against other daimyōs

and some will look to him for guidance. Shingen also abhors the degeneracy of invasive

European culture and religion. Shingen proposes that the borders should be closed to sustain the

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purity of Japanese history, especially Buddhism. His contact is Kōsaka Masanobu, the leader of

his council of 24 wise generals.

Tokugawa Ieyasu (Head and Founder of Tokugawa Clan)

Ever since Ieyasu was young, he was always in a place of conflict. Held as hostage to the Oda

clan in his childhood, Ieyasu’s family was split between opposing clans. With half of his family

split and the rest indecisive, Ieyasu eventually decided to take matters into his own hands and

secretly pledged his loyalty to the Oda clan. In addition, Ieyasu changed his name and claimed

lineage from the Minamoto clan, an older clan that held an exclusive history of Emperors. He

quickly grew in political influence and consequently became a valuable ally. All Ieyasu wants is

to bring order and an end to open warfare on Japanese soil. Ieyasu is known for being a good

military strategist and has had success against Korean military generals, but desires to keep

Japan out of foreign affairs and conquests. Ieyasu is tolerant of both the growing Christian faith

and traditional Buddhism, but he is impelled to ruthlessly quell their expansion if either of them

begins to threaten the peace of the nation. His contact is Lady Tsukiyama, his wife, and mother

of his heir. There are rumors that she is zealously devoted to her husband and will do anything

for him regardless of the consequences.

Hongan-Ji Kennyo/Kosa (Buddhist Missionary; Leader of the Ikko-Ikki)

All throughout Japan, Kosa is known for two things: his intense loyalty to Buddhism, and his

vast influence over the Ikko-Ikki, a group of militant peasants and monks whose volatile

presence threatens to spill over without Kosa’s stable hand. Although Kosa is related to Shingen

by marriage, his alliances don’t stop there. As a master diplomat, Kosa is on good terms with

32

most of the daimyōs in Japan and is known to be a somewhat neutral negotiator between

opposing sides. Kosa seeks to expel any foreign influence, as he views it as the catalyst for future

Christian crusaders. There are rumors as to what Kosa wants, but his only clear position is the

importance of maintaining Buddhism’s supremacy in Japan. His contact is Eizō Domen, a former

clan member of the Ikko-Ikki who has taken to traveling Japan in his old age.

Akechi Mitsuhide (General of the Oda Clan)

Akechi Mitsuhide was always meant to be a spy. While most of the other leaders in Japan honor

loyalty, honesty, and integrity, Mitsuhide never followed those rules. Throughout his life,

Mitsuhide did what he thought was smartest; he faithfully served under the Ashikaga Shogunate

prior to its collapse. He then quickly switched sides to serve Oda Nobunaga. Mitsuhide currently

serves as both a general and a spy for the Oda clan, both roles where his powers of persuasion

come in handy to help make important decisions about the future of Japan. Mitsuhide’s contact is

his Lieutenant Yasuji Katayama, who is known as the “Ears of Japan”. Anything whispered too

loudly will reach his ears seemingly instantaneously.

Azai Nagamasa (Head of Azai)

East of Lake Biwa, in the northern Ōmi Province, resides the Azai clan. This great clan is led by

Azai Nagamasa, brother-in-law to Oda Nobunaga. After the death of his father in 1560,

Hisamasa, Nagamasa inherited clan leadership at the age of 15. Since Azai territory rests

between Japan’s capital and the Oda clan’s territory, Nagamasa married Oichi, Nobunaga’s

younger sister. Together they had three daughters, each of which would go on to marry important

figures in Japanese society. Nagamasa has also maintained a close alliance with the Asakura

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clan, which has a hostile relationship with the Oda clan. Nagamasa’s marriage to Oichi allows

him insight into military and political actions. Oichi is fiercely loyal to her family and will do

anything to protect them.

Asakura Yoshikage (Head of Asakura Clan)

Inside the Echizen Province resides Asakura Yoshikage, head of the Asakura clan. Renowned for

his diplomatic skills, Yoshikage’s land is in a state of constant internal peace. Neighboring clans

also maintain a state of peace with the Asakura clan, especially their ally clan, Azai. However,

the Asakura clan faces war with the Oda clan and their leader, Oda Nobunaga. Yoshikage views

Nobunaga as a threat to Japan. Tensions between the two are high, as both seek control over

Kyoto. However, Yoshikage is a diplomat, and therefore has poor military skill. In order for his

clan to survive, Yoshikage must seek the help of others who wish to oppose Nobunaga and his

allies. The peace established by Yoshikage means most peasants within the territory are peaceful

and controlled by the Asakura clan. Yoshikage’s diplomatic skills also allow him to create fast

alliances with other clans and factions throughout Japan. He will likely seek alliances with those

who also oppose the Oda Alliance. Yoshikage must also make sure the Azai clan does not

abandon their alliance with Asakura, as the Azai is at risk of joining Oda. Yoshikage’s contact is

Tomás Ó Gallchobhair, a young impressionable Irish-Catholic priest.

Uesugi Kenshin (Head of Uesugi Clan)

On the shores of the Sea of Japan resides the Echigo Province, home of the Uesugi Clan. Head of

this clan is Uesugi Kenshin, the “Dragon of Echigo.” The Echigo Province is one of Japan’s

richest area, due to Kenshin’s efforts to increase the growth of local industries and trade. As a

34

result, the Uesugi clan is one of the richest clans in all of Japan. Kenshin’s martial arts skills are

equal only to his devotion to Zen-Buddhism. His followers believe Kenshin to be the “Avatar of

Bishamonten,” the Buddhist God of War. His only occasional rival is Takeda Shingen, known as

the “Tiger of Kai.” They have battled each other multiple times, but in times of crisis will come

to each other’s aid.

Uesugi Kenshin is threatened by the rise of Oda Nobunaga, as Nobunaga is on the path to

becoming Japan’s most powerful warlord. Kenshin will likely seek to join an anti-Oda alliance in

order to stop his rise to power. Many other clans will also seek an alliance with the Uesugi clan,

as the warriors of this clan are unparallelled. Kenshin himself is also a master of warfare, for a

“Dragon” is a dangerous foe. His contact is Fukuhara Yoshimasa, a leader of a mercenary group

serving under Kenshin.

Mōri Terumoto (Head of Mōri)

Mōri Terumoto is the son of Mōri Takamoto, who died when Terumoto was only ten. His

grandfather Monotari ruled until he came of age, and after the fall of their rival, the Amako Clan,

Monotari left Terumoto instructions not to expand the clan any further. As an admirer of Hagi

ware pottery, Terumoto yearns to expand his pottery trade overseas. His years as an assassin

before climbing the ranks of the Mōri Clan have left him tired and unmotivated to expand his

land and power. He often makes his subordinates fight his battles in his stead and is said to lack

willpower and leadership ability. Terumoto’s contact is Wei Kwan, the trader who buys and sells

his pottery overseas in China and other parts of Asia.

35

Maeda Toshiie (Lord of Kaga)

Toshiie spent his childhood in the Arako Village before joining Oda Nobunaga’s service at the

age of thirteen. He was dismissed from service for murdering another Oda retainer, but was able

to regain Nobunaga’s favor and reclaim his old role after fighting for his lord at Okehazama and

Moribe. As a man, he became one of Nobunaga’s leading generals and is trusted with leading

Oda’s army against his enemies. Toshiie’s contact is Sanae Miki, the owner of a brothel in Kyoto

of which Maeda frequents.

Fr. Luis Frois (Portuguese Christian Missionary)

Fr. Luis Frois grew up in Lisbon before joining the Jesuit Society of Jesus at the age of sixteen

and traveling to Goa to attend the College of St. Paul. Frois was ordained at twenty-nine, where

he then set off to Japan to do missionary work. At thirty-seven, he met and befriended Oda

Nobunaga and lived with him in Gifu for a short period of time while writing books about

historical events. First and foremost, he wants general acceptance of Christianity among the

nobles and wishes to send missionaries out among the peasants to preach the word of Christ. The

work of Frois is threatened by the deep-seated tradition of Buddhism and the Ikkō-Ikki militant

force, who desire to maintain the status quo. Frois is compelled to defend his missionaries and

the growing Christian population by any means necessary. His contact is Ambrósio Cortes, a

Dutch Christian missionary who is roaming the lands of Japan and listening to the suffering of

the peasants.

36

Chihiro Fuku (Peasant)*

Chihiro was born into the wealthy middle class as the only child of a rice magnate. She grew up

as an only child in a wealthy family, and was thus was able to learn how to read and write,

resulting in her exposure to different forms of governments and cultures. Later, Chihiro fell in

love with a poor rice farmer against her family’s wishes, causing her family to disown her. At the

start of the war, the Shingen clan burned her family’s crops down. When the Nobunaga clan

came through her community, they murdered her husband and oldest son.

Motivated by revenge and a passion to keep Japan safe, Chihiro embarked on a journey to make

Japan a free republic safe from the whims of foolish nobles. Since her upbringing brought her to

many different nations, Chihiro was able to meet Jacques Armand. Jacques can get her the

support of Europe, trade, and resources due to his high-ranking position in the French

government as the diplomat to Spain.

Zhao Ming (Chinese Ambassador) *

Hailing from a politically powerful family, Ming is trying to make a name for himself throughout

China as a force to be reckoned with. His family is made up of close advisors to the Emperor, so

Ming has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Coming to Japan for his first diplomatic mission, he

will attempt to sway the warlords into making a trade deal with China. Ming will use any means

at his disposal to persuade the warlords to agree to his and China’s demands. Ming’s contact is

his younger brother, Shang Ming back in China, who is helping him run the family business.

37

Bram Peters (Dutch Ambassador) *

Bram Peters comes from a prominent Dutch family and received an exemplary education, which

allowed him to become a diplomat to other powerful European nations, like England and France.

However, the beginning of the lengthy Dutch Revolt caused a shakeup in the royal cabinet.

Peters has been demoted for his inability to avoid the revolt and has been sent to the far-off land

of Japan, where it is said that the country is overrun with strange warriors who only fight with

swords. His diplomatic mission to Japan occurs at an inopportune time, as the Dutch Revolt has

left the Netherlands without solid leadership and the many different voices within the country

will give Peters a conflicting message on what to achieve during his time abroad. Therefore, his

attempts to trade and gain political footholds are unsure and he can be taken advantage of easily.

However, Peters resents his demotion and will do anything to prove he is still relevant to his

country’s politics. His contact is Akihito Takahashi, a major trader in Japan. He has control over

most port cities due to his activities and ship power.

Edward Kelley (The Alchemist)

Edward Kelley began his mysterious journey as a humble commoner in Ireland around 1555. His

knowledge allowed him to rise out of the impoverished nation and attend the prestigious Oxford

University, where he rubbed shoulders with future members of Elizabeth I’s royal court.

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 supposed abilities have impressed men of great power throughout the

world. His apparent power to turn metals into gold impressed John Dee, a prominent

38

mathematician in Elizabeth’s royal court, which granted him great favor for his spiritual

activities. Not everyone has bought into his powers, more specifically, the Catholic Church. The

Catholic Church put him on trial for heresy and both of his ears were cut off as punishment for

past crimes. Kelley has been forced to flee his native country and find refuge in Japan, far away

from English jurisdiction. He quickly gained the favor of Oda Nobunaga for his mystical abilities

and his prophecy that Oda will one day rule over all of Japan. With his past behind him and the

support of John Dee still at his back, Kelley discovers Japan is in need of the guidance only he

can provide.

*Characters with asterisks did not exist in real life and were created for the purpose of this committee. To prepare

for these characters, the delegates must research the politics of their respective characters country and the social

class position that character is to gain a better understanding of their character.

39

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