Nippon

The Empire of Nippon, the Empire of the Rising Sun or just simply Nippon is an island nation located in Eastern Asia.

History
Following the Bunka Restoration of 19th century, the Empire of Nippon began its aggressive expansion into every direction. The Kingdom of Goguryeo was annexed in 1834, the island of Formosa was conquered by 1838, and the islands of Hawaii were incorporated into Empire in 1852.

As the country began opening up to the West in 1880s, several enlightenment era reforms were adopted, western military standards were introduced, and new parliament, the Diet, began its work in 1887. With new westernized country, Nippon began waging wars against the nations of Asia, starting with Shi.

During the Great War, Nippon chose to remain neutral, but in 1914, the decades of Aestia-Nippon negotiations resulted in the signing of the Barutokai Cooperation, a military, political and technological exchange program. As the alliance between the two countries strengthened, it soon came under international criticism, especially from Aurora and Imperium, former feeling threatened by potential enemies surrounding it, and latter seeking to limit the gains both nations would achieve if they combined their forces.

The Madagascar Expedition between 1921 and 1927 ended the threat of local pirates, occasionally funded by costal kingdoms, and secured an alternative supply port for both nations in case of war with Imperium.

The early 1930s saw the global Great Depression hit Nippon as well, resulting in the collapse of majority of Aisaka Hikari's government. Nevertheless, she formed another government, aiming to swiftly deal with the economic downturn.

Trivia

 * Nippon, just like Suomi and Svea, are the native names of respective countries.
 * The logic behind the Barutokai is never explained. Check Aestian Trivia for more details.
 * The plot hints to peaceful resolve of the Sengoku Period - with no battles like one at Sekigahara, it is possible that the country is still ruled by warlords.
 * Aisaka Hikari is obvious reference to one of TiigriKiisu's favorite anime characters, Aisaka Taiga from ToraDora.
 * Nippon is one of the few nations that was originally planned to retain its historical flag.
 * Being a notable regional powerhouse, it is unknown how Nippon achieved such status.
 * Nippon is the home of warrior code that would later become known as Tigerism.