Feudal Japan

Feudal Japan (FJ) is a region encouraging the sharing of knowledge about, and role-play in the spirit of, real-life Japan as it was during the middle ages. The History of Feudal Japan dates back to its founding in November 2005.

FJ requests member nations to adopt its feudalist flag style (narrow vertical), the kitsune (fox) or hayabusa (hawk) as national animal, and a variation of the koku as national currency, but these are not enforced requirements of admission.

Feudal Japan is the ruling region of the Tenka Fubu Alliance. It is presently open to new members, both casual and active.

Regional Map of Feudal Japan

Ranks for Member Nations

All regional promotions are determined and granted by the Shogun. The Shogun may also announce demotions (rarely), in response to lack of a nation's regional activity or a failure to comply with the Shogun's policies. A secondary ranking system has recently been added, listing Shinto ranks (not listed or described here) that must be acquired through specified service to the region as pre-requisites for each primary rank.

New Members (Jizamurai)

Nations newly arrived in Feudal Japan are quickly greeted and instantly awarded the initiate rank of Jizamurai. Nations which left the region and then returned may be permitted to resume their original rank upon their return, at the Shogun's discretion. All arrivals with UN membership are required to endorse the current regional UN delegate or risk expulsion. New arrivals are strongly advised to visit the Feudal Japan forum and consult the "FAQ's and Help Centre" for an overview of the region's purpose, philosophy and regulations. Jizamurai nations that opt to reside in the region for at least two weeks (or one week with an active regional forum account) will automatically be promoted to Ronin.

Casual Members (Ronin)

Nations are welcome to be members of Feudal Japan without participating in its role-playing aspect or its regional forum. They will receive the basic rank of Ronin, a feudal Japanese warrior that historically was without recognized loyalties. In the NationStates region of Feudal Japan, Ronin are considered loyal to the region's Shogun and its Emperor unless their actions prove otherwise (e.g. endorsement of an invading nation).

Active Members (Samurai)

Nations which register on the regional forum and play an active role in regional development will receive the rank of Samurai in recognition of their efforts. Samurai are feudal Japanese warriors who have pledged formal loyalty to the Shogun and the Emperor (regional founder). They are admired contributors and trusted members of the region.

Feudal Japan accepts a certain degree of duality. Multiple nations belonging to one player may advance as far as Samurai rank, although only one of that player's nations may advance further to become a Daimyo. Any player whose second nation is awarded a daimyo rank must identify their duality to the Shogun at that time (if they have not already done so) to avoid transgression.

Advanced Ranks (Daimyo)

Nations whose activities become integral to the furtherance of the region's governance will be awarded the rank of Daimyo, a Japanese feudal lord. All Daimyo are members of the Egoshu, an inner council and advisory body that assists the Shogun with the power to vote upon all regional policies/bills that the Shogun does not choose to pass by proclamation. Egoshu members are additionally candidates for the Tenka Fubu Egoshu, which debates and votes upon issues of relevance to all Tenka Fubu Alliance regions.

There are three Daimyo ranks through which nations may rise, that reflect the impression they have made upon the Shogun with their degree of dedication to the region's welfare:

• Ryoshu (Daimyo First Rank) is awarded to samurai who have made a significant contribution to the region through forum contributions, government work or military activity. They are highly regarded active players.
• Joshu (Daimyo Second Rank) are superb contributors who exemplify the type of dedicated player required to support Feudal Japan's long-term development as a region.
• Kokushu (Daimyo Third Rank) are confidants to the Kanrei and Shogun, trusted with the most sensitive information, and are in line to succeed the Kanrei and/or Shogun as leaders of the region. They may possess administrative access to the regional forum.

Other Tenka Fubu Alliance regions will use their own ranking systems for members below the Daimyo level; these will not be maintained or tracked by Feudal Japan and the Shogun. However, the Shogun will recognize nations of the Alliance outside of Feudal Japan when they are deserving of Daimyo rank, and reward them with this rank accordingly. Daimyo of the Tenka Fubu Alliance who reside outside of Feudal Japan are members of the Tenka Fubu Egoshu, but not of the Feudal Japan Egoshu.

Rulers of Feudal Japan (Kanrei, Shogun and Emperor)

The Shogun possesses ultimate authority and dictatorial power within the region of Feudal Japan and extending to all members of the Tenka Fubu alliance. The Shogun possesses veto power over all decisions made by his/her Daimyo and the Egoshu, as well as Feudal Japan's legal court decisions. The Shogun's second (Kanrei) acts as his/her right-hand to help implement and enforce the orders of the Shogun.

The nation Nobunagas Revenge, as original founder of Feudal Japan, is honoured with the title of Emperor for Life. Should this nation ever be reactivated, it will instantly demote and replace the current Shogun (unless the Emperor decrees otherwise) as ruler of Feudal Japan.

The Government of Feudal Japan

All government offices are hosted on the FJ Regional Forum.

Minka

In the Minka, all nations in the region can discuss ideas and information that relate to Feudal Japan, regardless of whether they hold government office. The Speaker is a nominated/elected position within the Minka responsible for bringing forward issues of concern from the populace for government consideration and action. (incumbent Speaker: none)

Egoshu

The Parliament of Feudal Japan. Typically, all ministers and department heads are appointed to Egoshu membership by the Shogun. Egoshu members gather here to discuss issues and to vote upon governmental matters specifically pertaining to the region of Feudal Japan. Forum members not part of the Egoshu are welcome to comment as guests of the Egoshu, but not to vote. The Shogun's assent is required for any new legislation (or ammendments to existing legislation) to come into effect. Passed legislation is catalogued in the Egoshu Reference Libary (maintained by the Speaker of the Egoshu). (incumbent Speaker: Romabengal)

Hyororyosho - Ministers

The Hyororyosho is the home of government offices and the Egoshu. Ministers will post available positions here, as well as their reports on what they are doing. Feedback from all members is always welcomed, whether posted directly in the ministerial forums or via the Minka. The Shogun reserves the right to reshuffle the members of his Hyororyosho at any time, although the Shogun may entertain requests to maintain status quo positions at his/her discretion. The Shogun controls all positions presently designated as vacant.

• Shogun - Supreme Ruler of Feudal Japan and Tenka Fubu. Awards promotions to regional members for honourable activity. Sole authority to appoint ministers, department heads and Egoshu members, and to remove them from office (exception: nations may remove themselves). Sole authority to pass legislation in the Egoshu. Ultimate veto power over decisions rendered by ministers, department heads and the Egoshu. (incumbent: Manticores)

• Kanrei - Office of the Prime Minister. Second-in-command after the Shogun. Responsible to coordinate activities amongst the other ministry positions, and to monitor and/or lead discussions in the Egoshu. Assists the Shogun by bringing forward all items of importance requiring immediate address or that may have been overlooked. Responsible for running the region in the absence of the Shogun, and automatically succeeds the Shogun if another nation is not officially appointed. (incumbent: Romabengal)

• Jibusho - Office of the Interior Minister. Responsible for regional population retention Promotes activity on the regional message board (RMB) and on the forums. Must be visibly active on the RMB and forums. Must welcome new nations by personal telegram. Is also responsible for informing new nations about Feudal Japan's flag and common currency conventions. Encourages all UN nations to endorse the current delegate. Monitors the rate at which new members join the forums. (incumbent: none)

• Dairyo - Office of Recruitment & Immigration. Primary responsibility for regional population incrementation. In charge of recruitment activities and drafting/revising recruitment message templates. Answers all replies to recruitment efforts in an honorable fashion. Welcomes new arrivals to the region. Monitors rate of new arrivals across all of Tenka Fubu. (incumbent: Montopholous)

• Gaimusho - Office of the Foreign Minister. Welcomes and reviews international preliminary requests for alliances and treaties. Primary responsibility for interregional diplomacy, introducing self as the first point of contact to other regions that are opening diplomatic relations with Feudal Japan. Oversees ambassador activity, seeking volunteers and appointing them as new ambassadors to prioritized postings. Monitors portions of the FJ forum dedicated to activities and news from outside Feudal Japan, bringing important developments to the Shogun's attention. (incumbent: Romabengal)

• Hyobusho - Minister of the Gekokujo, Defence and War. Occupies the Kodokan (barracks). Answers directly to the Shogun and Kanrei for all military action taken and its results. Commands actions taken by the Gekokujo, both in domestic defense and foreign actions. Seeks out new volunteers, recruiting them for appropriate roles within the Gekokujo according to their ability and rank. Recommends promotions to the Shogun for Gekokujo members who have performed admirably in the service of Feudal Japan. (incumbent: Aizen)

• Udaijin - Minister of Judicial Affairs. Occupies the Gyobusho (court). Acts as Feudal Japan's district attorney. Reviews and processes all claims of wrongful action perpetrated against Feudal Japan and its government by regional members, as accusations are brought before the Gyôbushô. Follows due process, as outlined by Feudal Japan's Courts Act. Recommends punishments to the Shogun to be meted out against guilty parties for culpable acts that are not deemed honourable. (incumbent: appointed by Shogun at time of trial)

Hyororyosho - Departmental Heads

The following departments are subsidiaries of the Jibusho, Minister of the Interior, since they pertain to creating, recognizing and rewarding activities for regional members' participation. They work in conjunction with the minister's retention efforts. Note: On the FJ Forum, departmental forums are contained within the Jibusho forum.

• Okurasho - Department of Finance & Statistics. Tracks the financial success and progress of the region. Recognizes the performance of pre-eminent economic powers within the region, and population milestones achieved. Monitors long-term indicators of financial and population success, seeking causes for and identifying any obvious trends. Supplies financial and population reports to the region via the regional message board and forum postings. (incumbent: none)

• United Nations (UN Delegate) - Department of United Nations Affairs. Elected by the Egoshu, or appointed by the Shogun. Pursues and collects endorsements from all UN nations in Feudal Japan, for the purpose of presenting a strong front against potential invasion. Responsible for updating the world factbook entry in the absence of the Emperor, according to content requested by the Shogun. Responsible for imposing or removing password protection on the region in the absence of the Emperor, at the Shogun's discretion. Expels/bans nations from Feudal Japan in the absence of the Emperor, at the Shogun's discretion. Subjects all UN resolutions to regional discussion on the forum, and submits vote to the UN according to the region's majority opinion. Coordinates new proposal ideas for submission to the UN for its consideration. (incumbent: The KoZ)

• Bunkachô - Department of Cultural Affairs. Observes and encourages the creative endevours of Feudal Japan and its government. Assists in the creation of flags according to the Feudal Japan convention. Recommends national animals for nations in accordance with the regional icons. Seeks out and shares information about real-life Feudal Japan, coodinating the archiving of this material. Plays a leadership role in promoting creative writing projects, the mapping project, and role-playing activities. (incumbent: Oshima and Izu)

• Takara Shimbun - The Official Newspaper of Feudal Japan. Used by the Shogun, ministers and department heads to transmit news of national and international significance to the region. The Editor-in-Chief will ensure a minimum of weekly activity. Articles printed in the Takara Shimbun are available to international syndication. (incumbent Editor-in-Chief: Manticores/Romabengal)

• NSWikipedia Content - The NSWikipedia for Feudal Japan. Used by the Shogun, ministers and department heads to accurately describe the region of Feudal Japan, its operations, its mandate, and its activities. The Editor-in-Chief will review this content periodically (miniumum: monthly) for accuracy and required updates. A link to this entry is to be included in all recruitment efforts and the world factbook entry. All nations in Feudal Japan are encouraged to create private entries in NSWikipedia which describe their nations; these will automatically be linked to from the Nations of Feudal Japan section (see below). (incumbent Editor-in-Chief: Knights of Zion)

Tenka Fubu Alliance

The Tenka Fubu Alliance is a collection of mutually supportive regions led by Feudal Japan. The alliance mission is to promote the restructuring and propserity of all its members, who are initially welcomed into the alliance for the purpose of their rejuvination. The Alliance is supported by the following structure:

• Tenka Fubu Egoshu (hosted at the FJ Forum): a meeting place for members of the Tenka Fubu Egoshu (designated by the Shogun; typically they are daimyo and regional ministers), who have authority to debate and vote upon issues of relevance to all members of the Tenka Fubu Alliance. (incumbent Speaker: none)

• Tenka Fubu Office (hosted at the FJ Forum): housing place for reference documents of relevance to all Tenka Fubu Alliance members.

• Ryoguko (Developer Province): established regions lending their support to the development of new Alliance members. A daimyo of the Alliance, known by the title Shugo, is in charge of the Ryoguko. At present, the Ryoguko provinces of the Tenka Fubu Alliance are: Feudal Japan; Tenka Fubu.

• Kuni (Developing Province): new Alliance members still in the process of being launched and establishing their own self-identity. A daimyo of the Alliance, known by the title Tozama, is in charge of the Kuni. He/she is assisted by the Gesu, a Ryoguko nation in charge of coordinating Alliance participation in developing the Kuni. At present, the Kuni provinces of the Tenka Fubu Alliance are: The Emerald Coast.

Nations of Feudal Japan with Wiki Pages

Knights of Zion, The KoZ, Oshima and Izu; Alumni: Nobunagas Revenge, Burn up Blade, Hellaciousism, Temple of Memorial

Glossary of Terms

• Bakufu : residence of the Shogun
• Bunkachô : Agency of Cultural Affairs (flags, map, etc.)
• Daimyo : provincial warlord of Feudal Japan (highest member rank)
• Dairyo : Office of Recruitment & Immigration
• Egoshu : the parliament of Feudal Japan
• Emperor : founder of the region of Feudal Japan
• Gaimu Daijin :Foreign Minister, Gaimusho Office
• Gaimusho : Office of the Foreign Minister
• Gekokujo : the army of Feudal Japan
• Gesu : Ryoguko daimyo assisting the Tozama with overseeing the development of his/her Kuni.
• Gyôbushô : legal court of Feudal Japan; overseen by the Udaijin
• Hyobusho : minister of the Gekokujo; orchestrates military actions of the Gekokujo
• Hyororyosho : home of government offices
• Jibusho : Office of the Interior Minister
• Jizamurai : rank assigned to new arrivals in the region
• Joshu : Daimyo rank for nations intimately involved in building the region.
• Kanrei : Office of the Prime Minister; 2nd in Command
• Katana : samurai sword
• Kodokan : military barracks
• Kogeki : offensive arm of the Gekokujo (deactivated ministry; SEE Hyobusho above)
• Kokushu : The highest rank of Daimyo
• Kuni : Tenka Fubu Alliance province currently being developed.
• Minka : discussion forum for all regional members that concerns government issues
• Ninja : secretive stealth warrior; also may refer to the offensive arm of the Gekokujo (Kogeki)
• Nosuke : a deputy minister
• Okurasho : Office of the Minister of Finance
• Ronin : samurai for hire (lowest permanent member rank)
• Ryoguko : Tenka Fubu Alliance province assisting in the development of Kuni provinces.
• Ryoshu : The lowest ranking of the Daimyo
• Samurai : warrior loyal to the Shogun (medium member rank); also may refer to the defensive arm of the Gekokujo (Hyobusho)
• Sensei : instructor of the Gekokujo and of the Tsukai-ban
• Speaker : a nominated/elected position of forum chairman for either the Minka, the Egoshu or the Tenka Fubu Egoshu
• Shogun : ultimate warlord and ruler of Feudal Japan
• Shugo : special title; responsible for overseeing a Ryoguko Tenka Fubu Alliance province
• Takara Shimbun : official news of Feudal Japan
• Tenka Fubu : Realm under One Sword. Variously defined as i) an alliance led by Feudal Japan; ii) a region, ally of Feudal Japan; iii) a mission to develop small NationStates regions
• Tozama : special title; responsible for overseeing a Kuni Tenka Fubu Alliance province
• Tsukai-ban : intelligence agency of Feudal Japan
• Udaijin : minister of judicial affairs

See Also

History of Feudal Japan

External Links

Members of the region of Feudal Japan include many fans of this period in Japanese history. The regional forum contains discussion, information and the sharing of links to external information about this age of Shogun and samurai, including:

Reference:

• History of Wealth and Poverty: Japan (includes glossary)
• Hotlist on Life in Feudal Japan
• Samurai Archives
• Samurai Archives - Glossary of Terms

History:

• Early Japan (pre-Feudal)
• Wikipedia: Feudal Japan
• World Civilizations: Feudal Japan (856-1477)
• The Warring States Period (1467-1567)
• Solyson Magazine: The Ambassador Samurai (1614)
• Japan-Guide.com (710 - present)

Entertainment:

• Japanese Name Generator