Ch.420Modern Era: The Age of Grand Anastasia (18)

# Conversations with Japan

* * *

The call with Mutaguchi III proceeded smoothly.

If they’re going to take a pro-Roman stance on their own, we can certainly hear them out.

If we show a positive response, other Co-Prosperity Sphere nations will likely support West Japan’s position. I was thinking we should wait and see a bit more, but—

“Your Majesty, this time there’s a call request from President George of East Japan—”

Now East Japan was calling.

The East Japan President is named George? Hmm, can such a name even exist in Japan?

Even if a similar name existed, it would likely be from that lineage, especially in East Japan where there are Black and mixed-race people.

“Just hearing the name, he must be of American descent.”

East Japan President George. What a hybrid.

Personally, I thought there might at least be someone of Korean descent, but disappointingly, it seems completely from that side.

“I believe this is their third Black president.”

The third Black president. Considering when the history of East Japan’s Kanto Republic began, during that long period, Blacks who were merely immigrants have risen to power.

This suggests Blacks have already made significant inroads into politics.

Well, Blacks who came over with American money naturally overpowered the poor Kanto people. Thanks to that, even the remaining socialists were completely uprooted.

No wonder West Japan would dislike this.

Perhaps it’s right to keep them in check.

“No wonder West Japan would dislike this.”

They have every reason to dislike it.

“Yes. Moreover, during the initial Black immigration, they dramatically increased their population to gain control of East Japan.”

Maria carefully commented beside me.

Oh, they increased their population. So they created mixed-race children and increased their numbers through widows who lost their husbands or other family members in the war.

That’s why West Japan dislikes it.

“Yes. When you think about it, West Japan’s dislike isn’t unreasonable.”

“I don’t dislike Black people, but well…”

I feel a slight pang of conscience.

Honestly, I encouraged Black immigration to ensure complete division.

Thinking about this makes me bitter. How did it come to this? Well, it’s somewhat my fault, but not entirely.

[“Have you been well, Your Majesty? I should have congratulated you on your return earlier, I apologize for contacting you so late.”]

I had no connection with these people, yet he’s calling and pretending to be friendly.

I thought he might complain to me about why I advocated for unification if I was going to oppose it, making things this way, but that’s not the atmosphere. What’s going on?

Alright, let’s hear what he has to say.

“Hahaha. Thank you. So, what brings you to call?”

[“I’d like to discuss the unification issue.”]

He wants to discuss the unification issue. Hmm. How admirable.

The fact that he’s reaching out to me first shows he’s quite sensible for a puppet state of America.

“Go ahead and speak. I’m listening.”

[“Yes, Your Majesty. Our country believes unification with the Japanese United States is possible, but with conditions.”]

“Conditions?”

They really like conditions, don’t they? Well, can’t be helped.

If they unified unconditionally, East Japan would be crushed by America, so it can’t be helped.

I fully acknowledge that point, and after the humiliation in South Vietnam, America will absolutely not give up East Japan.

At the very least, to prevent a situation where they might lean toward our side, even if they permit unification, they’d probably consider neutrality at minimum.

Ultimately, this Japanese issue needs to be resolved to end the Second Cold War.

[“Yes. First, since we must be mindful of America, the abolition of AI Anastasia and the imperial system maintained through Renya Mutaguchi’s loophole 80 years ago must be prioritized.”]

That would be natural.

The imperial system was maintained by exploiting America’s conditions as much as possible, as a member of the Korean imperial family.

Of course, if the imperial system is abolished, it would mean West Japan’s United States would lose its legitimacy.

From our perspective, there’s no reason to accept this.

If this is connected to America, we cannot agree to such conditions.

Abolish AI Anastasia? Then how would they cope with the rapidly changing world?

America might be able to keep up with us without AI Anastasia due to their vast experience, but what about a country like Japan?

Right. Let’s hear more.

“Is that so? What does America think?”

If America is behind this, I need to refuse it politely, one way or another.

Because if America has concluded to support conditional unification this time, it means they’re directly confronting our provocation.

[“Ah. What I’ve mentioned seems to be the minimum conditions to persuade America. We must also use an independent currency excluding the Co-Prosperity Sphere currency—”]

It seems he hasn’t informed America yet, and these are the minimum conditions to get America’s permission. This is quite complicated.

Why did I start this mess?

“What else?”

[“We need to form a coalition government and hold new general elections to reorganize the government in the future. Military reduction as well…”]

This guy’s head is full of flowers.

Does he seriously think this will work? It won’t.

He can’t be speaking formally now. We’re just going back and forth.

Or does East Japan truly desire unification in this way?

Looking at the conditions, honestly, they’re acceptable in terms of “independent unification.”

All parts are understandable. It’s a step to prevent chaos and prepare thoroughly for unification before forming a unified government.

While American influence is a problem, it’s not impossible if we consider East Japan’s intention to be tactful about it.

They’re even thinking about general elections despite having a smaller population than West Japan?

This sounds plausible.

The problem is that West Japan has no particular desire to do this. The unification talk hasn’t even surged yet.

The Roman Treaty and America’s proposal are just to preemptively claim the unification discourse to solidify the division, not genuinely for your benefit.

Honestly, East Japan seems too sincere.

I thought the multiracial East Japan would be more reluctant to unify.

Perhaps this is all thanks to Anastasia’s grace.

Maybe East Japan is just thinking they’re preparing. That’s probably it, but unfortunately, I need to tell them it’s impossible.

What are they trying to do with this thin ice that’s just surfaced?

“I understand how sincere East Japan is about unification. However, it seems impossible with West Japan.”

[“What do you mean?”]

“West Japan has stated they cannot accept a multiracial society. They’d rather maintain their half-baked divine status and live as pure-blooded Yamato people.”

We need to spread such things in advance to prevent unification.

[“!!!”]

“Well, what can we do? West Japan’s remaining pride is being pure-blooded Yamato people. I’m an outsider, and West Japan is in the Co-Prosperity Sphere position, so it would be better for you to talk with them rather than me.”

[“Don’t you support unification, Your Majesty?”]

“Well, I said I would support it if the Yamato people desire it, not that I would help. Frankly, this is interference in internal affairs, and I merely commented on the Yamato people’s desire for unification.”

[“I see.”]

His tone is disappointed, but what can I do if they’re disappointed?

“It’s disappointing, but don’t you think those conditions are unreasonable? Even if all those conditions are accepted and unification happens, the country won’t be as good as before. Surely you don’t think it will end up in a position like South Vietnam.”

[“Of course not.”]

“In my personal opinion, unification as it stands would definitely cause problems. Unlike before, you won’t receive support from the Roman Treaty or America, and then what would happen?”

If things go relatively well, both America and the Roman Treaty would completely withdraw from Japan. Neither country would want the other’s influence in Japan.

At least America still has Hokkaido.

If America opposes unification and anti-American sentiment reaches its peak, in the worst-case scenario, they might somehow permit unification.

The Co-Prosperity Sphere might also let West Japan leave if they insist, especially since Grand Duke Zhang has been showing interest in the Co-Prosperity Sphere recently.

[“I see.”]

“It’s a matter of approaching realistically. West Japan is already bound to the Co-Prosperity Sphere, and East Japan is in the American sphere of influence. Ultimately, it’s difficult for Japan to unify and become independent. One side must take the lead, but even if all preconditions are met, it would be difficult this way. West Japan will never accept the abolition of the imperial system. Social, economic, and political chaos would naturally follow, and there’s concern that national power would weaken much more than when divided.”

[“Is that how you see it, Your Majesty?”]

Why are you asking me? It’s a bit unfair.

It’s like siblings wanting to reconcile and asking their school teacher about it.

Well, there’s enough plausibility, but still.

“It’s not my problem. I support unification, but this is just my concern. Seeing the rise of unification discourse during the conflict between AI Anastasia and the Aegis system, I thought there was a desire for unification. But aren’t the main parties West Japan’s Japanese United States and East Japan’s Kanto Republic? It’s a matter for the two of you to figure out.”

The main parties are your two countries, not us.

[“I understand. I’ll need to talk with the West Japanese government first.”]

Click-

That ended the conversation with George. Foolish people.

They’re playing completely opposite games, so unification is far off.

It’s a bit peculiar that East Japan desires unification in the first place.

-“President George seems more positive about unification than expected.”

Indeed. He’s even prepared conditions and is more thorough than expected.

Of course, the conditions are just prepared, not implemented. Preparation doesn’t guarantee unification.

Or perhaps he’s developed a sense of Japanese identity.

“He’s just positive. Or maybe he’s truly developed a sense of Japanese identity. What will happen next?”

-“The race issue is a matter of pride for East Japan. From East Japan’s perspective, they’ll probably be provoked and refuse.”

Yes. It’s quite pitiful.

In this world, Japan is ultimately divided in half, which is such a sad situation.

Of course, it’s not my concern. After all, I’ve already set everything up.

However, the issue is how far this problem might spread.

“It’s quite unusual that Blacks would have a Japanese identity.”

It’s amusing even for me to say that Blacks have inherited Japanese identity.

But it’s not completely implausible.

Due to skin color differences, one might think, “Hmm, that Black person is Japanese?”

Honestly, there are still a few Black people in Africa and America today, but most are in East Japan now, and they say about half of the typical village is Black.

It’s like terraforming, similar to what Israel is doing in China.

“Perhaps it’s because they live on that land and have learned Japanese history.”

There are cases like that.

In original history, second-generation Japanese born on the Korean peninsula often didn’t want to return to mainland Japan. Some had established foundations, but many also considered Korea their homeland.

The US military government kicked them out and sent them all back to the mainland.

Ultimately, identity is established based on where one is born. The first Blacks who immigrated to Japan with the “Japan Dream!” and received enormous government subsidies might be different, but those newly born in Japan or of mixed race would be different.

Would descendants of Goguryeo or Baekje in Japan consider themselves Japanese or of Goguryeo/Baekje descent?

Of course, that’s ancient history, but anyway, considering how many Westerners in the original world were fascinated with Japanese culture, what about Blacks living in Japan?

It’s quite understandable.

-“Honestly, when you look at non-mixed Japanese Blacks, they’re not much different from Africans.”

“Well, considering how Blacks were treated as slaves, they’re now in various parts of the world with different nationalities.”

Even in this era, Black people occasionally protest with signs about racial discrimination, but the proportion is significantly lower than in the original history.

This might be because they mostly immigrated to Japan or mysteriously died under Eva Perón, greatly reducing their numbers, and since there were no civil wars in Africa, African Blacks remained there.

Anyway, with this, the situation in Japan has become one where unification talk was about to emerge, but I forcibly brought it up and then uprooted it again.

It’s good for us to pretend to be nice, America will look like the villain.

East and West Japan have shown attitudes opposing unification, which is excellent.