Teiko

Teiko (Japanese: 帝光 Teikou; formally 帝光の連邦王国 Teikou-koku, "Federal Kingdom of Teiko") is a sovereign island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies north of the East China Sea and Federal Republic of Okatabawashi and south of the State of Japan, Republic of Korea and Seto Inland Sea. The federal government of Teiko which has its seat in the capital of Tetsuya Special Administrative District currently exercises jurisdictions over seven local prefectures and three mostly autonomous special administrative districts. The kanji that makes up Teiko’s name means “sovereign or Emperor's light”, and Teiko is often called as the “Light of the Orient”. Teiko is one of the three major Japanese speaking countries in the world along with Japan and Nakama.

Teiko is a stratovolcanic archipelago of 264 islands covering approximately at least 41,862 sq. kilometers (16,163 sq. miles). The five largest, Daichi, Tsushima, Amakusa, Tanegashima and Hirado which are collectively known as Saikaidō makes up almost 99% of the Teiko's land area. Teiko's population of almost 25 million people is the thirteenth highest in AIN. Approximately 8.1 million people live in Kaijo, the former capital of Teiko which is the second populous city among Japanese cities after the Special Wards of Tokyo. The Greater Kaijo Area which includes Kaijo and surrounding districts, is the fourth largest metropolitan area among AIN member states.

Archaeological research indicates that the first sign of human beings in Teiko dates back up to 10,000 B.C. during the arrival of the Adi Man from mainland Asia. Major permanent settlements were recorded in 400 B.C. along the Ao and Kuro Rivers. The first written mention of Teiko is from Chinese scrolls dating back to the 1st Century A.D. Influence from other regions, mainly from China, Japan, Nakama and Okatabawashi has characterized Teiko's early and medieval history. From 1185-1333, Teiko was ruled by the Kamakura shogunate. In 1336, Mibu Kyoichirou established the Mibu shogunate, unifying the country for the first time. In 1543, the City of Dojimazaki was founded and had played an important role during as center for trade and the gateway of Western culture.

Teiko entered into a long period of prosperity as the country adopted international trade mainly with Western Europe and East Asia. In 1846, after decade long dissents and conflicts within the Mibu shogunate, the Kuroko clan emerged victorious leading to the establishment of the State of Teiko, the first democratic state in Asia with the Iwamoto Congress becoming the first elected legislative body in the region. Teiko's defeat in the Teiko-Japan War in 1869 led to annexation of Teiko into the Empire of Japan. From 1872 until 1894, successive periods of revolt and revolutions brought an end to Japanese rule. In 1895, the Kingdom of Teiko was established with Prince Akihiro becoming the first monarch of Teiko. In 1895 until 1942, Teiko experienced rapid modernization and emerged as a modern industrial state.

Teiko suffered massive destruction during World War 2 and was rebuilt with foreign help in 1946. Diplomatic relationships with Japan was fully restored in 1954. Continuous fights among political parties and the Prince of Teiko led to the 1984 Teiko Constitutional Crises which culminated in the abdication of Prince Hideyoshi in 1986. Since the adoption of the Teiko Constitution of 1985, Teiko had began to take its modern form as a federal kingdom with a ceremonial prince with an elected premier and unicameral legislature called Teiko Royal Council.

Between 1950 to 1984, Teiko's economy grew rapidly at an annual rate of 16% fueled by annual export growth of 21% and massive centralized planning in a period call Miracle on Ao River that rapidly transformed Teiko into a high-income advanced country in the modern era. Its citizens enjoy a very high standard of living having Asia's second highest median per-capita income and average wage with the world's 10th highest household income. Globally, it ranks among the highest in education, quality of healthcare and ease of doing business. It benefits from a highly skilled workforce as of the leading OECD countries in student skills with the highest percentage of youths holding a tertiary education degree. Teiko also ranks high in metrics of prosperity such as Human Development Index, Happy Planet Index and Legatum Prosperity Index. Teiko is also one of the biggest creditors and donors in the world and Teiko International Cooperative Agency (TICA) is the operating body of the government of Teiko that facilitates international aid and development assistance.

Etymology


Teiko was named by a Japanese explorer named Gakusha Masaharu who first reached the island of Daichi on 195 AD. The named Teiko which has its roots from the Kanji 帝 (Mikado) and 光 (Hikari) literally means sovereign or Emperor's light. Gakusha described his glorious encounters with the gods in his journal which was refurnished in 1989. Eventually the name Teiko would be used to cover all the islands of the archipelago. Before that became commonplace, other names such as Doppo, Shinya and Etedo were used.

The official name of Teiko has changed several times in the course of the country's history. In 1870, Teiko's official name was State of Teiko and was under the protection of the Japanese Empire. After the Kaijo Mutiny, the Iwatomo Congress proclaimed the establishment of the Kingdom of Teiko. From the period of the Teiko-Japan War, the country is referred to as the Teiko Islands as its sovereignty is not internationally recognized. From the 1904-1945, the name Kingdom of Teiko began to appear again and it has since become the country's common name even during and after the World War 2. In 1985 after a constitutional crises, the name was finally changed to its present form, Federal Kingdom of Teiko.

Physical Characteristics




Teikō is an archipelago consisting of more than 264 islands and islets stretching almost a thousand miles from the north to south. The island surface is 14,840 square miles (38,435 square kilometers) and is criss-crossed with mountains and drained by three main river systems. Volcanic in origin, the mountain ranges “form the circuit and watersheds of the pacific basins of the earth’s surface.” Teiko has two major islands (Daichi and Sakura) and one major island chain, Zashiki Islands. There are now legislations in the Central-46 that will change Zashiki Group of Islands to Johto Islands referring to the region in general.

Topographically, Teiko is mountainous with many sizable plains near the coastlines. There are four major mountain systems in Teikō. The Kiyoshi Range which is the largest among the rest runs in central Daichi dissecting the island has its peak at Kiyoshi Peak which is the highest above sea level point in Teikō. The Kazuki Mountains on the eastern side of Daichi runs from the Rakuzan Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Kazuki Mountains which has been disputed as part of Kiyoshi Range has remained to be generally accepted as a different. Mt. Ryohaku, the central nucleus of Kazuki Mountains lies the south of Lake Taichi, the largest inland body of water in Teikō. The Azumaiōkōzan mountain range begins in the south nearly 50 kilometres away from the City of Hamada with Mt. Boso and runs to the north passing through all the five prefectures of Azumaiōkōzan. The estimate length of the range is at 500 miles, making it one of the longest mountain chain in Asia and the longest in Teiko. Its highest peak is Mt. Hakkoda named after a former Teiko Premier, Hakkoda Kiyotaka. The island groups to the north of Teiko until the eastern end of Russia, collectively called as Zashiki Group of Islands or Zashiki for simplicity also has several short level mountain ranges such Ishikari, Kitami and Suzuka among the most notable. Ishikari which is well-known for several endangered species and unique genus of flora is currently a protected site due to its proximately with Mt. Akaishi, the third most active volcano in Teikō.

Volcanoes also dot the three geographic regions of the country and for centuries has been a major cause of destruction and casualties. There are at least five major active volcanoes to date while the rest are considered dormant. The most famous from north to south are: Mount Tengu, Mount Razan and Iwaki. The eruption of Mt. Razan in June 1990 was by far the most destructive volcanic eruption in Teiko in modern history. The The eruption produced high-speed avalanches of hot ash and gas, giant mudflows, and a cloud of volcanic ash hundreds of miles across. The effects of the eruption were felt worldwide as it ejected roughly 10,000,000,000 tonnes (1.1×1010 short tons) or 10 km3 (2.4 cu mi) of magma, and 20,000,000 tonnes (22,000,000 short tons) SO2, bringing vast quantities of minerals and metals to the surface environment. It injected more particulate into the stratosphere than any eruption since Krakatoa did in 1883.

As an archipelagic country, Teiko has an abundant collection of water forms. There are six prominent lakes in Teiko with four of them located in the island of Sakura. The most famous Lake Tazawa is by far the largest lake in Teiko and is also the deepest at 350 meters below the sea level. Located in the island of Daichi, it is close to Rakuzan City and is normally a favorable tourists site. Teiko also have three main river systems of which the largest are Ao and Kuro Rivers. Both rivers are believed to have been the cradle of civilization in the country and has been mentioned in many historical works. Kuro River traverse Daichi island almost horizontally ending in an estuary with Ao River on Aokuro City. Most rivers in Teiko are well-known for their scenic beauty ans has been preserved by the government through the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture. The largest and coincidentally also the longest river in Teiko is the To Aru Majutsu River which is shortened as Toaru River in Sakura Island. The Toaru River has been for years used a major method of transportation. Historically, it is believed to have contained magical powers and its waters are capable of healing chronic diseases. There is also a complex system of freshwater streams that criss-cross the country in different lengths and sizes. Although there are water forms capable enough of being called a waterfall. There are several gorges around central Daichi which has small bodies of water flowing through them. Among the best example is the Hentenko which is the Japanese for unusual.

Climate




Teiko has a relatively cool summers and icy/snowy winters. Most of the island falls in the humid continental climate zone with Köppen climate classification Dfb (hemiboreal) in most areas but Dfa (humid continental) in some inland lowlands. The average August temperature ranges from 17 to 22 °C (62.6 to 71.6 °F), while the average January temperature ranges from −12 to −4 °C (10.4 to 24.8 °F), in both cases depending on elevation and distance from the ocean, though temperatures on the western side of the island tend to be a little warmer than on the eastern.

The northern portion of Teiko falls into the taiga biome, with significant snowfall. Snowfall varies widely from as much as 11 metres (400 in) on the mountains adjacent to the Sea of Teiko down to around 1.8 metres (71 in) on the Pacific coast. Total precipitation varies from 1,600 millimetres (63 in) on the mountains of the Sea of Teiko coast to around 800 millimetres (31 in) (the lowest in Teiko) on the Straight of Teiko coast and interior lowlands and up to around 1,100 millimetres (43 in) on the Pacific side.

In winter, the generally high quality of powder snow and numerous mountains in Teiko make it a popular region for snow sports. The snowfall usually commences in earnest in November and ski resorts (such as those at Hayama, Makoto, Touou and Hara) usually operate between December and April. Teiko celebrates its winter weather at the Kaijo Snow Festival usually held at the City Square. Kaijo Snow Festival is considered as the most premier non-holiday celebration in Teiko and is one of the most tourists visited events in Teiko.

During the winter, passage through the Straight of Teiko is often complicated by large floes of drift ice. Combined with high winds that occur during winter, this frequently brings air travel and maritime activity to a halt beyond the northern coast of Hokkaido. Ports on the open Pacific Ocean and Sea of Teiko are generally ice-free year round, though most rivers freeze during the winter.

Environment


The rapid industrialization of Teiko brought about hazardous change in the country's environment. From 1980 to 2010, a span of thirty years, massive urbanization has led to the nearly tripling amount of particles in the air making both the cities of Kaijo and Rakuzan as one of the cities with the dirtiest air next to Mexico City, Shanghai and Beijing. Water pollution was also a persistent problem in many cities. Radioactive wastes coming from nuclear power plans were also pressing environmental issues. Other current environmental issues include urban air pollution (NOx, suspended particulate matter, and toxics), waste management, water eutrophication, nature conservation, climate change, chemical management and international co-operation for conservation.

Responding to the several concerns, the government via the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAGE) has led nation wide efforts to alleviate the country's growing pollution trends. Several protection laws against illegal disposal of chemical and industrial wastes was implemented in 1970s while the clear air act was signed in 2000. However, despite several efforts, certain areas of Teiko remains to be widely polluted. Use of electronic public transport against traditional gas automobiles was also used in 2006 and has proved to be largely successful due to its cheap price and convenience. Efforts such as the mural painting of expressways piers were also conducted in the cities of Rakuzan and Kaijo. Local governments also requires some structures to have gardens. Several new buildings being built have also been tagged as eco-friendly and have LEED certification.

As of 2013, Teiko is recognized as a world leader in developing and implementing new environmentally-friendly technologies and policies, subsequently ranking 16th in the 2014 Environmental Performance Index, which measures a nation's commitment to environmental sustainability. As a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol that was created in a conference in Japan in 1997, Teiko is under treaty obligation to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and to take other steps to curb climate change. The Akashi government has currently pledged to lower carbon emission by at least 10% before 2016.

Government


Teiko is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy where the power of the Prince is limited. However unlike other constitutional monarchs, the prince is still wields considerable amount of influence and power. As the de facto recognized head of the state, his role is constitutionally defined as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Executive functions however are carried out by the Premier of Teiko and the Cabinet, while sovereignty is vested in the Teikonian people. Kiyoshi is the current Prince of Teiko while his cousin Prince Taishi of Nakagawa is next in line to the Throne of Teiko.

Teiko’s legislative organ is the Teiko Royal Council, seated in Chuo, Tetsuya. The Council is a unicameral body composed of 200 elected representatives, elected by popular vote every three years or when dissolved and 50 unelected sectoral representatives which are also called life peers. There is universal suffrage for adults over 18 years of age and voting is compulsory. Since 1986, three contemporary parties, Teiko National Party, Democratic Party of Teiko and Liberal Party of Teiko has dominated the Council. The National Party has enjoyed continuous electoral success since 1986. As of May 2017, it holds 132 seats.

The Premier of Teiko is the head of government and is appointed by the Prince after being elected via direct popular vote. Teiko is the only parliamentary country where the Premier is directly elected by the people. The Premier is the head of the Cabinet, and he appoints and dismisses the Ministers of State. Following the result of the 2015 national elections, Seijuro Akashi was re-elected to his second and final six year term becoming the first to do so since 1986. Although the Premier is formally appointed by the Prince, the Constitution explicitly requires the Prince to appoint whoever is elected by the Teikonian people.

Historically influenced by Japanese law, the Teikonian legal system developed independently during the Edo period through texts such as Kujikata Osadamegaki. However, after the Meiji Restoration Period, the judicial system has been largely based on the civil law of Posillipo. For example, in 1921, the Teikonian government established a civil code based on a draft of the Japanese Equivalent of the Posilliponian Laws. After the 1984 Teikonian Constitutional Crises, a few modifications were done but the code remains in effect until today. Statutory law originates in Teiko’s legislature and has the rubber stamp of the Prince. Teiko’s court system is divided into four basic tiers: the Supreme Court and three levels of lower courts. The Court of Appeals, an independent judicial body is also a part of Teiko’s court system. The main body of Teikonian statutory law is called the Six Codes.

Administrative Divisions
Further information: Prefectures of Teiko, Districts of Teiko, Cities of Teiko, Towns of Teiko and Villages of Teiko

Teiko consists of seven prefectures (Kamizaki, Takezaki, Hanji, Fukuyama, Seirin, Johto, Kyosen) and three special administrative districts (Kaijo, Rakuzan and Tetsuya). Sometimes while not legally an administrative division but is used in several contexts such as sports activities and other competitions, Teiko is divided into two regions, Northern Teiko and Southern Teiko using the Kiyoshi Range as the center for the division. The seven major prefectures are further divided to thirty-six districts which vary from one prefecture to another. Each prefecture is overseen by an independent elected governor, legislature and administrative bureaucracy. Each prefecture is further composed of component or independent cities, towns and villages. The prefectures do not have the right to unilaterally secede from the federal kingdom.

Prefectures of Teiko

The following table lists all seven sovereign prefectures of Teiko. The population of the prefectures excludes those of the three direct government controlled special administrative districts.

Special Administrative Districts

As of 2014, the legal status of Kaijo, Rakuzan and the capital city, Tetsuya were classified as special administrative districts. Unlike prefectures, both three districts are composed of special wards which functions as cities. The three districts combined holds majority of the Teikonian population. Kaijo alone, the largest city in Teiko holds more than 8 million people or roughly a third of the country's population.

Foreign Relations


Teiko is a member of the Alliance of Independent Nations, United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, World Trade Organization, G20, OECD and is a regular attendee of the East Asia Summit. It maintains diplomatic relationships with more 200 countries and territories. The country has been a member of the Alliance of Independent Nations in 2014. In February 28, 2015, Sata Kyoya has assumed to be first director of the Alliance Public Services Agency (APSA). It has also developed links with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a member of ASEAN plus four, a body of observers together with Japan, South Korea and China. As a member of the United Nations, Teiko has served as a non-permanent Security Council member for a total of 20 years. The country also hosts the annual Teiko Economic Forum (TEF) and co-hosts the Asia Group of the World Economic Forum.

In 2011, the federal government of Teiko launched Teiko International Cooperation Agency (TICA) which was designed to further boost relations between Teiko and the international bodies through culture exchange programs, infrastructure developments, relief operation and official development assistance. Currently, TICA has major activities in the planing and construction of the Japan-Teiko high speed rail which will connect the Japan and Teiko from Tokyo to Kaijo. Further plans to include Nakama and Okatabawashi on this project was also placed into consideration. In 2015, Teiko is ranked among the world's largest donor of official development assistance together with the United States, Japan and France.

Military
A long history of civil unrests and internal invasions by militarized militants have prompted Teiko to allocate 2.5% of its GDP and 15% of all government spending to its military, while maintaining compulsory conscription for men. Consequently, Teiko has the one of the highest number of active troops (500,000 in 2011),the world's second-largest number of reserve troops (1,350,000 in 2015) and the eleventh largest defense budget. The Federal Kingdom of Teiko, with both regular and reserve military force numbering to an estimate of 1.85 million regular personnel among a total national population of almost 23 million people, has one of the highest number of soldiers per capita in the world together with the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.



The armed forces of Teiko—officially, His Majesty's Armed Forces—is arguably one of the most technologically advanced in East Aisa. It comprises the Teiko Royal Army (TRA), Teiko Royal Navy (TRN), Teiko Royal Air Force (TRAF) and the Teiko Royal Marine Corps (TRMC). The forces are managed by the Ministry of Defence and controlled by the Teiko National Security Council, chaired by the Premier of Teiko. The Commander-in-Chief is the Teikonian monarch, Prince Kazuhito, to whom members of the forces swear an oath of allegiance. As it is seen as the guarantor of the country's independence, peace and order. The nation's philosophy of defense is one of diplomacy and deterrence. This principle translates into the culture, involving all citizens in the country's defense. Thus, all Teikonian males are constitutionally required to serve in the military, typically 24 months or more. Previously, Teikonians of mixed race were exempt from military duty but the exception was lifted in 2010. In July 2014, the Central-46 passed the Bill #2013-415-512 which is also known as the "An Act to Amend the Current Teiko Conscription Policies" requiring all male foreigners who wanted to earn an honorary Teikonian citizen status to commit themselves to at least 1 year of military service and training.



The Teiko army has at least a thousand tanks in operation, including the K1A1 and K2 Black Panther, which form the backbone of the Teikonian army's mechanized armor and infantry forces. A sizable arsenal of many artillery systems, including 1,700 self-propelled K55 and K9 Thunder howitzers and 680 helicopters and UAVs of numerous types, are assembled to provide additional fire, reconnaissance, and logistics support.

The Teikonian navy has made its first major transformation into a blue-water navy through the formation of the Strategic Mobile Fleet, which includes a battle group of Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin class destroyers, Dokdo class amphibious assault ship, AIP-driven Type 214 submarines, and Himura Kenshin class destroyers, which is equipped with the latest baseline of Aegis fleet-defense system that allows the ships to track and destroy multiple cruise missiles and ballistic missiles simultaneously, forming an integral part of Teiko's indigenous missile defense umbrella.

The Teikonian air force operates 540 aircraft, making it one of the world's largest air force, including several types of advanced fighters like F-15K, heavily modified KF-16C/D,and the indigenous F/A-50, supported by well-maintained fleets of older fighters such as F-4E and KF-5E/F that still effectively serve the air force alongside the more modern aircraft. In an attempt to gain strength in terms of not just numbers but also modernity, the commissioning of four Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft, under Project Peace Eye for centralized intelligence gathering and analysis on a modern battlefield, will enhance the fighters' and other support aircraft's ability to perform their missions with awareness and precision.

From time to time, aside from peace keeping operations head by the United Nations in the Middle East and Crimea, Teiko has sent its troops to assist in several relief operations which includes the largest civil operations in the Philippines after the Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Teikonian troops have partnered with Japan and Teiko International Cooperative Agency (TICA) to help aid in the evacuation operations in Kathmandu.

Economic history
As of 2013, the national economy of Teiko is the top 30 largest in the world and the 11th in AIN, with an estimated gross domestic product (PPP) of $646.14 billion. The gdp per capita is estimated at $39,526, the fourth highest in AIN after Lisieux, Lower Columbia and Corraile and the 6th highest in Asia after Qatar, Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan and Kuwait. The Teikonian Zen (ʒ or TNZ) is the national unit of currency issued by the Teiko National Bank.

Teiko has a large industrial capacity and is one of the most technologically advance in the world. Its primary exports include semiconductors and electronic products, automobiles, machine tools, transport equipment, garments, copper products, iron and steel, chemical substances, coal and petroleum products. Major trading partners include Japan, USA, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Okatabawashi, Nakama and China. Teiko is classified as a middle to high power by many financial and political organizations.



A newly industrialized country, the Teiko economy has experienced rapid transition from planned economy to a more free market economy in 2000s. However, the majority of the economy is still remains heavily socialized as food and housing are extensively subsidized by the state; education and health care are free. As of 2013, of the country's total labor force is around 10.5 million on which the agricultural sector employs close to 10% and contributes to only about 12% of GDP. The industrial sector employs around 42% of the workforce and accounts for 55% of GDP. Meanwhile the 48% of workers involved in the services sector are responsible for 33% of GDP.

Teiko's economy was one of the world's fastest-growing from the early 1950s to the late 1980s, and Teiko is still one of the fastest-growing developed countries in the 2000s, along with Okatabawashi, Nakama, South Korea and the Southeast Asian Countries. Teikonians refer to this growth as the Haeru Period. The Teiko economy is heavily dependent on manufacturing, international trade and finance, and in 2010, Teiko was the tenth largest exporter and ninth largest importer in AIN. Despite the recent recession in Japan, Teiko's economy remains bullish from influx of trade from the rest of Asia and Europe and the growing BPO sector of the economy.



Despite the Teiko economy's high growth potential and apparent structural stability, the country suffers damage to its credit rating in the stock market because of political instability and re-centralization of the economy. Teiko, despite opening its market towards a more free enterprise still exercises socialistic practices in regards with basic needs such as utilities and food. Teiko have strict laws in the conduction of local and even foreign businesses. Majority of the corporations operating in Teiko are also being scrutinized by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and is classified into three main classifications - State Owned, Semi-autonomous and Small and Medium Enterprises. Some government policies also limits the influence of independent business organizations and cooperatives in the country. All these factors as noted by the financial magazine,Onodera pose a huge threat to the booming economy. Although it was severely harmed by the Teiko economic crisis of the late 1984 driven by political problems, 1997 Asian financial crises and the 2000 dot.com bubble crash, the Teiko economy managed a rapid recovery and subsequently nearly doubled its GDP.



Other incongruities and challenges exist aside from strict government regulations and territorial disputes. The economy is heavily reliant on international trade and it has problems with attracting foreign investors which hinders the inflow of foreign currency in the country. Another factor is that regional development is uneven with Kaijo and Rakuzan gaining most of the new economic growth - more than half of the country's total GDP - at the expense of the other regions, although the government has taken steps to distribute economic growth by promoting investment in other areas of the country. Despite constraints, service industries such as tourism and business process outsourcing have been identified as areas with some of the best opportunities for growth for the country. Teiko is also now starting to diversify to manufacturing as more production corporations offer to construct their factories and facilities in the country.

Fitch Ratings and Moody's both rates the country with an "AA+" credit rating and Arashi and Kanjani includes the country in its list of the best countries for investments. Arashi and Kanjani also estimates that by the year 2025, Teiko will reach the $1 trillion GDP benchmark. Teiko is home to the Teiko National Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock markets by market capitalization. It is also a member of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia Development Bank and the East Asia Sphere among other groups and institutions. Teiko also hosts an annual Teiko Economic Forum that promotes the country to potential investors.

Tourism


Domestic tourism remains a vital part of the Teikonian economy and its culture. School children in many middle and high schools students are given the opportunity to visit several Teikonian landmarks and historical sites. The extensive rail network together with domestic flights sometimes in planes with modifications to favor the relatively short distances involved in intra-Teiko travel allows efficient and speedy transport. In inbound tourism, Teiko was ranked 10th in the world in 2012. In 2012, the Teiko Shinbun published a modern list of famous sights under the name Hendo Hyakkei (the Hundred Views of the Hendo Period).

Neighboring Japan is Teiko's most important source of foreign tourists. China, South Korea, Okatabawashi, Nakama and Southeast Asia are also major sources of foreign tourists in Teiko. In 2013, an estimate of 10.5 million foreign tourists have visited Teiko, up of 21% from 2012. The most famous places in Teiko by destination is Kaijo, Rakuzan, Hayama and Makoto.

South Korean travelers are the highest spenders in Teiko by country, spending an estimated 196.4 billion Zen in 2011, or almost a quarter of total expenditure by foreign visitors, according to data from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Science and Technology




Since the aftermath of the Teiko Constitutional Crisis in 1984, Teiko has been investing heavily in science and technology mainly in biomedical researches, computer technology, robotics, machinery and space exploration. The main mechanism of the Teiko government in promoting science and technology to the public is through the Ministry of Science and Technology which is also responsible on providing seismic warnings and weather updates in the country through the Teiko Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Teiko Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration respectively. Teiko also has three Nobel prize winners, two from physics and one from chemistry. Majority of the prominent Teikonian contributions are in the field of electronics, optics, chemicals, industrial robotics and metals.

Teiko also invests heavily on developing cheaper and safer nuclear energy as majority of the power generated in Teiko are from nuclear power plants. Despite several criticisms locally and internationally, Teiko remains firm on research and development (R&D) in nuclear power. Teiko also has several conglomerates operating their own R&D, among the most notable are Industrial Illusion which concentrates on robotics and industrial machinery and Kronos Heaven Technologies which focuses on consumer electronics. A research and development towards cyber-security is also being conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology in partnership with the Sibyl Corporation. Cloning and genetic related researches are also a common among different research universities. The University of Kaijou and Teiko National University also mutually operates Teiko's one and only particle accelerator in Kyosen Prefecture a few kilometers outside the furthermost suburb of Kaijo.

The Teiko Department of Aeronautics and Space is the main space agency of Teiko. It is responsible for conducting space, planetary, and aviation research, and leads development of rockets and satellites. From 1986-2013, it has launched at least 10 manned space missions mostly in orbiting the earth and the country's first manned lunar landing in 2010. It also operates the Lelouch vi Britannia Telescope, a small satellite orbiting the moon launched in 2005 in honor of a British scientist who resided in Teiko developing vaccines and studying plant genealogy. In 2014, an announcement regarding Teiko's intention of sending its first Mars rover, Teppei prior to 2016 in hopes of becoming the first East Asian country to send a rover to another planet was announced.

Energy


Teiko is the most nuclear energy reliant country in the world. As of 2011, 80.9 percent of energy in Teiko was produced from nuclear, 11.3 percent from coal and the remaining percent from natural gas, solar energy, petroleum and hydropower. The Teiko government has always favored the use of nuclear as the main source of energy. However following the potential meltdown of Dojishima Nuclear Power Plant in 2010 wherein a plant failure released an undisclosed amount of radioactive materials in the atmosphere, public debates spark as opposition grew against nuclear energy. The government however remained in favor of the use of the technology and in response created a more strict protocols in the standard operating procedures of all power plants in the country. Tsuji Montaro, Minister for Utilities has announced in the Teiko Economic Forum that the government will provide better efforts to diversify its sources while maintain high levels of energy efficiency. As of the first half of 2014, all of the 15 completed nuclear power plants in Teiko are online. The Atarashi Nuclear Power Plant in Atarashi, Fukui is the largest nuclear power plant in the world generating an estimate of 10,000 MW.

Transportation


Teiko has a fairly technologically advanced transport network consisting of high-speed railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss-cross the islands of the country. The Ministry of Transportation through Teiko Expressway and Tollways Corporation operates the toll highways and service amenities en route. As of 2014, there are four major inter-prefecture expressways in the country, Teiko Interstate, Teiko National Circumferential Expressway (TNCE), Rakuzan-Kaijo Expressway (RAKE) and the Seirin-Beika-Takezaki Expressway (SCTAX). The portion of TNCE that connects Rakuzan City and Fukuyama Prefectures is the one of the longest suspension bridges in the world in terms of support span.



Teiko railways which are state-owned through the Teiko National Railways Corporation provides frequent train services to all major Teiko cities and municipalities. Railways remain as the most common form of commuting in Teiko due to its efficiency and cheaper costs. Plans for a high speed rail connecting Teiko to its neighboring country of Japan is now under study. ExpressRail, another high speed rail connecting the countries of Teiko, Japan, Okatabawashi and Nakama is also being mulled. The current Teiko high-speed rail system project which will connect the cities of Dojimakzaki and Rakuzan is also being constructed with the help of US and Japan. The new line will also feature an underwater tunnel crossing the Ichigo Channel parallel to that of the Rakuzan Kaikyo Bridge. Teikonian trains are known to be very punctual. A train is recorded as late if it does not arrive 5 seconds after the specific time. Major cities including Kaijo, Rakuzan, Aokuro, Beika, Akamayu, Hamada and Dojimazaki have urban mass transit systems which may or may not be limited only to rapid transit systems, rapid bus transit systems and subways. Express bus terminals are available in most cities and an inter-prefectural bus system is also a common way of commuting in Teiko.



Teiko's largest international airport, Shouzo Nijimura International Airport (SNIA) which is named in honor of the Shouzo Nijimura, a feudal Teikonian hero, was completed in 2001 and have undergone three major renovations in 2005, 2008 and the most recent addition of Terminal 3 in 2013. In 2014, it was reported to have been serving an annual passenger traffic of 44.5 million passengers, making it as one of the busiest airports in the world. SNIA is one of the two major airports serving the Kaijo Metropolitan Area with the other other one being Miyazaki Domestic Airport located near Beika City. It is also considered as one of two major international gateway to Teiko. The other international airport is Akashi International Airport (AIA) serving the cities of Rakuzan and Tetsuya. AIA which is named after the Akashi Clan, the foremost movers of Teiko reconstruction after World War 2, is the most the usual gateway for diplomatic missions visiting Teiko. Other major domestic airports include Aokuro, Akamayu, Hamada, Kumamoto and Dojimazaki. All in all there are eight commercial airports in Teiko recognized by the Aviation Safety and Regulatory Department and all of them are operated and maintained by several private corporations.



Teiko Airways, founded in 1954 is one of the oldest airways in the world and have served 29,640,000 passengers, including 16,490,000 international passengers in 2008. A second carrier, Rakuzan Airlines established in 1988, also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, all of Teikonian major airlines serve 297 international routes. Smaller airlines, such as Kiyoshi Air and Hanji Spirit, provide domestic services with lower fares. Air travel is a common and favored way of traveling in Teiko as some airlines often provide promos in irregular basis aside from inter-prefectural trains and buses.

As an archipelago, inter-island travel via watercraft is often necessary. The busiest seaports are Kaijo, Rakuzan, Aokuro, Hamada, Dojimazaki and Aokise. The Port of Dojimazaki ranks as the busiest seaport in Teiko and one of the busiest port in Asia by tonnage handled in 2014 while the Port of Kaijo ranks as the busiest port via passenger traffic volume. Passenger ships and other sea vessels such as those operated by 2GO Travel and Teiko Shipping Lines serve Kaijo City, with links to various cities and towns across the country. Several ships also offer services to Teiko's neighboring countries of Oktabawashi, Japan, South Korea and Nakama. In 2003, the 919-kilometer (571 mi) Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), an integrated set of highway segments and ferry routes covering 16 cities and towns was established. Some rivers that pass through metropolitan areas, such as the Kuro River and Ao River, have air-conditioned commuter ferries. The Kuroko River Ferry Service which traverses the symbolic Kuroko River has numerous stops in the different wards of Kaijo Metropolitan Area and Tetsuya.

Communication
Teiko's telecommunication system is highly developed and at the same time highly sophisticated. Teiko is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to foreign countries. As a result of intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly antiquated system of the eastern part of the country has been rapidly modernized to the most advanced technology.

Teiko also have a high concentration of cellphone and telephone users. There is only one national Internet and telecommunications provider in Teiko, Teiko National Telecommunications Corporation which is under the Ministry of Internal and External Communications (MICE). However there are also other local-scale service providers but are far more expensive. Also, all Teikonians of legal age are mandated by law to have cellular phones. Teikonians don't pay for the service directly but are taken from the tax collected from them annually which is referred to as the the Telecommunications Service Tax. Each Teikonian have a corresponding national cellular code which is unique and can be compared to the national card number. However, there are exceptions to this rule which is determined by the MICE.

As a result, text messaging became a popular form of communication, and in 2013, the nation sent an average of one third of a billion SMS messages per month. Over ten million mobile phone users also use their phones as virtual wallets, making it a leader among developed nations in providing financial transactions over cellular networks. The Teiko National Telecommunications Corporation commonly known as TNTC is also categorized as a semi-public corporation and is listed in the Teiko National Stock Exchange. It is also one of the largest company in the country. Estimates for Internet penetration in Teiko is estimated at 16 million. Teiko also boasts one of the fastest Internet connection in the world at 34 Mbps. Social networking and watching videos are among the most frequent Internet activities. However, the government implements strict censorship of some websites in the Internet which are but not limited to social media and micro-blogging sites.

Population


Teiko's population is estimated at around 16.5 million, with 90% of the population living in the urban areas of the country in the islands of Daichi and Sakura. Teikonian society is linguistically and culturally homogeneous, composed of 88.5% ethnic Teikonian, with small populations of foreign workers and other minor ethnic groups. People from South Korea, Japan, Nakama, China, the Philippines and Okatabawashi are among the small minority groups in Teiko. In 2012, there is an estimate of 250,000 Japanese in Teiko, making it the largest foreign minority in the country.

Teiko has one of the longest overall life expectancy at birth of any country in the world: 71.5 years for persons born in the period 2010–2015. The population of Teiko continues to grow at an annual rate of 4.1% from 2001-2011 and is expected to hit the 20 million benchmark on 2020. The population median age is 32.6. There is an estimate of 100 to 150 thousand Teikonians living outside Teiko, majority on East Asia, Europe and the United States.

Teiko suffers from a high suicide rate. Several measure has been done to prevent suicides but the suicide rate continues to rise. In 2010, the number of suicides exceeded 6,000 for the twelfth straight year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people under 30 and is the sixth leading cause of death in the country in general.

Language
Japanese has always been the national language of Teiko, more than 99 percent of the population speaks it as their first language. Japanese is an agglutinative language distinguished by a system of honorifics reflecting the hierarchical nature of the Sanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary indicating the relative status of speaker and listener. Sanese writing uses Kanji (Chinese characters) and two sets of Kana (syllabaries based on simplified Chinese characters), as well as the Latin alphabet and Arabic numerals.

Aside from Japanese, Teikonese is also an important dialect mostly spoken from people living in the islands of Sakura. There are around at least 5 major dialects in Teiko which forms the Teikonese-Japanese language family. Among the three Japanese speaking countries, Teiko has the most diversified language which is mainly due to Western influences and preservation of local dialects. In the recent years, the Teiko government has also been promoting the use of English as a major language especially when dealing with international relations in contrast to the traditional Japanese medium of teaching. Most public and private schools require students to take courses in both Japanese, Teikonese and English.

Ethnicity
There five legally recognized ethnic groups in Teiko, Kaijonese (which is also referred to as Teikonian), Rakunean, Seirinan, Ainu and Beikanese.

Religion


Teiko enjoys full religious freedom based on Article 3, Section 4 of its constitution. Despite this majority of the people in Teiko are unbelievers. In the most recent surveys, around 72 percent of the Teikonian population do not consider themselves believers in any religion. The biggest religion in Teiko however are Buddhism and Shintoism which accounts 80 percent of the total religionists in Teiko with a few Christian and Islam minority. Most of the Christian communities are located in Dojimazaki.

Nevertheless, the level of participation remains high, especially during festivals and occasions such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. Taoism and Confucianism from Peilan have also influenced Teikonian beliefs and customs. Teikonian streets are decorated on Tanabata, Obon and Christmas. Fewer than five percent of Teikonians are Christian. Other minority religions include Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism, and since the mid-19th century numerous new religious movements have emerged in Teiko

Cities
Main article: List of cities in Teiko

A city is local administrative unit of Teiko. Cities are ranked on the same level as towns and villages, with the difference that they are not component of the district. Like any other administrative units, cities are defined by the Teiko Constitution of 1985.

City Status

Article 10, Section 5 of the 1985 Teiko Constitution sets the the following conditions for a municipality to be designated as a city: The designation will be approved by the prefectural governor and the minister of interior and district government.
 * Population must be at least at 100,000 or greater
 * At least 60% of the household must be established in a central urban area
 * At least 60% of the household must be employed in commerce, industry or other urban occupations as designated by the Ministry of Interior and District Government.
 * Any other ordinance set by the prefectural ordinance must be satisfied.

A city can be theoretically demoted into a town or village when it fails to meet any of the following conditions stated above, but such demotion has not yet occurred.

Classification for large cities

The Cabinet of Teiko can designate a city of at least 250,000 inhabitants to have the status of a special city, core city or designated city. These statuses expand the scope of administrative authority designated from the prefectural government to the city government.

Status of Kaijo and Rakuzan

Kaijo and Rakuzan, two of the largest cities in Teiko existed as singe core designated city until 1975 and 2001 respectively when it was designated as prefectural metropolis to be directly governed under a metropolitan government, the main administrative arm of the federal government in the districts. However unlike Kaijo, Rakuzan's jurisdiction only encompass the original ten wards of the former City of Rakuzan.

List of Largest Metropolitan Areas

Nearly 95% of all Teikonians live in urban areas. Majority of them lives in the Kiseki no Kaigan (Coast of Miracles) which is colloquially called as the Kiseigan Belt or Kaisenmai. It is the name for the megalopolis in Teiko extending from Greater Rakuzan Area in the south all the way to Beika Metropolitan Area in the north including Tetsuya, Aokise and Kaijo, running for almost 250 km (150 mi), it is one of the biggest urban agglomerations in the world. As of 2014, it has an estimate of more than 18.5 million people.

Education
Education in Teiko was first formalized in 1895 after the Teiko-Japan War and has been since then an important factor for every Teikonian. One of the manifestations is that the Teiko government invests heavily in education. The Ministry of Budget and Finance allocates the second biggest budget to health and education services. The Teiko Regional Statistics Office reports a simple literacy rate of 96.5% and a functional literacy rate of 94.5% for 2010. Literacy is about equal for males and females. The Programme for International Student Assessment coordinated by the OECD currently ranks the overall knowledge and skills of Teikonian 15-year-olds as eight best in the world. Teikonian students consistently rank in the top ten in the world in the two major international assessments of mathematics and science knowledge, QPI and OECD.



The Ministry of Health, Education, Culture and Sports (HECS) lists 495 higher education institutions, 390 of which are public, 101 private and 4 are state universities. Classes start in August and end in May. The majority of colleges and universities follow a semester calendar with some exemptions of whose who follow a trimester system. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs and foreign exchange student initiatives. Republic Act No. 9163 gives the framework of basic education in Teiko and provides for free compulsory six years elementary, three year middle school and three year high school education. English and Japanese are both used as language of instruction in all institutions.



There is only one ministry that handles all matters related to education and the same ministry also handles health, cultural and sports development. Pursuant to provide better services, plans to create a single specific ministry was raised in the Central-46 in late 2013 and is currently being deliberated. As of the current structure, there are four major departments under the HECS that facilitates education development. The Department of Education covers elementary and non-formal education; the Department of Secondary Education handles both the middle school and high school education; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) administers a more technical post-secondary middle-level education training and development; and the Department of Higher Education (CHED) supervises the college and graduate academic programs and degrees as well as regulates standards in higher education. Public universities are all non-sectarian entities and are further classified as either State University and College (SUC) or Local College and University (LCU). The Teiko National University is the national university of Teiko and has four campuses around the country and the University of Kaijou is the first state university and oldest educational institution in Teiko. Both universities are posit to be two of the best institution in the world and are included in the top 25 world universities by OECD.

Health


In Teiko, health care is partially subsidized by the government and is provided both in the national and local milieu. Payment is normally done through a universal health care system that provides relatively equal access to medicine for all Teikonians. The fees are normally set by the Department of Health under the Ministry of Health, Education, Culture and Sports (HECS). Budget for health is the fourth largest allocation in the national budget after education, defense and public works. All senior citizens of the country are provided with 100% free health care and other services related to such. Patients are free to select their physicians and facilities of their choice.

Teiko boasts to have one of the most highest hospital per capita in the world which is estimated to be 1 hospital is to 100,000 Teikonians. It also has an estimate of 1 hospital bed for 100 citizens. Also, Teiko has a very strict laws with regards to operation and regulation of health facilities. Typically, there are two types of hospitals in Teiko, public and private. All hospitals, by law, must be run as non-profit and be managed by physicians. For-profit corporations are not allowed to own or operate hospitals. Clinics must be owned and operated by physicians as well.



Costs in Teiko tends to be quite low compared to those in other developed countries, but utilization rates are much higher. Teikonian patients favor medical technology such as CT scans and MRIs. However, the government has continued to control the inflation of health care services. After the 1990s, while some countries like the U.S. allowed costs to rise, Teiko tightly regulated the health industry to rein in costs. Fees for all health care services are set every two years by negotiations between the health ministry and physicians. The negotiations determine the fee for every medical procedure and medication, and fees are identical across the country.

The most leading cause of death in Teiko is suicide and heart diseases. The number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country has been relatively low for the past decades due to the effects of the Reproductive Health Bill which was passed on 1972. There are several key government structures that were constructed to treat different specialized diseases among these are the Teiko Heart Center, Teiko Lung Center, Teiko Kidney Center, Teiko Center for Natural Medicine, Teiko Cancer Center and the recently constructed Teiko Neurological Disease Research Center. The Too Research Facility in Too has also been placed under HECS in 1992 and is currently doing research and development of vaccine for several diseases that currently have no cure such as ALS. There are also several well-known private hospitals in Teiko.

Culture
Teikonian culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Teikonian arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, swords and dolls; performances of bunraku, kabuki, noh, dance, and rakugo; and other practices, the tea ceremony, ikebana, martial arts, calligraphy, origami, onsen, Geisha and games. Teiko has a developed system for the protection and promotion of both tangible and intangible Cultural Properties and National Treasures. Six sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, three of which are of cultural significance.

Cuisine


Teikonian cuisine sprung up mostly from Japanese cuisine. The same with the former, it mostly consists of combining staple foods, Japanese rice and noodles with a soup and dishes made from fish, tofu, vegetable and the like - to add flavor to the staple food. Historically, the lack of pasture lands in Teiko makes poultry in general very scare and expensive. Teikonian cuisine is known for its emphasis on seasonality of food, quality of ingredients and presentation. Teikonian cuisine offers a vast array of regional specialties that use traditional recipes and local ingredients. There are also several Michelin Guide winning restaurants in Teiko but only second to Japan in East Asia.

Music and Dance
Teikonian music and dance sprang mostly from Japanase roots. Although historically had placed significant roles in traditional rituals, it is most often used as a method for leisure. Contemporary Teikonian music had greatly evolved taking heavy influence from Western and European style. The rather increasing popularity of contemporary Teikonian music also dubbed collectively as TPop started the new wave of music influence towards its Asian neighbors and the USA.

Teiko will be participating at the AINVision 2014 at Karellesbourg, Sainte-Croix. The chosen representative via popular votes held by the Ministry of Sound, Teiko's largest music label corporation was Granrodeo, one of the newest Teikonian rock band who gain popularity through mainstreaming of opening and ending songs for anime. It was later revealed that the single, Can Do, the first opening theme song of Kuroko's Baskbetball will be used by Granrodeo for the competition. In a separate occasion, Kaito Shion was chosen by AINVision Teiko to represent the country in the aforementioned event.

National Holidays




Public holidays in Teiko were established by the Public Holiday Law of 1990 as amended from the previous Public Holiday Law of 1976. A provision of the law establishes that when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day shall become a public holiday. Additionally, any day that falls between two other national holidays shall also become a holiday. May 4, sandwiched between Constitution Memorial Day on May 3 and Children's Day on May 5, was an annual example of such a holiday until it was replaced by Greenery Day in 2007. However, there are two holidays which are in exceptions to this rule which are the Teiko Independence Day and the Premier's Birthday. If either falls on a Sunday or Saturday, that holiday remains as such.

Prior to Teiko's adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the dates of holidays were based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. As a result, New Year's Day, for example, was celebrated at the beginning of spring, as it is in modern China and Korea. Since 2010, Teiko Premier Akashi Seijuro has both declared December 24, 25 and 31 as special holidays in observance of Christmas Eve, Christmas and the end of the year. Thus, there are two golden weeks in Teiko (May 3-6 and December 20-25). There are no definite rules on religious holidays but are normally celebrated in different customs and practices. Tolerance of religious events also varies from one event to another. As of 2014, Teiko has 16 national, government-recognized holidays.

There are also a few international events or holidays that are observed by many Teikonians such as the Valentines Day on February 14, White Day on March 14, Mothers' Day on May, Fathers' Day in June, United Nations World Celebration Day on October, Christmas on December 25 and New Year's Eve on December 31. Although not a holiday, Teiko also observes the Japanese Star Festival (Tanabata) either on July or August 7.

Sports


Traditionally, sumo is considered as Teiko's national sport although there is no legislation as of the moment that legalizes sumo wrestling's current status. Japanese martial arts such as judo, karate and kendo are also widely practiced and enjoyed by spectators in the country. After the Himuro Period, many Western sports were introduced in Teiko and began to spread through the education system. Teiko's educational system highly encourages engagement in sports as some sports are taken as prerequisite to higher levels in middle and high schools. Most of the sports commission and sports related organizations are facilitated by the Ministry of Health, Education, Culture and Sports. Teiko also actively participates in many international sports activities as the Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, Youth Oympics, International Cup, FIFA World Cup among others. A yearly national meet called Teiko National Games is held to let athletes from high school and collegiate level from different prefectures compete. The 2015 Teiko National Games will be held in Dojimazaki on April 12-25.



Basketball is currently the most popular spectator sport in the country. Recent polling indicates that a majority, 51% of Teikonian sports fans continue to self-identify as basketball fans, with football ranked 2nd at 25% of respondents. Baseball comes in third at 10%. However, the polling did not indicate the extent to which respondents follow both sports. Teiko's top professional league, Teiko National Basketball League, was established in 1976 and is one of the oldest basketball leagues in world after the 1975 Philippine Basketball Association and 1946 National Basketball Association in the United States. The Teiko National Basketball Team has won several medals at the FIBA Asia Division and Asian Basketball Championship. To date, the country has produced one NBA player, Hyuga Junpei.

Football and baseball are popular sports in the country as well. Recent years have been characterized by increasing attendance and ticket prices for professional baseball and football games. Teiko has both one professional football and baseball league while there are several for amateurs. Other sports such as golf, volleyball, tennis and table tennis are also well practice in Teiko both in the professional, amateur and educational rank. Forms of auto racing like the Super GT series and Formula Teiko are also gaining increasing popularity from 2008. Sports events are usually broadcasted in national television by TV Teiko Network, the biggest television network in Teiko.

Winter sports are also imminent in Teiko as characterized by Teiko's attendance during Winter Games. Teiko has won several medals in the Winter Olympics second to that of South Korea with a total of 40 medals (21 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze). At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Teiko ranked sixth in the overall medal rankings. Teiko is especially strong in short track speed skating. However, speed skating and figure skating are very popular, too, and ice hockey is an emerging sport with Sakurada Soshitsu winning their first ever Asia League Ice Hockey title in March 2010.