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 four autonomous special administrative regions. 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 44,133 sq. kilometers (17,040 sq. miles). The ten largest, Daichi, Okinawa, Tsushima, Amakusa, Yakushima, Tanegashima, Hirado, Fukue, Iki and Amami which are collectively known as Saikaidō makes up almost 99% of the Teiko's land area. Teiko's population of 28.5 million people is the twelfth highest in AIN. Approximately 8.43 million people live in Kaijo, the nation's largest city and the former capital. The Greater Kaijo Area which includes Kaijo and its surrounding districts, is the fifth 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 Jomon people from mainland Asia. Major permanent settlements were recorded in 400 B.C. along the Ao and Kuro Rivers. Evidence suggest of the formation of several polities across the islands during the 300 B.C. The most well-known is the State of Na which was formed in the present-day Hakata in 57 A.D. Three major kingdoms emerged during the 250 A.D., Hayato, Kumaso and Yamatai. Yamatai is known as the earliest mention of the islands of Teiko recorded in the Chinese text Records of the Three Kingdoms. Yamatai, gradually migrated north settling in the present-day Yamato Province in Japan which would later become the foundation of the Japanese Yamato kingdom.

Influence from other regions, mainly from China, Korea, Japan, Nakama and Okatabawashi has characterized Teiko's early and medieval history. From 538 until 1185, the Imperial Court of Japan ruled the islands where Dazaifu became the de defacto capital of the region and the center of international exchange between Wa and the outside world. In 1185 until 1333, Teiko was ruled by the Kamakura shogunate. Teiko emerged as a singular political entity in 1339 when Mibu Kyoichiro established the Mibu shogunate, unifying the country for the first time resulting to the emergence of the modern-state of Teiko. 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.

The first 100 years of Mibu rule were marked by relative peace. The country entered into a long period of prosperity as the shogunate adopted international trade mainly with Western Europe and East Asia. In 1559, Mibu Kyoshiro adopted an expansionist policy annexing lands in Oka and Japan. After a period of decline, Teiko signed a treaty with Oka allowing the joint Oka-Teiko forces to defeat Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the landmark Battle of Ganjaku preventing the Japanese unification of Teiko and Oka. Teiko gained control of Ryukyu islands in 1658 after the Ryukyu Agreement between Emperor Keimei and Mibu Kyoumaru.

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 continent. Teiko participated in the overthrow of the Japanese Tokugawa shogunate in 1868 during the Boshin War with the signing of the Satcho Alliance in 1866. The Treaty of Aokise unified Teiko briefly with Japan in 1870 until 1895. Rising Teikonian nationalism and Anti-Japanese sentiment led to the Teiko-Japan War in 1894. In 1895, the Kingdom of Teiko was established after a decisive victory with the help of Nakama. From 1895 until 1942, Teiko experienced rapid modernization and emerged as a modern industrial state. In 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army took over the Teikonian government in a desperate attempt to prevent Teiko from helping the Allied army.

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 Masahito 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 chancellor and unicameral legislature called Teiko Royal Council.

Teiko is one of the most advanced economies in Asia. The country's economy experienced a rapid annual growth of 16% fueled high annual export growth and massive centralized planning in a period call Miracle on Ao River. The country's ease of making business entices foreign investors making Teiko the melting pot of investment in Asia. Today, Teiko is the sixth largest advanced economy in AIN, sixth largest in terms of trade throughput and highest credit rating of any country in Asia. Teiko is considered as a major middle power and a regional player. Teiko is a member of the Group of 20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, World Trade Organization, United Nations, Liberal Monarchist Bloc and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Teiko along with New Duveland is also a permanent invitee of the Group of 8.

Teiko is a highly developed, advanced economy. 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, personal safety, job security, ease of doing business and healthcare quality with the world's second highest life expectancy. Teiko has the highest college graduation rates in the world and the third nation with the highest tertiary degree holders per capita. Teiko also ranks high in metrics of prosperity such as Human Development Index, Happy Planet Index and Legatum Prosperity Index.

Etymology


The Japanese word for Teiko is 帝光, which is pronounced Teiko or Teikou and literally means "sovereign or Emperor's light". The character tei (帝) means "sovereign or Emperor"; kou (光) means "light". The compound therefore means "light of the sovereign" and is the source of the popular Western epithet "Light of the Orient".

The earliest record of the name Teiko appears in 1344 in a letter submitted by Mibu Kyoichiro to Ashikaga Takauji where Kyoichiro emphasized that Daichi is birthplace of the Emperor. New evidence however suggests that the name Teiko has been used as early as 195 A.D. Archaeological works have found that a Japanese noble named Gakusha Masaharu may have used the word Teiko to describe the islands when visiting for the first time. 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 Tsukushi, Hakata, Kyushu were used. Historical books from Wei also used the name Nakoku to describe the country.

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 became a province of Japan during the short Japan-Teiko unification. After the Kaijo Mutiny in 1894, the Iwatomo Congress proclaimed the establishment of the Kingdom of Teiko which would later became a Japanese protectorate. During this period, the name Teiko Islands would also appear as the sovereignty of Teiko has been disputed internationally. After World War 2, the name Kingdom of Teiko would have been accepted internationally and has since became the country's common name. In 1985 when a new constitution was adopted, the name was finally changed to its present form, Federal Kingdom of Teiko.

Prehistory and ancient history


A Paleolithic culture around 30,000 BC constitutes the first known habitation of the Teikonian archipelago. This was followed from around 14,000 BC (the start of the Jōmon period) by a Mesolithic to Neolithic semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer culture characterized by pit dwelling and rudimentary agriculture including by ancestors of contemporary Ainu people and Hayato people. Decorated clay vessels from this period are some of the oldest surviving examples of pottery in the world. Around 300 BC, the Yayoi people began to enter the Teikonian islands, intermingling with the Jōmon. The Yayoi period, starting around 300 BC, saw the introduction of practices like wet-rice farming, a new style of pottery, and metallurgy, introduced from China and Korea.

Archaeological evidences suggest that the first polity in Teiko, Nakoku was developed around 200 B.C. near modern day Kaijo. Nakoku was believed to be a small principality with political influence reaching as far as modern day Beika. This proposition was reinforced when Nakoku appeared appeared in written history in the Chinese Book of Han, the first mention of any state in the Teikonian archipelago. Furthermore, in the Book of the Later Han, in 57 CE, Emperor Guangwu of Han granted the Prince of Nakoku an imperial seal, patterned after the Chinese jade seals, but made of gold: the prince of Na gold seal. This golden imperial seal is now displayed in the National Museum of Teiko. By the start of the 1st century, Teiko has been divided into hundred of small principalities and villages. Among the most recognized are Oka, Nada, Izumi, Shima and Saki.

Around 250 A.D., Teiko was divided into three major kingdoms, Yamatai, Kumaso and Hayato. Yamataikoku was founded by Himiko near Saga plains along the Kuro river in 300 B.C. but it did not reach its greatest extent until 226 A.D. where Yamatai reached the present-day Hakata Bay. According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Yamataikoku which has its capital in Yoshinogari grew to become the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago. Kumaso, was formed later in 241 A.D controlling the Kiyoshi Range and the flat lands surrounding it. In 248, amidst threat of Kumaso invasion, the six principalities in southern Daichi united to form the Hayato kingdom. Yamatai eventually migrated to Honshu by 368 AD and further to modern day Nakama by 506 AD. Along the trails were remains of large settlements especially in the Komagi district of Teiko and Kinki region of modern day Japan. Yamataikoku is believed to be the ancestors of the Yamato people.

By 537, the Yamato people which has its court in modern day Japan began ruling parts of northern Teiko naming it as Tsukushi literally meaning Isle of Unknown Fires. The two other major kingdoms, the Kumaso and Hayato continued to rule the middle and southern parts of the island respectively. Buddhism was introduced to Teiko from Baekje, Korea and was promoted by Prince Shōtoku, but the subsequent development of Teikonian Buddhism was primarily influenced by China. Despite early resistance, Buddhism was promoted by the ruling class and gained widespread acceptance beginning in the Asuka period (592–710). In 720, Ōtomo no Tabito was successful in defeating the Kumaso Rebellion and forced the Hayato people into integration making large Hayato settlements in northern parts of Teiko and eastern Honshu.

The Nara period (710–784) of the 8th century marked an emergence of Teiko as the gateway to Asia. Dazaifu near modern day Tetsuya was established as the main reception for emissaries from mainland Asia. Teiko became a major part of the centralized Japanese state centered on the Imperial Court in Heijō-kyō (modern Nara). The Nara period is characterized by the appearance of a nascent literature as well as the development of Buddhist-inspired art and architecture. The smallpox epidemic of 735–737 is believed to have killed as much as one-third of Teiko's population. In 784, Emperor Kanmu moved the capital from Nara to Nagaoka-kyō, then to Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto) in 794.

Feudal era


Teiko's feudal era was characterized by the emergence of the warrior class called samurais. In 1180, war erupted between the Taira and Minamoto clans over the control of the islands. The Minamoto claimed a decisive victory during the Battle of Dan-no-ura in the Kanmon Straits resulting to the formation of the Kamakura shogunate. The Kamakura shogunate ruled the islands and Hakata was established as a major trading port where commercial activities flourish. While Kyoto embraced aesthetics and politics, Hakata grew to be a major mercantile center. The Kamakura shogunate repelled two major Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281 but entered a period of decline over succession issues.

Throughout much of the late 14th century, power was held by Hojo clan, the regents of the Kamakura shogunate. Emperor Go-Daigo believing that power should rest with the throne plotted to seize power in 1333. Emperor Go-Daigo was was initially supported by Ashikaga Takauji and Mibu Kyoichiro leading to the successful elimination of the Hojo clan. However, the newly restored Imperial Court remained unpopular as most of its policies seem to be anti-samurai. In 1335, Ashikaga Takauji rebelled when the Emperor refused to nominate him as shogun. The ensuing chaos led to the division of the Imperial Court which was split into Northern and Southern Courts in Kyoto and Yoshino respectively.

Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino together with other nobles who had lost the support of the warrior class. Mibu Kyoichiro, one of the remaining Imperial Court loyalist remained in Kyoto to defend the place against Ashikaga Takauji. Kyoichiro sensing defeat, asked Takauji for a truce which led to Emperor Go-Daigo's successful exile and Kyoto was spared from destruction. After successfully brokering the truce, Kyoichiro returned to his home province of Suo under the pretense of quelling domestic affairs. Takauji later enthroned Prince Komyo as Emperor who was willing to nominate him as shogun in 1336. After failed attempts to reconcile the Imperial Courts, Takauji rallied to eliminate the Southern Court in 1338.

In 1338, Emperor Go-Daigo and the Southern Court fled to Hakata. Kyoichiro continued to support Emperor Go-Daigo until the latter's death in 1339. Prince Noriyoshi succeeded his father becoming Emperor Go-Murakami in the same year. Emperor Go-Murakami declared Kyoichiro as shogun in 1340 in a desperate attempt to seek protection. Kyoichiro proceeded to establish his base in Hakata and crated a Bakufu court. Enraged by Kyoichiro's actions, Takauji together with northern daimyos marched to Daichi to attack the Mibu fief. Takauji however was stopped in Himeji by the Sarutobi clan. The Mibu coalition won a decisive victory in the Battle of Himeji leading to the two shogun, two courts system.

In 1342, Kyoichiro replaced the Imperial Court with a Bakufu court leading to mass insurrection. In March 1342, Takauji raised an army against the Southern Court and the Mibu shogunate. The two coalitions battled in the Battle of Okayama where the Mibu coalition vastly outnumbered the Ashikagas. Kyoichiro forced Takauji to retreat as far as Sakai but was advised by Raikou Shimizu to halt the pursue as the Mibu shogunate is still fragile and warned of overextension. The defeat of Ashikaga, exile of Emperor Go-Murakami and the elimination of the Southern Court all contributed to the strengthening of the Mibu clan's hold in Daichi.

From 1342 until 1559, Teiko experienced relative peace and social reforms. Trade and agriculture remained the center of Teikonian feudal economy and the shogunate retains its position as the head of the government. During the 16th century, traders and Jesuit missionaries from Portugal reached Teiko for the first time, initiating direct commercial and cultural exchange between Teiko and the West. The introduction of firearms and European technology quickly changed the Teikonian culture. Mibu Kyouno claimed the islands of Tanegashima and Tsushima under the banner of the shogunate in 1484. Kyouno's bloody campaign to annex the islands is the only major conflict from 1342 until 1559.



In 1559, Mibu Kyoshiro became shogun and unlike his predecessors, ambitioned to expand Teiko's influence. Mibu Kyoshiro attacked the Amago clan in 1560 and annexed their fiefs. He forced smaller clans like Mori, Kikawa and Kono to submit to the shogunate's authority. Kyoshiro's actions led to conflict with Oda Nobunaga who was unifying central and eastern Honshu. Kyoshiro and Nobunaga's general Toyotomi Hideyoshi reached a stalemate in the Siege of Takamatsu. In 1566, Kyoshiro attempted to march to Kyoto but failed. The untimely death of Nobunaga and the increasing dissatisfaction with Kyoshiro's expansion put to an end to the short-lived campaign.

Kyoshiro later engaged Hideyoshi again in the latter's campaign to conquer Daichi. The joint Oka-Teiko forces managed to repel the Japanese in the Battle of Ganjaku. In 1603, the Mibu shogunate rejected the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate over some territories. This lead to multiple small battles between the two countries. Teiko remained hostile with Japan until the later half of the 18th century where relations between the two states normalized. In 1658, Mibu Kyoumaru and Emperor Keimei signed the Ryukyu Agreement which would transfer the sovereignty of Ryukyu Islands exclusively to Teiko. From 1658 until the early 19th century, Teiko experienced rapid development as it opened its ports to international trade. Academic and science also flourished across the country. However, religion remained restricted and Christians remained underground for most of the Hakata period.



In 1843, Mibu Kyosuke became the youngest shogun in history. As the nation enters a new period, threats of foreign invasion and economic turmoil have revealed the fragile status of the shogunate. The shogunate lost control of many outlying states in Honshu and Shikoku which have declared themselves independent. Kyosuke further strained his reputation by asking the Tokugawa Ieyoshi for help in quelling revolts which infuriated his advisers including his chief strategist Kuroko Toyohisa. In 1846, the Kuroko clan became the first clan to publicly denounce the shogunate when Kyosuke ordered Toyohisa to commit seppuku in September 1845. In 16 February 1846, dissenting retainers Kuroko Toyohisa, Himura Kenshin and Seta Soujiro stormed the Kumamoto Castle, Mibu clan’s main base in southeastern Teiko.

In 1846, anti-shogunate forces called Ishin Shishi besieged important shogunate strongholds in Rakuzan, Dojimazaki and Aokuro. Kyosuke responded by creating the Shinsengumi, a special unit created to protect the shogunate. After the Shinsengumi failed to halt the advance of the Ishin Shishi in Kurume, Kyosuke left the Tachibanayama Castle for Shika island where he spent most of his days in Honno-ji Temple. Kyosuke and his remaining loyalists including vice captain of the Shinsengumi Todo Heisuke committed suicide in December 1846 after failed attempts to negotiate an agreement between the shogunate and the anti-shogunate forces. Other surviving members of the Mibu clan were banished to Tanegashima island, the collapse of Kyosuke's bakufu court signaled the end of the 500 year rule of the Mibu clan.

Modern era
On 1848, the Kuroko clan took control of the government and the country underwent massive social and economic reforms. In April 1848, the Iwamoto Congress convened for the first time. The Iwamoto Congress is considered as the first instrument of democracy in Teiko and in Asia. It is also the first civil government in the country after successive years of military rule. Later that year, Daijo-kan (Great Council of State) was established replacing the old Bakufu court. The Daijo-kan is considered the origins of the modern day Great Council of the State while the Iwamoto Congress is the predecessor of the modern Teiko Royal Council.

Throughout the Satsuma period, Teiko embraced rapid westernization, adopting Western political, judicial and military institutions and Western cultural influences integrated with its traditional culture for modern industrialization. The Kuroko clan also entered into the Satcho Alliance with Chosu domain in Japan in attempts to seize control of the whole archipelago. The ensuring Boshin War led to the dismantling of the Tokugawa government which placed Emperor Meiji as the center of government. Toyohisa despite the opposition of the Iwamoto Congress singed the Treaty of Aokise in 1870 officially uniting Teiko and Japan for the first time under one central government.

Himura Kenshin became the first chancellor of the realm in 1870 after a compromise agreement between the Kuroko clan and the Iwamoto Congress. As relations between Japan and Teiko remains vague, Teikonian and Japanese officials continued to clash in many policies. Himura resigned in 1892 after failing to prevent the passage of the Meiji Constitution which overwhelmingly oversteps on the previously signed Treaty of Aokise. Seta Soujiro replaced Himura in 1892 but was unable to prevent further encroachment of the Japanese government into Teikonian affairs. War erupted between Teiko and Japan in 1894, supported by Nakama, Teiko was able to gain favorable agreement with the Japanese government. In December 1895, the Kingdom of Teiko was established with Kuroko Tetsuya becoming the first Prince of Teiko as Prince Akihiro.

Teiko became a vassal state of Japan until the end of World War 2 in 1945. During the early period of the kingdom, Teiko became an important strategic partner for the Empire of Japan and mutual economic and military relations lasted until the end of 1941. In 1941, the Teiko Royal Council rejected to support Japanese bombing of the Pearl Harbor. In response, the Japanese took control of the civilian government and installed Yoshimatsu Okada as a puppet chancellor. After Japan's surrender, democracy and civilian government was restored in Teiko in 1945. Teiko became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945. Teiko experienced rapid economic growth from 1950-1980 and became the richest country in East Asia in terms of GDP per capita. Teiko suffered heavily from the Japanese asset bubble price collapse leading to the black decade. Since 2010 however, the Teikonian economy has been the fastest growing for any developed economy among the OECD. Teiko became a member of the Alliance of Independent Nations in 2014.

Geography


Teiko has a total of 264 islands extending along the Pacific coast of East Asia covering a total surface area of 41,862 sq. km. (16,163 sq. mi.). The country, including all of the islands it controls, lies between latitudes 29° and 35°N, and longitudes 127° and 132°E. The main islands, from north to south, are Tsushima, Daichi, Goto, Shimoshima and Tanegashima. Together they are often known as the Teikonian archipelago.

Topographically, Teiko is mountainous with many sizable plains near the coastlines. Around 80% of Teiko is forested, mountainous, and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. As a result, the habitable zones, mainly located in coastal areas, have extremely high population densities. Teiko is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and is the most densely populated country in AIN.

The islands of Teiko are volcanic in origin and are located in a volcanic zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its mountainous interior rises to 5,886 ft (1,794 m) with Mount Kiyoshi, the highest of its 23 peaks. It also contains the world’s largest active volcano, Mount Tengu (5,885 ft; 1,591 m). The most active volcano in the country is Sakurajima in Akamayu (1,117 m; 3,665 ft). Due to its location, Teiko is substantially prone to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanoes. There are many other signs of tectonic activity, including numerous hot springs. The most famous of these are in Seirin, on the east shore, and around Mt. Tengu, in Hanji. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunami, occur several times each century. The most recent is the 2016 Rakuzan earthquake, a 7.0-magnitude quake which hit Teiko on April 16, 2016, and triggered a large tsunami.

As an archipelagic country, Teiko has an abundant collection of water forms. There are four prominent lakes in Teiko, all located in Daichi. Lake Tazawa is by far the largest lake in Teiko and is also the deepest at 350 meters below the sea level. 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. The largest and coincidentally also the longest river in Teiko is the To Aru Majutsu River which is shortened as Toaru River. There is also a complex system of freshwater streams that criss-cross the country in different lengths and sizes. There are several gorges around central Daichi which has small bodies of water flowing through them. Among the best example is the Kiyoshi Gorge.

Climate




Teiko has a relatively hot/humid summers and mild winters. Most of the island falls in the humid subtropical climate zone with Köppen climate classification Cfa in most areas but Cwa in some inland lowlands. The average August temperature ranges from 25.2 to 32.1 °C (77.4 to 90.3 °F), while the average January temperature ranges from 3.5 to 9.9 °C (38.5 to 49.8 °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 central 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, some places in Teiko are popular for snow ports due the high quality of power snow and numerous mountain activities. The snowfall usually commences in earnest in November and ski resorts (such as those at Jitsuzen, Shunsuke, Hayama and Ichikawa) usually operate between December and February. Teiko celebrates its winter weather at the Ichikawa Snow Festival usually held at the Ichikawa City Square. Ichikawa Snow Festival is considered as a non-holiday celebration in Teiko and is one of the most tourists visited events in Teiko.

During the winter, the Kanmon Straight becomes busier as the Tsugaru Straight in Hokkaido freezes rerouting ships from Hokkaido and the north. As water along the Teikonian coasts hardly freeze during winter, maritime travel is rarely affected by winter season. However, infrequent heavy snow falls affects air travel activities, airports located in mountainous areas are close during winter period to avoid disasters. Ports on the open Pacific Ocean and Sea of Teiko are generally ice-free year round, though some rivers located in mountain ranges freeze during the winter.

Environment


The rapid industrialization of Teiko brought about hazardous change in the country's environment. From 1960 to 1990, 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 through the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment 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 1990s 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 2018, Teiko is recognized as a world leader in developing and implementing new environmentally-friendly technologies and policies, subsequently ranking 11th in the 2018 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. Teiko has also participated in the last 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference where it reaffirmed its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2020. As of 2018, the Akashi government is pursuing to reduce carbon dioxide emission by 20% by 2020. The government has also introduced incentives for research and development in renewable power.

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. The powers of the Prince are divided into two, royal order and royal prerogative. 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 Chancellor of the Realm and the Great Council of the State, while sovereignty is vested in the Teikonian people. Kiyoshi is the current Prince of Teiko while his cousin Prince Taishi of Nakagawa who is next in line to the Throne of Teiko is serving as the first Regent of Teiko.

Teiko’s highest legislative organ is the Teiko Royal Council, seated in Dazaifu, Tetsuya. The Council is a unicameral body composed of 250 elected representatives, 116 are single-constituency representative and 134 are multi-district representative. The representatives are elected via popular vote every three years or when the Teiko Royal Council is dissolved. There is universal suffrage for adults over 18 years of age and voting is compulsory as mandated by the Constitution of Teiko. 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 January 2018, it holds 141 seats.

The Chancellor of the Realm, shortened as Chancellor, is the head of government and is appointed by the Prince after being elected through direct popular vote. Teiko is the only parliamentary country where the Chancellor is directly elected by the people and yet must retain the confidence of the legislative body. The Chancellor is the head of the Great Concil, and he appoints and dismisses the Ministers of the 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 Chancellor 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 Mibu period through texts such as Kujikata Osadamegaki. However, during the Satsuma Period, the judicial system has been largely based on the civil law of Posillipo as part of the nation-wide social and political revolutions. 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
Teiko consists of seven prefectures (Kamizaki, Takezaki, Hanji, Fukuyama, Seirin, Johto, Kyosen) and four special administrative regions (Kaijo, Rakuzan, Ryukyu 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 three main regions, Northern Teiko, Southern Teiko and Okinawa. Northern and Southern Teiko uses the Kuro River 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. Special administrative regions are divided into wards with the exception of Ryukyu which is divided into four districts and two independent cities.

Foreign Relations


Teiko has diplomatic relations with nearly all independent nations and has been an active member of the United Nations since 1948. Teiko is a member of the Alliance of Independent Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, World Trade Organization, G20, OECD and is a regular attendee of the East Asia Summit. In 2016, Teiko is ranked among the world's largest donor of official development assistance together with the United States, Japan and France.

Teiko is one of the most active nations in the Alliance since its admission in 2014. Teikonian officials have served in the Alliance administration namely Sata Kyoya who became the first director of the Alliance Public Services Agency in 2015 and Sennouza Kou was elected as the second director of the Alliance Economic Agency in 2017. It is also a founding member of the Alliance Space Agency. In 2017, the AIN General Assembly decided to relocate the new AIN Headquarters in Aoi, Kaijo.

Teiko has developed strong links with other East Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Okatabawashi and Nakama. It also signed security pacts with Okatabawashi in 2016 and Carolina in 2017. Teiko also enjoys strong diplomatic relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Teiko also have excellent relations with New Duveland, Neu Westfalen, Lower Columbia, Atlantic Federation, Mikenstein and Siculia. Teiko have strained relations with the Kingdom of Illium after the latter continued to pursue its space programs which has been designated as potentially dangerous by most members of the Alliance.

Military


A long history of civil unrests and internal invasions by militarized militants have prompted Teiko to allocate 1.4% of its GDP and 7.1% 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 (521,955 in 2017), the world's eight-largest number of reserve troops (889,632 in 2017) and the nineteenth largest defense budget. The Federal Kingdom of Teiko, with both regular and reserve military force numbering to an estimate of 1.3 million regular personnel among a total national population of almost 25 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 Chancellor of the Realm. The Commander-in-Chief is the Teikonian monarch, Prince Kiyoshi, 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 Teiko Royal Council 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. In 2017, as part of Teiko's military modernization project, an update to the existing Skyshield missile defense system was facilitated by KBT Defense System.

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. As parts of its naval upgrade, Teiko has placed orders for its first nuclear ballistic missile submarine.

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. In 2017, the Ministry of Defense announced that it will be purchasing additional units from Carolina and Santa Catarina as part of its effort in improving the Air Force.

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.

Economy


Teiko is the tenth largest national economy in the Alliance and the third largest in Asia after Okatabawashi and Nakama, with an estimated gross domestic product (PPP) of $1.243 trillion. The GDP per capita is estimated at $43,554, the tenth highest in AIN and the highest in Asia outside of Middle East. As of 2016, Teiko's public debt was estimated at $485.65 billion which is 48.65% of its annual gross domestic product. In 2016, Arashi and Kanjani rated Teiko with AA+ while James & Elise gave Teiko a AAA credit rating. The Teikonian zen (Ƶ or TNZ) is the national unit of currency issued by the Bank of Teiko.

Teiko has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronics, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemical substances, textiles, and processed foods. 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. Agricultural businesses in Teiko cultivate 21% of Teiko's land, and Teiko accounts for nearly 12.6% of the global fish catch, third only to Japan and China. As of 2016, Teiko's labor force consisted of some 12.82 million workers. Teiko has a low unemployment rate of 2.25%. Some 2.46 million, around 9.84% if the population, were below the poverty line in 2016. Housing in Teiko is characterized by limited land supply in urban areas.

Teiko's exports amounted to $161.21 billion in 2016. As of 2016, Teiko's main export markets were the United States (15.78%), China (15.41%), Atlantic Federation (10.95%), Okatabawashi (10.32%) and Nakama (9.22%). Its main exports are transportation equipment, motor vehicles, iron and steel products, semiconductors and auto parts. Teiko's total imports amounted to $179.49 billion in 2016. Teiko's main import markets as of 2016 were China (21.9%), the United States (12.71%), Okatabawashi (9.83%), Atlantic Federation (8.93%), Nakama (6.6%), Japan (6.39%) and India (5.04%). Teiko is classified as a middle to high power by many financial and political organizations.

Teiko's main imports are raw materials particularly fossil fuels, foodstuffs (in particular beef), chemicals, textiles and other materials needed for its industries. By market share measures, domestic markets are the most open of any OECD country. Teiko's economy is primarily drive by excessive consumer and government spending. In 2016, Teiko had its first budget deficit since 2012. Chancellor Seijuro Akashi's economic reforms in taxation and business processing have caused foreign investment in the country to soar.

Teiko ranks 4th of 189 countries in the 2016 Ease of doing business index and has one of the smallest tax revenues of the developed world. The Teikonian variant of capitalism has many distinct features: keiretsu enterprises are influential, and lifetime employment and seniority-based career advancement are relatively common in the Teikonian work environment. Teikonian companies are known for management methods like "The APTX Way", and shareholder activism is rare. Since 2011, the Akashi administration has been actively trying to dismantle traditional Teikonian work environment to create a better working experience for many Teikonian laborers.



Economic history


Modern Teiko's economic growth began in the Himura period. Some of the surviving elements of the Himura period are roads and water transportation routes, as well as financial instruments such as futures contracts, banking and insurance of the Rakuzan rice brokers. During the Akihito period from 1895, Teiko expanded economically with the embrace of the market economy. Many of today's enterprises were founded at the time, and Teiko emerged as the second most developed nation in Asia, next to Japan. The period of overall real economic growth from the 1960s to the 1980s has been called the Miracle on Ao River: it averaged 9.6 percent in the 1960s and 1970s, and 6.6 percent in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Teiko's economic growth went into a decline in the late 1990s during the 1997 Asian financial crises and dot.com bubble of 1999. Slow economic growth continued until 2008 where the country entered a recession due to the 2008 world financial crises. Such period in Teikonian economic history is called Black Decade. Teiko's economy recovered in 2011 and has continued to grow to become the fastest growing economy of any developed nation in the world. As of 2016, Teiko's gross domestic product is expected to grow at 6.4% annually crossing the $1 trillion benchmark in 2017.

Today, Teiko ranks highly for competitiveness and economic freedom. It is ranked eleventh in the Global Competitiveness Index 2016.

Industry
Teiko's industrial sector makes up approximately 28.6% of its GDP. Teiko's major industries are motor vehicles, electronics, machine tools, metals, ships, chemicals and processed foods; some major Teikonian industrial companies include APTX, Domyoji, Kaiba and Teiko Steel.

Teiko is the sixth largest automobile producer in the world, and is home to APTX, the world's fourth largest automobile company. The Teikonian consumer electronics industry, once considered as one of the strongest in the world, is currently in a state of decline as competition arises in countries like Japan, South Korea, the United States and China. However, despite also facing similar competition from South Korea and China, the Teikonian shipbuilding and aerospace industry is expected to remain strong thanks to an increased focus on specialized, high-tech designs.

Services


Teiko's service sector accounts for about three-quarters of its total economic output. Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation, and telecommunications are all major industries, with companies such as Akashi, SZT, Yotsuba, Suzuki, Kronos Heaven, Industrial Illusion, Sakanoshita, Nagakura Hijikata, TTT, TNRC, Tamaki, Sibyl, Shinjan, APTX and Teiko Airways listed as some of the largest in the world. The Teiko Shinbun is the fifth most circulated newspaper in the world. Teiko Natural Gas Corporation, one of the country's largest natural gas explorers, refiners and distributors, was slated for privatization by 2018. The six major keiretsus are the Akashi, Yotsuba, Suzuki, SZT, Akira and Asan Groups.

Tourism


International tourist influx in Teiko has increased significantly from 10.15 in 2010 to 20.34 million in 2018. Tourism from abroad had become one of the few promising businesses in Teiko. Foreign visitors to Teiko more than doubled in the last decade and reached 15 million for the first time in 2015. The Teikonian government hopes that 30 million foreign visitors will visit Teiko by 2025. The significant increase in foreign tourists influx is mainly due to the relaxation of visa requirements in many Asian countries.

In 2018, 20,339,699 foreign tourists have visited Teiko. Neighboring Japan is Teiko's most important source of foreign tourists. In 2018, the 4.89 million arrivals made up 24.07% of the foreign tourists visiting Teiko. Other neighboring countries of China, Oka, Nakama, South Korea and Samra are also major sources of foreign tourists in Teiko. The highest growth of foreign tourists however had come from South American countries such as Siculia and Santa Catarina. Foreign tourists from New Duveland and Neu Westfalen have peaked in 2015 and showed little growth. Japanese travelers are the highest spenders in Teiko by country.

Teiko has six recognized AINESCO Heritage Sites, Hashima Island, Inabayama Village, Goto Bay, Aozora Temple, Sakurajima and Kiyoshi Gorge. Six more sites, Yakushima, Yoshinogari, Huis Ten Bosch, Okinoshima, Yufuin and Udo Shrine are currently under review for AINESCO approval. Popular tourists attractions include Kaijo, Rakuzan, Mount Kiyoshi, Saikai Pearl Sea, riding the shinkansen and taking advantage of Teiko's hotel and hot spring network.

Domestic tourism remains a vital part of the national economy and its culture. In 2018, there is a record of 115.88 million domestic trips both both overnight visitors and same-day visitors. 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 2018. The Arashi and Kanjani Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2016 ranks Teiko 10th out of 26 AIN countries overall, which was the second best in Asia. In 2018, the Teiko Shinbun published a modern list of famous sights under the name Kiyoshi Hyakkei (the Hundred Views of the Kiyoshi Period).

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 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 2016, there is estimate of 2,500 km of expressways in the country. The four major are Teiko Interstate, Teiko National Circumferential Expressway (TENCE), Rakuzan-Kaijo Expressway (RAKE) and the Seirin-Beika-Takezaki Expressway (SCTAX). The portion of TENCE that connects the City of Towada and Rakuzan is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world in terms of support span. However, noise pollution, high toll fees and efficient mass transit contributes to the underuse of many expressways in Teiko by commuters.

Teiko rail and rapid transit remains to be one of the busiest and most advance in the world. Due to its efficiency and cheaper costs, railways remains the most common form of commuting in Teiko. As of 2018, the total ridership in Teiko is estimated at 4.418 billion. Approximately 42% of the total ridership are provided by the ten busiest rail lines in the country. Six of the busiest train stations in AIN are located in Teiko. Most of the country's railway service is provided by the semi state-owned Teiko National Railways Corporation. Major cities and special districts including Kaijo, Rakuzan, Tetsuya, Naha, Kanazawa, 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. Other rural areas also have rail service and the Saikaido Line connects all major population areas in Daichi in a circumferential rail route. Plans for a maglev line connecting Kaijo and Rakuzan has begun in 2015 and is expected to become operations in 2025.

Teiko's largest international airport and main gateway to the country, Shouzo Nijimura International Airport estimates to have served 51.73 million passengers in 2018 making it one of the busiest airports in Asia. Cheap flights have caused a surge in air transit in Teiko. Three of the busiest air routes in the world are located in Teiko, Kaijo-Tokyo route, Kaijo-Naha route and Rakuzan-Tokyo route. The country's flag carrier, Teiko Airlines is one of the oldest world having been founded in 1954. In 2018, it is reported to have served 50.153 million passengers. It is closely followed by budget carrier Rakuzan Pacific and Teiko Aviation with 40.846 and 30.159 million passengers respectively. Combined, Teikonian carriers serves 286 destinations. There are eleven major commercial airports in the country recognized by the Aviation Safety and Regulatory Department of which eight are serving international flights.

As an archipelago, inter-island travel via watercraft is often necessary. The busiest seaports are Kaijo, Rakuzan, Aokuro, Hamada, Dojimazaki and Aokise. In 2011, the Port of Kaijo has overtaken the Port of Dojimazaki as the busiest port in Teiko in terms of tonnage handled and TEUs handled. In 2016, the Port of Kaijo is reported to have handled 305,126,853 MT and 1,758,265 TEUs. It is also the busiest port in the country in terms of passenger count. As of 2016, it is ranked within the top 25 busiest ports in the world. Passenger ships and other sea vessels such as those operated by 2GO Travel and Teiko Shipping Lines serve Kaijo, 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 29 million, with 86.88% of the population living in the urban areas of the country in the islands of Daichi. 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 Japan, Okatabawashi, Nakama, South Korea, China and Brazil are among the small minority groups in Teiko. In 2016, there is an estimate of 210,000 Japanese in Teiko, making it the largest foreign minority in the country.

The most dominant native ethnic group is the Hayato people; primary minority groups include the indigenous Ainu and Ryukyuan people, as well as social minority groups like the burakumin. There are persons of mixed ancestry incorporated among the Hayato, such as those from the Japanese Archipelago. In 2016, there was an estimate of 2,845,662 foreign-born Teikonians which makes up 11.52% of the total population. Teiko is widely regarded as ethnically homogeneous, and does not compile ethnicity or race statistics for Teikonian nationals; however, at least one analysis describes Teiko as a multiethnic society. Most Teikonian continue to see Teiko as a monocultural society. In 2016, reforms to improve naturalization in Teiko has been pursued by the Akashi government. Since 2010, Teiko had added more than 1 million Honorary Teikonians in lieu of a naturalization process. There is an estimate of 2.8 million Honorary Teikonians residing in the country as of 2016.

Teiko has one of the longest overall life expectancy at birth of any country in the world: 80.7 years for persons born in the period 2010–2015. The population of Teiko continued to grow at an annual rate of 5.5% from 2001-2015 due to immigration from neighboring countries and high fertility rate. It is expected to hit the 30 million benchmark on or before 2020. The population median age is 28.6. There is an estimate of at least 3 million 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.

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 Aokise, Kaijo and Tetsuya, running for almost 250 km (150 mi), it is one of the biggest urban agglomerations in the world. As of 2018, it has an estimate of more than 18.25 million people.

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 has full religious freedom based on Article 3, Section 4 of its Constitution. Upper estimates suggest that 70–86 percent of the Teikonian population subscribe to Shinto as its indigenous religion (50% to 80% of which considering degrees of syncretism with Buddhism, shinbutsu-shūgō.) However, these estimates are based on people affiliated with a temple, rather than the number of true believers. The number of Shinto shrines in Teiko is estimated to be around 25,000. Other studies have suggested that only 30 percent of the population identify themselves as belonging to a religion. 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 China have also influenced Teikonian beliefs and customs. Teikonian streets are decorated on Tanabata, Obon and Christmas

Shinto is the largest religion in Teiko, practiced by nearly 80% of the population, yet only a small percentage of these identify themselves as "Shintoists" in surveys. This is due to the fact that "Shinto" has different meanings in Teiko: most of the Teikonians attend Shinto shrines and beseech kami without belonging to Shinto organisations, and since there are no formal rituals to become a member of folk "Shinto", "Shinto membership" is often estimated counting those who join organised Shinto sects. Shinto has 25,000 shrines and 16,846 priests in the country. Buddhism first arrived in Teiko in the 6th century; it was introduced in the year 538 or 552 from the kingdom of Baekje in Korea.

Christianity was first introduced into Teiko by Jesuit missions starting in 1549. Today, fewer than 3% to 5% are Christians. Most of them living in the western part of the country, where the missionaries' activities were greatest during the 16th century. Fukuyama Prefecture has the highest percentage of Christians: about 10.1% in 2016. As of 2016 there are 5,145 Christian priests and pastors in Teiko. Throughout the latest century, some Western customs originally related to Christianity (including Western style weddings, Valentine's Day and Christmas) have become popular as secular customs among many Teikonian.

Islam in Teiko is estimated to constitute, about 76-80%, of foreign born migrants and their children, primarily from Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran. Much of the ethnic Teikonian Muslims are those who convert upon marrying immigrant Muslims. The Pew Research Center estimated that there were 250,000 Muslims in Teiko in 2016.

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 was supposed to participate at the AINVision 2014 at Karellesbourg, Sainte-Croix. However, the event was canceled and Teiko's debut to the AINVision was moved to the AINVision Spring 2015 at Kingston and Boyce. Ono Kenshou & Suwabe Junichi's Ray of Shine was selected as the entry becoming the first official entry song of Teiko to the AINVision. Kaito Shion was selected to represent the country to the contest. Since 2015, Teiko has participated in 5 official AINVision contest with the latest in AINVision New Duveland 2017. In 2017, Teiko won its highest place and the first time to enter the top three with Takahiro Nishijima's "Mada Kimi Wa Shiranai".

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 Prince'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, Chancellor Seijuro Akashi 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 2017, Teiko has 17 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 and the Obon Festival on August 12.

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. Teiko is also an annual participant in the AFA Alliance World Cup.

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.