Takyoto

The Republic of Takyoto (タキョト共和国 Takyoto kyōwakoku), or simply Takyoto, is an island nation located in East Asia. It is situated in the Pacific Ocean, and located just east of Japan, southwest of Hokkodo, and northeast of Okatabawashi.

Takyoto is an archipelago of 6 islands, with the two main islands being Shokishima and Yoturu. The Greater Toyokin Area, located in Shokishima's Toyokin Prefecture is the capital of Takyoto. It is also the largest city in Takyoto with a population of approximately 13.1 million people.

Researchers suggest that people had already started settling on Yoturu during the Jōmon Period. It used to be run under a shogunate government around the 1300s until the 1600s. However, over the next few centuries, bits and bits of the country were invaded by more powerful countries. Okatabawashi invaded the southern part of Shokishima during the Okato-Takyoto War, causing major conflict with the two nations over the years. Japan later took control of all six islands during World War II. It reigned over the islands until Japan surrendered after the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Takyoto has one of the largest economies in the world by nominal GDP. The country has renounced its right to declare or participate in any war unless forced to. However, recent events have caused the country to start building and training a military. Due to its peaceful nature, the nation has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world.

Prehistory and ancient history
The latest records of Takyoto's existence starts in the Jōmon period around 13,000 BC. It is known for the country's Mesolithic and Neothilic ancient culture. The island which is now known as Tōru was the first of the six islands to be settled on. The island's mountain caves were used as homes for the settlers, who started to created clay pottery. These clay pottery items are one of the oldest surviving pottery items in the world. Some examples are now on display in the Toyokin National Museum of History. By 11,500 BC, people had started settling onto the other 5 islands.

By the Yayoi period around 500 BC, many people were starting to practice wet-rice farming in the flat areas of Shokishima and Yoturu. The creation of pottery still existed at the time, but instead the use of copper was more widely used. The creation of bronze mirrors known as dōkyōs were also starting to spread. Around 100 BC, Takyoto had started to receive an early name, Wayochi. The Nara period (710-784) had marked the beginning of an emerging Takyoto. Takyotan literature had started to form and spread throughout the islands, and in the Book of Wǔdǎo, the name of Takyoto had started to form. Although the Nara period was a growing stage for Takyoto, a smallpox epidemic originating in Japan had started to spread to the country, killing a fourth of Takyoto's population at the time.

Feudal era
Like in Japan's feudal era, the emergence of the samurai had dominated the 6 islands. As more and more samurai turned up, the government of Takyoto was officially founded, making Takyoto an official country. The Kamakura shogunate had started to ignore the islands, and thus the Karuzami shogunate was formed. Although Takyoto was officially separated from Japan by then, they assisted in the repelling of the Mongol invasions of Japan. Buddhism had also started being practiced in 1278. However, the shogunate government was overthrown in the 16th century and replaced with the first democratic republic government in Asia.

Modern era
Around 1863, just 9 years after the Convention of Kanagawa, the United States had started establishing relations with Takyoto. This had started economic stabilization and aid between the two countries. This had also brought recognition of the country to the rest of the Western world, which was not very familiar with the country.

In 1937, the Empire of Japan had invaded Takyoto. The empire had started to have complete control over the country. Residents were forced to live under unfamiliar customs and traditions, making life difficult for many. Takyoto had joined the Allies in World War II, going against its longtime friend. The Takyotan army fought with the Imperial Japanese Army just outside of Kōdai. Meanwhile, soldiers patrolled several places in Toyokin, and protests had formed near the Port of Toyokin. Japanese soldiers had arrested many, but some were shot to death, starting the two-day Toshipōto massacre. 45 Takyotans were killed during the massacre. The Empire finally surrendered after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagaski by the United States Navy.

After the Takyotan republic had returned to normal in 1945, there was a baby boom. The nation experienced great growth in population from 22.4 million to 27.9 million in under a decade. On 1978, Takyoto and Japan had signed a treaty to improve relations greatly and improve peace between the nations. By 1989, the population had grown to 31.4 million. The nation had also started research on telecommunications and electronics. Earthquake engineering was also a major industry in the 1990’s. On 2005, Nashi Electronics was founded and Takyoto became a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol. On March 11, 2011, the nation along with Japan was hit by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, killing thousands along the northern coast.

Administrative divisions
Takyoto consists of six regional islands. These islands are then split into prefectures, however, Gifuru and Ehima are prefectural regions. There are currently 32 prefectures in Takyoto. The island of Yoturu has the most prefectures, with 15 total. The prefectures are then divided up into cities, towns, and villages. Some prefectures are cities themselves such as Toyokin, which is a prefectural city.



Government and politics
Takyoto is an official democratic republic, where its leader, the president handles much of the government, but residents are allowed to choose their opinion about certain matters or changes. Other important powers are handed over to the National Prime Council, which handles much of the justice system and infrastructure matters. Mayuro Matsurami is the current President of Takyoto. There is no heir to the throne since each President is elected to the throne.

Foreign relations
Takyoto has made many diplomatic relations with over 79 countries all over the globe. The country has been a strong member of the United Nations since 1997. Takyoto's president Mayuro Matsurami has expressed interest in joining the International Asian Union (IAU), and has also been part of the Alliance of Independent Nations (AIN) since 2013.

In addition to diplomatic relations, Takyoto has also established agreements and deals with countries in the Australasian, Asian, European, and American continents. When it joined the AIN in 2013, the country joined the AINERO Zone, which is a free trade agreement between the country and other members of the alliance. It has also expressed interest with Atarashima and Kaisan in introducing another free trade zone to the IAU.

China
Takyoto has had mildly favorable relations with China. After the formation of Takyoto, the two countries had established many trading routes between the larger cities to increase their economy. However, Takyoto has been strict with China's labor force and practices. Many times has Takyoto negatively responded to the treatment of workers, children, and residents in its country. It has had some problems with China's practice of Maoism as well. However, the two countries have had major deals in commercial partnerships. As of 2009, Takyoto is convincing the Chinese government to allow full freedom to its residents and reduce its carbon footprint as well. Takyoto has had better relations with its SAR's such as Hong Kong and Macau. The country also favors The Republic of China (Taiwan).

Japan
The relationship between Japan and Takyoto has been considered to be a rough relationship. Back during the country's ancient and feudal eras, it is thought that the two countries chose not to establish too many ties and deals. However, it is said in some recovered sources that Takyoto had once helped Japan fight off the Russians and Chinese during their invasions into the area. In the feudal era, the relation had started to strengthen. However the ties were once again broken once the Empire of Japan had invaded and took control over the country. Even after World War II had ended, the two countries had major conflict and quarrels. Protests started in both countries proclaiming that the two make relations again.

Okatabawashi
Takyoto's relations with Okatabawashi has been tense for many years. The tension first started after the Oka invaded Takyoto during the 15th century and began the Okato-Takyoto War. Oka had full control of southeastern Shokishima for tens of years. Soon after the retreat of Okatabawashi, the government banned any former Okataian residents to live in Takyoto. All trade and deals were dropped with the country. However, in the 1870s, Takyoto reconsidered relations with Okatabawashi. As of 2012, both countries have stable, neutral relations. Trading and partnerships have since been re-established.

South Korea
South Korea has established very efficient relations with Takyoto. Since South Korea's founding in 1948, Takyoto has strived greatly to achieve perfect relations with South Korea. It is commonly known as Takyoto's 2nd most trusted country, after Japan. Both countries have been relatively fond and respectful of each other's practices. Commercial and political deals have been created between the two for economy support. However, both countries had a controversy in 2008 after South Korea wrongfully suspected a scandal in Takyoto's government and taxing issues. However, it was soon proven false to Korea in 2009, but the relations still stayed stable since then. There has been some minor talks between the two countries about South Korea's relations with North Korea, and how they will be reacting to the 2013 North Korean nuclear crisis.

United States
The relations between the United States and Takyoto were initiated in 1863. Both countries have agreed to have peaceful relations, and is currently going well. There a few US military bases set up in Gifuru, and operates for the United States Navy. The US has had talks with Takyoto about the North Korean crisis as well, however it is, as of May 2013, undisclosed. After the atomic bombings in Japan, relations were quickly strengthened and trade ties were set up. Many shipping routes from Nichiro and Toyokin lead towards Los Angeles and San Francisco. Takyoto has set up a free trade agreement in the Pacific between the US and its territories.

Geography
Takyoto consists of an archipelago of 6 islands that are located along the Pacific coast of East Asia. These islands are: Shokishima, Tōru, Yoturu, Ehima, Oruzama, and Gifuro. The largest island by area is Yoturu, however, the largest by population is Shokishima.

Although there are plenty of flat to hilly areas on the islands, there are also a few mountains on Yoturu and Shokishima. Nevertheless, a large percent of Takyoto's population reside along the coastal areas, where there is better access to amenities and ports.

Takyoto is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is situated on the Philippine Sea Plate, Pacific Plate, and the Okhotsk Plate. There are 13 volcanoes in Takyoto, with only 5 being currently active. It is also in a seismically active region, thus requiring the increase of earthquake engineering in many urban areas. The country has suffered from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which reached a magnitude of 9.0.

Landscape
The territory, marine and land, of Takyoto lies between latitudes 32º and 38º N, and longitudes 140º and 146º E. Despite the country's small territory, the landscape varies greatly from high volcanoes to rugged coastlines. The nation's longest river, the Sakura River runs through the island of Yoturu, the largest island in the nation by area. Other major rivers are located on the island of Shokishima, a densely populated island. On Yoturu and Shokishima are 2 mountain ranges, the Hiruyama range and the Shokitan range. The Shokitan range is home to Mount Jerumi, which is located not too far from the Greater Toyokin Area. It stands at a staggering 3,184 m tall.

Although recent development around the mountainous areas have been growing over the past decade, the forestal regions are still managing to stay in existence. The forests are generally dense with many trees and wildlife, and recent attempts to keep the environment clean and protected have prohibited any development around the areas. The coastlines are rugged, however, they are mainly being developed in due to the growing number of cargo and cruise ports[[ along the shores. This has sparked urban development along the coasts of all of the 6 islands and has recently been affecting the [[w:marine life|marine life.

Climate
The climate in Takyoto is humid subtropical, with occasional snowfall and humid summer days due to the southeast seasonal wind. This climate brings moderate weather, making it great for agriculture and tourist destinations. In the spring the cherry blossoms bloom, starting the Takyotan Hanami. However, the most popular season for art, literature, and photography is autumn, where many leaves change into vivid orange and dark red colors. The average winter temperature in Takyoto is 3.5°C (38.3°F) while the average summer temperature is 25.4°C (77.8°F). The highest recorded temperature in Takyoto was 36.6°C (97.8°F), which was recorded on 23 July 2009.

Despite the favorable weather throughout the year, there is a rainy season that lasts for around six weeks beginning in the middle of June. In addition to summer rainy seasons, typhoons pound the islands in early autumn and early winter.



Biodiversity
Although Takyoto is not among the 17 megadiverse countries, there is still a great variety of wildlife and plants on the islands. Strict laws on preservation of the diverse environmental regions have expected growth of the wildlife to remain stable for quite a few more years.

Fauna
On the islands of Yoturu and Shokishima, many types of carnivorous animals can be found. Many bears roam around in the areas such as the brown bear, while other bears such as the Asian black bear can be seen, but are becoming vulnerable to extinction in the future. In the mountain areas of all the islands, there can be found smaller animals such as the mountain hare, Japanese field mouse, and Japanese mole. Marine life along the eastern coastlines of Takyoto include belugas, bottlenose dolphins, orcas, and gray whales. The national animal of Takyoto is the tundra swan.

Flora
Takyoto is filled with a wide variety of forest types. The forests around the higher mountain areas generally consist of cercidiphyllum, thujopsis, cryptomeria, and Chinese hackberries. rice and bamboo are cultivated in the flatlands for farming and preservation purposes. The cherry blossom tree, or sakura (桜), is the national tree and symbol of Takyoto. Due to this great significance to the country, it is commonly grown and seen in the major and important cities.

Environment
Recently, Takyoto has placed strict laws on its people concerning its environment. When the country was under the rule of the Empire of Japan, many factories and freeways were constructed in the outside cities of urban areas. This caused the country's carbon footprint to rise. The government has since then become concern about its environment. Laws restricting gas-powered cars, coal factories, and smoking have been in place since 2000. Takyoto is also a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol.

Science and technology
Takyoto has partnered with Japan to excel in scientific research. The research is mainly focused on technology, machinery, and earthquake engineering. Takyoto's prominent contributions are consumer electronics, industrial robots, earthquake engineering, semiconductors, and optics. Takyoto possesses 59,303 industrial robots for factories and commercial use.

The Takyoto Space Exploration Agency (TSXA) is the main space agency for Takyoto. The agency conducts star and planetary research and has one satellite in orbit. Takyoto is a minor participant in the International Space Station, after being added just recently in September 2012.

In addition to space exploration, Takyoto contributes a wide variety of electronics to the world. Nintendo has a headquarters in Akihaburo, Toyokin, which is famous for its avenues of local electronic distributors. TechWorks is a major semiconductor maker in Takyoto, supplying to Nashi Electronics. Nashi Electronics is a consumer electronics seller. The Hakuri series, Raku Sensation, Element laptops, and the future Nashi Sketch line are all part of the company's line of products.

Infrastructure
As of 2011, 39.2 percent of energy in Takyoto is produced from petroleum, 30.8 from hydropower, 13.3 from natural gas, 8.5 from coal, and 8.2 from nuclear power. Even though there are very few nuclear power plants in Takyoto, all had been shut off after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. The country relies heavily on imported energy because of limited resources in the area. New Holland is a major trade partner in petroleum to the country. The road network of Takyoto is one of the main modes of transportations in the country. There are over 20.9 thousand kilometers of paved road on all 6 islands of the country. Expressways are located in urban areas that connect wards and districts and sometimes rural areas. However, access to the expressways are paid by a toll which averages around ¥378. Electric cars are the most popular type of cars in Takyoto. It is also the most encouraged by the government, which places a high fee on petroleum and gas-powered cars. This was to help reduce the carbon footprint in the country.

Despite the major use of the roads in Takyoto, the commuter rail and Shinkansen are the most popular type of transportation in the country. Over 67% of the population rode the rail networks for both leisure and work. Imperial Railway and Island Railways Group are the two major railway companies. They both compete in regional, urban, and inter-island services. The only company to operate the Shinkansen however is Imperial Railway. There are 24 airports in Takyoto. The busiest airport is Toyokin International Airport, one of Asia's busiest airports. Most international flights come in through Kyūmura International Airport, Nichiro International Airport, and Kodai Seagate International Airport. The Port of Toyokin is the largest and busiest port, accounting for 23 percent of trade value for Takyoto.

Demographics
The population of Takyoto is estimated to be 36.4 million as of the 2010 census. Around 60% of the population live on Shokishima. There are very few foreign residents, with 87% of the population being of ethnic Takyotan heritage. The Saishozoku people are the most dominant native ethnic group in Takyoto. They originate from the beginning of Takyoto's settlement and founding. The people of Takyoto are monocultural, but many are starting to accept new cultures and religions from Christianity to Muslim.

Takyoto's population is rising each year by as much as 3%. By 2020, the population of Takyoto is expected to be around 40.1 million, and also feature a much wider variety of ethnic groups such as Filipino, Chinese, and Russian. Despite this, the population had dropped by 34,039 in 2011 due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and other unrelated deaths. Takyoto also has one of the lowest suicide rates in the world.

Religion
As of 2013, the residents of Takyoto enjoy full religious freedom. Despite the freedom, many people choose to follow Buddhism since it has been a tradition to do so for many generations. However recently, some Takyotans were switching to Christianity and Catholicism. Around 78% of Takyotans were said to be Buddhists, while 21% believed in the Catholic or Christian church. Although, these estimations were based on people subscribed to local churches and temples, not by their actual belief.

On May 23, 2013, President Mayuro Matsurami announced the ban on Islamic religion in Takyoto. This caused outrage in both Takyoto and other countries around the world. This also led to the spark of the 2013 Akihaburo bombings, which killed 18 and injured hundreds more. The President has made comments on his ban and has stated that he will not lift the ban, instead hoping the rage dies down peacefully.

Languages
Approximately 95% of the Takyotan population speak Japanese as their primary language. Japanese is an agglutinative language that is varied depending on the hierarchy of the person being spoken to. The Japanese writing consists of kanji, hiragana, katakana, and also Arabic numerals.

In addition to Japanese, other foreign Asian and Western languages are spoken in Takyoto. Korean, Chinese, and English are the three most popular secondary languages. In order to help people with helping international tourists unexpectedly, most children and adults are required to learn English. Japanese and English are the official languages of Takyoto.

Education
Since 1998, the Takyotan government has been dedicated to the education of children and young adults living in the country. Each person is offered a free 13-year enrollment into local schools for education starting at age 5. A child goes through kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. After high school, one must pay for their education at private institutions such as universities or private colleges. However, the government does offer free community colleges to those who apply. In 2009, 89.5% of all young adults in Takyoto had attended all stages of schools before college.

There are thousands of schools in Takyoto, and many universities as well. The top two universities in the country were Nichiro National University and Toyokin National University. These universities specialize in a wide range of categories such as medical, law, and engineering.

Culture
The Takyotan culture has greatly developed since its formation thousands of years ago. Its current modern culture has been combined with several Asian, European, and American cultures and practices. Many traditional goods and artifacts that were made in the islands were katana swords, wooden dolls, ceramics, and pottery. The Takyotans are also known for their very cultural practices and performances, such as the adaption of the Japanese tea ceremony, the Hakka-tsumi ceremony, and the ren'ai kyōfu performances. Sports has also been associated with Takyotan teens and children, with common practices of martial arts, football, and baseball. Young toddlers and children were taught origami artwork and traditional sandpainting. Contemporary Takyoto has a strict following of making the country as eco-friendly as possible. Over 28 different forests, mountain areas, and sacred gardens have been listed on the country's National Landmark Conservation List, which protects listed areas from urban development. Many temples and shrines in and around big cities have been kept due to their cultural significance to the country.

Art


Ancient and early Takyotan architecture mainly consisted of wooden and bamboo buildings. Takekazoku houses were very common near the rural housing areas. Most of have been torn down for more proper, safer houses, but they can be occasionally sighted in the mountainous areas. Temples can be seen to feature wooden sliding doors and open air windows. In between rooms, there would be stone dividers that would make sure each room is distinguished. Traditional Takyotan artwork mainly consisted of the makings of origami, stone sculptures, and sandpainting. Early records of these artworks date back to 400-600 A.D. By the 16th century, focus for art turned to pottery making, which had already been popular since the country's foundation. However, porcelain and ceramics had just gotten popular for potters at the time.

For many years, Takyoto chose to stay conservative about its artwork, and did not take on any inspirations from nearby countries for its art. Even when the country decided to spread its ideas and take in others, it only stuck with nearby Asian countries and nations, and very few Micronesian nations. It was only until the 1920s when the country decided to expand its inspirational thoughts into the Americas and Europe. Modern and abstract art did not become a trend until the 21st century. However, manga and woodblock printing joined in during the mid 20th century.

Music
Takyotan music has been heavily influenced by that of Japan since music became a hobby for many in the 11th century. Instruments such as the koto, the hotchiku, and the taiko were heavily traded with Japan for traditional music. Folk music was usually performed at public theaters and parks for enjoyment or leisure. When more "American" music was introduced to Takyoto in the mid 1940s, it became a popular choice for rising entertainers and band (music). This music was quickly dumped in favor of electronic music, hip hop, and pop in 2006.

By the 2010, other forms of music and singing were becoming popular or already popular. Karaoke has become widely popular amongst young adults and teenagers in the country. Rising stars such as TsubaHiro, HiyaKisaNaki, and Takashi Suzuki have gained major international acknowledgement and have been awarded many times.