Misumi

The Republic of Misumi 水明国 Suimei-kuni
Flag
Motto: 'Free to follow the stars'
Capital and largest city	Seimei
Official languages	Mizu, Japanese
Ethnic groups (2020)	90.8% Mizu (non-Clan Japanese)  3.7% Haemi  2.1% Costeno  1.7% Rén  1.8% Others
Religion	78.2% Celestialism 13.4% No religion 4.3% Neo-Minjian 4.0% Other
Demonym(s)	Misumian, Mizumian, Suimeian
Government	Parliamentary Republic
• Prime Minister	Kuroda Yuko
Legislature	Diet of Misumi
Establishment
• Tsuyo first formed	c. 1070 CE
• Hyōgi created, Misumi formed	1445
• Democratization of Hyōgi begins	1873
• Constitution of Misumi written, Diet formed	18 April 1932
Area
•	284,471 km2 (109,835 sq mi)
• Water (%)	2.2%
Population
• Estimate	55,208,000
• Census	2020
GDP (PPP)	2020 estimate
• Total	$3.21 trillion
• Per capita	$58,175
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$2.09 trillion
• Per capita	$37,903
Gini (2020)	29.2 low
HDI (2020)	.934 very high
Currency	Kana (金) (MIK)
Time zone	UTC+7 (SMT)
Date format	yyyy.mm.dd
Driving side	right
Calling code	+50
Internet TLD	.mi

The Republic of Misumi, more commonly referred to as Misumi, Mizumi, or Mizu and called Suimei domestically is a democratic republic located in Eastern Hesperida in the IDU. It borders Lao Sansong to the west and its river system and namesake canal serves as an important logistical transit connection between the Gulf of Haesan and the Northern Ocean. A highly developed nation of 55 million people, Misumi's population is centered along its central valley, and its highly educated and urbanized population runs a strong, diversified economy centered around the tech sector. Misumi is emerging as a cultural power, driven by waves of pop music and television programming, notably idol groups, situational comedies, and reality TV that have recently captivated the world's attention.

Etymology

The native name of Misumi, Suimei, comes from the Kanji 水, or sui meaning water, and 明, or mei, signifying brightness or clarity. Formally the character, 国, read kuni, is attached to represent the national state. The name Misumi comes from a mistranslation from a Costeno explorer, and it first appeared on a map in the treatise Vistas del Mundo Oriental dated to 1573. As the name was translated from Spanish to English, some nations transliterated the s to a z, most notably Opthelia and its colonies. In many of the empire's Hesperidan colonies such as Haesan and High Fells, that name was further shortened to Mizu. While Suimei is favored for use on many domestic documents, at international competitions and in multi-national organizations the nation uses the original foreign translation of Misumi.

History

Classical History

A depiction of the Tsuyo Aoyagi, the founder of the tenth Misumian region

While the territory to the east of the Shimo Mountains has been settled since around 10,000 BCE, the first political developments in Misumi are believed to have formed around 500 BCE as small agricultural communities and by 200 CE evidence of various trade links and agreements between them had formed. In 1070 CE, the historical records now collectively known as the Annals of the Tsuyo document the political fragmentation of the region into eight local factions led by warlords known as the Tsuyo, or the strong ones. The document, the first true work of Misumian history, outlined the succession lines of the factions, their past political and military conflicts, as well as the agricultural production of the lands.

The Tsuyo would coexist exist relatively peacefully throughout the centuries with leadership passed down through hereditary means, and while major territorial shifts occured as Tsuyo occasionally fought wars and new leaders emerged, by the 14th century, the number of Tsuyo stabilized at eleven. Throughout the Tsuyo period, while Misumi slightly lagged behind its peer nations in technological development, its fertile river valleys and strong natural geographic defenses generally insulated its people from war or famine. While Celestial missionaries from Haesan had arrived in Misumi since the 5th century and many Tsuyo families had already adopted Celestialism as their religion, practice of Celestial rites became nearly universal throughout this period. Court culture was also developed extensively at this time, with distinct variations between the Tsuyo that is evident among regional variations to this day.

Origins of Misumi

In the mid 16th century, rapid change would occur in Misumi as coalitions of the clan-lead farming collectives known as Danketsu attacked Tsuyo territory through the mountains and seized land in the southern coastal regions of the nation. Worried by the threat that the Sansongian forces armed with superior Rén technology and efficient martial leadership, the Tsuyo were forced to band together at an unprecedented level, forming a provisional council known as the Hyōgi, where the Tsuyo would gather to make collective decisions based on the principle of one family, one vote. With their new system and a united national territory, the Hyōgi solicited Haesanite aid and rapidly organized a national army to fight back the invaders. Over the course of a 6-year conflict named the Frost Mountain Wars, a united Misumi would beat back the Danketsu and reclaim its territory.

Seeing the efficacy of their system, the Tsuyo decided to make the Hyōgi their permanent form of government, with the eleven leaders making joint decisions for the nation now formally named Suimei. The combination of the various regions and a permanent end to the infighting which had flared up for centuries ushered in a period of unprecedented technological and economic growth and long term political stability.

Foreign Encounters and Establishing Sovereignty

After the conclusion of the conflict, Misumi would soon face a series of further attacks from foreign powers. After the successful colonization of the Slokais Islands starting in the early 16th century, by the 1580s Costeno was already seeking to expand its foothold in eastern Hesperida. Misumi, recently rattled by its war against the Danketsu, seemed like an ideal target, and in 1584 the empire launched an attack. With the advanced decision-making skills of the Hyōgi, however, Misumi had an unexpected advantage, allowing them to place informants throughout the Costeno navy and give them ample time to prepare specialized defenses. As a result, the Misumians defeated the technologically superior Costenan forces at the Battle of Minimikaze, forcing the navy to retreat into the Gulf of Haesan. The Misumians pursued the fleeing Costenans, and with a surprise ambush from Haesanite forces, the Costenan expeditionary crew was completely destroyed at the Battle of the Hyeolseo Rocks, halting the empire's expansion plans.

The signing of the Treaty of Kamome

The Misumian Navy engaging in coastal defense

Throughout the 17th century, raids from Danketsu would remain a problem, but as time progressed, Misumi would far surpass their technological and military prowess and were able to effectively monitor and secure the mountainous western regions. As a result, garrisons were built further west to help secure new territory for mining and agriculture, which would then serve as Misumi's first form of formal border security. Additionally, port cities like Shinaki and Saikane became increasingly opened to foreign merchants, and Misumi gained access to foreign ideas and products which helped it further accelerate its development.

By the late 18th century, Misumi yet again faced another foreign threat, this time from Opthelia after its colonization of long-time ally Haesan. While the French forces which had previously colonized Haesan's gulf coast had signed the Treaty of Kamome (Traité des Mouettes) with Misumi, trading increased access to Misumian ports and favorable trade rates for non-aggression and friendly relations, the Opthelians planned to extend their Empire further northward. The fertile mountain valleys of Misumi seemed like an ideal target, and in 1794 Opthelia launched its navy, fresh off victory over the French, across the bay to try and claim Misumi's harbours as their own. The Opthelians received two surprises, first brutal crosswinds as they approached the coastline sending many of their forces crashing against the rocks, followed by Misumian forces that were well trained, capable, and much more technologically advanced then they had anticipated. Nearly 85% of the Opthelian forces were destroyed, and the remainder returned to Anfa to regroup.

In 1797, Opthelia attempted another expedition to colonize Misumi, and fared no better than the first time. Eddington had grown largely disinterested in Misumi after their initial failure, and many of Opthelia's best ships in Hesperida had already been lost both in the first campaign and in the War of Haesanite Succession against the French. Misumi also gained an unexpected ally in Costeno, who saw Opthelian aggression in the region as a growing threat to its holdings in San Fernando. As a result, Opthelian forces failed to even cross the Gulf, being routed at the Battle of Gin no Izu, ending Opthelian efforts of colonization.

Industrialization and Democratization

Throughout the 19th century, Misumi experienced a period of extraordinary industrialization. With coal and iron easily minable in its many mountain ranges, Misumi was able to be one of the first nations in eastern Hesperida to transition to an industrial economy. Agricultural advancements including ploughs, seeders, and threshers for rice and wheat cultivation allowed for yields to dramatically improve and allowed for a widescale urbanization of society. Cities along the river valleys grew as factories sprung up across the nation, and coastal towns grew along with industries such as glass manufacturing and as modern fishing practices were implemented more widely. The urbanization of society led to a wave of urban planning, where cities were redesigned to be both livable and well structured to meet their growing populations. During that process, Misumian engineers pioneered new techniques for water and waste management to help beautify cities and stem the spread of diseases like cholera.

These economic transitions also brought on political changes, as the Tsuyo of the Hyōgi became increasingly beholden to a diverse set of interest groups. The Tsuyo of Seimei marked a major transition point in 1873 when she, at the behest of a powerful set of industrialists, allowed for a regional Tsuyo to be elected democratically for the first time. Although the subsequent election was marred by high levels of ballot rigging and general corruption, it marked a shift in the political landscape and other Tsuyo would soon be forced to follow her lead. By 1917, every seat on the Hyōgi was selected via some form of democratic process, although most only allowed property owners to have suffrage. In 1932, the Hyōgi approved a constitution which granted universal suffrage, led to the Hyōgi's transformation into an advisory body, and in its stead enabled the formation of a national parliamentary assembly known as the Diet.

Modern Era

Operation Fire Blossom in 1994, Misumi's first atomic detonation

Post democratization, Misumi has become a global economic and political power as its high levels of development and political stability have allowed it to take on a role a the world stage. A major test to the regime came during the Great War, when after the Daryan invasion of Haesan in January 1963, Misumi entered on the side of the Coalition of Democratic Forces. Its involvement in the conflict would help somewhat stabilize one of the more chaotic regions in the war, as they largely neutralized Lao Sansong's entry, halted Daryan advances northward with a dramatic stand at the Battle of Seimei Harbor, and would provide critical support to Laeralian forces during the Reconquest of Haesan. Misumi's steadfast support for the democratic cause, even sending troops to support Operation Crucible, would win the nation international respect.

Lao Sansong has been a constant security threat for Misumi, and throughout the 1970s and 80s their mountainous border became one of the most highly patrolled in the IDU. In response to the Slokaisian development of an atomic bomb and continued threats from Lao Sansong's Shogun Abo Tokunaga, Misumi launched its own nuclear program and successfully tested its first nuclear weapon in 1994. Misumi has also made great social progress in recent years, legalizing gay marriage in 2011 and making great strides towards reducing its carbon footprint after long being a major producer of coal and natural gas.

Geography

The Shimo Mountains during summertime

Misumi covers 284,471 km² (109,835 sq mi) on the western edge of a large peninsula in eastern Hesperida. Misumi has many warm water ports as to the north it borders the Northern Ocean in some of its more temperate waters, and to the south it has a long coastline on the Gulf of Haesan. The nation is known for its mountainous terrain, with its western portions dominated by by the massive Shimo Mountains with a peaks of up to 6,893 m (22,615 ft) and the Kōrichō Range cutting through the middle of the country. The two major river valleys, the Aokawa in the north and the Seigawa in the south, host most of Misumi's population and agricultural activity. Because only about 10% of Misumi's land is arable, the population is very densely concentrated in urban areas and agricultural regions are often very tightly regimented. Misumi has a low natural disaster risk, and although low-magnitude earthquakes are not infrequent in its western mountains, they often occur far away from places with any significant population.

Climate

Misumi's climate is generally temperate and the nation gets four well-defined seasons, but there are noticeable variations from north to south and with elevation. The nation has a humid continental climate with the southern regions having long, dry winters and short, rainy summer periods and the northern regions having snowy winters and moderate, rainy summers. The western mountains have many areas that are defined as tundra. The summer months in Misumi start around early June with winds and monsoon rain starting around the first of July and peaking in early August. Winters are cold and snowfall is common with increasing volumes in the north. Spring and fall are known for clear, dry days and cool nights.

Demographics

A busy street in downtown Seimei

Misumi has a population of 55.2 million people, of which about 53.7 million are Misumian nationals. The fertility rate is 1.7 births per woman and the average age is 32.8 years. Misumi is one of the most urbanized nations in the IDU and over 91% of Misumians live in an urban area. Its capital city, Seimei, is a megacity with a population of 17.4 million people, and is home to about one in every three Misumians. Misumi is also one of the most educated nations in the IDU, with about 55% of citizens age 25-34 having earned at least a bachelors' degree. The nation is also very ethnically homogonous with over 90% of Misumians (and 92% of Misumian citizens) being of the native Mizu ethnicity.

Language

The official language of Misumi is Mizu, also known as Misumian Japanese, and all official business is conducted in it. Misumian Japanese is based purely on Kanji, or the Japanese readings of Rén characters, without the use of hiragana or katakana syllables as in other Japanese speaking nations. As such, while it is easier for speakers of Rén or Haean to learn Misumian Japanese than other dialects, it is often regarded as one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. In Misumian Japanese, Kanji often change meaning and pronunciation based on context and position in the word or phrase. While not an official language, English is commonly known in the nation due to its use as an international commercial language, but it is rarely spoken outside of business contexts.

Religion

The vast majority of Misumians are Celestines, and Celestialism is the nation's official religion. Religious pluralism is practiced, and a growing proportion of the younger generations are becoming atheist. Misumian Celestianism is often seen as the most traditional, and many religious scholars claim that Misumi is the true seat of the Celestial faith, despite many of the most important pilgrimage sites being located in Haesan.

Health

Nature and fitness are highly emphasized in Misumian society and Misumians are a very healthy population. Obesity rates are very low at just 3.2%. This fact, combined with strict societal beauty standards and an overall emphasis on body image have led Misumi to develop some of the highest rates of eating disorders in the IDU. Life expectancy in Misumi is among the highest in the IDU at 85.3 years, 83.4 for men and 87.1 for women. Misumi's reputation for healthy citizens is aided by a strong single-payer healthcare system and many of the worlds most prominent pharmaceutical research centers and labs.

Government & Politics

Prime Minister Kuroda Yuko

The Prime Minister's Residence in Seimei

Misumi is a unitary state, with all government matters handled from Seimei. The Constitution of Misumi, ratified in 1932, outlines the structure of Misumi's government. Misumi uses a parliamentary system, and its Prime Minister assumes the powers of both head of state and head of government. Misumi is a republican democracy and all power is derived from the people. The legislative assembly, called the Diet of Misumi, is composed of 250 seats from multi-member districts and 250 seats appointed through a party-list proportional system. The Hyōgi of medieval Misumi has been since transformed into a semi-parliamentary advisory body with checks and balances on the Prime Minister and has one democratically elected Tsuyo from each of Misumi's eleven traditional regions.

The leader of the coalition government in the Diet is appointed as the Prime Minister, responsible for overseeing the affairs of the state. The Prime Minister is constitutionally responsible for managing the legislative process, appointing ministers to help with the executive functions of the state, serving as commander in chief of the military, and acting as the primary representative of the nation abroad. Prime Minsters can serve for an unlimited number of 5-year terms provided they maintain the confidence of the Diet and the Hyōgi. The current Prime Minister is Kuroda Yuko of the National Democratic Party.

The Hyōgi has the power to remove the Prime Minister and force a snap election provided three quarters of its members are in agreement. Unlike a vote of no-confidence in the Diet, if removed by the Hyōgi the outgoing Prime Minister may not legally run again for political office. This special form of impeachment has only occurred once since Misumi's constitution was ratified. The Hyōgi may also veto legislation with a two thirds vote.

Misumi maintains an extensive judicial system based upon civil law, and its ultimate legal authority is its High Court. The High Court has eleven justices which can serve up to 40 years on the bench, and they are appointed by the Prime Minister and confirmed by a majority vote of both the Diet and Hyōgi. While traditionally these justices were appointed from each Tsuyo region, as population and education inequities between them have only continued to grow, this is no longer the case.

Local government is usually run by mayors, and regional matters are usually delegated by their current Tsuyo. No formal set of regional governments have been enforced since the formation of the Hyōgi in the 16th century.

Foreign Affairs

Misumi is heavily integrated into the Hesperidan and IDUvian economic sphere, and its foreign policy is generally tailored to both strengthening economic ties and promoting human rights and welfare across the globe. Misumi is a member of the Global Development Investment Bank and Misumian diplomats are enthusiastic about sponsoring economic development and infrastructure projects in developing nations. Misumi's closest political and economic ally is Haesan, which is both the largest origin of Misumian imports and the largest purchaser of Misumian exports. Misumi also maintains a number of major free trade agreements with the Novella Islands and Eiria, both of which have been seen as essential to the tech sector. As a nuclear power, Misumi is a SALIENT signatory and has been fully compliant with all international tests. It has declined to sign the IALNT, as all of its past nuclear tests have been underwater, and the treaty would ban its safest testing method.

A Misumi army camp at elevation near the Lao Sansong border

Military

Misumi maintains a medium sized, but technologically advanced military. 18 months of military service is compulsory for all adults before they turn 25 due to the constant threat from Lao Sansong, although in recent years this has been a topic of political contention. The border with Lao Sansong remains one of the most heavily armed and contentious borders in the IDU. Misumi is a nuclear power, and before declaring a no-first strike policy in 2020, it had offered to extend its nuclear umbrella to other nations, most notably Haesan, in case of invasion or a nuclear strike. Misumi's military is split into three branches, the Misumian Army, the Misumian Maritime Forces, and the Misumian Aerospace Force. Misumi's navy is regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, and its Coast Guard routinely ranks among the most prepared in the IDU.

Economy

Misumi has a highly diversified economy that is led by the technology sector. Misumi has been referred to as "Start-up Nation" because of its unique combination of high education, strong intellectual property laws, and government support for innovation which have led it to become a global hub for engineering and information technology. Misumi's economy is dominated by services, and as such it maintains a large trade deficit, importing products from nations like Haesan, Laeral, Slokais Islands, and Huenya.

Misumi's reputation as a hub for innovative solutions extends beyond tech into other sectors of the services economy. Misumi has a reputation as a leader in biotech and pharmaceuticals and often has manufacturing contracts with Haesanite firms. Misumian manufacturing has been shoehorned into making upper-middle class goods, as its primary focus is producing quality goods at scale. Misumi exports automotives, with its company Kōsoku Motors being one of the largest producers of mid-market to high end automobiles. Misumian corporations are also industry leaders in design, whether that be in architecture, product design, or graphics. Misumi also has established a large cosmetics and beauty industry that exports products across the IDU.

Agriculture and mining are a small but significant proportion of the economy, at around 8%. Rice and tea are commonly grown in the mountain terraces of the south, while the north's colder climate is suited towards fruit orchards and greenhouse farming. Fishing is traditionally important to Misumi, and the variety of ocean temperatures around its coasts means that a wide variety of seafood can be caught in the country. Mining operations are common throughout Misumi's mountain ranges, and while coal is no longer a major component of Misumi's mining mix, iron, titanium, and other transition metals like copper, molybdenum, and heavy, extremely dense metals like osmium and iridium are still extracted.

Energy and Infrastructure

Misumi is a leader in geothermal energy

A bullet train in Kitatani Station

Misumi had long been an extractor of fossil fuels, but under international pressure, that has recently started to change. Natural gas, extracted in the Gulf of Haesan, remains Misumi's largest source of power, contributing about 43% of its energy supply. Coal is being phased out, but currently coal power generates 12% of Misumi's energy supply and is expected to be phased out zero by 2032. Misumi has leveraged its many river valleys and steep elevation drops for hydroelectric plants, which generates about 21% of its energy. Misumi's largest source of energy innovation has come in geothermal plants, where the nation has leveraged the heat generated by the active fault line underneath the Shimo Mountains to spin turbines, which currently contributes 13% of Misumi's power, but that share is expected to increase over time. The balance is largely solar plants and a handful of nuclear reactors which operate in the country. Misumi is also one of the leaders in pursuing hydrogen fuel-cell technology for energy storage.

Misumi's infrastructure is among the most advanced in the IDU, especially in regards to rail and aviation. Misumi operates a bullet train which cuts through its central river valleys and canal zone, connecting most of its major cities. That train is the fastest currently operating passenger rail line in the IDU, with top speeds of up to 410 km/h (250 mph). Misumi's largest cities also have extensive public transit systems often with subway systems. Seimei Sonoda International Airport is one of the largest by passenger volume in the IDU, and was rated the IDU's prettiest airport in 2017 and 2021. Misumi also operates a large canal connecting the navigable sections of the Aokawa and Seigawa, allowing for the free transit of goods between the Gulf of Haesan and the Northern Ocean.

Tourism

A cherry blossom festival in Hanayama

Misumi has gained a reputation as a tourist destination for its growing international cultural footprint, well preserved historical landmarks, and stunning natural beauty. Seimei in particular welcomes a large number of foreign tourists every year, often those influenced by Misumian culture and cuisine who are looking to part in what has become known as "Seimei-style". Visitors often visit the many well preserved Celestial temples around the nation, commonly located in particularly scenic locations. The seats of government of the Tsuyo are also popular, and while Seimei Castle is the most visited, Shirozumi Fortress with its pagoda and parapets is consistently rated by experts as the most architecturally significant. Both foreigners and Misumians alike frequent the nation's seven national parks, and adventurers try to collect summits of the six 6500 meter tall summits in the country, although two are currently closed to attempts due to security concerns over the border with Lao Sansong. Spring festivals are a large draw as cities turn pink with the blooming of cherry blossoms, while summer brings large street festivals with large fireworks displays and night markets.