YHK (News from Daitō)

[Daitō]

   Welcome to YHK: The Fusan Broadcasting Corporation. For nearly a century, we have offered our audience nothing but the finest journalism and programming in the southern hemisphere, covering the domestic and foreign stories which are most important to you. From the jungles of Kalasin and the deserts of Tamora to the freezing arctic and the cities of Daitō, through the greatest triumphs of humanity and its darkest hours, whether rain or shine, we have and will remain committed to our mission of providing unbiased reporting and high quality programming for our viewers. To access our archive, which contains stories dating back to the early years of YHK as well as our affiliated newspaper, the Fusan Times, go to www.YHK.dt/Archive. Domestic news is available online at www.YHK.dt/News and www.YHKWorld.dt/News, as well as via radio on YHK Radio 1 and various subsidiaries, as well as via television on YHK General TV, YHK BS4K and YHK BS8K. Documentaries can be viewed both on YHK BS 1 and our new streaming service, YHK+.

[Daitō]

Zayasu Heavy Industries, AADC Partner to Create Military GEV

Harunori Kōno
05/19/2023

In early 2022, reports surfaced indicating that Daitō's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) was running a program to develop a new class of ground-effect vehicle (GEV). Dubbed the "Advanced Cargo Transportation System", or "ACTS" for short, the program called for the creation of a massive cargo seaplane that would leverage the ground effect to fly long distances efficiently by skimming over the surface of the sea. Now, it is worth noting that ARPA is well known for having many ideas which have been called "crazy", only some of which ever come into fruition. Excitingly, however, we have heard that several major aerospace companies have signed on with their own designs for the ACTS program, meaning that a new, full-scale prototype make take to the skies in the near future. The concept behind ACTS is to create a hybrid delivery system that combines the speed of an aircraft with the efficiency of sealift. While ACTS will be capable of flying like a normal seaplane, cruising just tens of meters above the water could boost the aircraft's range by 50 percent. A spokesperson for the program likened it to the cargo vessels of the Great War, which were relatively cheap and easy to build while being invaluable for several nations at the time.

Currently, there are two major competitors for the design phase of the ACTS program. They are the Negishi Corporation, which manufactures the Q-7 Dragon GEV for the Imperial Daitōjin Navy, and a joint venture between Zayasu Heavy Industries and the Achkaerin Aeronautical Development Company. While there isn't much in the way of technical detail on the designs as of yet, we do know some basic things about the designs. For example, the Negishi design appears to look somewhat like a traditional seaplane, making use of eight turboprops and having wings which are bent downwards, likely to offer further stability while on the water. The AADC-Zayasu design, by comparison, seems more ambitious. With twin hulls, the aircraft features a low-wing design with twelve turboprops, seeming closer to ARPA's initial concepts for the program and is optimized on-water stability and seakeeping. Despite that, neither concept images communicate much about the efficiency of the aircraft's construction process, which will be a significant factor in the decision about which design will move forwards.

In order to facilitate the program, as well as to expand Daitō's ability to construct components for aircraft and other equipment, it has been further confirmed that the Daitōjin government will help fund the expansion of Zayasu's current fleet of forging and extrusion presses, the largest of which are "only" capable of producing 80,000 tons of force. It is their aim to eventually build presses capable of imparting up to 200,000 tons of force, which would help bring down manufacturing costs for nearly any aircraft being built going forwards. It would also make their components stronger and lighter, which could potentially open the doors to larger and larger ground effect vehicles as well as cheaper aircraft, however, whether such lofty goals come into fruition remains to be seen.

[Daitō]

Navy Acquires Base in Preoria

Yukari Murai
05/24/2023

War Minister Esashi confirmed in a statement to the press earlier today that the Imperial Daitōjin Navy had acquired a base on the Island of Arannant in Preoria. Dubbed "Naval Station Llwynbelan", the acquisition marks a significant turning point in Daitō's military history, as it is the first foreign military base to be operated by the military since the late 2000s. As a result of the East Ardian Asset Price Bubble bursting in 2008, it was decided that the country would reduce its foreign commitments as a cost-saving measure, which included closing any bases operated abroad, instead using Tsukishima as a staging area for assisting the Republic of Kalasin prior to the 2017 conflict. This decision on their part perhaps suggests a return to the old ways, where Daitōjin vessels patrolled the world's oceans and seas, safeguarding trade alongside her allies for the rest of the world. Indeed, this decision comes at a curious time, as reports of piracy in the Krimeon have emerged, with some experts suggesting that Daitōjin vessels might, in time, aid the Preorian navy in patrolling the "rainbow route" designated under the Krimeon Anti-Piracy Program.

Marshal Esashi further confirmed that the Preorian Navy will acquire a base on the island of Tsukishima, repurposing the Hirado Naval Station for their own use. Similarly to Llwynbelan, this marks a turning point for the military, which long been hesitant to the presence of foreign military bases in the country. However, in light of this new internationalist stance on the part of the Imperial Government, it is possible that this unofficial policy has become obsolete. The bases, alongside their airfields and other facilities, are expected to go into service later this year.

[Daitō]

Zayasu to Produce J-8 Replacement

Hajime Matsui
05/27/2023

The Imperial Daitōjin Air Force has announced that it has awarded its contract for the JAST-AF program to Zayasu Heavy Industries. The company, which has been in competition with Aizawa-Shinoda for the contract, has long been suspected to be the frontrunner for the program, owing to its experience in delivering the venerable—albeit expensive—J-19 Viper and the J-24 Tiger II, with its prototype, the YJ-30, making its public debut in 2018. The JAST-AF program is the last part of the larger Joint Advanced Strike Technology program, intended to field a fleet of new aircraft which will replace a number of current aircraft. Renamed as the J-30 "Shrike", the JAST-AF program is intended to fully replace the aging fleet of J-8 Hawk multirole fighters over the next few years, with it also being suggested for foreign use to replace similar aircraft.

"Lessons learned", said Kunihiro Marutaka, the CEO of Zayasu Heavy Industries, in a statement issued when the contract was announced, citing the aircraft's heritage. It incorporates design features and knowledge from previous programs, most notably the J-19 and the Negishi-built J/G-28 Eclipse. Some have been quick to call it a miniature J-19, noting the presence of an all-moving V-tail, as well as the similarity of its cockpit. Others have noted design features which resemble the J/G-28 and even the Tytorian AS-60, owing to the relative similarity of its wing shape, which seems to be a mid-way point between them and the characteristic diamond-shaped wings of the J-19, and its intakes. The aircraft will leverage recent advantages in stealth technology, most notably ceramic radar absorbing material (C-RAM) which was recently confirmed to also be present on the company's P-10 Phantom to both increase performance and reduce costs, allowing it to be purchased for roughly comparable to the J-24. The J-30 is expected to enter service later this year.

[Daitō]

Ministry of War Confirms Successful Final Hypersonic Missile Test

Harunori Kōno
06/03/2023

Marking a major milestone in its hypersonic weapons research, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) conducted a stunning final test of its Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapons Experiment (HAWX) program, which it calls the most successful of its kind in the nation's history. Per ARPA, the vehicle was launched from a P-42 Fencer bomber, at which point its rocket booster was ignited, propelling the missile to a speed at which its scramjet ignited. During its flight, which lasted for just over five minutes, the missile was reported to have travelled close to 556 kilometers and reached altitudes in excess of 18,200 meters. While an exact location of the test was not stated, it was confirmed that the P-42 carrier plane took off from Noto Air Force Base on the east coast of Tsukishima. ARPA also did not confirm the date of the test beyond saying it was "recent", most likely within the last two weeks. ARPA added that this test marked the completion of the HAWX program, one that "accomplished all of its initial objectives." ARPA will use the data from this program as part of its efforts to field a full-scale version of its Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), as well as in the development of future hypersonic platforms, both for military and research purposes.

Zayasu, which developed the version of the HAWX weapon flown during this test flight, issued its own statement praising the program's success. "Both of our HAWX flight tests launched launched from an in-service aircraft and matched performance models and predictions to aid affordable, rapid development of future hypersonic weapons," Zayasu Heavy Industries CEO, Kunihiro Marutaka, said in the statement. Daitōjin military officials have been quick to proclaim the success of the HAWX program, with some going as far as to say it was the "most successful hypersonic airbreathing flight test program in the country's history."

The key technology being tested during the program is its air-breathing scramjet engine. A scramjet is a form of jet engine in which combustion takes place while the air passing through it is moving at supersonic speeds. Whereas a normal jet engine uses moving turbines to compress the air inside them, these scramjets use their own geometry and speed to achieve this compression. Scramjets are designed to more efficient than other types of jet engines and can reduce overall weight by removing moving parts such as turbine blades. The data from the HAWX tests will be used to further hypersonic vehicle designs, including the coming HACM missile which is set to enter service in the near future. The completion of the HAWX program adds to other recent successes in the Daitōjin military's efforts to field operational hypersonic weapons. This includes last month's AGM-191 ARROW test, as well as an upcoming final test of the Long-Range Hypersonic Vehicle (LRHV) which will be operated by both the Army and Navy. Additionally, ARPA confirmed that it had selected Aizawa-Shinoda to build a prototype Hypersonic aircraft.

Supreme Court Ruleing Finds Prohibition on Same Sex Marriage Unconstitutional

Yasuhiro Ishihara
06/04/2023

Activists, members of the LGBTQ community, and the lawyers of several plaintiffs took the streets of Shinkyō today to celebrate a ruling by the Supreme Court which found that the current prohibition on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. This comes following last September's ruling by the High Court in Awara that the ban on such unions was constitutional, with a number of the plaintiffs challenging the ruling and taking it to the Saikō-Saibansho. In his opinion, which was published late last evening, Chief Justice Hirokatsu Aikyō said the current system that excludes same-sex couples with no legal protection for their relationship is unconstitutional and that there is no room for government discretion. He further said that not allowing same-sex marriage violated the guarantee of equal rights under article one of the 1st Amendment to the constitution, while also noting that article four provides freedom to marry by not specifying a prohibition on same-sex marriage. Chief Justice Aikyō was joined by a majority of Justices on the Supreme Court, however, Justices Nishitani and Tachikawa offered dissenting opinions, viewing the ban as not necessarily unconstitutional, although they shared the ruling of the Shinkyō District Court that the government lacks a rationale to justify the absence of legal protections for same-sex couples. Just one member of the court, Justice Sakamoto, came out saying that the prohibition is constitutional.

Asato Kuwabara, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said "The judicial branch, on behalf of the rights of minorities, has raised its voice and sent a strong message to the government." before adding "That message is clear: It cannot continue to ignore these issues, that it must act immediately to resolve this problem."

[Daitō]

Carrier to Deploy to the Krimeon

Akifumi Taniguchi
06/20/2023

In a statement issued earlier today, General Haruichi Tamura, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of War, confirmed that the Imperial Daitōjin Navy will forward-deploy the Sōryū (CVN-38) alongside its Strike Group, CSG-6, to the newly-opened NS Llwynbelan naval base in Preoria starting next month. This group, which also consists of three cruisers as well as five destroyers and two frigates, alongside two attack submarines and a fast combat support ship, is anticipated to participate in anti-piracy operations alongside the Preorian Navy under the terms of the Charter of the Krimeon Naval Coalition. Furthermore, these assets will help to serve Daitōjin interests in the region, most notably with regards to protecting trade through the Matilda Channels and extending the country's ability for power-projection. "It is the sincere belief", said General Tamura, "that these assets will help to restore peace to the region, and it is our hope that further cooperation between the Coalition and the Empire of Daitō can be arranged, whether it be in the form of financial or logistical assistance."

The deployment comes following the establishment of a military presence in the Western Krimeon and amidst the ongoing conflict within the Democratic Republic of Kalasin, which could see the return of Daitōjin troops to the country following the recent election of Prawat Krairiksh as President. Such a deployment would be the third time that Daitōjin ground forces would be present in the country in less than fifty years, ignoring of course on the island of Paechon, which was given independence in the late 90s before signing the Saelim-Mangjul Accords in 2019, establishing the current confederation.

[Daitō]

TransOrbital to Launch Next-Generation OPIR Constellation

Harunori Kōno
06/25/2023

The Imperial Daitōjin Space Force has officially confirmed that TransOrbital Solutions, the joint venture between Aizawa-Shinoda and Zayasu, has been contracted as the primary launch service provider for its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (NG-OPIR) satellite constellation. NG-OPIR is the successor to Daitō's Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) program, providing a resilient space-based global missile warning capability against emerging missile and counter-space threats. The Next-Gen OPIR GEO (Geostationary Orbit) space vehicles integrate a new OPIR sensor with an enhanced Aizawa-Shinoda 1150 Common Satellite Bus, which will allow the satellite to also be placed into a polar orbit to further enhance early warning for incoming missile strikes, both on Daitō itself and on its assets deployed overseas. Perhaps more interesting, however, is another piece of hardware which will work alongside it.

Rising to the forthcoming challenge of new forms of missiles, the NG-OPIR constellation will be augmented by a second constellation of Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites. Nicknamed "Watchtower", HBTSS will, according to the Space Force, be a critical part of the OPIR constellation, providing "Continuously updated high-quality tracks to handoff for targeting hypersonic threats", "Near-global coverage when prompted by other OPIR systems", and "Fire control solutions required for HGV intercept". In other words, it will, alongside ongoing upgrades to the YŌGO Ballistic Missile Defense System seen aboard many naval vessels currently in service and at on-shore sites throughout the country, provide Daitō with the capability to defend against all currently in-development missile technologies, from conventional ballistic missiles to more recent hypersonic glide vehicles and perhaps even hypersonic cruise missiles. It is anticipated that the navy will test an interception of a Hypersonic Boost Glide Vehicle at some point in August, while testing of Watchtower and NG-OPIR will be conducted at some point later in the year once the satellites begin to be launched. As for the launches themselves, it is widely anticipated that NG-OPIR and Watchtower will be launched aboard either UHS Block III spacecraft or Tenjin VII rockets out of both Shirasu Space Force Base and Kintei Space Center on the island of Tsukishima.

Emperor to Attend Festival of Sail

Michiko Koyamatsu
06/25/2023

In a statement issued by the Imperial Household Ministry, it was confirmed that His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, will attend the 2023 Festival of Sail in Portworth, East Moreland, alongside other members of the Imperial Family. They are expected to depart this evening aboard the Imperial Yacht, Hikōkyōi, and will be escorted by the IDN Minekaze for the duration of the voyage. While no itinerary has been made public, it is suspected that the vessels will make stops in the Miyako Islands and Kalasin, with the latter allowing for a visit with the new President of the Confederation. Daitō's representation at the 2023 Festival of Sail is expected to be reduced from last year, owing to the immense cost associated with the presence of two traditional vessels as well as a cruise ship, the SS Fusō-maru. Rather, some expect that only the Kamakiri-maru, which made its ocean-going debut last year, will return to East Moreland alongside the Hikōkyōi and Minekaze.

[Daitō]

"Revive the Battleship!" Could Scramjets Revitalize Older Vessels?

Yukari Murai
07/02/2023

Following the announcement last month that the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy would be reactivating three of its Reverence-class Battleships, Cecelia Anselmo, Alexander Vaughan, and Edward Truden, once again debate surrounding the retirement of Daitō's own Greater East Ardia War-era battleships has emerged, with some criticizing the decision made in 2020 to decommission the IDN Akitsukuni, which had been recommissioned in the early 1990s, in favor of the new class of nuclear-powered strike cruisers. While yes, the Miyakejima-class is capable of firing projectiles from its 155mm AWS cannons out to a range of up to 150 kilometers, some have suggested that, for the role it would fill, such ranges are not acceptable owing to advances in anti-ship missiles. Not only that, however, the system, when it entered service, was already outclassed by Rokkenjima's own Susanō family of munitions, with the AWS's 155mm LRLAP (Long Range Land-Attack Projectile) still being at a minimum 35 kilometers short of Susanō, itself capable of ranges up to 185.2 kilometers, while other variants are projected to have a range of nearly 278 kilometers. To make matters worse, the 155mm LRLAP is only compatible with the AWS cannon, whereas Susanō can, in theory, be fired from any 18.1" cannon, such as the cannons aboard the Akitsukuni, or as it actually is used, aboard the Reverence-class. It is clear, then, that in this field, Daitō has fallen behind.

But what if this didn't need to be the case? Indeed, while the debate over the need for naval gunfire support continues to rage both in online and military circles, there are potential options that would allow Daitō to overtake Rokkenjima in this "arms race" to field longer-ranged artillery. Scramjet projectiles, using technology being developed by the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces for its hypersonic weapons programs, could, for example, increase Naval firepower and reach by several orders of magnitude. The immense penetration capability of these extremely high velocity rounds could be especially effective in attacking caves and deep installations such as bunkers, while the high velocity also means they could eventually provide highly responsive tactical fire support out to 370 kilometers at a minimum, allowing a ship equipped with them to support deep Army airborne and NLC deployments. Another potential advantage of such shells over hypersonic missiles and conventional missiles would be that, if the need arose, such munitions could be replenished at sea, and moreover the latter is limited by the number of VLS cells aboard the ship. In theory, a reactivated Akitsukuni could, alongside the VLS cells it received during a refit in the early 90s, carry up to 1,300 of these scramjet projectiles, although it would normally only carry up to 500 18.1" scramjet shells, leaving room for conventional shells and other munitions.

So why then isn't Daitō investing in this technology? After all, it would potentially revolutionize not only naval gunfire support, it could reshape how we look at artillery in general. The truth is, Daitō is investing in such systems. Back in the early 2000s, a researcher working at the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) said, quote, "Uechi Technologies' initial analysis of a scramjet-powered 18-inch gun-launched projectile indicates that a range of approximately 740 kilometers, a time to target of 9 minutes, and an impact velocity of 853 meters per second is feasible." It is now suggested that such a range could be pushed up to in excess of 926 kilometers, far enough that, during the Second Kalasinese War, had the Akitsukuni been armed with such shells, it would've been capable of targeting any site on the mainland. While tests of such technology were undertaken in the early 2000s, for the most part they were frozen following the 2003 East Ardian Recession, but even so, it has been suggested that Daitō's strategic long range cannon program might make use of scramjet technology to increase its range. More related to this story, however, are proposals to temporarily requisition either the Akitsukuni or her sister, Tōkai, in order to test an 18.1" scramjet projectile. Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen, but if it is successful, perhaps naval warfare will have to change. But until such a day comes that the technology is proven, it may be that the mighty Battleships of Daitō will lay dormant, awaiting the day that they are called upon to defend the country once more.

[Daitō]

Fusan Railways Group Proposes Okayama-Cescedia Line

Eiji Konishi
07/07/2023

During a conference held in Otsu, Hisanobu Igawa, the Chairman of Fusan Railways Group, proposed a joint venture with Ardia's National Railways which would link their High Speed Rail network with Daitō's Shinkansen system. He noted that, while the recently-established EAFTA—of which Daitō and Ardia are party to—does not necessarily ease travel between member-countries, the Allied States has been a country whose citizens have enjoyed the ability to Daitō without a visa for up to ninety days, with this policy dating back to 1986. Likewise, the opposite has also been true, due to a concerted effort from the 1960s onwards to normalize and bolster ties between the two countries in the aftermath of the Great War. There will be challenges, of course, as Daitō and Ardia's High Speed Rail networks do not cross the border, and in fact end more than 100 kilometers from the border, however, if the proposal is accepted by both country's governments, construction work could begin within a year, with a line between Okayama and Cescedia, along with numerous other stops along the way, being the first route that might be established. Chairman Igawa also suggested that such a program could, in time, be seen as an early test of an international high speed rail network which would ideally cover much of East Ardia, tying the region closer together.

NASDA Launches First Crewed UHS Block III

Heisuke Nakamura
07/07/2023

NASDA launched its first crewed flight of the UHS Block III Spacecraft yesterday evening, with it set to visit Zenshoen for a period of two weeks. Crewed by Arihiro Royama as the spacecraft's commander and Hisaki Yonezawa as its pilot, it marks the end of a rigorous period of testing made possible by advances in technology that were not available when the Block I and II orbiters were built. Among such "core technologies", then-Deputy Director Jiro Asagiri noted in 2018, were a replacement of hypergolic fuels utilized in the orbiter's reaction control system (RCS), a more robust thermal protection system (TPS), easier servicing of the orbiter, and easier processing and integration of the payload and orbiter. Some have criticized its payload capacity, merely 11.3 metric tons compared to the UHS Block I and II's 27.2 tons, however, it is worth noting that said capabilities are being replaced by the Tenjin VII booster, which more than exceeds the older orbiters payload with between 100 and 200 metric tons, depending if the booster is expended or not. Nonetheless, when this mission is completed, it is fully anticipated that NASDA will begin regular flights of the vehicle as it slowly transitions away from the Block II UHS.

[Daitō]

Central Bank to Issue New Mon Starting in 2024

Fuyu Hiraiwa
07/14/2023

The Bank of Fusan has confirmed that it intends to go forwards with a plan to issue new banknotes starting on the 1st of January, 2024, in order to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Banwa era. These new Mon notes mark a radical departure from previously issued notes, as it notably is aligned vertically rather than horizontally, and it does away with images of people, instead focusing on famous paintings of locations across Daitō. These paintings are all in the traditional Ukiyo-e style, and include works by Ogata Gekkō and Hiroshige, among other prominent artists throughout the country's history. Of particular note is the image used for the 文100 bill, which features a painting from the late Keiō era depicting the Imperial Diet in Shinkyō, which was selected to give honor to the institution which has, despite troubles over the years, provided stability to the country and come to be seen as a symbol of democracy and the rule of law. Other images depict Mount Haku, views of Byōdō-in Temple and the Mihara Shrine, as well as a scene of Hagi (modern Shinkyō).

Some have, however, criticized the move as being unfairly preferential to the mainland at the exclusion of both the Amami Islands and Tsukishima, whose populations make up approximately 11.5% of the population combined, with the latter in particular being one of the most culturally and ethnically distinct regions of the country. When asked to comment on the matter, the governor of the bank, Haruhiko Kato, said, quote,
   "The concerns of the affected parties are noted, and indeed, in the future I believe that their inclusion will become likely. However, at this time, we believe that the decision of the bank, made in cooperation with the Imperial Diet—many of whose members are of Dalseomin and Amami descent—was the correct one, as it best represents the nation as a whole, rather than giving preference to one group in particular."

In other news, the Ministry of Finance has confirmed that it is exploring the possibility of establishing a digital currency to work in tandem with the Mon. This "Digital Mon", or "DMon", would be a CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, to be managed by the Bank of Fusan. Such CBDCs would provide a number of advantages, including that they can provide a secure and reliable means of digital payment and remittance. Furthermore, they can be used for online and offline transactions and can be integrated into existing payment systems, as well as be used to facilitate cross-border payments, which can be a major challenge with traditional fiat currency. Another advantage of such a system would be that the Digital Mon would provide financial inclusion for those who are currently unbanked or underbanked. By providing a digital alternative to cash, it would make it easier for people to access financial services and participate in the digital economy. Despite this, there are those who have voiced their concerns that such a currency would have a negative impact on their privacy, with the potential of offering increased surveillance of financial transactions. Whatever the case may be, however, such a change would have a significant impact in how citizens live their lives, and if Daitō, already one of the world's largest economies, were to elect such a CBDC, it could lead to many other countries following suit.

[Daitō]

Imperial Diet Dissolved, Snap Elections to be Held

Hidehisa Takagi
07/17/2023

In a ceremony held in Shinkyō, His Majesty, Emperor Eijirō, has, with the advice of the cabinet, ordered the House of Representatives dissolved, and for new elections to be held. Such a process has long been the norm in the country, first occurring in 1952 under Prime Minister Toshinari in what has become known as the "People's Will" dissolution, and generally is seen as an extension of the democratic process in the country. Indeed, since then, it has been rare that a four-year term is completed, with the diet typically being dissolved three-to-four years after a general election, although cases have existed where it has occurred beforehand. Reportedly, the issue at hand which prompted this year's dissolution was over the military budget, with many in the Diet, Prime Minister Konishi included, wishing to see its temporary increase to 4.28% from the previous 3.1% set in April of 2022 become permanent, while others sought a reduction to 3.53%. Already, some have taken to referring to the 2023 dissolution as the "Military Spending dissolution", with it expected to be a key issue in the coming snap elections. Some suspect that the YFD will gain a solid majority in the Imperial Diet following these elections, coming off the heels of the Three Day war, however, some suspect that the Fusan Ishin no Kai could take a number of seats as well, owing to the recent YFD-Rikken Minshutō merger driving away some voters. Whatever the case may be, it is certain that the coming days will prove pivotal to Konishi's premiership.

Elections are scheduled to occur on the 28th of July, while registration to run in the elections will close on the 20th. The House of Peers will remain open throughout this period, as it is unaffected by the dissolution of the House of Representatives, however, it is expected that it will take on additional duties over the course of the next two weeks.

First Fighter-mounted Laser Weapon Delivered to Air Force

Harunori Kōno
07/17/2023

The Imperial Daitōjin Air Force has received a high-energy laser weapon that can be carried by aircraft in a podded form. The news came today as Zayasu Heavy Industries confirmed that at least one of the weapons, which it has developed, has been delivered to the Air Force for testing. This effort falls within the wider framework of ever-evolving plans to have laser-equipped jet fighters that can engage enemy missiles and other potential targets. Dubbed the JG1202 "Viper", the system was specifically delivered to the Air Force Research Laboratory (Kūgun kenkyūjo), which is tasked with the development and integration of new technologies in the air, space, and cyberspace realms.  An executive at Zayasu Heavy Industries, Haruo Itakura, was quoted as saying, in a conference held in Awara in 2022, that Viper "is the smallest and lightest high-energy laser of its power class that Zayasu has built thus far", adding that it was "one-sixth the size" of previous directed-energy weapon systems that the company had produced for the Army. That laser, produced under the Army's Robust Laser Initiative (RLI), had an output in the 60-kilowatt class. While no firm figures have been published, it has been suggested that Viper is likely to produce less than 100 kilowatts.

As well as being small and light, Viper has reduced power requirements compared to previous systems, which is a key consideration for a fighter-based laser, especially one which can be mounted within the confines of a pod. If it is successful in its defensive mission, it is possible that Viper could go on to inform the development of more offensive-oriented weapons systems, including ones that could engage enemy aircraft and drones at longer ranges than would be the case when targeting an incoming anti-aircraft missile, whether it be launched from the air or the ground. It is worth noting that, while its delivery marks the first time a fighter-based laser weapons system has been delivered to the Imperial Air Force, it will not enter active military service, instead being a testbed for future technologies and systems. Viper is expected to begin testing later this year.

4K Space Station Tour Reveals Its Size, Legacy

Heisuke Nakamura
07/17/2023

Ūchunaut Arihiro Royama shared a fascinating 4K video tour of the interior of Space Station Zenshoen earlier today. The 25-minute video, which was broadcast live via NASDA's website and on YHK BS4K, highlighted the huge size of the orbiting outpost, which has been hosting crews since 2004. The 48-year old ūchunaut, Royama, arrived on the station earlier this month while commanding the first crewed orbital flight test of the UHS Block III spaceplane, dubbed "Shunkai" for the late-16th century Ōnishi astronomer, guided viewers through the station's many modules and even made stops onboard both NASDA's Sojourner reusable nuclear shuttle, which has been used recently to transport crews to lunar orbit and back, and the UHS spaceplane which will take him and his crewmate, Hisaki Yonezawa, back on the 24th of July. He also included one of the Personnel Launch Systems (PLS) which was being kept aboard the station as a lifeboat for current crew, which numbers eight at present and includes foreign crew members from the Allied States of Ardia and Toshikawa.

According to NASDA's website, the station's length is nearly 46.9 meters from end to end, while its width is close to 109 meters. The agency describes the facility’s living and working area as being "practically the size of a mansion", multiple sleeping quarters, several bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree view bay window called the Cupola from which the crew can survey the exterior of the space station and also capture amazing images of Mundus. Royama has shown himself to have a particularly keen eye when it comes to Mundus photography, with the ūchunaut regularly posting pictures of our planet from 402 kilometers up. Throughout his time on the station, both this year and in previous missions, he has been active in posting videos in which he talks in more detail about particular modules, including the station's cavernous habitat module, which was previously a Liquid Oxygen tank that was converted in orbit, and the inflatable tubes found in the former inter-tank, which allow for access to various points around the station. He also shared much about its history, placing great emphasis on all that has been learned aboard the station and advocating for continued commitment to it as Daitō looks beyond Low Mundus Orbit. Despite what some have claimed, Daitō has no plans to fully replace Zenshoen, with NASDA instead planning on maintaining the station while providing launch services for commercial stations alongside TransOrbital Solutions, including an inflatable space station being planned by Aizawa-Shinoda which is designed in a similar vein to the station operated by the CNN.

[Daitō]

"Shunkai" Returns to Mundus

Heisuke Nakamura
07/24/2023

NASDA's Shunkai UHS orbiter has successfully returned to Mundus after the successful completion of its first crewed orbital flight test. Crewed by ūchunauts Arihiro Royama and Hisaki Yonezawa, the spacecraft, which lifted off on the 7th of July, spent two weeks in orbit docked to Zenshoen, where the crew briefly joined Expedition 58, which is set to return to Mundus in October. NASDA Director Jiro Asagiri hailed the mission's success, claiming that it "marked the beginning of a new era in space exploration" as for the first time, a fully reusable spacecraft had entered service. In the future, the UHS Block III, which differs heavily from the Block I and II-types due to its shape, will be used to ferry larger and larger crews into orbit and act as a temporary space station through a similar module, as well as supporting a variety of mission-specific payload bays and outsized cargo. Nonetheless, after an inspection of the spacecraft is made, it is anticipated that the vehicle, alongside the others in the fleet currently in production, will begin regular flights in the next few months. There is also talk that the launch service provider, TransOrbital Solutions, will consider operating their own fleet of UHS Block III vehicles for commercial use, however, that is still unconfirmed.

Awara Hosts for Tenjin Matsuri Festival

Fusako Arishima
07/24/2023

As often can be seen across Daitō, regions of the country frequently hold a variety of festivals to celebrate particular events and customs. Awara is no different, as today and tomorrow, it is holding its famed Tenjin Matsuri festival, which is a festival of the local Tenmangu Shrine and honors its principle deity, Sugawara Michizane, better known as Tenjin, who is the deity of scholarship in the Teidō faith. The festival, which began in the 10th century, was originally hosted in just Okayama, far to the west on the shores of the Mutsu, but since the 1870s, it has also been held in Awara by the Tenmangu Shrine, which is a branch of the shrine in Okayama. The main celebrations are to be held tomorrow and include a land procession and a river procession with fireworks. The festival begins by ceremonially inviting the deity out of the shrine and parading him through the city, carrying out various exuberant festivities to entertain him, before taking him back to the shrine. For the people, the lively festivities manifest in a wonderful occasion to enjoy the hot summer day, filled with traditional costumes, spectacular processions and a celebratory atmosphere.

Today, the festival kicked off with a ritual at the shrine, followed by prayers at the river for peace and the safety and prosperity of Awara. Later in the afternoon, drums will be sounded by men in tall red hats to inform everyone that preparations for the festival are complete. Throughout the two days of the festival, the streets of the city see more activity than usual, however, highlights of the festival will start at 3:30 PM on the second day when the red-hatted drummers lead the land procession from Tenmangu Shrine through the streets of Awara. The long procession features costumed characters, including Sarutahiko, a long-nosed goblin riding a horse, a ceremonial float accompanied by festival music, lion dancers and umbrella dancers. About an hour into the procession, the convoy carrying the mikoshi, the ornate, gilded portable shrine that temporarily holds the spirit of Tenmangu Shrine's deity, leaves the shrine, preceded by a boy and a girl leading a sacred ox, Tenjin's messenger. After the procession arrives at the Kanda river at around 6:00 PM, its members and portable shrines are loaded onto boats to be paraded up and down the river. Besides the procession boats, there are some "stage boats" on which traditional noh and bunraku performances are performed for onlookers.

This procession will continue as celebrations go on into the night before culminating around 7:30 PM when fireworks start to go off, continuing until close to 9:00. Although not one of the most outstanding firework displays in Daitō, the fireworks of the Awara Tenjin Matsuri, combined with the illuminated boats and their reflections off the river, make for a truly unique spectacle. The mikoshi convoy disembarks at around 9:00 before making its way back to the shrine at 10:00 PM, marking the end of the year's festival. As has already been seen, many foreign tourists have made their way to Awara for the event, which typically marks a high-point for foreign tourism in the region, however, many domestic travelers are also in attendance.

[Daitō]

(Turn on subtitles)

[Daitō]

Awara Attacked — Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

Hidehisa Takagi
07/25/2023

At 9:03 AM Shinkyō Standard Time (UTC +00:00), residents of Tochigi Province were ordered to take shelter after the Imperial Kyne Command detected a missile launch at a site somewhere in Kalasin. The missile, which is believed to have been launched at approximately 8:58 AM SST, traveled nearly 4,000 kilometers before landing at a location near Setagaya Square in Awara, where it detonated a thermobaric warhead shortly before impact. it is understood that the Imperial Armed Forces made every effort to intercept the weapon, however, questions still remain which will have to be answered in time. Due to the location where the attack occurred and the timing, owing to the presumably now-cancelled Tenjin Matsuri festival, we are anticipating a mass casualty event, with initial estimated fatalities already in the thousands. At the same time, hospitals in Awara and surrounding regions have reported being swamped by incoming patients, who are believed to number in the high thousands but are likely higher.

While no organization has yet to claim responsibility, owing to the civil war in Kalasin, some have speculated that a militant group allied with the separatist forces in the country may have gained access to an intermediate range ballistic missile and used it in the attack. However, it is worth noting that the complexity of such systems instead suggests a unit trained on the system fired it, which suggests direct involvement from the government in Pattani. That being the case, while further investigation is guaranteed to be pursued, already some believe the culprit to be clear.

It is anticipated that His Majesty, Emperor Eijirō, will address the nation and the world regarding the attacks at 7:00 PM SST, while an emergency session of the House of Peers has been invoked to respond to the crisis. In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, Sadazane Konishi said "The people of Daitō have, in this, their darkest hour, shown their best in responding to this cowardly attack. While we grieve those who have been lost, we must do everything in our power to help those still in need."

Search and rescue efforts are currently underway in Awara.

This is a developing story. YHK will continue to provide updates as more information arrives. May the gods preserve our nation.

[Daitō]

In the Shadow of Terror, Daitō Goes to the Polls

Michiko Koyamatsu
07/28/2023

In an election held in the shadow of the attack on Awara, the Yamato Fukkatsu Dōmei-Komeito coalition secured 314 seats in the House of Representatives, expanding their already comfortable majority in the Lower House. The YFD alone won 283 seats, while the Komeito party won 31. Their largest opposition party, the Ishin party, won just 86 seats in comparison, while the six other parties won fewer seats. As a result of the election, the YFD-NKT coalition now holds a large enough majority in the Lower House to theoretically propose amendments to the constitution, however, it is still 26 seats away from a similar majority to do so in the House of Peers. As a result, such amendments would require negotiation on the part of the coalition, something which would undoubtedly still occur even with such a majority, but which would be less necessary nonetheless.

The mood at the YFD headquarters in Shinkyō, the atmosphere was somber, however, lacking the victorious mood typical for a winning party. As Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi appeared before the media late Friday night, YFD executives, all wearing dark ties and dresses, held a moment of silence for the victims of the Attack on Awara, which is now believed to have killed nearly 4,500 people, as well as those killed in Rokkenjima following yesterday's attack.

Even as Konishi placed pink flowers by the names of victorious candidates, there was no smile on his face.

   "Violence threatened the electoral process, the very foundation of our democracy,” Konishi said. "I was determined to go through with this election at all costs.”

Following the sweeping win, Prime Minister Konishi does not need to go to the polls for another two years, giving him a free hand to advance his policy agenda. Yet as Daitō once again turns its eyes to the Mathilda Channels, some question whether the goals he had when he first assumed office nearly seven months ago will need to be pushed back or even cancelled, as talk of war permeates the national conversation. Nonetheless, with the successful resolution of the conflict over the Tokara Islands under his belt, as well as continued economic growth and now the fallout from the attack on Awara, some believe the victory on Friday may mark a new beginning for Konishi's administration. The convincing victory provides the prime minister with an improved mandate to govern both nationally and within his own party. Konishi now faces questions as to where he will direct his political capital: his party's "New Capitalism" initiatives aimed at the redistribution of wealth; diplomacy and national security; an expansion of affordable housing in the country; or toward inflation and other economic issues, which emerged as a key concern of many voters prior to the attacks. It is certain that some focus will have to be given to national security, now that the country has been attacked, but beyond that, it is uncertain to what degree he will focus on it in the next two years.

   "I am determined to achieve results as part of our 'new capitalism' economic model, which is aimed primarily at further revitalizing the economy." Konishi said in an interview last week. "At the same time, I will take a step-by-step approach to continuing our work on diplomacy and national security."

At this time, as a majority of candidates arrived in Shinkyō in the last three days after it was announced that an emergency session of the Diet was to be held, both Houses of the Diet are currently in session to determine a response to the attack from Kalasin. Many have suggested that war may be declared, however, others have cautioned that a formal declaration of war could serve to legitimize the separatists in Kalasin as an independent state. Whatever the case may be, we will likely find out later today, as insiders have suggested that a majority of those within the institution have supported military action. If a decision is made, we will update you on the situation then.

[Daitō]

Emperor Addresses the Diet, Nation

Yuichi Kurata
07/29/2023

His Majesty, Emperor Eijirō, addressed a joint session of the Imperial Diet yesterday evening in the aftermath on the attack in Awara on the 25th of July. At this time, he is presently on the way to Awara, where it is anticipated he will speak to rescue workers and visit a number of hospitals in the region. The full text of the Emperor's Address can be found below:

His Majesty, the Emperor's Address to the 351st Session of the Imperial Diet
28 July, 2683

   Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Diet and fellow Daitōjin, I come before you at a time of great turmoil in our nation. In the normal course of events, I, like my predecessors, might've come to this chamber to merely convoke the Diet or to report the state of the Empire. Tonight, however, no such report is needed. It has been delivered by the Daitōjin people. We have seen it in the eyes of the first responders, who rushed onto the scene at great risk to their own lives for the sake of those who had been harmed in the attack on Awara. People like Harumitsu Takeno, a firefighter who would not leave the scene until everyone inside of the Kosaka tower in central Awara had been evacuated, a virtuous act which ultimately claimed his life. And I would like to request that you would please join me in welcoming his family here tonight.

   We have seen the state of our Empire in the endurance of rescuers, working beyond the limits of exhaustion. We have seen it in the unfurling of flags and the lighting of candles, in the giving of blood and the saying of prayers in Ōnishi, Dalseomin, Ardian, English, and countless other tongues. We have seen the decency of a loving and giving people who have made the grief of strangers their own. Honored citizens, for the last three days, the entire world has seen for itself the state of our Empire, and it is strong. Tonight, we are a nation awakened to danger and called to defend our freedom. Even as we mourn, our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done. I thank the Diet, especially the House of Peers, for its leadership at such an important time. All of Daitō was touched on the evening of the tragedy to see members of the Diet, regardless of political affiliation or certainty that they would be reelected, joined together on the steps of the Diet, singing "Flowers will Bloom." And you have done more than sing, delivering in record time nearly 文43 billion to rebuild Awara and meet the needs of our military.

   Prime Minister Konishi, Speaker Kitabatake and President Hamano, I would like to thank you for your friendship, your leadership, and for your service to the country. And on the behalf of the Daitōjin people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support. Daitō will never forget the scenes of people donating blood and supplies across the globe, as well as the playing of the national anthem outside of landmarks around the world in solidarity with our nation in this darkest of hours. We will not forget the Ardian children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Cescedia, nor the prayers of sympathy offered in synagogues, churches, and mosques in Vanora. We shall not forget the people of Mersch, who, suffering from their own attacks on the same day, even still asked that aid be sent to us, though it was to their own detriment. We shall not forget the moments of silence and days of mourning in a great many countries across the globe. Nor will we forget the citizens of a great many countries who have died with our own.

   On the 25th of July and now on the 28th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against not only our nation, but against the free world as a whole. Our people have known wars, yet for the last seventy-eight years, they have been wars on foreign soil. We have known the casualties of war, even in the center of a great cities on a peaceful morning, but we had thought that threat ended. We have known surprise attacks, yet we thought, perhaps, that it would never occur on this scale again. The attack our nation has weathered has revived the specter of the Greater East Ardia War in the hearts of many. As night fell on the 25th, so too began a new world, one where our freedom itself was under attack.

   An old enemy has reemerged, and now, it commands weapons which no single man should possess. We thought that the atomic age had been banished, but as we have seen from the horrific footage coming out of Rokkenjima, it too continues to linger beyond when we thought it had come to an end. As the remnants of the People's Armed Forces of Kalasin have shown, when the Ardian Empire dropped an atomic bomb on Hatsukaichi in August of 1945, they opened Pandora's box, and now, we must contend with growing threat of nuclear terrorism. If we refuse to act, it may only be a matter of time before they acquire far more terrible weapons than simply a crude radiological dispersion device. But they are not the only ones. The PAFK, led by Thaksin Prateung, is linked to many other organizations in different countries, and has historically been backed by the former communist bloc. While such funding has certainly dried up, which contributed to their defeat in 2017, these connections, which span the globe, must be investigated fully and severed. The leadership of the PAFK has considerable influence in Kalasin and supports the separatist regime there. In the separatist regions of Kalasin, we see the PAFK's vision for the world.

   Kalasin's people were brutalized under the old regime, and with its declaration of "independence" from the Union state, they are brutalized once again. When I served, though I spent much of my time in the skies above the country, I saw for myself what they were capable of. Mass starvation of the common man, the wholesale slaughter of villages for harboring those who dared to believe that which ran contrary to the party line. Religion was banned, and now it is highly regulated to that which the ruling party deems appropriate. Already, we have seen a great many flee to neighboring countries and across the straits to Paechon, and they tell us of ongoing atrocities back home, perpetuated by the PAFK with the tacit approval and occasional support of regular forces. Even as we speak, the city of Ranong, formerly the seat of the Union government, is on the verge of falling to separatist forces, and Vax Republic is menaced by the PAFK and their allies.

   Daitō respects the Kalasinese people, but we condemn the regime which has propped itself up there. It is not only repressing its own people, it is threatening people everywhere by sponsoring and sheltering and supplying terrorists. By aiding and abetting murder, they too are guilty of murder. On the 26th of July, we made the following demands of the Separatist forces in Kalasin: Deliver to Daitōjin authorities all of the leaders of the PAFK within the territory which you control. Release all foreign nationals, including Daitōjin citizens, who you have unjustly imprisoned. Protect foreign journalists, diplomats and aid workers in your country. Close every militant training camp in Kalasin, and hand over every terrorist, and everyone in their support structure, to appropriate authorities. Give Daitō access to these camps so that we may ensure that they no longer operate. We made these demands, irrespective of their current conflict with the Union government, without room for negotiation nor discussion. The government in Pattani was to act immediately or share in their fate. However, I must report to you that regrettably, the government in Kalasin has rejected our demands and furthermore facilitated the attack on Rokkenjima, and thus, a state of war now exists between us and the separatist government in Kalasin.

   This war begins with the PAFK and the government of Kalasin, but make no mistake, it will not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach is found and destroyed. We have been forced to ask many difficult questions in the last few days. Why do they hate us? I can answer that easily. They hate what they see in this time-honored chamber—a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms—our freedom of conscience, our freedom of speech, and our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other. They seek to overthrow existing governments across the globe in pursuit of their "world revolution", which in truth is merely an insistence on total subservience to the state and a deprivation of free will in pursuit of a perverted sense of order. These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. They will not stop until every form of opposition to them is crushed. They oppose us—they hate us—because stand in their way.

   We will not be deceived by their pretenses of freedom, even as they oppress untold millions. We have seen their kind before. They are the heirs of the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions—by abandoning every value except the will to power—they follow in the path of absolutism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it always ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.

   I am, therefore, authorizing that all measures needed to quell this threat to the free world be undertaken. We will direct every resource at our command—every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war—to the disruption of this threat to global stability. We will not fail in this righteous crusade, knowing well that our cause is just. We ask those that are willing to join with us in this fight, for if, by any chance, we do fail, the consequences will be so dire that the world may never recover. If these acts of terror go unpunished, it will only be a matter of time before cities beyond East Ardia come under threat and before citizens around the world are slaughtered. Terror, if left unanswered, can destabilize and tear down governments, plunging more nations into war. We stand at the precipice of a new era, and now, we have the chance to shape it. Let us ensure that our progeny must not grow up in a world dictated by those who would do them harm.

   I ask that you continue to pray for the victims and their families, no matter which country they originate from. Pray for those in uniform and for our great country. Pray for those who are oppressed, both in Kalasin and around the world, so that they may know freedom. Pray for the world, that it may, in time, know peace. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead.

   Great harm has been done to us, and we have suffered a terrible loss. And in our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom—the great achievement of our age and the great hope of every time—now depends on everyone around the world working together for that most noble cause. This generation will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. As we emerge into this era, we will not forget the fallen, but it is my hope that, in time, life will return almost to normal. We will go back to our lives and routines, even with the knowledge of how fragile freedom truly is. But our resolve must not pass. Each of us will remember what happened that day, and to whom it happened. We'll remember the moment the news came—where we were and what we were doing. Some will remember an image of a fire, or a story of rescue. Some will carry memories of a face and a voice gone forever.

   I will not forget this wound to our country nor those who inflicted it. I will not yield, nor shall I rest. I will not relent in this struggle for the freedom and security of our people and for those around the world. The course of this conflict is not known, yet its outcome is certain.  Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that the gods are not neutral between them. We will face violence and meet it with patient justice and compassion for its victims. We will meet this challenge head on, assured of the righteousness of our cause and confident in the victories that will come. In all that lies before us, may the gods grant us wisdom, and may they watch over and protect the Empire of Daitō. Thank you.

[Daitō]

Armed Forces Deployed to Paechon

Harunori Kōno
07/31/2023

The War Ministry has confirmed that the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces has been deployed to the Republic of Paechon, one of the three member-republics of the Union of Kalasin and Paechon, with the expressed purpose of defending the islands from a potential invasion by so-called "separatist" forces who are presently laying siege to the city of Ranong on the mainland. While there ostensibly to protect the island, many observers have noted that it may be possible that, as the Diet continues to debate a what specific actions should be taken against the separatist forces in Kalasin, this deployment could be preparation for an invasion of the country. After all, when the Kalasinese invaded Paechon in 2017, the southern half of the country was used in a similar fashion in the months prior to the liberation of the island. One can, therefore, infer that this is what it represents, as Paechon has historically been used by Daitō as a staging ground for military operations on the mainland. It is anticipated that the Armed Forces will call up their reservists to serve in what seems to some as an inevitable engagement with the separatists, although as some were called up earlier this year due to the Three Day War, the number of personnel who would be activated may be lower than previously anticipated. It has further been confirmed that the 1st Imperial Guard is among the units to be deployed, with the 301st Military Police Company taking over their duties in the homeland until their return.

[Daitō]

Daitōjin Superconductor Claims Spark Excitement, Skepticism

Hajime Matsui
08/01/2023

Last week, a group of Daitōjin physicists made a startling claim. Through two separate papers which were uploaded to the ScholarGate preprint server, they claim to have created a material that will "open a new era for mankind". Dubbed "LK-99", which is a lead-based compound, these researchers claim to have created a room-temperature, ambient-pressure superconductor. Such a material, which is capable of conducting electricity without any resistance under normal conditions, might have major implications for energy generation and transmission, transport, computing, and many other areas of technology. The papers have sparked wild enthusiasm online as well as several efforts to replicate the work. However, at the same time, there are reports of disputes among the researchers as to whether or not the paper should've been published to begin with. But before we can move on, it is prudent to discuss what superconductors are.

When an electric current flows through a typical conductor, such as a copper wire, the electrons bump into atoms as they jostle along. As a result, the electrons lose some of their energy and the wire heats up. In a superconductor, by contrast, electrons move without any resistance. Superconducting wires can transmit electricity without losing energy, and superconducting magnets are powerful enough to levitate trains and contain the fierce plasmas found in fusion reactors. However, all known superconductors require very low temperatures or extremely high pressures. These restrictions make superconductors expensive and impractical for a great many applications. Several teams have claimed to detect room-temperature superconductivity in various substances in the past, yet none of the claims have withstood scrutiny. As a matter of fact, as recently as two weeks ago, a superconductivity paper by Paechonese physicist Si Dae-hyun was retracted amid suspicions of data fabrication. So while a room-temperature superconductor would be an amazing discovery, it is important to meet these new claims with some skepticism.

The Daitōjin researchers claim that LK-99 can be made in a baking process which combines the minerals lanarkite and copper phosphide. They say that the resulting material has presented two signs of superconductivity at normal air pressure and at temperatures up to 127 ℃: zero resistance and magnetic levitation. They propose a plausible theory of how LK-99 might display room-temperature superconductivity, but have not provided definite experimental evidence of it, and the data presented in the two ScholarGate papers appear inconclusive. One of the signatures of a superconductor is the Meissner effect, which causes it to levitate when placed above a magnet. In a video demonstration released earlier in the week, the researchers position a piece of LK-99 over a magnet. One edge of the flat disk of LK-99 rises, but the other edge appears to maintain contact with the magnet. It is normally expected that a superconductor would display full levitation and also "quantum locking", which would keep it in a fixed position relative to the magnet. In a charitable interpretation, the behavior seen in the video might be caused by imperfections in the sample, meaning that only part of it becomes superconductive. Therefore, it may be too early to say whether we have or have not been presented with compelling evidence for room-temperature superconductivity.

As it stands, all we really know about LK-99 comes from the two papers, which have yet to undergo peer review. Both papers present similar measurements, though the presentation is unconventional. However, there are some differences in the content, as well as the authorship, which doesn't inspire confidence. Some have noted, however, that the changes in authorship might be due to the requirements to win an award for their research, which could indicate the team's certainty that their material is the "real deal", as it were. So what happens now? The processes of science will swing into action. Experts will closely review the papers and researchers at other laboratories will attempt to reproduce the experiments described in the papers to see if they end up with a room-temperature superconductor. These crucial steps are necessary to establish the validity and reliability of claims surrounding LK-99. If the claims are validated and confirmed, it could mark one of the most groundbreaking advancements in physics and materials engineering in the last few decades, if not ever. However, until the research undergoes rigorous review and testing, it is wise to approach the claims with caution.

[Daitō]

"People's Armed Forces of Kalasin" Claims Responsibility for Attack on Awara

Jūkichi Taguchi
08/02/2023

In a televised address, one Colonel Thaksin Prateung, believed to be the leader of a remnant group of the former People's Armed Forces of Kalasin, claimed responsibility for the recent attack on Awara last month. Prateung, aged 55, previously gained notoriety in 2018 as one of the men implicated in a plot to overthrow the newly-established republican government in his own country, however, all charges were dropped as the evidence for his involvement was ruled to have been gathered through illicit means. Colonel Prateung is known to be a fierce ideologue, holding to the same form of left-wing ideology which led to internationally recognized crimes against humanity, including mass killings and forced labor starting in 1998 following the failure of the Kalasinese Spring. Furthermore, in the years following the overthrow of the People's Republic, he became a fierce revanchist, calling for the "liquidation of Paechon" and the destruction of the Empire of Daitō.

Col. Prateung, in his address, stated that if "Foreign forces take so much as a step on Kalasinese soil and threaten its sovereignty, the PAFK will respond by raining down hellfire upon the decadent cities of the Occident." He did not, however, make mention of the recent attack in Rokkenjima, which saw a "dirty bomb" detonated outside of the Rosari Blood Bank of Pyrettania. Said attack has, however, been linked to a cell of PAFK remnants, though whether Prateung was merely biding his time before announcing involvement in it or it was done separately to the attack on Awara is, at present, uncertain. Likewise, it isn't clear as to whether the recent attack on the RNS Gleidhidh was the responsibility of the PAFK or a unit of the Kalasinese Army itself. Whatever the case may be, no matter who is responsible for these vile attacks, it remains certain that the separatist government in Kalasin bears some responsibility for, at a bare minimum, harboring these terrorists, if not aiding and abetting them.

"No Plans to Cancel Mission to Adora", says NASDA Chief

Heisuke Nakamura
08/02/2023

Jiro Asagiri, the Director of the National Space Development Agency, confirmed that despite the conflict with Rokkenjima over the Tokara Islands earlier this year and the recent attacks, the agency has no plans of cancelling a pair of joint missions between Rokkenjiman and Daitōjin crews aboard Adora and Zenshoen, respectively. The sixty year old Director, who had previously overseen the development of Zenshoen from 1999 until its launch in 2004, had long avoided the topic, however, when pressed during an interview with Fukkei Science, he confirmed that the proposed pair of missions had neither been cancelled nor postponed, with the first instead being scheduled for no earlier than the 16th of August. When it is completed, it will mark the first time a Daitōjin vessel has docked with a foreign spacecraft since 1974, when Kyūden hosted a joint crew of Daitōjin and Rodinan spacefarers for just shy of a month. Perhaps now, more than ever, Daitō—and the world as a whole—needs this form of inspiration?

[Daitō]

Scientists Repeat Fusion Ignition Breakthrough

Hajime Matsui
08/09/2023

Daitōjin scientists have achieved net energy gain in a fusion reaction for a second time since December of 2022, the Tadakatsu Ujihara Imperial Laboratory said on the 8th of August. Scientists at the Tsukishima-based lab repeated the fusion ignition breakthrough in an experiment in the Imperial Ignition Facility (IIF) on the 8th that produced a higher energy yield than in December, a Tadakatsu Ujihara spokesperson said. Final results are still being analyzed, the spokesperson added. Tadakatsu Ujihara achieved a net energy gain in a fusion experiment using lasers on the 16th of December, 2022. The scientists focused a laser on a target of fuel to fuse two light atoms into a denser one, releasing the energy. That experiment briefly achieved what is referred to as fusion ignition by generating 3.15 Mj of energy output after the laser delivered 2.05 Mj to the target, the Ministry of Energy said. In layman's terms, the produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it, the ministry said.

The Energy Ministry called the experiment, quote, "a major scientific breakthrough decades in the making that will pave the way for advancements in national defense and the future of clean power." Scientists have known for about a century that fusion powers the sun and have pursued developing fusion on Mundus for decades. Such a breakthrough could one day help curb climate change if companies can scale up the technology to a commercial level in the coming decades.

Hokuriku Opens First Nuclear Power Station in 20 years

Harunori Kōno
08/09/2023

The Hokuriku Electric Power Company (HEPCO) announced Wednesday that Unit 2 at the Maki Plant, northeast of Taiwa, has completed testing and is now in commercial operation following a four year delay. At its full output of 1,100 Mw, Unit 2 can power up to 500,000 homes and businesses. A number of other utilities in Hokurikudō are receiving the electricity, in addition to the nearly 2.8 million customers of HEPCO. It is anticipated that Units 3, 4 and 5 will enter service between late 2023 and early 2026, bringing the total capacity of the plant to roughly 5,500 Mw, making it the second largest nuclear plant in the country by capacity. Unit 1 entered service in 2002, however anti-nuclear protests in the region and cost overruns led to the remaining units being significantly delayed, with some suggesting for a while that expansion be halted and the station be phased out.

HEPCO's Maki plant is important because government officials and some utilities are seriously looking to nuclear power as a means alleviating climate change by generating electricity without burning natural gas, coal and oil. But most focus in Daitō is on smaller nuclear reactors, which advocates hope can be built without the cost and schedule overruns that have plagued Maki. Efforts are currently underway in Kinai Province to build a demonstrator of such a reactor, which, if successfully demonstrated, could change how we look at nuclear energy in its entirety. But even as talk of small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise to offer reduced construction times and costs, continues, many in the country have heralded the completion of Maki's Unit 2 as an important first step towards phasing out fossil fuels. The Daitōjin Government remains committed to its 2040 deadline on achieving the often-coveted status of net carbon neutrality.

[Daitō]

NASDA Launches Mission to Adora

Heisuke Nakamura
08/18/2023

NASDA has followed up the success of the recent UHS-199 mission, which saw the first crewed flight of the UHS Block III spaceplane, with a second launch. This mission, UHS-200, carried a crew of four ūchunauts—Hidenori Gotō, Reina Suzuki, Kaito Uchida, and Hisataka Takagi—on a flight to the Rokkenjiman space station Adora, a mission which has, in the aftermath of the Three Day War and the attacks on Awara and Pyrettania, taken on a new meaning. Although a Daitōjin citizen, Hakaru Asakura, flew aboard the Rokkenjiman Hakken orbiter back in 2021, this mission marks the first time in history that a Daitōjin spacecraft will dock with a Rokkenjiman one, as well as the first time that a Daitōjin crew will have an extended stay aboard Adora. The crew is expected to remain aboard for two and a half weeks, after which point they are expected to return to Mundus. A source at NASDA noted that the spacecraft itself will act as a sort of temporary laboratory, with its pressurized module mounted at the top being equipped for such a role, similar to the UJS module carried aboard the Block I orbiter from the 80s to the early 2000s. The source further stated that NASDA was considering further cooperation with ISEA and other foreign space agencies, though they did not comment to what extent. It is expected that Shunkai will dock with Adora later this afternoon.

Bank of Fusan Authorized to Test Digital Mon

Fuyu Hiraiwa
08/18/2023

The Bank of Fusan has been formally authorized by the Imperial Government to, with the cooperation of the government of Okayama, undertake a trial-run of a Central Bank Digital Currency, or CBDC. The currency, officially known as the Digital Mon and abbreviated as e-DTM, is, according to the bank's governor, Haruhiko Kato, intended to complement the Mon rather than replace it. The trial of the Digital Mon will last until the end of the year, at which point, the Bank of Fusan hopes to roll it out nationwide in order to combat the rise of cryptocurrencies as well as to enhance economic growth and ensure greater financial accountability, all while providing numerous benefits to the average citizen, including the potential elimination of transaction fees and ensuring support for the more than 5 million households nationwide who do not have a bank account.

The launch of e-DTM, according to Kato-san, is an opportunity to reassert the standards and values of Daitō and her allies. In constructing a digital currency platform, concepts such as preserving financial stability, the rule of law and privacy are policy considerations that can be built to varying degrees into the digital currency platform and its use and oversight. In a burgeoning atmosphere of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, a central bank digital currency such as the Digital Mon offers stability by reducing market manipulation risk, counterparty risk, fraud and offering the consumer protections attached to the Daitōjin Mon. Clarity in the rule of law and regulatory environment that will accompany it will set it apart from the fraud, graft and autocratic decisions in other parts of the world that create and destroy value unpredictably. Regarding privacy, governments and private companies around the world have begun to merge big data, blockchain, digital payments, and artificial intelligence to produce significant amounts of meaningful information. The Digital Mon has the potential to support some private information, some information used to generate good public policy, and some that could be used for surveillance. Balancing the transparency inherent in Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies, which serve to preclude criminal behavior, with the right to privacy is an important task, which has led to the modernization of the existing Daitōjin regulatory and legal regime in order to best preserve the values of the status quo.

However, critics have pointed out that, even with efforts to ensure the privacy of financial transactions, the Digital Mon still requires intrusion by authorities in order to monitor for financial crimes, as well as to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Such intrusions could, depending on the administration, be expanded to give the government an unprecedented ability to monitor its civilians and to punish those who may, in their eyes, be "opposed to the collective security of the state". Although Daitō implemented laws to target organizations which, in the eyes of the state, threaten its stability back in 2022, they allege that the full rollout of the Digital Mon would mark a sacrifice of freedom for security, although the Bank of Fusan's governor has stated that such punishments would run contrary to its mandate. Testing of the Digital Mon is expected to begin on the 1st of September as an opt-in service for residences of Okayama, with select businesses and services in and around the city already pledging to support the currency.

[Daitō]

Daitō's Q2 GDP Beats Forecasts

Daizen Takahashi
08/24/2023

Daitō's economy has expanded at a much faster rate than previously forecast, as a surge in exports more than offset the fallout of the brief conflict with the First Empire of Rokkenjima. Gross domestic product grew at an annualized pace of 6% (1.5% q/q) in the April to June quarter, marking the strongest growth since 2018, Cabinet Office data showed on Monday. The figure exceeded economists' forecast of 2.5% growth. Net exports contributed 1.8% to the expansion versus consensus estimates of 0.9%. Monday's data adds to signs that the country's growth seen under the Heike administration is continuing, with the size of the economy growing to a record 文12.63 trillion ($11.74 trillion). The result was consistent with the views at the MDB, which recently raised its 2023 growth outlook for Daitō to 1.4%. Even so, there were some caveats to this strong result, as much of the growth came from external demand.

"I wouldn't say all is good when I look at the content. Only net exports beat estimates by a wide margin while consumption weakened to a degree, though even then, it isn't anything unexpected due to the war," said Hiroji Oya, head of FLI Research Institute in Okayama. "What I can say, however, is that I don't believe this will be a factor for major policy changes at the Bank of Fusan." Trade data showed that exports remained resilient over the course of the last quarter, led by auto shipments to the Ardian peninsula and Albion. It is unclear as to whether the boost in exports will be sustained, however, even as the country enjoys greater economic growth than was seen as recently as the mid-2010s. Rising numbers of inbound travelers, whose contribution is also factored into the net exports component of GDP, provided a boost to the economy as well. The results of the previous quarter come as welcome news to Prime Minister Konishi, who, although enjoying a strong approval rating following the attack on Awara, may capitalize on the results to further pursue his administration's agenda.

Could Traditional Buildings Provide Solution to the Housing Crisis?

Michiko Koyamatsu
08/24/2023

Across the nation, a virtual renaissance in traditional architecture seems to be sprouting as communities fund the creation of affordable housing built to resemble the styles used in pre-Keiō era Daitō. Though appearing much like the Machiya one can find in cities such as Tenkyō and Takahagi as well as many smaller towns, these structures, given the name Shin Minka ("New Homes of the People"), make use of modern construction techniques in order to fit with modern building regulations. However, despite their appearance starting in 2008, for the last fifteen years such projects have gone largely without government support, even as house prices and rent has soared, caused in part by a steep drop in house-building following the 2004 Recession. However, the successes seen by programs to fund these projects by local governments have not gone unnoticed, with Prime Minister Konishi touring a new development in Urasoe just prior to the elections. The Prime Minister has been vocal in his support for the construction of affordable housing, believing it to be one of the greatest challenges facing the country today. But what benefits, beyond reducing the rate of homelessness in the country, would such developments have?

In 2017, two professors at the University of Saito calculated that if the Housing Crisis had not happened, the Empire's economy would be roughly 77% larger, or approximately 文18.48 trillion ($17.19 trillion) by that year. It is generally estimated that nearly 37.5% of all people living in poverty—nearly 18 million nationwide—would not be in poverty if they simply had cheaper rent or mortgages. It's a simple fact that the construction of new, affordable housing, whether by private companies or by the government, would have a positive impact not only on the economy, but on people's lives. And more than that, it would be good for the environment. This is demonstrated in major cities and smaller towns, where, due to zoning practices, it is possible to have housing and shops intermixed, pushing down the need for motorized transportation and thus lowering the carbon footprint of residents. However, in areas not hugging the coasts of the mainland, the opposite seems true, as the regions developed in the aftermath of the Great War often prove reliant on modes of transport such as the automobile, thus driving up costs.

Finally, the construction of more affordable housing would boost declining fertility rates, something which is seen across the developed world as a result of urbanization and industrialization. Daitō in particular saw its average fertility rate, which was once boosted through pro-natalist policies on the part of the Imperial government, fall to 1.6 in 2022. While not yet reaching a critical point, it is generally in the best interest of the country to prevent a future where the population is in decline, something which could be offset by more immigration such as was seen in the 2010s. However, this does not tackle the root cause of population decline, as when asked "How many children do you really want?", most women in Daitō answered around two or three, which is above the replacement rate. They often cited the cost of rent as a reason for not having more children, however. It is for these reasons, as well as many others, that the Daitōjin government has reason to encourage more construction, while the use of traditional styles would make it less likely that these homes are opposed by local Tonarigumi.

At present, the House of Representatives is debating a bill which would enable the government to once again construct affordable houses directly, with many in the ruling coalition voicing their support for the measure. It is generally expected that the bill will pass in the lower house before being sent to the House of Peers. If approved, new construction could begin by early November, while subsidies for private firms to construct them may enable construction to begin earlier.

[Daitō]

Archaeologists Make Significant Discovery in Tomb of the First Emperor

Harukichi Yada
09/04/2023

When the excavation of the Kamiishizumisanzai Tomb in Tenkyō Prefecture was announced, there were many who thought that the risks to the site outweighed the benefits any discovery might bring. Today, however, in a statement to the press, Dr. Fumihiko Wakamisugi of Gakushūin University announced that those fears were unfounded, as a Kōfukō-type cadaver was discovered in what is believed to be the burial chamber of Emperor Tengyō. But what is a Kōfukō cadaver? Put simply, they are remains found in Kinai Province which date to roughly the 2nd century BCE that are extremely well preserved, to a point where it can be difficult at a glance to realize they are not just a few weeks old. Yet, as can be imagined, the body found is not from 2023, but rather, he died in 188 BCE. Dr. Wakamisugi stated that, owing to this simple fact, alongside its location and the coffin it was found in, his team has every reason to suspect that it has found the remains of Emperor Tengyō, whose body appears to be the best preserved example of a Kofukō-type cadaver. As of the present, the body is being transported to a second location where it is to be examined further, alongside samples of the fluid which it was found in.

The Team from Gakushūin did further confirmed that, though it was now long-since missing, there were traces of mercury found within the burial chamber, suggesting that the rumors of it once containing "rivers and seas of mercury" may have been factual at one time, however, further research into the matter will be necessary. At present, however, focus remains on the body discovered, as well as locating any records within the tomb which may cast new light on the earliest years of East Ardian history. It is anticipated that the results of any tests performed on the apparent body of the first Emperor will be published later in the month, at which time we will update you on them. Until then, we can only marvel at this discovery.

Government Protests Arrest, Sentencing of Daitōjin Citizen in Clysperis

Jūkichi Taguchi
09/04/2023

Following the announcement by state media in Clysperis that four foreign nationals, including a Daitōjin citizen, had been arrested and sentenced to death, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally lodged a protest with the Clysperi government. In its protest, the Ministry stated that the accused, one Aiko Odaka, a 36 year old native of Otsu, had been wrongfully arrested for the possession of illicit substances, in her case for the possession of cannabis. The substance, which is not illegal on a national level for medicinal use and in many provinces across the board, is prohibited in Clysperis, which has some of the strongest drug laws on the planet. Although her family confirmed that she had been prescribed the drug to help treat symptoms of her multiple sclerosis, they also stated that she had stopped using it a few months ago, long before she had ever set foot in the country. Instead, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suggested that her arrest is merely symptomatic of growing anti-foreign sentiment within the Kingdom, while her sentencing, done before a kangaroo court, constitutes a miscarriage of justice which it has urged be reconsidered. The Ministry further alleges that the evidence against Aiko Odaka was flimsy, while any evidence which would prove her innocence was simply ignored for the sake of a narrative. Outrage as a result of the arrest has reached the floor of the Diet, with Representatives Sota Fueki (YFD, Ueno 2) and Eiji Asō (DP, Hidaka 1) both condemning the actions of the Clyserpi judiciary for their unjust actions.

Digital Mon Hits Critical Snag

Fuyu Hiraiwa
09/04/2023

Although there has been much coverage surrounding the rollout of the Digital Mon in Okayama, mostly due to recent statements out of the Rokkenjiman government indicating it would institute a blanket ban on all digital currencies within the country, recent reports coming out of the Bank of Fusan have indicated that the currency has experienced significant issues, though not on a technical side. Rather, many across the city have refused to use the currency, finding it unnecessary and ultimately useless, while others have filed lawsuits due to perceived violations of their civil liberties. Whether such concerns are founded or not, we cannot say, however, it is clear that there is significant backlash against the rollout which has led to some within the Bank of Fusan recommending the termination of the program. Instead, they have suggested that the Bank of Fusan divert the resources going towards e-DTM to projects such as "ImpNow", an instant payment infrastructure which is being developed by the Bank alongside the CBDC and which could simultaneously perform many of the requirements of e-DTM while costing less. It is anticipated that the Bank of Fusan could make a ruling on whether to continue the trial in Okayama or cancel it later this week.

[Daitō]

Typhoon Warning Issued For Amami Province, Kihoku and Hirosaki Prefectures

Haruo Yokoyama
09/15/2023

The Fusan Meteorological Agency has issued a Typhoon warning for parts of Amami and parts of Yakumo, including coastal regions in Kihoku and Hirosaki prefecture. The warning was issued as Typhoon Kajiki, which formed two weeks ago in the Dauntel as a Tropical Depression before strengthening to a Typhoon late in the evening on Wednesday, the 13th of September, began to approach the Amami islands. The Typhoon is anticipated to make landfall in Yakushima early on Sunday morning before proceeding towards the coast of Yakumo, where it is expected to also affect parts of the Allied States of Ardia. Amami's Governor, Ryota Chinen, has declared a state of emergency as the Typhoon approaches the islands and has requested that the Imperial government issue an emergency disaster declaration. The declaration, according to Governor Chinen, will enable local authorities to deploy all necessary resources to deal with the effects of the storm. A similar declaration has been made by Governor Yoritaka Adachi in Yakumo Province.

Typhoon Kajiki is anticipated to bring with it up to 15 centimeters of rain, 128 km/h winds, and 6.5 meter seas in Yakumo Province, while Amami is forecast to receive 20 centimeters of rain, 153 km/h gusts of wind, and 7 meter high storm surges. There is a high chance of power outages in parts of the Amami islands, owing to heavy rains which have plagued the region for the last week. Other regions of the country can expect up to 6 centimeters of rain, with Tenkyo in particular forecast to receive 4.3 cm. As always, for those in affected regions, stay tuned to local broadcasters by way of television or radio. Ensure you have enough water and supplies to last a few days, and do not  head outside your home until the all clear is given.

NASDA Launches Mission to Asteroid

Heisuke Nakamura
09/15/2023

NASDA has launched a robotic mission to a Near-Mundus Asteroid, 641376 Takenaka, with the goal of capturing it and placing it into orbit around Luna. The mission, which is the first part of the so-called Asteroid Retrieval and Utilization (ARU) program, is targeting this asteroid in particular due to its size, being just 5.7 meters in diameter. However, the program as a whole is moreso planned to develop deep space exploration capabilities needed in preparation for a potential manned mission to Nergal or other locations throughout the solar system. It will also demonstrate planetary defense techniques ranging from directly grabbing an asteroid, as this mission will demonstrate, to employing gravity tractor techniques to move asteroids as will be demonstrated on future missions. Notably, though not the expressed aim of the program, it could also be used to demonstrate the mining of asteroids for resources useful on Mundus, which could provide a boon for any organization which seeks to exploit such resources. The ARU-R spacecraft, designated "Prosperity" by NASDA, will rendezvous with the asteroid in December before reaching Lunar orbit in March, where a crewed mission will be launched.

102nd FFA Emperor's Cup Quarter-Finals Conclude

Haruto Ito
09/15/2023

The Quarter-finals of the 2023 FFA Emperor's Cup have come to a close with FC Awara trouncing the Shinkyō Tengu in an upset by way of a penalty shoot-out, scoring 2-3. This makes the team the final of four teams to reach the Semi-finals of this year's Emperors cup, which has proven to have some stiff competition by teams across the country. The other teams that will progress to the Semi-finals are Enojima Naval Academy's Navy Cadets, which defeated the Shibetsu Tigers by two points, Takanabe United, and the reigning champions, Kyūre FC, which aims to maintain its title from the previous year. The Semi-finals are planned to be held on the 8th of October, with Kyūre FC expected to go up against FC Awara, while the Navy Cadets will go face to face with Takanabe United. It has been widely reported that Emperor Eijirō personally attended the game between the Shibetsu Tigers and the Navy Cadets, which was held in Hatsukaichi, not far from the Enojima Naval Academy. In other sports news, Daitōjin athletes competing in the 2023 Mundus Games in Valtheim won the womens 400 meter race, adding a final gold medal to the Daitōjin team before the end of the games. While Daitō did not perform at nearly the same level as in previous years, many athletes who competed are looking forwards to the next games, while officials have suggested that the country may seek to host the upcoming Winter Games.

Researchers Confirm Kamiishizumisanzai Tomb Cadaver's Identity, Cause of Death

Harukichi Yada
09/15/2023

Researchers at Gakushūin University, working alongside a team of specialists from Kunaishō Hospital in Shinkyō, have announced that they have, following an autopsy, confirmed beyond reasonable doubt the identity of the Kōfukō-type cadaver found in the Kamiishizumisanzai Tomb was indeed that of Emperor Tengyō. From a purely symbollic standpoint, the discovery is already impressive, as it allows modern Daitōjin citizens to give a face to the man who founded the Empire, especially now, as the country prepares to land troops in Kalasin following an intense air campaign. It further offers a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Daitō, more than two-thousand years divorced from the present. The researchers also stated that, as a result of the autopsy, they were able to determine the former Emperor's cause of death. While popular stories tell that, in pursuit of immortality, the Emperor died of mercury poisoning, the autopsy showed that his spine showed signs of tubercular decay and his lungs had significant damage, suggesting then that the Emperor died of tuberculosis, which lines up with reports that he had fallen severely ill shortly before his death. At present, the Imperial Household Ministry, as steward of all Imperial tombs and the contents within them, is debating how to handle the Emperor's remains, with some proposing that the body be placed on display at a museum in Tenkyō, where it can be kept in similar conditions to where it had previously been interred.

[Daitō]

Typhoon Kajiki Makes Landfall in Yakumo

Haruo Yokoyama
09/19/2023

Typhoon Kajiki has made landfall near Saito, bringing with it heavy rains and winds, as well as 4.5 meter storm surges along the coast. The the impact of the Typhoon on the region is less than what was previously anticipated, as Kajiki weakened over the last two days to a severe tropical storm following its brief landfall in the Amami islands, where it left one person dead and three missing, as well as leaving fifteen-hundred people without power on the island of Uji. As a result of the typhoon, which is not expected to travel far inland thanks to the Ryohaku mountains disrupting the storm's circulation, heavy rainfall and flash flooding has been brought to parts of Yakumo and Kinai, with Mihara and Tenkyo receiving up 4.7 and 4.1 cm of rainfall, respectively. The Imperial Army has deployed units to assist in disaster relief efforts being spearheaded by the CDPC and the Yakumo Emergency Management Agency (YEMA), however it has stated that this deployment will not compromise its ongoing commitments in Kalasin. A state of emergency remains in place for Yakumo. YHK will keep those in the regions affected appraised of the situation as it continues to develop.

[Daitō]