Roleplay => International News Networks => Topic started by: Daitō on April 06, 2020, 01:15:37 AM
Title: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on April 06, 2020, 01:15:37 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitō celebrates Armed Forces Day
Greetings, dear viewers, and welcome to a special broadcast by DHK! Today is, as you may or may not know, the 133rd anniversary of the Battle of Kokura, ending the Tottori Rebellion. We go now to our attaché in Shinkyō, Ichiro Asahi, who is covering the day's festivities for us. Over to you, Ichiro.
I: "Thanks Jiro. Anyways, as you can see, for the most part, the area around the palatial square has gone silent in preparation for the festivities. To our left and right" the reporter pointed to both sides for a moment before continuing "we have members of the Imperial Guard performing crowd control and performing their ceremonial functions as normal." He would finish before saying "I must say, today is a momentous occasion, as is often the case, although in particular due to it featuring troops from the Republic of Volhynia and our own sons and daughters, returned from a peacekeeping operation as its neighbor wages a civil war most cruel. What was that? Oh, alright, well, we're being asked to stop speaking for the time being." after which, he would go silent.
The sound of bells would ring out throughout the area. Once the last toll of the bells faded, the Imperial Music Corps would begin playing the National Anthem, "Umi Yukaba", as Crown Prince Eijiro, in full dress uniform, greeted his father, the Emperor, as well as Field Marshal Okimoto Esashi before giving a speech to the troops. Upon finishing, the Music Corps would begin playing a new song, the March of the Imperial Guards, as a group of soldiers made their way down the square, the flags of the Empire hoisted aloft for all to see. After a few minutes, when this too had come to an end, as jets flew overhead, Marshal Esashi would get in an automobile and begin his inspection of the troops. As he went down the line, things seemed normal, at least, until...
*Bang*
Two shots rang out in the square, followed almost immediately by the screams of panicked civilians. Almost on queue, some of the guards would rush to secure the area, all the while medical staff immediately jumped into action. The Emperor had been shot, two bullets piercing his chest, only barely missing his heart. A pair of guards would tackle the shooter and detain him, all the while two others rushed to get the rest of the Imperial Family out of the area and to a more secure location. E: "I-I-I... By the kami... His Majesty... The Emperor's been shot!" Ichiro would exclaim, all the while an officer ordered for his subordinates to "Seize those cameras and end the broadcast!" as the town rapidly ground to a halt. The broadcast abruptly ends, television screens across the empire changing to the Imperial flag at night with the National anthem playing before suddenly cutting out.
Title: Imperial News Service
Post by: Daitō on August 14, 2020, 12:59:21 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Emperor officially states intention to abdicate, set for end of the month
Although it was anticipated that after the attempted assassination of His Majesty earlier this year, he would move forwards with a plan to abdicate the throne, up until recently there has been no word on such a matter. However, in light of a failure to fully recover from his injuries, as well as his wish to devote further time as a historian rather than the activities required by the state, he has decided to make this decision. At the same time, he has stated that in light of his dutiful fulfillment of his duties as regent, his son, the Crown Prince, would be better suited to the position of Emperor than he was.
The Imperial Household's statement regarding the Emperor's abdication further goes into detail regarding the process by which power will be handed over to his son, with the official date of his abdication being set for the 28th of August, with the new Emperor taking up further duties as the year progresses until the 31st of December, when as per tradition, the new Emperor's reign will be seen as officially beginning. It also states that, shortly after His Majesty's discharge from the Hospital, he made up his mind regarding the situation so as to prevent a crisis, should he die of further complications down the line.
The Imperial Diet passed a bill in late July during a session permitting the abdication of an Emperor under the current constitution, a bill which was further confirmed as being constitutional, which led to rumors regarding the Emperor's upcoming abdication. A timeline for the abdication has been provided at www.ImperialHousehold.gov.dt (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cItJ4D9Eh5-1zRZJAiIZ6d1bvraUeN7k9MC06lH-9b8/edit?usp=sharing)
It is anticipated that foreign dignitaries will be allowed to attend the Enthronement ceremony on the 28th of August.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 27, 2020, 06:19:19 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png) Slavery and Freedom
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing His Majesty regarding last month's speech made during his Enthronement ceremony. Ichiro, our correspondent for the imperial Family, conducted said interview, which we will play for you now.
Ichiro- "Before we begin, I wish to once again congratulations on your accession to the throne. I have to ask, though... What was it like, finding out you were going to face such a burden so soon?"
HM- "Thank you, Asahi-san. As for your question, however... I suppose I felt a bit of fear, at first. I mean, the moment my father was shot I realized that this was quite possibly going to be the moment that kicked off the events over the last few months. Naturally, I felt afraid, confused, and... surprised. I mean, I'm only twenty-five, after all. The Emperor's heir, sure, but still only barely out of college."
I- "Would you say that your former position as the His Majesty's regent prepared you to take over entirely?"
HM- "Oh, definitely. I mean, sure, I took the throne only a month ago, but in practice I've held the responsibilities of the title since April."
I- "And did that shape your speech? I mean, you had to have had first-hand experience with handling the ongoing Human-trafficking crisis going on throughout the world, right?"
HM- "That's... A difficult question to answer, to be perfectly honest. I've always wanted nothing but the best for everyone... I even want to see the man who shot my father turn his life around, get the help he needs."
I- "Yes, as you've said before. Please answer the question, your Lordship."
HM- *sigh* "Fine. I'll admit it. Even though, as I just said, I've sought the best for everyone, I've... not always held up to that goal. I just cannot stand those who take an active part in the system of slavery. Y'know, the idea of owning slaves is diametrically opposite to the ideals our nation were founded upon. It is a cruel system that must, in my opinion, be opposed wherever it tries to take root. So yes, I would say it helped shape my views in general, though I'd argue that they've been around for as long as I can remember."
I- "And what about your statement regarding the Ardian population in Daitō? Though a minority, many in the nation have been confused by your statements on their plight."
HM- "Well, how do I put this... My father, while a great man, isn't perfect. He, like my grandfather, while not necessarily promoting it, didn't do much to improve their situation either. Sure, they moved into the lands beyond the Idaina mountains after the First Ardian war, but... I don't agree that they 'have no place' in Daitō, nor that they should be treated poorly for the actions of their ancestors. I mean, you may or may not know this, but many of the people who moved into the Idaina range after it was annexed didn't do so by choice. Why should we punish their descendants for what they themselves could not control?"
I- "A fair point, but I don't know that a history lesson is what we need at the moment."
HM- "Oh, quite on the contrary. After all, the History of the Ardian community in Daitō still breeds discrimination against them to this day, in some cases even among the provincial governments themselves. If you don't mind, I'd like to pose you a question: What good is a nation that promises equality to all within her borders when she does not see the descendants of an old enemy in an equal light to others who reside therein? Should we offer the same treatment to the Native Tsukishimans, the Rus', and the Teutons?"
I- "No, I don't suppose we should."
HM- "Then why should we not seek to better improve the lives of the Ardians?"
I- "I... I don't know, actually."
HM- "Exactly. They are just as deserving of the freedoms afforded by the Constitution as anyone else."
While his approval rating remains high, some have called into question the new Emperor's statements during the speech. Further coverage on the matter will be provided as necessary.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on October 13, 2020, 03:17:49 PM
A Spokesperson with the Ministry of Defense recently confirmed rumors that the Army will be phasing out the Hazhai Model 76 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howa_Type_89) in favor of the Yamano AR-311 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haenel_MK_556) for frontline service. This makes it the first time in the last 80 years that the Imperial Army has not made use of a Yamakawa-supplied Service Rifle. While there are some who believe that there were better choices for reasons including the occasional rumor that some designs were stolen from competitors, the spokesperson said that they will go forwards with the plan, with it being expected that the first units will be issued by the end of the year. Yamakawa has yet to make any comment regarding this development.
Election News
As of the present, analysts are now predicting that Former Prime Minister Fukumoto holds a narrow edge over the CDP's Ikumi Edano, this coming in the wake of a speech he gave in which he criticized her for her failures in handling the 2018 Nagato Earthquake and Tsunami.
Quote
My opponent, Representative Edano, has repeatedly failed her own constituents, for instance, in the wake of the tragedy that was the tsunami back in 2018, she abstained from voting on a package that would grant billions in aid to those who were worst-affected by it. Thankfully, despite her own failure to vote, the motion passed, but I have to ask you: Is this someone you want leading the nation?"
At the moment, Representative Edano has not yet responded to this criticism, though it is expected that she will release a statement by the end of the day.
In other news, the DCP's candidate, Kazuhiro Seto, has officially dropped out of the running.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 15, 2020, 06:55:15 AM
Daitō to enter talks with the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization
Shinkyō -- We have received word from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the national government will enter into talks with the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization regarding it's future relations with the organization. This comes on the heels of a recent vote by the CSTO's council to invite the nation, as well as a vote by the House of Representatives on whether to agree to such talks. It is anticipated that Makoto Asahara, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, will arrive in Rokkenjima soon, after which the meeting will begin. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had the following to say on this news:
Quote
It is no surprise to us that the CSTO has offered us membership within their organization, after all, we share many of the same interests in the Sea of Kyne, as well as our cordial relations with our neighbors south of the border. If I'm being frank, we were prepared to request membership within the organization as early as July, but held off until His Majesty was formally enthroned. It is hoped, regardless of the implications such a move might have on the upcoming elections, that this meeting will prove fruitful."
Prime Minister Fujie's rivals have made varying statements regarding this move, calling into question whether the opening of diplomatic overtures to the organization were truly meant to help Daitō or if they were an attempt to bolster an already-failing campaign.
Election News
As previously stated, the recent move to open talks with the CSTO have been met with some criticism by the other candidates for the Office of Prime Minister as well as others within the parties. When asked about the situation, Fmr. Prime Minister Fukumoto had the following to say:
Quote
While I will not doubt the judgement of my colleague, I cannot help but wonder whether his approval of the meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Asahara and the CSTO was done out of a duty to better protect the nation or if it were out of his own self-interest. I can only say that, back during my first term as Prime Minister, I would've never agreed to it so soon to an election. If the Daitōjin people want to join, it will be determined by their vote, though I know that only a few are actively opposed to it."
On the other hand, Representative Edano had this to say on the proposed meeting:
Quote
While I may have voted in favor of the meeting, it is important to note that, unlike the Prime Minister, I am not agreeing to the meeting simply because I believe it will help me hold onto power for four more years. Rather, I see it as a deterrent to foreign actors which would do us harm, which in this ever-treacherous world is a factor which we must ensure is on our side."
Despite these statements, Prime Minister Fujie's approval rating has increased since the news broke, with him now presently tied with Representative Edano.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 28, 2020, 04:36:44 AM
With all precincts reporting, it is now confirmed that former Prime Minister Eita Fukumoto has been reelected as Prime Minister of Daitō. His primary opponent, Representative Ikumi Edano, has conceded the election, as has the incumbent Prime Minister, Eijiro Fujie. He is set to take office effective the 6th of November. In his victory speech, he was quoted as saying
Quote
I promise, despite how divisive these last four years have been, we will move forwards together. Hate has no place in Daitō nor prejudice. Together, we will build the nation you, the people, want."
Despite her defeat in the elections, Deputy Hatas has stated that she will work alongside her party and the incoming administration to accomplish the goals set out by the government. His Lordship, the Emperor has also formally congratulated Prime Minister-elect Kaval on his victory and is expected to preside over his confirmation as the new Prime Minister.
Emperor, Imperial Family to attend Memorial in Achkaerin
The Imperial Household Agency has recently confirmed that the Emperor will attend the Memorial Day ceremonies in Achkaerin this November alongside members of the Imperial Family and a few as-of-yet unannounced guests. Members of the family that are expected to attend include Crown Prince Hidehiko and Princess Satomi, his brother and sister, as well as the Emperor-Emeritus and Empress-Emerita. Other members of the House have not yet been confirmed at this time.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 04, 2020, 04:33:10 AM
A spokesperson for the Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization (INARO) has confirmed that the Ryū spacecraft will return to regular missions starting as early as January 2021 and no later than March. The spacecraft, which has been grounded since February 2020, was found to have a serious flaw in it's RCS system in the last flight. This comes after plans to update a more modern version of the spacecraft, the Ryū M, was planned to begin missions in its stead. The Ryū M, which will be the variant that will fly starting next year, features upgrades to its communications and navigation systems alongside adjustments to the RCS system in light of these issues.
It is confirmed that Nikranauts Daisuke Uegaki, Masako Saruta, Karl Adler, and Naoji Busujima will be the first crew of the new spacecraft, which is aimed to launch on the 21st of January.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on November 11, 2020, 06:23:58 AM
Today, November 11th, marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second Great War and, at least in the eyes of many others across the world, the "Great War" as a whole. Daitō, having been a combatant during the wars at three separate points, saw much destruction at the hands of the Ardian Empire. It is estimated that, between 1939 and 1945, anywhere from 2 to 6 million people, both militay and civilian, lost their lives or were severely inured and many cities were laid to waste. A further 15 thousand continued to suffer from damage inflicted by gas-exposure for years to come. The economic side-effects of the war also plunged Daitō into a period of recession that lasted until the late 50's.
It is expected that the planned military parades across Daitō will continue as planned, though the one in Yuzawa will be delayed until after the rain passes around 3:00 PM.
Emperor-emeritus reportedly in worsening health as further treatment proves ineffective — It is expected that he will remain in hospital for the time being so that doctors may continue to monitor him — DHK — Man, Woman diagnosed with Bubonic plague in Rumoi prefecture — Will remain in isolation while undergoing treatment — DHK — Ministry of Defense reportedly in talks about constructing a new aircraft carrier — No further details have been provided as of today, but it is expected they will come with time — DHK —
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 06, 2020, 07:56:48 PM
Kaval Administration in Peril as Deadlock on Candidate Pick Approval enters Second Month
In spite of his victory on October 27th, Prime Minister Kaval's path towards fully taking office has been shaky at best and narrow at most other times. While he had formally appointed his cabinet on the 9th of November, the National Assembly has found itself in a deadlock on the vote to approve the new cabinet. For example, we shall provide the reasons why some of the cabinet picks have failed to be approved below:
Varen Jishan — Varen Jishan was formerly a part of the Khotai administration as the State Minister of the Treasury during the 2003 Financial Crisis, during which time he failed to properly respond to the crisis, with it only being resolved after the Teske-Isara administration took power.
Vira Atarin — Due to familial ties (Vira Atarin being the niece of Ashot Kaval), many have come to see her appointment as a case of nepotism, with many pointing to her lack of experience as further proof of this.
Enil Vakat — Enil Vakat, while serving as governor of the Ekrit province, was the center of controversy following his own failure to effectively respond to the 1998 Ekrit Earthquake which claimed 86 lives and left thousands more injured. His critics in the National Assembly have called into question why he would be a good fit for the cabinet.
Esik Nikira — Esik Nikira is well known for his denial of climate change, which runs contrary to the goals of the Ministry of the Environment, though a major part of this lack of approval comes down to politics, with many fearing that having the cabinet stacked with members of the ALP will make it more difficult to fully implement legislation.
This deadlock is but a symptom of the division within the National Assembly, as talks between the Kaval government and the other participating parties in the coalition have begun to fail. If, before the end of next week, the Kaval government fails to properly implement a coalition government, it will be within the constitutional rights of any member of the National Assembly to initiate a motion of No Confidence and begin the process of removing the Prime Minister from office. While this process has been used on other officials within the two houses of the government, it has never been performed upon an incumbent Prime Minister.
While one might assume that Prime Minister Kaval is safe from this motion, it must be noted that a considerable portion of the National Assembly appears in favor of removing the Prime Minister. If performed, it will be up to the ALP to select a new Prime Minister from among their ranks. As it stands, the various wings of the party have candidates already in place to take over in the event of the vote passing, those being as follows:
Jishek Viras — The de-facto leader of the Neo-Esikian wing of the ALP, Jishek wishes to see a return to the political philosophy of his Great Great-grandfather, Esik Viras. If selected, he will be the first member of a Clan to hold the position of Prime Minister. He is known to seek further transparency in the government's operations and is a self-avowed reformer.
Erel Kosai — The de-facto leader of the traditionalists, wishing to see a return to the style of governance proposed by the pre-Ikirist ADP.
Berai Nikas — Berai Nikas is the leader of the moderates, believing that the course the party is currently on suits the modern Ikhan perfectly as is.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 09, 2020, 03:25:00 AM
The National Assembly's lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, has recently initiated a vote of no confidence in the Kaval administration. This comes after Prime Minister Kaval failed to negotiate the creation of a coalition government after it failed to achieve a majority of seats in the National Assembly in the most recent elections. The motion was brought forwards by one of the Prime Minister's stronger opponents within the ALP, Jishek Viras, who was quoted as saying the following in initiating the vote:
Quote from: Jishek Viras
Mr. Speaker, it has become clear that the current situation can and will not be maintained. While we sit here arguing over petty squabbles such as who should be on the Prime Minister's cabinet, we have people in Kitenai still in need of relief following the disaster back in '18. We have people out on the streets demanding reforms that should've been implemented decades ago. I have little doubt you'll hear them when this session is adjourned later today, as we all have for the last six days. If Prime Minister Kaval cannot, however, negotiate with the other parties in his coalition, then what reason do we have to expect the same of his administration? How long will it be, if we are able to deal with this present crisis, that we will have to go through this again? A few weeks? Maybe three months at best? Need I remind you that his previous administration has showed us that we will not be able to accomplish what we need to do? No. We cannot suffer this administration to continue as it is now. To quote my great great-Grandfather, the venerable Esik Viras, 'A divided government with a leader who does not represent the nation's best interests at its head cannot, for the good of the people, be permitted to exist.' These words have, after all these years, rung true. It is for that reason that I, with a heavy heart, formally request that a motion of no-confidence be voted upon by this Assembly."
Prime Minister Kaval, in response, strongly condemned the move and has stated that, if he is voted out of office by both houses of the National Assembly, he may not respect such a result. Only time will tell where this crisis will lead.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 11, 2020, 05:38:04 AM
Motion of No Confidence Passes — Prime Minister Kaval formally removed from Office
With two-hundred and fifty-three votes in favor and thirty-seven opposed, the Chamber of Deputies has formally voted to recommend the removal of Prime Minister Kaval from office today. This comes alongside a concurrent vote in the Imperial Senate which resulted in eighty-six senators voting in favor of the proposal and thirty voting against it. As it concerns the removal of the Prime Minister from office, the bill does not require his approval to be undertaken. As of the time of this broadcast, for the first time since before the Constitution of 1899 was ratified, Ikhan has no Prime Minister. Until one can be selected from the ALP, the National Assembly will convene committee to lead the government in his place, this comprising the three major leaders of the ALP, Jishek Viras, Erel Kosai, and Berai Nikas, as well as the de-facto leader of the ADP, Deputy Eira Hatas.
Prime Minister Kaval has, in spite of this, refused to give up power, and it is unknown at this time whether he will do so willingly. What is certain, however, is that the coming days will certainly prove volatile, and it is the hope of us at the Imperial News Service that you remain safe in these troubling times. Regular programming will continue as scheduled in the meantime, however, we will provide regular updates on the situation every two hours. Long live the Emperor! Long live Ikhan!
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 12, 2020, 12:30:39 AM
A series of three beeps resound across the Empire of Ikhan, lasting nearly a minute long before ceasing, after which a statement prepared by the Esat is read out for all to hear.
"Remain calm. The Emperor endures. Ikhan lives. The Arashin Empire shall endure. There is much work yet to be done." the message said, after which the programming returned to the past day's broadcast of patriotic music on repeat.
As of now, Ikhan has gone silent, even the communications of the average citizens with those beyond the nation currently restricted. It is as though, for the time being, it didn't even exist. Now, all that remains is to wait and see what will come of this situation.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 17, 2020, 02:29:15 AM
Following the deposition of Prime Minister Kaval after the events of "Black week*", His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, may good health be upon him, has, in keeping with Article 4 of the 11th Amendment to the Ikhani Constitution, appointed Jishek Viras, Deputy for Ishkot, as interim Prime Minister until the ALP has selected a new Prime Minister from among it's ranks to complete the former Prime Minister's term. Due to his leadership during the crisis, it is expected that Interim Prime Minister Viras will be selected to complete the term, after which it is possible he may seek reelection.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 18, 2020, 11:47:27 PM
In keeping with tradition, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arkan VI, will formally adopt his regnal name on the first day of the New Year. The Imperial Household Agency has, with the consent of the Emperor, selected the name "Mishei", a shortened form of the term "Miskaran Eshei", or "Celestial Rule". This particular name has not seen use since the rule of one of the "Forgotten Emperors", that being Emperor Khatas, who ruled between 1593 and 1595. Due to this, it will have the prefix "Ti-" applied to it, inferring that it is the second era of Mishei. As it is picked from among the "Forgotten Emperors", some believe that the Imperial Household Agency is getting ready to formally recognize their reign on the same level as the others, though this is made difficult due to the efforts by subsequent Emperors to attribute their successes to themselves or to Arkan I. Nonetheless, it seems the page is finally turning on the Kosokh era, and now a new one shall begin.
Title: Special — Imperial Kaisan Address
Post by: Daitō on December 25, 2020, 03:13:57 AM
Today, we have a special broadcast for our viewers from His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arkan VI Vahram ve Sherkoz. The broadcast is as follows: "My fellow citizens, today, we gather together to respect our ancestors and to celebrate the turning of the seasons. Of course, it is also a time to remember— to reflect upon the events of the year as it now passes.
It was the twenty-eighth day of August, now a hundred-and-nineteen days ago, that I took the throne from my father, the Emperor Emeritus, after the attempt on his life left him with grave health issues. While he has been on the mend since then, he was recently hospitalized as a result of complications following a round of treatment. We do believe, however, that he will pull through soon enough. Regardless of that, I am thankful to you for your well-wishes, both to my father and to myself. But of course, that isn’t to say it was the only event of this year for our people.
This year, Ikhan formally acceded to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. This marks a major point in the history of our nation as it represents but the first step towards reintegrating ourselves into our local community, as well as the world at large. It is my utmost belief that, though I say this with the greatest respect for my father, our isolationist policies were a grave mistake. Now, even as we look forward to the future, we cannot help but look to the past, for this year marks a most important anniversary for the world.
Between the years 1914 and 1945— a period of thirty-one years— our nation, one of many, waged a series of wars against the Ardian Empire. Despite this, seventy-five years onwards, I know that many still feel contempt for the Ardian people, even though the vast majority has moved away from such beliefs. I pray that, in time, the wounds of the war will fully heal and that bridges will be built where battlefields once blocked the way forwards.
This year saw the greatest threat to our nation since those dark years under Marshal Ikir’s regime, when Prime Minister Ashot Kaval sought to ignore the vote of the National Assembly in no confidence with his government. This ultimately led to the Prime Minister, in conjunction with disloyal elements within the Imperial Military and the Esat, attempting a coup and shutting down communications across the nation. We are blessed to have weathered this storm, and I am deeply thankful to those among you who took to the streets to defend your rights. Rest easy knowing that, though reform is coming, the dream of our forefathers yet lives.
Going forwards, it is my hope that the National Assembly will vote to elect a new Prime Minister, whether it be the acting Prime Minister or a fellow member of the chamber of deputies or the senate. It is my firm belief that the crisis we have just passed through has shown that reforms must be undertaken. Clearly, though justified at the time, the constitution has allowed for far too much power to be handed directly to the Prime Minister. I, like Prime Minister Viras, will push for greater transparency in the government, though this can only be done if we work together.
With that said, I wish you and your families well, and pray that the coming year will be good for all of us. Thank you, and have a good night.
Title: Interview — Jishek Viras
Post by: Daitō on December 25, 2020, 06:24:27 AM
We were recently able to sit down with Prime Minister Viras for an interview following the recent crisis. This interview will play after the break.Vaguzia. You all know it for it's sights, but its people are in need of help. Every day, a Vaguzian citizen has to go withou- you change the channel until the break ends And we're back. For those who missed it, we had the pleasure of holding an interview with Prime Minister Viras following the recent crisis. (Note: "E-" = Interviewer, "J-" = Jishek Viras) E- "Before we begin, I'd like to thank you for accepting our request."
J- "You're welcome, even if it's gonna be strange to watch myself speak tomorrow."
E- "I suppose... Anyways, I'd like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind."
J- "Well, that's why I'm here, isn't it? Fire away."
E- "For starters, what led to you deciding that former Prime Minister Ashot Kaval needed to be removed from office? Is it a difference in policy, or maybe you felt he wasn't fit to serve?"
J- "Obviously, we just hated each other... Nah, not really. It's the latter, honestly. I mean, my home province was one of the worst affected by his 'management' of the economy, and he nearly led the country to ruin the last time he was in office."
E- "Would you say his opponents were any better, or are you implying that the people simply didn't know what they were doing when they voted him in?"
J- "Honestly, neither. Though we work together, I honestly couldn't see Deputy Hatas being able to manage the country, not for at least another few years. Prime Minister Ekhral, while decent in the role, never really wowed me, and don't get me started on the fascist and the regionalist. On the other hand, I don't think the people voted for the wrong party perse. Even I didn't like the choices we had, but knowing what that man had done in his previous administration was more than enough to tell me he shouldn't be Prime Minister again."
E- "So you broke with your party on this one?"
J- "Yeah, I did. How I see it, partisanship comes secondary to the needs of the nation, and as the last few months have shown, we definitely didn't need him in power."
E- "That brings me to my next question, that being in regards to Kaval's successor. As many of us know, you are in the running to take over as Prime Minister full time rather than just holding the position temporarily. Other than yourself, who would you think could fill the role?"
J- "Well, for starters, by being Interim Prime Minister, I am technically already his successor. To say otherwise is to simply ignore the facts. But if I were to not be accepted fully in such a position, I would hope that the person who follows in my footsteps would have the best interests of the people at heart, as well as the guts to do what is needed to be done in an emergency. While we don't exactly see eye-to-eye on many things policy-wise, I'd say Berai Nikas would make for an excellent Prime Minister, if not my Deputy Prime Minister if I am formally confirmed."
E- "Do you have anything you would like to say to those who are competing with you for the position?"
J- "Yeah, actually... Good luck."
E- "Now then, as many of our viewers know, you are a member of a noble clan, yes?"
J- "Clan Khasa, guilty as charged."
E- "Well, I'd like to ask... Do you think your roots will have any effect on your policies?"
J- "I'd be lying if I didn't say I was proud of my ancestors. Being the grandson and great great-grandson of Erel and Esik Viras respectively has played a role in shaping how I view the world. Those two were really ahead of their time, if you ask me."
E- "That's great and all, but it doesn't answer my question. How will the views of your ancestors impact you going forwards?"
J- "Well, as we all know, Esik was known to seek equity among all citizens of Ikhan, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. I completely agree, after all, everyone should have an equal chance of doing great things for the nation, whether it means fighting on the frontlines or serving as Prime Minister of Ikhan as a whole. Much like him and my grandfather, I believe we need to be pragmatic in how we deal with other nations, if tempered with a bit of optimism. After all, if we don't hold onto our ideals, then we'll become no better than states like Heyra or Tamora."
E- "That brings me to my final question. As you know, under Prime Minister Ekhral's administration, Ikhan took it's first steps towards integrating with it's neighbors in the Cross-straits region. My question is this: Will you continue this process if you are confirmed as Prime Minister by the ALP?"
J- "As it stands, joining the CSTO was, objectively, the best move we could've made at the time, and still is. If I am confirmed, I will actively pursue membership for Ikhan within the Cross Straights Union as well as maintaining this key relationship. As it stands, membership within it, as well as closer cooperation with our allies in the CSTO, is well within the best interests of Ikhan going forwards."
E- "Prime Minister Viras, thank you for your time. That's it."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 25, 2020, 06:31:02 PM
It has recently been confirmed that Former Prime Minister Kaval, having been found guilty on the charges of treason, corruption, and crimes against the state. Following this, the court has sentenced the former Prime Minister to death, with the sentence set to be carried out on the 24th of January. The method of execution has not been decided upon, nor shall it be disclosed until after his death. The Prime Minister's legal team has attempted to appeal this sentencing, but it has been rejected by the courts based on the evidence found. With this measure taken, Ikhan may now truly begin to heal after the crisis that shook it earlier this month.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 26, 2020, 05:46:34 PM
Acting Prime Minister Viras has released a statement regarding his goals in the first year of his premiership, with the statement being as follows:
Quote
The first goal of my government will be to establish an exploratory committee for the creation of new amendments to the 1899 constitution, specifically going over it and subsequent amendments to see where loopholes therein may exist before recommending change to the national assembly. If, at their recommendation, it is necessary to draft a new constitution entirely, then the process will be handed over to the National Assembly to vote upon. If they, in turn, are in favour of this move, then the committee will be expanded to include various members of the assembly and experts on the laws of the nation, as well as representatives from various minority groups within the Empire of Ikhan.
Secondly, going forwards, I will order that the Esat make public all dossiers of citizens existing from before 1990 and will order the establishment of an organization which will help said citizens gain access to them free of charge. That being said, some of these said documents may need to be withheld or censored if their full release could damage national security.
Beyond this, I will move to put forwards a bill in the National Assembly that would, if approved, grant all citizens the right to access documentation and proceedings of the government with the goal of allowing for the state better public oversight. It is my firm belief that the government, if it has nothing to hide, should be open about it's day-to-day operations.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 28, 2020, 05:35:30 AM
Commission for the Amendment of the Constitution established
Following his statement released yesterday, Acting Prime Minister Viras, with the consent of the National Assembly and Constitutional court, has formally established the "Commission for the Amendment of the Constitution", or "CAC". This commission will serve to, while working in tandem with the Ikhani Constitutional Court, review the 1899 Constitution as it presently stands and recommend new amendments to it as is viewed necessary. They are also granted the authority to recommend the establishment of a new constitution, whereupon it will be expanded to include the National Assembly in it's entirety as well as a few other select groups. The commission comprises of the following individuals at present:Members of the Commission for the Amendment of the Constitution
Chairman: Dep. Arkan Kosei - ALP, Ekrit
Vice Chairman: Prof. Kesi Harat - University of Ikan
Member: Prof. Esha Insei - University of Ekrit
Member: Sen. Erel Vakan ve Akai - RUI, Shenkal
Member: Prof. Cedric Baten - University of Erikshof
Member: Dep. Berai Kasabiyan - ADP, Arĉo
It is expected that the commission could bring forwards it's decision within the next month, after which it will be up to the National Assembly to vote on the matter. Regardless of what comes, it is clear that change is on it's way to Ikhan.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on December 29, 2020, 05:38:08 PM
Defense Ministry confirms plans to reactivate select ships in Reserve Fleet
The Defense ministry has confirmed that it intends to reactivate several ships in the Reserve Fleet and return them to active service. The ships selected have not yet been entirely confirmed, but it is expected that the Ikan-class "Aircraft Cruisers" INS Ikan (which underwent significant modification in the 1990s and early 2000s to become a full Aircraft Carrier, only to be retired in 2015), INS Ishkot (unmodified), and INS Khoros (again, unmodified) will be among the ships which will return to service. In the case of the latter two, it will be at least another six months before they can return to duty, as they will undergo modernizations to bring their subsystems in-line with modern technology. Other vessels that are expected to return to service include two cruisers of the Kani-class, the INS Akran and INS Vikil, several destroyers, and a few submarines. The plan calls for an increase in funding for the Military, which will be requested early next year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 01, 2021, 06:24:09 AM
Greetings, everyone. I am Erel Vorokh, and tonight we are pleased to bring you the annual "Year in Review" special. Tonight, as we ring in the new year, we will run through events that happened in the Empire of Ikhan and her constituent territories both big and small. Thus, we may begin.
We started the year on a good note, when Natan Ohanian was sworn in as First Minister of Rusan on January 5th, making him the new head of the devolved legislature of the country following elections in October. Ohanian, a member of the Rusani branch of the ADP, had formerly served as a representative of the Qa’şila province in the National Assembly before resigning in 2018 to run for the position. This event marked an end to de-facto ANF rule in the country since 1999.
The year proceeded smoothly after that, up until it all came to a stunning halt on the 5th of April, during the celebration of the 133rd anniversary of the end of the Arashin Civil War. On that day, which though it requires no recap will nonetheless receive one, a lone gunman identified as Vrasek Khines made an attempt on the life of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor-Emeritus Kosokh. Though he was ultimately unsuccessful in accomplishing this insidious act, the then-Emperor was left severely injured to the point of disability. At present, he is once again in hospital, recovering from complications from the injury, but is set to be released early next month once this round of treatment is complete.
After that, things were fairly peaceful, if a bit hectic as the Empire worked to ensure the continuity of power following the attempted assassination of the Emperor. During this time, the INS Khiras, having been put into the reserves in 1991, finished it's repairs and was temporarily recommissioned in preparation for the 2020 Festival of Sail and the 75th anniversary of the end of the Great War.
In July, both Houses of the National Assembly voted to permit the abdication of the Kosokh Emperor, Esik I Vahram ve Sherkoz, and the enthronement of a new Emperor. This marked the first time since the reign of Erel IV— the Kotarin Eshva— that an Emperor abdicated from the throne. Following a grand ceremony, Crown Prince Arkan was enthroned as the Mishei Eshva on the 28th of August. Though it was mistakenly reported before, the first day of the new Regnal Era will begin on the traditional Arashin calendar, or January 15th for those more accustomed to the Gregorian calendar. The celebrations of the week of Ikhaimas will begin as scheduled on the 8th of January.
Another major event that happened this year was the ascension of the Empire of Ikhan to the ranks of the CSTO, a process which experts were predicting was the most likely result of talks which began earlier this year. With this step, the Empire has moved forwards in it's pursuit of greater regional integration. We at the Imperial News Service would like to wish our brothers and sisters in the Cross-Straits region a Happy New Year and we hope that it will prove better for all of us going forwards.
Then, we come to what can easily be considered one of the darkest moments in the last thirty years for the Empire of Ikhan. I speak, of course, about the elections and subsequent attempted coup against the government. Ashot Kaval, a name that will go down in the History of Ikhan with infamy, successfully won the 2020 elections for his party, the ALP, which has since distanced itself from the man. Following this victory, the opposition within the National Assembly, as well as within his own party, sought to remove him from office. Some of his loyalists have claimed that this was nothing but a powerplay and that the National Assembly subverted Ikhani democracy by removing him, but his actions after the vote vindicated the motion by the Assembly. As it is fresh in our minds, we will not go into specifics, but rather mention that, following his trial, he was set to be executed on the 24th of January.
Finally, we come to what could be the most important story of the coming year, that being the establishment of a commission by Acting Prime Minister Viras which will seek reform in the constitution, if not outright replacing it depending on their decision. Even now, the commission is hard at work reviewing the document, checking for what may need to be dropped or ammended from it and if absolutely necessary, it's replacement with a better one, one that will fit the needs of the nation as it goes into the modern era.
Thank you for tuning in. I am Erel Vorokh, signing off. The Anthem of Ikhan plays in a somber manner, as though a reminder of all that had come and gone this year, but it was also... hopeful, as though inspire people to look ahead to the new year and the new era of Ikhan. OOC Note: Happy New Year, everyone! I am so glad to have been able to spend it with you this year, and I look forwards to seeing what everyone has in store for the new year. I wish to offer my condolences to those who lost loved ones this years, but also to remind you that whatever struggles you are having, you will always have an open ear to talk to. Thank you, and have a good year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 03, 2021, 09:22:24 PM
Constitutional Commission recommends creation of new Constitution
The Constitutional Commission established late last year has, after having spent the last few weeks reviewing the Constitution for potential amendments to it, formally put forwards a recommendation to the National Assembly to begin the process of drafting a new constitution. It has formally recommended that the Assembly use the draft proposed in 2003 as a base from which to write the new constitution, which, if used, would allow for it to be dealt with in a more timely fashion than otherwise possible. Chairman Kosei was quoted as saying "...The draft from 2003, when Ikhan was considering the adoption of a new Constitution, would provide many of the safeguards proved needed by the recent crisis..." and "...It was only narrowly rejected as it didn't grant powers to the Emperor which, at the time, many in the National Assembly wished to see restored. It is our hope that, if such wishes still exist, then they can be handled in such a way as to avoid too much change to the government while ensuring safeguards against the powers the Prime Minister was granted under the 1899 constitution."
It is hoped that, if all goes according to plan and the National Assembly agrees to use the 2003 proposal, the process could take as short as a month.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 05, 2021, 12:18:21 AM
The GDP of the Empire of Ikhan shrunk in the last year, this being in part influenced by the attempted assassination of the Emperor in April and the coup-attempt by former Prime Minister Ashot Kaval. While it is hoped that the economy will begin to bounce back from this hit, the GDP nonetheless shrunk by approximately 1.3%. As a result, whereas it formerly stood at $4.17 trillion, it is now $4.11 trillion. The GDP per capita has also decreased, now reaching $17,934 while it was formerly $18,168.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 08, 2021, 02:54:40 AM
The first joint session of the National Assembly on the establishment of a new constitution was undertaken today, seeing attendance from representatives across the nation. This first session was performed in order to determine which chapters of the proposed 2003 constitution should be maintained in the new constitution, as well as which provisions of the currently in place constitution will remain as they presently are. The chapters which were dropped include Chapter 1 (which the RUI sees as degrading the position of the Emperor too much), Chapter 6 (due to concerns about finances), and Chapter 7 (due to wishes from many to see the provincial system overhauled). These chapters being rejected as they currently are will be debated on and changes drafted over the next few weeks. but it is anticipated that the move will continue on schedule.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 10, 2021, 03:43:34 AM
INARO confirms mission plans for Nikai M-1 Mission
The Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization has formally confirmed the flightplan of the Nikai M-1 spacecraft, which is planned to be a test flight to determine it's future within the program. The flight, crewed by Nikranauts Esik Akai, Vira Tiran, Bagrat Shavur, and Nergui Alkat, will fly upon a circumlunar free return trajectory, taking it around the moon before flying back to Mundus. While the spacecraft and launch vehicle are more than capable of attaining orbit on their own, INARO believes it necessary to determine the functionality of the spacecraft before any missions of a more complicated sort are flown. This comes on the heel of rumors that the organization is planning on test flying the "Akran" spacecraft, a spaceplane which would in theory replace the Nikai in the coming years.
INARO has also confirmed that it is looking into chartering flights for it's Nikranauts aboard foreign-built spacecraft going forwards.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 11, 2021, 11:47:37 PM
After much delay, the National Assembly has formally approved the modified Chapter 1 of the new constitution, which concerns the place of the Emperor within the Government of Ikhan. While maintaining his primary role as a symbol of the state, the chapter will grant him greater authority where necessary. Below are some of the articles from this chapter:
Quote
Article 1 The Empire of Ikhan shall be reigned over and governed by a line of Emperors unbroken for ages eternal.
Article 5 The Emperor shall be granted the right under the constitution to dismiss and appoint the Prime Minister of Ikhan during times of National Crisis, as voted upon by the National Assembly.
Article 6 Executive power rests in the hands of the Emperor, acted upon with the consent of the Cabinet.
Article 9 1. The Emperor, in consequence of an urgent necessity to maintain public safety or to avert public calamities, issues, when the National Assembly is not sitting, Imperial ordinances in the place of law. 2. Such Imperial Ordinances are to be laid before the National Assembly at its next session, and when the Assembly does not approve the said ordinances, the Government shall declare them invalid for the future.
Article 15 The Emperor shall be permitted the right to abdicate by this Constitution, whereupon he shall rescind all powers of governance granted by this Constitution and be conferred upon the title of Emperor-Emeritus.
Article 16 In times of crisis, as determined by the Privy Council and National Assembly, the Emperor may be permitted, with their recommendation, to take further power and establish an emergency government headed by him.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 15, 2021, 03:17:07 AM
At 12:00 in the morning, January 15th on the Gregorian calendar, the High Priest of the Vakanist faith conducted the first rite of Keset, the first of many rituals that will take place throughout the day in order to formally ring in the beginning of the Arashin New Year and the formal start of the Mishei era. Celebrations have since commenced and will continue throughout the day as Ikhan celebrates the formal beginning of the New Year. A more recent tradition of Ikhan was also performed, that being the Prime Minister's address to the nation on the Arashin New Year. This year, that was performed by Acting Prime Minister Viras in lieu of there being no selection as of yet of the new Prime Minister, who elected to deliver a more personal message alongside it. An excerpt of that part of the address will follow shortly.
Quote
...It is for that reason that today, as we gather together to ring in the New Year, and indeed the New Era, that I wish to deliver this more personal message alongside my previous remarks about the past year. Together, we saw much change in Ikhan, as we once more spread our wings and took to the sky. We weathered challenges together, even as we now prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. Only together, as sons and daughters of the fatherland, will we be able to push forwards and chart our own course into the future. We have thrown off a tyrant from his throne before he had the chance to corrupt the state and poison the Emperor with his false promises and hidden agendas. But now, as we watch the sun rise on Ikhan once more, we now have the opportunity to see the dawn of the new era. Now, the sun shall rise on Ikhan and her Mishei Eshva, long may he reign.
(Note: This post, at least irp, is meant to be released on the 15th)
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 16, 2021, 11:04:29 PM
The Coalition government of the ALP and ADP has formally convened a vote to select the next Prime Minister from among their ranks, as is permitted under the 1899 Constitution in the event of the removal of an elected Prime Minister by vote of no confidence. While Acting Prime Minister Kaval has served admirably, many believed that handing such affairs to a member of the Virasid lineage of Clan Khasa might disrespect the legacy of Chancellor Esik Viras, who believed that members of the nobility should not hold that position. Though his policies have had considerable support in the Assembly, many in the coalition believe that Ikhan needs a more measured approach rather than rapid reform, especially in light of last year's crisis. That said, Acting PM Viras has not gone without support, though he has said that he doubts the Assembly permit him being given the premiership. Nonetheless, the results of the vote were as follows:
Acting PM Jishek Viras — 38%
Deputy Aren Etas — 19%
Senator Erel Kosai — 39%
Deputy Berai Nikas — 4%
With Senator Kosai receiving 39% of the vote from the two parties, he narrowly beat out Acting PM Viras as a result of two seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Jishek Viras has congratulated his opponent, recognizing that he would make a strong leader in the coming years and wishing him the best. Jishek Viras, having forfeited his seat in the Chamber of Deputies, has not released any statements on what he plans for his next move, though rumors have circulated that he may be offered a position within the Privy Council or on the new PM's cabinet.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 16, 2021, 11:29:41 PM
The National Assembly has recently voted to approve Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the proposed 2021 Constitution. These chapters detail the Rights and Duties of the People (Chapter 2), the National Assembly (Chapter 3), and the Cabinet and Privy Council (Chapter 3), with the Assembly being overwhelmingly in favor of Chapter 2 while being more divided on Chapters 3 and 4. Some excerpts from these chapters of the new constitution have been provided below:Chapter II
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Article 18 The people shall not be prevented from enjoying any of the fundamental human rights. These fundamental human rights guaranteed by this Constitution shall be conferred upon the people of this and future generations as eternal and inviolate rights.
Article 22 1. The citizens have the inalienable right to choose their public officials and to dismiss them. 2. All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group thereof. 3. Universal adult suffrage is guaranteed with regard to the election of public officials. 4. In all elections, secrecy of the ballot shall not be violated. A voter shall not be answerable, publicly or privately, for the choice he has made.
Article 27 1. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to all. No religious organization shall receive any privileges from the state, nor exercise any political authority. 2. No person shall be compelled to take part in any religious act, celebration, rite or practice. 3. The state and its organs shall refrain from religious education or any other religious activity.
Article 38 No person shall be violated of life or liberty, nor shall any other criminal penalty be imposed, except according to procedure established by law.
Chapter III
Quote
Article 48 The National Assembly shall be the highest organ of state power, and shall be the sole law-making organ of the state while in session.
Article 49 The National Assembly shall consist of two houses, namely the Chamber of Deputies and the Imperial Senate.
Article 51 The qualifications of members of both houses and the electors of the Chamber of Deputies shall be fixed by law. However, there shall be no discrimination because of race, creed, sex, social status, family origin, education, property or income.
Article 54 Electoral districts, method of voting, and other matters pertaining to the method of election of members of the Chamber of Deputies shall be fixed by law.
Article 72 The Chamber of Deputies, when the Prime Minister fails to form a government, shall be permitted to vote to remove them from office and elect a new Prime Minister from among the ranks of the governing party or coalition.
Chapter IV
Quote
Article 73 1. The Respective Ministers of State shall give their advice to the Emperor and Prime Minister, and be responsible for it. 2. All laws, Imperial Ordinances, and Imperial Rescripts of any kind, that relate to the affairs of the state, require the signature of a Minister of State.
Article 74 The Privy Councillors shall, in accordance with the provisions for the organization of the Privy Council, deliberate upon important matters of State when they have been consulted by the Emperor.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 18, 2021, 12:23:30 AM
Prime Minister Kosai proposes additional Chapter to Constitution
The recently-selected Prime Minister, Erel Kosai, has formally put forwards a motion to restore the previously-abolished Chapter IX of the 1899 constitution, which, if still in effect, would allow for the Emperor to appoint a citizen of Ikhan to the position of Imperial Chancellor. This is not the first time that such a motion has been proposed, but until recently it lacked support due to it's legacy being tied to the Ikirist dictatorship. Nonetheless, in light of recent events, many in the National Assembly believe it may be necessary to restore the position as a check to the power of both the Emperor and the Prime Minister. It is curious, then, that the Prime Minister himself would propose it, with many speculating that it could be a result of his own political views or because of his mandate requiring that he seek a measure that would prevent a similar event from happening in the future.
If approved, the Chapter would require that the Emperor appoint a Chancellor within seven days of the Constitution's approval, after which they must be approved by a simple majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Should the vote to consider the restoration pass, the National Assembly will review the Chapter and adjust it to fit within the proposed 2021 constitution.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 19, 2021, 06:08:31 AM
National Assembly approves Chapters 5, 6, and 7, agrees to look into restoring Chapter 9
The National Assembly, after a few days of continued debate, has formally approved the present draft of Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the proposed 2021 Constitution of Ikhan. These chapters cover a range of subjects from the role of the Judiciary to Finance and to the governments of the provinces. It has also agreed to consider the Prime Minister's proposal to reinstitute the old constitution's Chapter 9, previously retracted in the late 50s following the collapse of the Ikirist dictatorship. A few articles of the three approved chapters have been provided below.Chapter V
Quote
Article 75
The whole judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as are established by law.
No extraordinary tribunal shall be established, nor shall any organ or agency of the Executive be given final judicial power.
All judges shall be independent in the exercise of their conscience and shall be bound only by this constitution and the laws.
Article 77 Judges shall not be removed except by public impeachment unless judicially declared mentally or physically incompetent to perform official duties. No disciplinary action against judges shall be administered by any executive organ or agency.
Article 80 The Supreme Court is the court of last resort with power to determine the constitutionality of any law, order, regulation or official act.
Chapter VI
Quote
Article 82 The power to administer national finances shall be exercised as the Assembly shall determine.
Article 83 No new taxes shall be imposed or existing ones modified except by law or such conditions as law may prescribe.
Article 84 No money shall be expended, nor shall the State obligate itself, except as authorized by the Assembly
Article 85 The Cabinet shall prepare and submit to the Assembly for its consideration and decision a budget for each fiscal year.
Article 89 At regular intervals and at least annually the Cabinet shall report to the Assembly and the people on the state of national finances.
Chapter VII
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Article 90 Regulations concerning organization and operations of local public entities shall be fixed by law in accordance with the principle of local autonomy.
Article 92 Local public entities shall have the right to manage their property, affairs and administration and to enact their own regulations within law.
Article 94 The Empire of Ikhan recognizes the existence of the States of Rusan and Andreð[1] as constituent countries within its borders, with their own constitutions and Assemblies under which they are governed.
INARO has confirmed that the Nikai M-1 spacecraft, mounted atop it's RZ-6 "Altan" rocket, has been rolled out to the pad at the Artsiv Cosmodrome's Launch Complex 16c, where it will be readied for launch this Thursday. The crew, Esik Akai, Vira Tiran, Bagrat Shavur, and Nergui Alkat, have begun their final preparations for the mission, which is planned to last ten days and take the crew on a flyby trajectory of the moon.
The Nikai M-1 mission, scheduled to launch at 11:00 AM AST, has lifted off after a two-hour delay. The mission, commanded by Nikranaut Esik Akai, has encountered no issues that would jeopardize the mission so far and is scheduled to last ten days. The first phase of the mission, which has already begun, will call for the spacecraft to fire it's engines so that it will fly on a free-return trajectory to the moon. The second phase will serve as the primary goal of the flight, wherein the crew will perform the flyby, take photos of the surface of the moon in preparation for a possible landing later in the year or next year, and perform experiments while in the Lunar sphere of influence. The third phase will see the spacecraft return to LMO (Low Mundus Orbit) before firing it's engines to bring it into a circular orbit, after which it will spend a few days in LMO before returning to the planet. It is anticipated that the INS Khorai Sharos or the INS Erel Makran will recover it, with the landing site being planned for an area to the south-west of the Akarasin Archipelago, located to the south of Rusan.
National Assembly approves Chapters 8 and 10, and 11, will begin proceedings on Chapter 9
The National Assembly has formally approved Chapters 8, 10, and 11 of the 2021 Constitutional proposal, thus formally approving all necessary articles to begin ratification among the assembly. However, so far it has yet to begin hearings on the controversial Chapter 9, which, as previously mentioned, would allow for the Emperor to appoint a citizen to the role of the Imperial Chancellor. All eyes in Ikhan are now on the National Assembly as they begin to review the document then vote on ratifying the constitution. As per usual, a few excerpts of the chapters approved have been provided below:Chapter 8
Quote
Article 95
Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Assembly, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Assembly shall specify.
Amendments when so ratified shall immediately be promulgated by the Emperor in the name of the people, as an integral part of this Constitution
Chapter 10
Quote
Article 103 The fundamental human rights guaranteed by this Constitution to the people of Ikhan are fruits of the age-old struggle of man to be free; they have survived the many exacting tests for durability and are conferred upon this and future generations in trust, to be held for all time inviolate.
Article 105 The Emperor or the Regent as well as Ministers of State, members of the Assembly, judges, and all other public officials have the obligation to respect and uphold this Constitution.
Chapter 11
Quote
Article 107 If the Imperial Senate is not constituted before the effective date of this Constitution, the Chamber of Deputies shall function as the Assembly until such a time as the Imperial Senate shall be constituted.
Article 108 The term of office for half the members of the Imperial Senate serving in the first term under this Constitution shall be three years. Members falling under this category shall be determined in accordance with the law.
Article 109 The Ministers of State, members of the Chamber of Deputies, and judges in office on the effective date of this Constitution, and all other public officials who occupy positions corresponding to such positions as are recognized by this Constitution shall not forfeit their positions automatically on account of the enforcement of this Constitution unless otherwise specified by law. When, however, successors are elected or appointed under the provisions of this Constitution, they shall forfeit their positions as a matter of course.
Proceedings regarding the proposed Chapter 9 are scheduled to begin tomorrow morning and will last at least for two days.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 24, 2021, 09:10:24 PM
Chapter 9 passes in the National Assembly — Ratification of Constitution imminent
Following a period of deliberation by the National Assembly over the last few days, the controversial Chapter 9 of the 2021 Ikhani Constitution has been formally approved. The Chapter would allow for the Emperor to appoint a citizen to the office of Imperial Chancellor, a position left vacant since the fall of the Ikirist regime that ruled Ikhan from 1941 until the early 1950s. Following this period, the title was abandoned due to its associations with the dictator, though in recent times the idea of restoring the position has gained popularity, especially in light of the second-to-last chancellor's role in shaping the modern Ikhani state. The role itself, except for a pair of interruptions first in the 15th century and then in the aforementioned 20th, traces it's roots to before even the first Empire, when the Pentarchs would appoint their own chancellors as their chief advisors. Therefore, the history of the title goes back almost 1,750 years.
With the passing of Chapter 9, the 2021 Constitution has formally been approved by the Constitutional Committee and will now be ratified by the combined members of the National Assembly, who shall serve as representatives of the provinces. The process could take as short as a day, provided it is approved unanimously and without challenge by any of the Provinces through the combined representation of their Deputies and Senators.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 25, 2021, 04:07:16 AM
The disgraced Former Prime Minister, Ashot Kaval, had his sentence completed earlier today when he was formally executed at Keitan Imperial Penetentiary in the Northern Feltasi range. It is confirmed that, in keeping with tradition, he was permitted to commit suicide in order to both restore his honour and preserve the honour of the Emperor. It is strongly believed that the former Prime Minister chose this as the means by which he would die, though the Ministry of Justice has not confirmed it at this time. Nonetheless, many across Ikhan now rest easy knowing that the would-be dictator has been put down.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on January 31, 2021, 09:04:53 PM
2021 Constitution Ratified — To take effect in two weeks
With the final provincial assemblies voted to ratify the 2021 Constitution as proposed by the joint session of the National Assembly, the National Assembly, in the presence of the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister and His Cabinet, and the Emperor and his Privy Council, gathered to formally promulgate the new Constitution and sign it. With all provinces and prefectures approving it, the 2021 Constitution of Ikhan has formally been ratified and will go into effect on February 14th, 2021. The full text of the Constitution has been provided below, alongside the signatures affixed to the document.2021 Constitution (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n7WcCn740V-ET-zDSauJmOcyg5VelqFWv7NPNzPlXi0/edit?usp=sharing) Signatures (https://docs.google.com/document/d/145MORt09n-ihBrLl-zQgjjcCFFEHJ2_sW8SQ11Cr8bw/edit?usp=sharing)
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 02, 2021, 06:07:07 AM
Individuals representing the Ishitic Priesthood among other religious institutions throughout the Empire of Ikhan have recently challenged Article 87 of the recently-ratified 2021 Imperial Constitution, citing concerns that the wording of the article imply a move away from the pluralist ideals upon which the nation was founded. They specifically raise concerns as far as it regards to funding, calling into question the apparent move to stop the provision of funds or tax exemptions for religious organizations. A spokesperson for this group was quoted as saying "While we, like many of our peers, are excited by the changes being brought by the new constitution, we are deeply concerned by the wording of Article 87. It is for that reason that we wish for clarification as pertaining to the article and what it would entail, and if absolutely necessary, we are ready and willing to challenge it before the Supreme Court."
So far, Prime Minister Kosai's administration has not made any public comments on the challenge, though sources within the administration seem to indicate that he is willing to look into rewording the article.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 02, 2021, 06:54:54 AM
Emperor announces candidate for office of Imperial Chancellor
With the ratification of the 2021 Constitution, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Mishei has put forwards his candidate for the office of Imperial Chancellor. While many have predicted that the former Acting Prime Minister, Jishek Viras ve Khasa, would be his pick, the Emperor has, with the recommendations given by the Imperial Household Agency, selected a different man for the office. Indeed, it came as a surprise, if a bit muted, when he put forwards the idea of making a member of his Privy Council, Arkan Viras, the father of Jishek Viras, the new Imperial Chancellor. This proposal hearkens back to the time before the rule of Marshal Varen Ikir, during which time it was tradition for the eldest son of a clan's leader or, in many cases, the leader of the clan him or herself, to hold the title. If approved, which seems increasingly likely, the former Acting Prime Minister will take his father's position on the Emperor's Privy Council. This comes after his elder son, Imras, stated his intention not to inherit the position earlier today, rather wanting to focus on his military career and his family. A spokesperson for the Imperial Household Agency was quoted saying "This move has been considered since the first time the National Assembly considered reinstituting Article 9." and "Governor Viras has proved himself a capable leader for his constituents, and it seems reasonable that he will do his best his new position."
Only time will tell whether the presumed Imperial Chancellor will truly be able to mend the nation's wounds, but it is nonetheless anticipated that he will be a capable leader.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 04, 2021, 07:25:20 AM
Nikai M-1 returns to Mundus — Crew in good spirits
The Nikai M-1 spacecraft has recently returned to Mundus following a successful flyby of Luna earlier this week. The spacecraft, which landed to the south of Rusan, was recovered by the INS Khorai Sharos, with the crew being welcomed aboard shortly thereafter. With the crew now in the process of recuperating from the ten-day flight aboard the vessel, it is anticipated that they will depart the carrier tomorrow, where they will first fly to Rusan and then to the mainland. A spokesperson for the Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization was quoted as saying "the crew of the Nikai M-1 was, when we last called them a few minutes ago, in good health and good spirits, and indeed they seemed rather excited to be back on Mundus after their mission."
The mission, which first and foremost was meant as a full test of the spacecraft's many systems, saw the crew also perform reconnaissance of the Lunar surface with the goal of finding an optimal spot to land in the coming years. INARO's Director, Erel Tiyar, has stated that the organization has no intention of retiring the spacecraft early, though has also stated that plans for the "Akran" spaceplane have not necessarily been dropped either. While not confirmed, it is believed now that the organization is working with Aerospace and Defense Manufacturer "Kines-Vanas" on the Akran spacecraft, with the basic design being expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 05, 2021, 08:05:53 AM
Government to consider lessening of sanctions on Ikuiat Region, Kopsje
Following news that the government of the Ikuiat region of Kopsje formally repealed the country's religious restriction laws as they pertain to the region yesterday, the Government of Ikhan has reportedly started to consider reversing some of the sanctions put in place upon the nation, though only on officials within the region which has ceased the enforcement of said laws. This would, at least as it currently stands, primarily unfreeze the accounts of members of Ikuiat's government, however as of the present no final decision has formally been made. Nonetheless, the Empire of Ikhan and indeed the Imperial News Service will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this developing situation in the country.
Experts warn Mount Ital is seeing heightened activity — Advisory issued for large part of Khotai Prefecture
Researchers at the University of Ekrit have warned that Mount Ital, a volcano located in the southern Khotai Prefecture, has seen elevated unrest above known background levels. This has led to the Central Weather Bureau issuing an advisory for the Khotai Prefecture, specifically within the area immediately around the volcano. If it were to erupt, the nearby city of Vikai could see damage even with a relatively low score on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. Travelers and citizens alike are advised to avoid the region in the coming months, even as the CWB continues to closely monitor the mountain for any changes. While evacuation orders have not been put into place, it is recommended that residents in the prefecture be prepared to leave the region should the situation deteriorate further and have a plan if the volcano does erupt. For more information, stay tuned to EKZ in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 07, 2021, 04:52:45 AM
Following the announcement that Emperor Mishei was looking at offering Arkan Viras of Clan Khasa the position of Imperial Chancellor earlier this week, many across the country have been watching closely whether the former Governor would accept the offer. Today, we received word from the recently re-established Office of the Imperial Chancellor that the offer has been accepted. The sixty-seven year-old Governor has, however, stated that he will only hold the position for as long as it takes to settle affairs within the nation following the introduction of the new constitution later this month, after which he plans to resign. In keeping with tradition, his eldest son, Imras, will take over. Some have, however, questioned the need for the position to be hereditary, though the majority of those polled have said they believe the system is fine as it is, especially in light of both possible successors having proven competent in their own right. Nonetheless, we now go live to the National Assembly building, where the newly-appointed Imperial Chancellor is expected to deliver his remarks momentarily.
“Citizens of Ikhan, Rusan, Andreð, my name is Arkan Viras. I will admit that, given the circumstances, I never thought I would be in this position, but such are the times we live in that what is unexpected one day becomes reality the next. As the Kosokh Era came to an end, I thought, perhaps, my time in politics too had come to an end. That it was time for a new chapter to be written in this great story that we call 'Ikhan'. But the past does not often like to be left forgotten, and those who sought to use the period of Imperial transition to further their own goals reared their ugly heads once more. When Prime Minister Kaval betrayed the oath he swore to serve the interests of the people, I knew that it would be the last actions of the previous generation that would ring in the new era. Going forwards will not be easy, for many challenges lay before us. These are, after all, times that will try our souls, and ever man, woman, and child will have to do what they can to keep this beautiful country on the course it is on today. I take the office of Imperial Chancellor, not as a reflection of the past, but as the beginning of a new, brighter future for Ikhan. As your new Chancellor, I will continue where my great-grandfather left off, furthering the goals of unity, justice, and equity for all our citizens. But to those who would do us harm, as Ashot Kaval and his cabal as well as many others have done, you will not find me as an ally. Effective immediately, you are the enemy, and we will not stop until, Ishen willing, you are neutralized and brought to justice. May the Kani protect and guide us through this trying time. Thank you, and good night."
That was the first address of Chancellor Arkan Viras, as brought to you by the Imperial News Service. Stay tuned as we dissect his address and discuss what his leadership in the coming weeks and indeed months could mean for Ikhan. It is entirely likely that, though he will be the first to hold the office in almost seventy years, he will also be one of the shortest-ruling, having stated he intends to retire within the year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 14, 2021, 05:37:05 AM
The 2021 Constitution went into effect today following the conclusion of the two-week transitional period provided by the document. This marks the first time that the Empire of Ikhan has changed it's constitution in it's "entirety", though many have pointed out that, outside of the changes in the governing system, many parts of it are still holdovers from the previous document. Lawmakers from most every party represented in the National Assembly have praised the implementation of the new constitution, though it has not been without it's challenges by other groups. Indeed, the Supreme Court is currently hearing a case regarding the somewhat controversial Article 87, which prohibits government funding for religious institutions. It remains to be seen what their ruling will be, but we can expect it within the next few months.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 16, 2021, 08:03:45 AM
Poll finds significant percent of population supports Andreði Independence
A survey of the population of Andreð carried out by EKZ recently found that 43% of the population of the region now supports independence to varying degrees, whether it means as a fully independent state, a freely-associated member-state, or even as a quasi-independent nation that is tied heavily to Ikan. This has necessitated discussion among many circles whether a referendum on the independence of Andreð should be considered, especially in light of the last referendum in 1993 which failed by a margin of 9%. Prime Minister Kosai's government has yet to comment on these findings, but is anticipated to do so in the coming weeks. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, it is expected that the results could have a wide-ranging impact on the future of Ikhan.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 19, 2021, 04:40:28 PM
Polling Data misrepresents Population, Andreði Government says
Normally, we do not discuss stories involving our own station, however as this pertains to recent surveys we performed in one of the regions of Ikhan, we find it important that we report on this situation. Recently, aa spokesperson for the Andreði Government stated that the article we published earlier this week misrepresented the population of the region, especially in light of other polls from competitors which showed the number of supporters for Andreði independence had, in fact, decreased to betweem39 and 40%. However, we will admit fault in part on this matter, as we believe that we may have sampled a more biased part of the population. For that, we apologize. We will, in the future, be taking further action to prevent such incidents as this from happening in the future, and we will be looking into how this accident occurred. Thank you.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on February 21, 2021, 11:36:02 PM
Article 87 Violates long-standing religious policy, says Supreme Court
In a recent ruling of 4 to 1 by the Supreme Court of Ikhan, Article 87 of the 2021 Constitution has been found to violate currently in-place laws regarding the handling of government funds to religious institutions in its current wording. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court had the following to say:
Quote from: Spokesperson
Not only does the argument brought against the continued implementation of Article 87 provide good reason to reconsider its current existence, it raises questions which we believe are necessary to answer. This is, naturally, a part of the process that was anticipated when the Constitution was approved, and the Supreme Court will make its recommendations accordingly. We are only a few steps out of the proverbial door on this new journey of ours, and we cannot forget to take the necessary actions to ensure that this voyage of ours will go smoothly."
It is anticipated that the Supreme Court will recommend the amendment of the constitution following this ruling that will specifically target such issues raised during the hearing, however at present there has been no action taken. We will continue to report on the situation as more news comes out.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 13, 2021, 07:06:05 AM
The Ikhani National Aerospace Research Organization has, in a recent press conference, announced the existence of Project Akran, a series of spaceplanes which would allow for easier access to Low-Mundus Orbit at a significantly lower price than current spacecraft allow. The spacecraft has, at present, three primary variants planned, those being the Akran-OS (Orbital System; contains Crewed Orbiter and External Fuel Tank), Akran-CS (Cargo System; Cargo Variant with External Fuel Tank), and Akran-RS (Reusable System; Cargo variant SSTO; long-term plan), though it is anticipated that an advanced variant of the OS-variant will be built at some point. Documentation will be provided below: The earliest form of the Akran system was proposed as early as 1993, though due to a lack of funding, it was dropped early on. However, in 2011, the Imperial Military expressed interest in a cheap, reliable vehicle to put its satellites in orbit, which led to the concept being revived. By 2015, INARO also expressed interest, though due to it being a military project it was kept largely classified from the general public. With military backing being removed in 2019, however, INARO has maintained its support for the project, citing the need to significantly reduce the cost of space transportation operations, as well as the spacecraft's increased efficiency, operational flexibility, and other advantages of the mobile launch from a carrier-plane.
Akran-OS with the Orbiter and External Fuel Tank
(https://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/img/maks%20os.png) (Figure One: Akran-OS Second Stage)
The Akran-OS version is used for injection into an orbit and recovery to Mundus of small-scale and medium-scale payloads as well as performing a wide spectrum of missions at Low and Medium-Mundus Orbit. The typical flight-plan of the spacecraft is performed as follows:
The Carrier-plane with the installed second stage takes off from it's basing airport and flies to a point above the surface, upon which it will launch the second stage. The geographic coordinates for the launch and the azimuth are determined by the mission's required orbital parameters. This task is completed by the carrier-plane with it's on-board fuel reserves. For longer flights, this task involves refueling the aircraft mid-flight through a military-owned RF-7 Altan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_KC-46_Pegasus).
At the starting point, at approximately an altitude of 9 km, the carrier-plane makes it's pre-starting pull-up maneuver to provide the optimal combination of the initial trajectory parameters for the second stage: flight altitude, velocity and trajectory, and trajectory angle. Carrying out the pre-starting maneuver, the carrier-plane at first makes a shallow-descent, increasing its velocity before performing the pull-up maneuver with increasing trajectory angle and flight altitude. At this leg of the flight, the main propulsion unit of the second stage is started.
When a required trajectory is reached, the separation process of carrier-plane and second stage starts. It consists of two phases:
Quick reduction of the normal g-load down to a value of ny = -0.6 g. At this moment, breaking of mechanical connections between the carrier-plane and second stage appears;
Collision-free separation of the carrier-plane and the second stage. During separation, the control of both the carrier-plane and the second stage ensures a safe distance between the carrier-plane surface and the rocket engine's jet flow.
After separation, the second stage flies along the launch trajectory while the carrier-plane returns to horizontal flight, returning to the basing airport.
When the second stage reaches a near orbital velocity, the main propulsion unit cuts off, the external fuel tank separates from the orbiter, descends and enters Mundus's atmosphere's dense layers, and burns up. The injection trajectory is picked so that unburned pieces of the fuel tank will fall into the ocean.
The orbiter , after separation from the fuel tank, starts the orbital maneuvering system (OMS), achieving it's operational orbit and performing the major task of its mission.
When the task is completed, the orbiter performs it's de-orbit retro maneuver by means of its orbital maneuvering system, enters the atmosphere and performs the full atmospheric controlled descent process before landing at it's main base airport. (Note: In emergencies or depending on the requirements of the mission, the aircraft can land at any sufficiently large and equipped airports.)
The main propulsion unit of the second stage consists of two HK-701 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RD-701) tri-propellant engine produced by Kosit Aerospace. They use the following as propellant: Liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and kerosene.
The main engines are installed on the orbiter and belong to reusable elements of the Akran system.
The fuel for the main propulsion unit is located in the external fuel tank and is supplied into the main engines through a plug-type connection. The external fuel tank consists of three separate tanks: in the front part — liquid hydrogen tank, in the middle — liquid oxygen tank, and rear part — kerosene tank. The external fuel tank is fixed on the orbiter by three powerful connector assemblies with a pyrotechnic separation mechanism.
The Akran orbiter (figure 2) also has an orbital maneuvering system used for orbital flight and during the beginning of the descent into the top atmospheric layers. The orbital maneuvering system consists of two liquid orbital maneuvering thrusters and three engine units (nose, left and right at the rear) of the reaction control system (RCS).
Two OMS engines of 3,000 kg thrust each are used for the elliptic ascent, orbital transfers, and braking before descent.
(https://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/img/maks2%20bis.png) (Figure 2. The Akran Orbiter)
RCS includes 28 small liquid-fueled engines with 2, 5, and 40 kg thrust which provide angular control of the orbiter relative to the center of gravity and the plane-parallel motion during the mooring-and-docking maneuvers in orbit.
All RCS engines use pollution-free fuel: hydrogen peroxide and kerosene.
To control atmospheric flight, the orbiter has aerodynamic control surfaces: elevons, flap and rudder control, and air brakes.
The Payload Bay (PLB) with folds is located in the middle part of the orbiter. The folds are opened up during flight in orbit. The injected and recovered payloads are placed in this payload bay. The basic manned version of the orbiter (Figure 3) has a cockpit for a two-pilot crew. The main overall dimensions of the orbital plane are: length — 19.3 meters, wingspan — 12.5 meters, height — 8.6 meters.
There are some other versions of the orbiter for different tasks:
unmanned orbiter (Figure 4.) for the insertion of payloads heavier than those for manned variants and for prolonged orbital flights including flights at higher altitudes;
variant for Transport Maintenance Service (TMS) of orbital stations and unmanned platforms, as well as for emergency crew rescue from objects (launched unmanned, returns with crew of six)
(https://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/img/unmanned%20orbital.png) (FIgure 4. The unmanned orbiter)
There are two orbiter variants for the TMS missions. OSTMS-1 is used for transportation of relief crews and payloads into internal modules of orbital stations. They are transported in the pressurized module of the orbiter. To perform such actions, the payload bay is fitted with a docking port and a second pressurized cabin (figure 5.).
The Orbiter used for emergency crew rescue has a similar layout. Some differences are displayed in larger fuel reserves for higher mid-flight maneuverability.
The OSTMS-2 is used for the supplying of payloads — equipment and assemblies installed on the outer surface of a space station (solar batteries, antennae, and other) — in the cargo bay. It can also be used for supplying fuel and other liquids in tanks placed in the non-pressurized cargo bay (figure 6).
(https://www.buran-energia.com/documentation/img/tms-2.png) (Figure 6. The OSTMS-2 Orbiter)
Using various equipment located in the payload bay of the shown spacecraft allows the performance of a wide variety of missions. INARO anticipates, thanks to previous work on the spacecraft over the last decade, that the spacecraft's unmanned variant could launch as soon as 2022, though it has not given any information on when the crewed variant will launch due to it wishing to test-fly the aforementioned variant first.
INARO has also stated that it is looking at flying the Mishei Emperor on the Nikai M-2 Mission coming up later this year. Due to his experience as a test pilot for the Imperial Air Forces, as well as probably his position, many believe that this was a likely outcome, though some have questioned whether the Emperor has personally paid for this flight or if this is meant to bolster the state's image following the incident last December.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 16, 2021, 07:18:23 PM
Preparations underway for the Millennial Anniversary of Khorai I's birth, Imperial Founding
With the upcoming celebrations of the millennium since the birth of the Emperor, Khorai I, Ikhan has come alive as festive decorations have popped up across the nation. Due to a decree made shortly after the death of his son by the Ishitic Priesthood, this anniversary will also officially mark the thousand-year anniversary of a unified Ikhan and likewise of the position of Eshva. As a result, it is anticipated that the Emperor will deliver an address to the nation on the occasion. The celebrations are set for May 19th. Further information on them will be provided in the coming months.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 17, 2021, 03:55:11 AM
Imperial Household Agency to formally recognize "Lost" Emperors; Emperor to change regnal number to "Arkan VII"
The Imperial Household Agency recently confirmed that it will formally restore its recognition of the so-called "Lost Emperors" of Ikhan following a recent discovery of documents regarding them. The library which formerly held documentation on these emperors had burned down in the mid-18th century, which many now consider a case of Damnatio Memoriae by the then-emperor, Erel IV (now Erel V). Erel was, in his time, known to be a tyrant over his people and it is suspected that he destroyed these records and many like it in order to "start fresh" within the Empire. As a result, information on the lives of these emperors is scarce, and as such to respect the lack of concrete information on them beyond the texts discovered and what few others remain, they will retain the title of "Lost Emperor". At present, the Imperial Household Agency has not confirmed whether it will seek to relocate the tombs of some of these Emperors, which had been lost as part of the purge conducted in the mid-18th century. All Emperors post-Arkan I will have their titles corrected in future textbooks, with both the Emperor and Emperor-emeritus expected to have their titles adjusted as well.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 18, 2021, 06:06:25 AM
Empire could restore old name, abandon "Ikhan" as official name
A recent bill introduced in the Chamber of Deputies proposes that, in honor of the thousand-year anniversary of the birth of Khorai I, Ikhan be renamed to it's pre-constitutional name of "Arashkai". The bill has enjoyed support from many across the nation, with the most notable detractors being within the autonomous region of Andreð, where it is viewed with mild suspicion at most. If it comes to vote, it seems entirely possible that it will pass the National Assembly, whereupon a referendum will be held on the name. It will also require a constitutional amendment, however.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 21, 2021, 02:05:53 AM
National Renaming Bill passes, Nation to hold referendum in early April The previously-proposed bill that would require the national government to hold a referendum on the name of Ikhan recently passed in a joint session of the National Assembly today with 142 supporting the measure, 50 voting against, and 5 abstaining. With it's passing, Ikhan is now required to hold a referendum on its name no later than April 20th, with officials hoping to hold it by April 3rd. A spokesperson for the National Assembly was quoted as saying "while a minor issue comparatively, in honor of the first Eshva, we believe the time is now to assert our unique culture in the eyes of the world."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on March 26, 2021, 04:33:17 PM
Security to be tightened in major cities ahead of celebrations, parade
The municipal council of Ikan has recently confirmed that the city will see security tightened in preparation for the upcoming millennial celebrations of the Empire and the annual celebration for the end of the Arashin Civil War, citing last year's assassination attempt as cause for concern. Gendarmerie forces will conduct more frequent patrols around key parts of the city including the Ikas, Akat, and Kalat districts. A spokesperson for the National Gendarmerie had the following to say on this decision:
Quote
While we respect the coming festivities as being important to the people, we nonetheless cannot help but remain vigilant in the coming weeks. We are concerned that there could be an incident in some districts, and indeed we have not determined whether the former Emperor's would-be assassin was a lone-wolf or part of some larger organization. Nonetheless, we remain committed to keeping you safe and secure in the coming weeks, no matter what. We do expect that things will go back to normal shortly thereafter, however."
It is expected that the Gendarmerie will set up checkpoints along major roads into the city in the next week to help ensure that the festivities go off without a hitch. For more news, stay tuned.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on April 01, 2021, 06:47:18 AM
With final votes tallied, as confirmed by a special joint session of the National Assembly this afternoon, the populace of the Empire of Ikhan has made it's voice clear. Effective midnight of the third of April, the Empire of Ikhan will be no more, restoring the old title of the Empire of Arashkai (ᠡᠱᡌᠠᠨ ᠠᠷᠠᠱᠻᠠᠢ) as the official name of the nation. Voter turnout was high, seeing a participation of approximately 81% of the electorate across the Empire. It is important to note that, naturally, the mainland was in strongly in favor of the move, as was Rusan due to it's significant Arashin population. Andreð, on the other hand, saw slightly less support for the move, with only 74% of those participating supporting the move, largely among immigrant families from the mainland and Rusan. However, it is interesting to see that even among the natives, this has seen marginally higher approval than previously projected. This points to a possible growing movement of Andreði citizens who view themselves as more and more Arashin than their forebears, however, it is too early to see whether it is a fluke or a general trend among the populace.
The results of the referendum were met with celebration even among the members of the National Assembly, with an instance of the both the Present National Anthem and the anthem in use at the time of the Great War being sung within the halls by deputies and senators alike. His Imperial Majesty, the Mishei Eshva, issued a statement on the decision when it was announced:
Quote from: Arkan VII
The people of our great nation have made their voices heard, and they have voted for the restored identity of the Arashin. In the name of national unity, they have put aside their cultural differences and have chosen to be Arashin first, and the cultures of their birth second. Nonetheless, the path to this unity of our people will be a long one, and it is one that will face many challenges in the coming years. Nonetheless, I have faith that the government will adequately manage the course that we now set ourselves upon. Thank you, and have a good night."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on April 09, 2021, 06:50:04 PM
The Imperial Military recently celebrated the 134th anniversary of the end of the Arashin Civil War, which was waged between 1882 and 1887. Fought between loyalist forces under the Kosan Eshva and forces loyal to General Berai Katos, the war cost tens of thousands of lives and left parts of the country in ruins, but it also paved the way for the establishment of the 1899 Constitution and thus the modern Arashin state.
The day began with the standard military parade, overseen this year by his Imperial Highness, the Mishei Eshva, near the Ikas Imperial Palace. This event saw lessened attendance in the wake of last year's Assassination attempt, though still drew a significant crowd. Most notable among this part of the day's celebrations was the appearance of the Imperial Guard's newest detachment, which was recruited late last year from among the best of the Imperial Military's various special forces, as well as the Emperor's remarks on the day's significance.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/644254647292526612/830128899391881276/unknown.png) Members of the Imperial Guard during the Festivities of April 5th
Provided below are some of His Imperial Majesty's remarks:
Quote from: Mishei Eshva
Today, we remember the sacrifice of our sons and daughters in the pursuit of a better future for their children and grandchildren. Of how, in what was at the time our darkest hour, the average civilian stood up and with great courage said "No" to what would've undoubtedly been a most oppressive regime the likes of which we had not known. It is through you, the people, that the modern Empire was able to be born out of the ashes of the old, stronger in spirit than ever before. And it is with your greatest sacrifice that we were able to withstand the coming storm that would be the Great War." — On the sacrifice of those who fell in the war.
"I know that today, even as my father finds himself once again hospitalized and indeed in a deteriorating condition, we remember the atrocious attack against the unity of our people last year. I wish to state that I remain committed to the ideals of the father of our nation, Esik Viras, who believed that being 'Arashin' went far beyond just belonging to one culture, to one race, or to one creed. In his words, to be Arashin was to commit ones self to the ideals of unity, of honor, and of duty, but I would like to add to that. While I acknowledge that he was a great man, his perspective was limited by the times he lived in. Likewise, in time so shall my own views. But I also commit myself to ensuring, for as long as my reign shall continue, the peace, stability, and prosperity of our our people. All of our people, whether their ancestors hailed from the mainland, Andreð, or even Ardia. And I vow, with the eyes of the world upon me, to ensure the preservation of these core parts of our nation for so long as I shall live." — On his commitment to the people.
Celebrations continued late into the night, with the Emperor paying visit to both the Ikan'Kita temple and the mausoleum of the Kosan Eshva that afternoon before retiring for the night. Many undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief that no major incidents happened during the event.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Ikhan)
Post by: Daitō on April 12, 2021, 05:56:11 AM
Arashin National Team returns from World Cup — "Startling success", says coach
Arashin participation within the 2021 Rugby World Cup recently came to a close following a relatively close defeat in the Quarter Finals by the Lodjans, who held a six point lead by the end of the game. Despite it's failure to make it past the Quarter Finals, the coach for the National Team, Esik Konai, was quoted as saying that "we didn't expect to defeat the Lodjans, given their past performance" and "I will admit, even making it to the Quarter Finals was, to be honest, a... startling success for the team." He was also quoted as saying "I would like to wish the Lodjans the best of luck in the coming games, as well as the other teams that are competing.
While the members of the team were greeted in Ikan with a heroes welcome, it has not been explicitly confirmed whether they will compete in the 2022 World Cup, nor if Arashkai intends to submit a bid to host the games next year. However, with the former, it is indeed expected that it will, when the time comes.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on April 30, 2021, 07:44:12 AM
The Empire of Arashkai celebrated the millennial anniversary of the birth of its first Emperor, Khorai I of Clan Hailun, today with an extravagant ceremony in the city of Khoros. This coincides with the traditionally celebrated date of the founding of the Empire of Arashkai within the Ishitic faith, which views the state as having come into existence with the birth of the Emperor. His Imperial Highness, the Mishei Eshva, personally attended the ceremony and gave a few remarks on the event. Other speakers included Imperial Chancellor Viras and several celebrities from across the Empire's various regions. All of them came together today to speak of the importance of unity across the nation in the wake of the crisis faced by the nation last year. This event marks the end of the festivities held across this month, but many of Arashkai's citizens anticipate further memorials in the coming months, most notably the birthday of the Kosan Eshva on June 4th.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on May 20, 2021, 06:11:43 AM
Akran will fly on an Arashin Aircraft, INARO Confirms
INARO Director Ikos Nakir recently confirmed that the upcoming Akran Orbital System will fly aboard an Arashin-produced aircraft, the design for which has been provided by Ikaren Aerospace. The company, which is well-known for producing the RF-7 and the CT-series aircraft currently in military service, has proposed the reuse of its designs from the early-2000s for a strategic airlift cargo aircraft. This aircraft, the CT-113, bears strong resemblance to aircraft of a similar role, will have it's design modified to include mounts for the Akran Orbital System upon the top. A spokesperson for Ikaren said that it is hoped the aircraft, which is similar to many aircraft already produced by the company albeit significantly larger, could be finished by early 2022, after INARO is projected to begin aerial flight tests in November.
Arashkai ratifies MAEA Statute
The National Assembly held a vote on ratifying the Mundus Atomic Energy Agency Statute today, a plan which has seen considerable support throughout the last two years. The Chamber of Deputies voted 115 in favor to 28 against on ratifying it, while three voted present on the matter. Likewise, the Imperial Senate voted 33 to 6 on ratification, which has led to the bill which would see the Empire formally ratify the statute go to the Prime Minister, Imperial Chancellor, and Emperor for approval. With all three individuals approving it, the Empire of Arashkai will formally sign the statute and will, over the coming year, move to comply with the agency's many standards.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on May 23, 2021, 05:40:17 AM
Empire to adopt new flag; Most significant change since Ikirist Era
The National Assembly recently voted to adopt a new flag for the Empire of Arashkai following a referendum held in 2019 that, due to the last year's crisis, had it's vote in the assembly postponed until the situation had settled down. The National Assembly has, as a result, approved a finalist, that being the so-called "Four Peoples" flag, displayed below:
Deputy Ikos Nakai (ALP, Niras) cited its roots as a design proposed in shortly after the signing of the 1899 constitution, though its symbolism is somewhat somewhat different. He noted how this modern interpretation not only represents the lands of the Empire, including "Western Arashkai", otherwise known as the provinces west of the Feltasi Mountains, this modern flag represents the four major cultures that will serve to create a unified, modern Arashin Identity, a sentiment shared by many of the Andreði deputies and senators alike. Senator Ashot Talas (RUA, Kovei), on the other hand, cited the symbol in the center as a deeply Arashin symbol, both being a simplified version of the "Star of Ishen" and as a representation of the Star of Valour, the Empire's highest military honour, as a reason to support the change. Nonetheless, effective tomorrow, the Empire of Arashkai will cease to use the old flag and will, instead, begin to use the flag of Four Peoples as its official flag. Commentators have noted its striking resemblance to the flag of Ishkot, which further solidifies its historical elements as the Battles of Ishkot are seen as unifying moments for the Empire.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on May 28, 2021, 02:22:46 AM
The Arashin Imperial Guard held it's 1000 year anniversary today with a parade in the capital, Ikan. This event was marked by a short military parade outside the Imperial Palace and offerings made by the Imperial Family and prominent members of the guard in a shrine on the grounds of the palace. A similar celebration was held outside other palaces in Misra, most notably the Imperial Palace of Khoros and the Ketin Imperial Villa, as well as other residences throughout the Empire.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/675376616158920750/847508109018923018/mongol-honor-guard2-jpg.png) Members of the Imperial Honour Guard in ceremonial dress during this year's celebration
The Imperial Guard, which was established prior to the reign of the Ankai Eshva (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2282.msg20549#msg20549) while Misra was seen as the hegemon of Arashkai, is among the oldest currently-serving military units on Mundus and certainly in Ardia. While anyone in theory can gain a position in the guard, its standards are known to be among the most stringent within the Arashin Imperial Army, with only those who are already members of special operations forces being allowed to merely apply to undergo initial training to even take the necessary courses to join the guard. Even among them, however, only a small percent of them will become members of the Imperial Honour Guard (best known for the above parade uniforms), whose job it is to solely guard the Emperor and immediate family. Other members of the guard will be tasked with the protection of lesser members of the Imperial Family as well as foreign dignitaries within the Empire.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on May 29, 2021, 06:51:39 AM
INARO has formally announced an end to it's design competition for a lunar lander has formally come to a close, with the design first proposed by Akhan Systems (a division of the Akhan Corporation) being selected from among various competing designs. This particular design, which features a single stage, will be launched separately from the Nikai M-2 spacecraft and will be placed in orbit around the moon. It is planned that it will be launched around a week or two in advance of the main mission and is designed to function for a maximum of forty-two days when separated from the spacecraft. It is, therefore, expected that the Block I spacecraft can, at maximum, spend 28 to 35 days on the Lunar surface, though of course it will likely only be used for shorter stints to the surface.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/848076023189864448/354991f3b6ea577f6bb22250825f5133.png) Front-facing view of the Akhan lander
No name has currently been formally selected for the lander, which will be decided upon by the public. While no information regarding its specifications has formally been released at this time, INARO has stated that it will release said information at a time it deems fit. The organization has also stated that, though it would like for the spacecraft to fly before the end of the year, it is far more likely to be launched in february of next year. This will mean that the Nikai program will, without doubt, be extended, which the organization's director has confirmed will not interfere with the in-development Akran program.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on May 29, 2021, 08:23:56 AM
The Assembly on the island of Rusan, in keeping with the adoption of a new national flag by the Empire as a whole, recently voted to change it's flag to represent this change. The design picked was proposed by one Ashot Haisan, a member of the assembly representing the Hitei prefecture for the ALP. The flag's design has the national flag in the top-hoist canton which is bordered with a white band. The rest of the flag features a blue field of the same color as on the national flag, though it is emblazoned with the coat of arms of Rusan, that being a chrysanthemum flower with four stars each representing a cardinal direction.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/644254545320345600/848099179707891712/unknown.png) The recently-adopted flag of Rusan
Andreð's assembly is expected to hold a similar vote later in the month.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 10, 2021, 02:59:19 AM
Celebrations set to continue until Saturday across nation
Following news that the last nuclear device was dismantled by the Achkaerinese state, celebrations have been held across the nation in major cities, with the most notable being in Ikan. The issue was, as many might have guessed, one which was important to the nation, in light of it's own former nuclear program that was discontinued in the late 80s. Indeed, his Lordship, the Mishei Eshva, personally was deeply concerned with the issue, which led to the Empire's ratification of the MAEA Charter earlier this year. As a result, it is anticipated that his Lordship will attend the celebrations either tomorrow or on Friday, once security has been heightened.
Roads near the Imperial Palace, Viras Square, and the Vakhet gate are expected to remain closed to traffic well into next week, so drivers are politely reminded to avoid such locations until the closures are lifted. Please stay tuned for an interview with Ikos Nasai of the Arashin Democratic Party in Rusan.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 10, 2021, 06:35:14 AM
Attacks claim several lives, status of Emperor unknown
BREAKING NEWS-- Ikan's historic Vakhet gate was rocked by an explosion today as celebrations continued following the announcement of global nuclear disarmament being completed. Among those attending were His Lordship, the Emperor, His Imperial Highness, the Emperor-Emeritus, and Prime Minister Kosai. As we cannot access the site at this time, we must... suspect the worst. We do not know if this was an accident or not at this time, but-
We have just received word that similar explosions have occurred in Ishkot and Goris, though we are likewise unable to access the locations at this time. All viewers are strongly advised to stay indoors until further notice. For the first time in over fifty years, the mainland has been attacked. I repeat, we have been attacked. It is too early to speculate by whom, but the timing of these incidents cannot be mere coincidence. Stay tuned for further updates. All other programming has been cancelled until further notice. I only ask that, if you are religious, please pray for our nation. Long live the Mishei Eshva! May his reign last ten-thousand years!
.....EKZ.....Emperor's status currently unknown, last seen pulled down from wall before explosion.....EKZ.....Prime Minister Erel Kosai believed deceased following attack. Nation will likely enter mourning period soon.....EKZ.....Emperor Emeritus's status unknown, believed shot but survived. Hope for survival likely decreasing by the minute.....EKZ.....Casualties unknown at this time, but believed to be high. Stay tuned for further updates.....
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 10, 2021, 05:13:32 PM
The nation mourns the death of a titan. Just a few minutes, we received word that His Imperial Majesty, the Kosokh Eshva, was among those killed in the attacks this morning. He was fifty years old. The son of the Kantei Eshva, his reign saw Arashkai enter into a brief period of isolation, during which time internal issues were dealt with, including a recession that started in 2003. As is well remembered, he was the target of an assassination attempt last year which preceded his abdication. He is survived by his wife, the Eshva-Emerita and his three children. The Imperial Family has yet to issue a statement on the issue. Please, stay tuned for further news as it comes in.
Prime Minister among deceased
We have just received word that Prime Minister Erel Kosai was indeed killed in the attack in the capital. As required by the constitution, Deputy Prime Minister Berai Kires has been sworn in as Acting Prime Minister until the National Assembly can convene a vote. While his term was brief, his time as a senator will undoubtedly be remembered fondly.
State of Emergency declaration likely imminent
Following the attacks across the nation earlier today, it is likely that a state of emergency will be declared and that Article 16 will be enacted. Article 16's purpose is to grant His Lordship, the Mishei Eshva powers otherwise reserved for wartime during a national emergency. A curfew will be in place in major cities starting at 9:00 PM and ending at 5:00 AM AST which will likely be maintained for the next few weeks. Please remain calm and follow any instructions given. Your safety and the safety of others depends on it. Thank you, and stay tuned.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 11, 2021, 07:50:53 PM
Since the attacks yesterday rocked our nation, many have found themselves with questions of "why?" and more importantly, "who?". Rest assured knowing that we now know who or what organization is responsible, as the RAC (Rusani National Front) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organization is a splinter group of the RLF, which formally laid down it's arms in the late 1990s, though in recent years has taken on a more religious and ultranationalistic flair. The following is the statement they released:
Quote
The attacks carried out by our sons and daughters are a message to you, vile beasts from beyond the Kayn. Rusan belongs to us Avosai and no others. We have struck at your very heart, and we will continue until every last Arashin, Andreði, and other foreign citizen leaves our blessed shores or is dead. So commands Akhri, the light-bringer. Those who so valiantly sacrificed their lives shall live forever alongside him as martyrs.
The government has asked citizens across the Empire to report any suspicious activity that may involve the organization.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 11, 2021, 07:58:36 PM
With the death of Prime Minister Erel Kosai, the National Assembly convened a vote on the declaration of a state of emergency across the nation and the implementation of Article 16, which would grant the Emperor the right to form a government and allow, for the duration of the crisis, legislative power to be granted to his council. While a small number question its necessity, when polled, 88 out of 100 participants polled said that they believe this is the best course of action for the time being and that, depending on the actions taken by the Emperor's government, they might reconsider this action or that it may be best to maintain the system in place.
The vote to declare a state of emergency passed with only 16 voting nay and one voting present, while the implementation of Article 16 of the Arashin constitution saw somewhat lessened support, especially among regionalist parties. Nonetheless, the vote passed, and now, all that remains is to see whether His Lordship, the Mishei Eshva, will agree to take power.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 11, 2021, 09:46:20 PM
Mishei Eshva delivers address to National Assembly
Following the results of the vote held by the National Assembly earlier today, His Imperial Majesty, the Mishei Eshva, appeared before the assembly to deliver an address on it. The following is that speech:
Quote from: Mishei Eshva
Assembled delegates, citizens of Arashkai, Rusan, and Andreð, I come before you now to report the deaths of my father and the Prime Minister alongside many, many others. I never planned to be in this position, nor did I imagine that I would have to take the actions you have voted upon. I do not doubt that the one-hundred-and-twenty-six victims who lost their lives thought this day would come as well as their families, who have to carry on now without them. I accept the results of this vote with heavy heart, but also with a clear goal ahead of us. As your Eshva, I know that I lack experience, but I will make up for it with passion, dedication, and the support of the Arashin people.
Vira Hasin, age six. Ikos Isan, age eleven. Armen Hovsep, age 21. Katrin Liese, age 86. These were all individuals claimed by the cowardly attack by the RAC. They were not just from the mainland or Andreð. They were from all across our nation, and now, they are gone. And likewise, this was not an attack on one group, but on all of us.
I come before you today to announce that we will begin the largest manhunt in our nation's history. We will not stop until the RAC and it's associates have been hunted down and made to answer for these attrocities they have committed against our people. These... terrorists believe that, by inciting fear and sowing chaos will divide us, but throughout our history, our courage, our resolve, and our strength of will have always shone the brightest when in our darkest hours. When our nation was divided in the 15th century and our shores were under constant attack by outsiders, was it not the courage of our people that drove them out? When the Ardians came to our mountains, was it not the resolve of the Zharai that allowed the city of Tasiri to be held? When they came to our shores, was it now our will to survive and win that drove them back to their heartland? Like the heroes of old, as we enter into this dark time, we will survive. The darkness that surrounds us will pass, and the light of the sun will shine with brilliance through even the thickest clouds. But make no mistake: We will prevail. We must. This is the beginning of a reckoning for all who would dare attack our holy land. It is the first step of many towards justice for those who have fallen, and this journey will not end until we are victorious! The future of this country, the future of our nation demands it!"
With this speech, His Imperial Majesty has taken the reigns of the government. We will keep you updated as the situation continues to develop. Long live the Mishei Eshva! May he reign ten thousand years!
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 15, 2021, 06:43:29 AM
The Imperial government has authorized additional funding for the Esat and Internal Troops in order to launch a full-scale investigation into the attacks that struck the nation on the 10th. With one of two suspects from the attack in the capital still being at large, all citizens are requested to provide whatever information they can in order to apprehend them. Ikan will remain on lockdown until further notice while additional security forces arrive. It is strongly urged that you comply with orders given by the military for the security of the state and her people. Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Long live the Mishei Eshva! May he reign ten thousand years!
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 18, 2021, 11:45:00 PM
His Imperial Majesty, the Kosokh Eshva, will been laid to rest in the Kosanai Imperial Graveyard in Ikan on the 23rd of June. This comes following the cruel attack in the nation's capital which claimed his life, as well as those of many others. The funeral will be open to attendees from across the nation and beyond, with his Imperial Majesty, the Mishei Eshva, being anticipated to give a eulogy for him. The Imperial News Service, as well as most major broadcasters across the nation, will televise the event as it happens, starting at 6:00 AM on the 23rd and ending at 8:00 PM on the same day, after the funeral has concluded. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Imperial Family as they go through this difficult time.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on June 19, 2021, 05:56:46 AM
With the recent crisis fresh in the public consciousness, INARO has formally announced the crew roster of the Ryū M-2 mission, which will involve the crew remaining in lunar orbit for two weeks. Rumors about His Imperial Majesty flying on the mission have been denied by the organization, though the option remains for the nation's upcoming moon landing later this year. The roster is as follows:
Hiromasa Itsumi
Arashkai
Mission Commander
Akemi Kajihara
Rusan
Pilot
Johan Landau
Andreð
Mission Specialist
Jiro Himekawa
Arashkai
Mission Specialist
Among the crew of Ryū M-2, Akemi Kajihara has had the most experience, having flown into space thrice before this mission. The flight will also be Mission Specialist Johan Landau's first mission and Jiro Himekawa's second flight. The flight will also be Hiromasa Itsumi's third flight into space, having flown on Ryū T-21 and T-28 before this mission. The mission is anticipated to launch between July 3rd and July 7th.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 04, 2021, 08:29:29 PM
(https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/hitech/rocket/images/001.jpg) Ryū M-2 Lifts off from Artsiv Cosmodrome, Rusan
The Ryū M-2 mission, crewed by Mission Commander Hiromasa Kajihara, Pilot Akemi Kajihara, and Mission Specialists Johan Landau and Jiro Himekawa, has successfully launched from Artsiv Cosmodrome. The mission will see the crew enter orbit around the moon on the 7th, where they will remain until the 17th before returning home by no later than the 20th. This mission is a deeply important step for the Ryū programme, one which will, it is hoped, allow for a manned landing by November or December, though it is believed that it could be February of next year that the mission will take place. We will provide updates on the mission as necessary. Long live the Emperor!
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 06, 2021, 10:25:48 PM
IAN Akizuki could return to service in early 2022, State Minister Gushiken suggests
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/675376616158920750/862081604117725194/unknown.png) IAN Himekawa, a Himekawa-class Battlecruiser, underway in the Dauntel Sea (c. 2018)
Fumito Gushiken, State Minister of Defense, held a press conference earlier today regarding progress on the the Himekawa-class Battlecruisers Yamakawa and Akizuki. During this conference, he hinted that the IAN Akizuki could return to service no earlier than February of 2022, though he indicated that it would be more likely for May. The ships, which were launched in 1989 and 1993 respectively, are among the largest ships currently in service with the Imperial Navy and were built to replace the aging IAN Kami and Kashima, though the latter remains in service at this time while the vessels continue their refit. This refit will include 174 new Vertical-launch (VLS) tubes, with 80 being used for anti-surface missiles and 94 for anti-air missiles, as well as upgraded radar systems and new cannons. It is anticipated that the IAN Himekawa will undergo similar refits before the end of the decade, with some hoping that it could be done as soon as 2024.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 08, 2021, 02:07:10 AM
INARO has recently confirmed that the Ryū M-2 spacecraft has successfully entered Lunar Orbit and has begun operations relating to its mission. The spacecraft, crewed by four Astronauts, launched earlier this week and is intended to remain in orbit for upwards of two weeks, during which time the crew will map the lunar surface in order to acquire a landing site for the upcoming Ryū M-3 mission later this year as well as potentially further missions in the coming year. The crew will also perform experiments relating to the mission profile, but make no mistake that the primary objective is to map the lunar surface in high enough detail for the landing as well as practice for future long-duration missions.
A spokesperson for the Arashin Mundus Games Committee has confirmed that the city of Ikan will host this years events, marking the first time that the Empire has hosted the games in its history. The event is expected to begin later this month and will last through the next month as well. His Imperial Lordship, Emperor Go-Tenshi, has congratulated the committee on its successful bid, one which he was watching closely as he qualified for the games earlier this year, where he will participate in the games' archery events. It is expected that he will take part in the games' opening and closing ceremonies as well, though to what degree has not yet been released to the public.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 16, 2021, 10:39:32 PM
Ryū M-2 Splashes down off coast of Arashkai; Crew "In Good Spirits"
The Ryū M-2 spacecraft carrying Uchūnauts Hiromasa Itsumi, Akemi Kajihara, Johan Landau, and Jiro Himekawa successfully splashed down 163 kilometers north-east of Awara earlier today, having spent the last two weeks in lunar orbit in preparation for the upcoming Ryū M-3 mission to the Lunar Surface. The mission was deemed a total success by INARO, which has confirmed that the following mission will occur no later than January 2022 with the goal of landing by November. His Lordship, Emperor Go-Tenshi, has personally congratulated the crew of Ryū M-2 on this success in the following statement:
Quote
Once more, we have seen that with dedication and perseverance, mankind can achieve great things. The success of the Ryū M-2 mission has opened the door to greater triumphs for all mankind in the decades to come. While we may not be the first, every nation whose sons and daughters shall walk on the surface of another world will bring mankind ever-closer to a more glorious future. To the crew of the Ryū spacecraft- Hiromasa Itsumi, Akemi Kajihara, Johan Landau, and Jiro Himekawa- I offer you my deepest congratulations. To the personnel who worked to make this flight possible, I wish to say that, though the journey is not yet complete, this milestone would not have been reached without your hard work. And to the world, I would like to say that only through peaceful cooperation beyond our world can Humanity's survival be ensured for all time.
— His Imperial Highness, Emperor Go-Tenshi
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 17, 2021, 07:11:53 PM
UHS Orbiter delivered; Vehicle to undergo atmospheric tests starting early next month
INARO has confirmed that the first UHS orbiter, designated KS-21, has been completed and delivered to Artsiv Cosmodrome, where it will begin atmospheric flight tests starting early next month. The orbiter has been given the name Tenryū ("Celestial Dragon") by the organization and will, upon the completion of atmospheric testing this year, likely be the first of the UHS fleet to fly into orbiter. The Imperial Air Force has authorized the transfer of an Ochai CT-8 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-225_Mriya) to INARO in order to facilitate these tests as well as be modified to bring it inline with the specially-designed CT-8KS which will carry the UHS fleet during future launches. At this time, it is estimated that the modifications should take as little as two weeks to perform, due in part to there being pre-existing hardware for the original version of the UHS, the KUK, which was what led to the original order of the CT-8s currently in service.
A spokesperson for INARO has stated that, depending on the results of the atmospheric tests, the first orbital flight of the UHS could occur sooner than the currently set date, which has been confirmed to be December 2.
INARO changes name
INARO has officially adopted a new name following the implementation of the 2021 National Renaming bill, wishing to bring itself inline with the current terminology of the nation. The organization will henceforth be known as "ANSA", or the Arashin National Space Administration. The name will formally be used for all official documents issued by the agency starting on the 18th.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on July 22, 2021, 08:05:27 PM
The Arashin National Space Agency has released a basic schedule for the atmospheric flight tests of the UHS Orbiter. The UHS Orbiter, Tenryū, is planned to perform its first flight tests early next month, though it will be unmanned. There will be three crews that will perform the flight tests starting with the 5th test, with all of them have been called Approach and Landing Tests, or SCS. There will be thirteen of such tests, one for each week unless a catastrophic accident occurs. Below are the crews and the schedule: Crew One:
Commander
Eiji Akiyama
Pilot
Hiroji Ryoma
Crew Two
Commander
Michiko Yamada
Pilot
Erich Habermann
Crew Three
Commander
Taichi Yukawa
Pilot
Asami Egawa
Approach and Landing Tests Phase One
Mission
Test Flight
Date
Crew
Notes
SCS-1
Captive-inert flight #1
NET 3 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-2
Captive-inert flight #2
NET 10 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-3
Captive-inert flight #3
NET 17 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-4
Captive-inert flight #4
NET 24 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-5
Captive-active flight #1
NET 31 Aug 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-6
Captive-active flight #2
NET 7 Sep 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-7
Captive-active flight #3
NET 14 Sep 2021
Crew 3
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
Phase Two
Mission
Test Flight
Date
Crew
Notes
SCS-8
Free flight #1
NET 21 Sep 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone on, lakebed landing
SCS-9
Free flight #2
NET 28 Sep 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone on, lakebed landing
SCS-10
Free flight #3
NET 5 Oct 2021
Crew 3
Tailcone on, lakebed landing
SCS-11
Free flight #4
NET 12 Oct 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone off, lakebed landing
SCS-12
Free flight #5
NET 19 Oct 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone off, lakebed landing
SCS-13
Free flight #5
NET 26 Oct 2021
Crew 3
Tailcone off, runway landing
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 01, 2021, 07:30:54 PM
The Imperial Aeronautical Administration has formally given authorization for the Arashin National Space Agency to perform its first atmospheric test flight on the UHS spacecraft. This test-flight will be unmanned save for the crew of the CT-8 that will carry it and will have the vehicles climb to 4,877 meters at a velocity of 462 km/h. The flight will last roughly two hours, during which time the flight characteristics of the aircraft while mated to the orbiter. As it will not involve the orbiter beyond it being mated to the modified CT-8, it will be unpowered for these tests. While not mentioned previously, the second and fourth flights will feature the orbiter in it's launch configuration, though with the added tailcone, in order to test the aircraft's flight characteristics with the full stack mated to it. The flight will take place on the third and ANSA has stated that, if it goes well enough, it could push the timetable forwards by half a month, with the second and fourth flights taking place in the same week as the first and third ones.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 03, 2021, 08:44:13 AM
UHS Conducts first Approach and Landing Test; "Resounding Success" says ANSA
The Tenryū Orbiter performed its first Approach and Landing Test today over the skies of MFS Artsiv, where it was mated to its carrier plane in order to test the flight dynamics of the aircraft with the orbiter mated to it for transport. According to a source within the space agency, the flight was deemed a resounding success and authorization has been given for the spacecraft to fly again on the sixth, after it has been mated to a boilerplate fuel tank in order to test the flight dynamics of the carrier plane in launch configuration. This success has led to the agency issuing a new timetable for the flights, with the agency aiming now to perform an orbital flight test by mid-to-late October.Phase One
Mission
Test Flight
Date
Crew
Notes
SCS-1
Captive-inert flight #1
3 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-2
Captive-inert flight #2
NET 6 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier,
SCS-3
Captive-inert flight #3
NET 9 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone off, Lands with carrier
SCS-4
Captive-inert flight #4
NET 12 Aug 2021
None
Tailcone off, Lands with carrier
SCS-5
Captive-active flight #1
NET 15 Aug 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-6
Captive-active flight #2
NET 18 Aug 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
SCS-7
Captive-active flight #3
NET 21 Aug 2021
Crew 3
Tailcone on, Lands with carrier
Phase Two
Mission
Test Flight
Date
Crew
Notes
SCS-8
Free flight #1
NET 24 Aug 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone on, lakebed landing, First Free Flight
SCS-9
Free flight #2
NET 31 Aug 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone on, lakebed landing
SCS-10
Free flight #3
NET 7 Sep 2021
Crew 3
Tailcone on, lakebed landing
SCS-11
Free flight #4
NET 14 Sep 2021
Crew 1
Tailcone off, lakebed landing
SCS-12
Free flight #5
NET 21 Sep 2021
Crew 2
Tailcone off, runway landing
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 10, 2021, 11:00:00 AM
ANSA has confirmed that the UHS orbiter designated "Tenryū" has completed it's third approach and landing test, this one being a test of the flight dynamics of a full stack of the system while mounted aboard it's carrier plane. The fuel tank was, however, kept empty as it would not be a test of the launch system itself. The vehicles left MFS Artsiv at 6:00 AM, flying for two-and-a-half hours at approximately 8,700 meters above sea level. The crew aboard it's carrier found no issues with the orbiter nor its fuel tank during flight, and it was deemed to have gone off without a hitch.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/874582152791097344/unknown.png) Pictured: SCS-3 as photographed from one of its chase planes, 8/9/2021
The Tenryū Orbiter remains on track to perform it's first crewed flight test this Sunday, as well as its first orbital flight test no earlier than October 11th. ANSA has, at this time, not disclosed the mission details for the orbiter, though it is expected by many that it will dock with the Kyūden IV Space Station, presumably with the goal of restoring it to operational condition in preparation for a resumption of missions to the station. The first batch of UHS orbiters remains on schedule for production, with Akaryū being scheduled for completion in December. The unmanned variant of the spacecraft remains under construction too, although it is still a year away from its first flight.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 13, 2021, 07:26:18 AM
His Majesty, the Emperor has performed a visit to the Keiyo Shrine in the Kita, Ashina. The shrine, built in 1933 to commemorate the late Keiyo Tennō, is one of the most important in Teidō, being dedicated to the deified spirit of the former Emperor. While there, he reportedly offered a prayer for peace to abound throughout the world and for healing within the Empire following the attacks earlier this year. He also reportedly partook in several rituals while there, including an exorcising ritual for the shrine to ward off malevolent Yokai as well as to inspect the shrine's day-to-day operations. It is anticipated that he will return around New Years to partake in lead various rituals once more.
UHS Cleared for Crewed Testing
Following an intensive round of testing in the last two weeks, the DNSA has authorized for crewed testing of the UHS spacecraft. This comes on the heels of four successful captive inert flights of the orbiter held over the last two weeks, with the next round of testing, the captive active testing phase, set to begin later this week. At this time, plans remain on schedule to begin free flight tests of the orbiter starting August 24th. The Shuttle also perform its full stack tests, designated now as ZTS-1 and ZTS-2, on September 21st and September 28th. Purchase of the UHS system will be offered starting in 2022.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 14, 2021, 09:53:48 PM
Space Station causes road blockage, traffic delays
Residents on the Island of Ikishima were surprised today to find their roads blocked by a most strange sight. A space station, of a similar design to the Kyūden I, was blocking a lane on a road leading into Goris, causing significant delays for those heading into the city along the route. The station, which was designated 11F86K, was never actually intended to fly into space, rather being used in a Neutral Buoyancy Tank at MFS Artsiv during the 80s and early 90s.
11F86K was, from 1992 until 2015, on display at MFS Artsiv's visitor center before being put into storage. The module was later selected to be put on display at the National Aerospace Museum in Ashina, being transported to the city by a Zayasu CT-11 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_C-2). However, disaster struck earlier this morning when the station broke free of its bindings on the back of the vehicle carrying it, causing it to roll off the side of the vehicle. The vehicle remained on the side of the road for a few hours as teams worked to get it back aboard the carrier vehicle, eventually accomplishing it by 4:00 PM AST. Casualties are, save for a few squirrels, nonexistent, but the 11F86K spacecraft will require repairs before it can be put on display.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 14, 2021, 11:23:11 PM
Imperial Government announces Infrastructure Revitalization Bill
The Imperial Government has authorized a bill that would allocate funds to begin the process of modernizing Daitō's rail network, closing gaps in the nation's high speed broadband network, the construction and repair of the nation's road and bridge network, and the construction of new nuclear power plants in order to begin phasing out the nation's oil and natural gas power stations, as well as providing an incentive to set up more electric vehicle charging stations. The bill has a price of around ¥32 trillion ($400 Billion USD), which will be spread out over the course of five years. The bill has been given the name "the National Revival Act", or "NRA" for short and will go into effect on the 21st of August. The Imperial Government has also stated that it is exploring options for reforms to the nation's welfare system.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 21, 2021, 09:44:56 PM
The UHS spacecraft "Tenryū", designated OV-201, has completed its final captive flight test aboard its CT-8 carrier plane. The vehicle, which was manned by Taichi Yukawa and Asami Egawa, flew to an altitude of 9,300 km at a speed of 500 km/h for approximately an hour. This test was primarily a preparation for the upcoming free flight test of the Orbiter scheduled for the 24th of August which will land near MFS Artsiv on an old lakebed. The flight was deemed a success by the DNSA, which called it possibly among the most important achievements of the program thus far. In the meantime, the boosters for the upcoming Orbital Flight test have arrived at MFS Artsiv and are being processed in preparation for the test flight.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 23, 2021, 06:09:13 PM
We recently had the opportunity to interview His Highness, the Emperor. We will begin with a few questions submitted from across the nation. What would you say is the most important moment of your reign so far? That's a good question, actually. I mean, there could be an argument for my enthronement being the most important, but that's just a ceremony. No, I would say that the most important event of my reign so far has been the accession of the Empire to the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. I will make it no secret that, after my service back in 2017, I felt that our nation needed allies if we were to survive. Just in case. Otherwise, I cannot deny the significance of the attacks earlier this year, as well as, of course, the drafting and adoption of our new constitution. But yes, our accession to the CSTO is, perhaps, the most significant event so far, though I suspect that my answer will change by the end of the year.
You mention that your answer to the previous question will likely change. Would that be due to the upcoming moon landing? Yes, actually. Sure, it's been done before, our allies in Rokkenjima and Tytor have both done so to great success, but this will be a... personal achievement. As you know, I've been selected to take part in the mission as a Mission Specialist. I know, I know, people always ask whether my position has anything to do with this. The truth of the matter is, however, that I was selected for the program back in 2018 from a batch of candidates. And yes, I am aware of the risks as well, but I have the utmost faith in the men and women of the Daitōjin National Space Agency.
Moving on from those matters, I would like to ask a few questions regarding the attacks earlier this year. Do you believe that the Rusani National Front was behind the attack? What I believe and what we know are two completely different things. But, to answer your question, I want to believe that they are, but... Part of me cannot help but think there is more to it. Maybe it's just because my father was killed in the attack. Maybe. But in spite of that, we are not entirely certain at this time as to whether they are responsible, and as a result, I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to find those responsible and to... neutralize them before they may strike again.
Assuming they are not, in fact, responsible, what do you believe should be done regarding the RAC? Well, the easy answer would be to force it to disband, but nothing is ever quite that easy. Frankly, I'm not at liberty to go into detail, but we would need to put more pressure on the organization. Nothing extreme, mind you, unless they do strike. And of course, if they do launch an attack, they will be met on all fronts with and equal, opposite, and terrible reaction. I cannot stress this enough: Anyone who is a member of an organization like the RAC is an enemy of the state. Whether they wish to lay down their arms peacefully or by force is of no consequence to us.
Final question. With news coming in regarding the Clysperi government's ratification of the Uppsala Convention and abolition of indentured servitude, many have been left wondering just how willing they are to holding themselves accountable for any breaches that may occur. What is your take on this matter? Admittedly, it is too soon to be certain, but I have to admit I have my doubts on it, in light of the behavior of their forces during their civil war. Truth be told, I don't have any reason to suspect that similar breaches will not occur in any future wars. However, we cannot ignore that this is but a single step on the path forwards, and it will take time for their government and military to become accustomed to the provisions of the convention. As for their abolition of indentured servitude, I am... Pleased to see this result. As you know, I am staunchly opposed to the practice of slavery, regardless of if it is titled as something else, which is why I am, admittedly, overjoyed by this news. However, I do feel a certain... trepidation as they move forwards with this. As you undoubtedly could guess, those in the business of using said former "servants" are unlikely to willingly give up their so-called "property" without a fight. I fear that the formerly enslaved will just be forced into another system of oppression just so that they can survive. But of course, that's just my thoughts on the matter. I would love to be proven wrong, so we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 26, 2021, 10:07:24 PM
UHS Spaceplane Tenryū (OV-201) has completed its first active free flight test, where it was piloted by Uchūnauts Eiji Akiyama and Hiroji Ryoma. The orbiter detached from its carrier plane at an altitude of 7.4km and a velocity of roughly 500 km/h. Once detached, the spacecraft began a five-and-a-half minute glide back towards MFS Artsiv, landing at a lakebed near the cosmodrome. The flight in total lasted for an hour, coming to an end at 3:26 PM, and has been deemed a complete success by the DNSA.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/880548395519991878/unknown.png) Tenryū during its first free flight
When asked about the flight, Mission Pilot Hiroji Ryoma had the following to say about it:
Quote from: Hiroji Ryoma
The spacecraft flew like a dream, though I will say separation from the plane was a bit different from what we were used to. Not in a bad way, it was just more exciting, actually. We finally got to fly her on her own, after all.
Hiroji Ryoma last flew into space on Ryū YK-40 as part of Expedition 30 to Space Station Kyūden IV in 2016 and early 2017. He is anticipated to serve as mission commander for UHS-01 later this year on a mission that will take him one last time to the station with the goal of decommissioning the station.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on August 26, 2021, 10:46:34 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Choi_In-Jeong.jpg/197px-Choi_In-Jeong.jpg) Pictured: Mayumi Chida shortly after her triumph
Daitōjin Mundus Games Participant and kendōka Mayumi Chida (千田 真有美, Chida Mayumi has won the Gold Medal in Womens Individual Kendo, beating out FleRur and securing the national team a spot in the top-five. Chida-san, aged 28, is a 6-dan in Kendo, having studied the art since she started secondary school. She previously competed in the 2020 Mundus Games where she won a bronze medal in WIK and as part of the Womens National Kendo team, jointly won the silver medal. Himekawa-daijō congratulated Chida-san on her accomplishment in a statement released earlier this afternoon, wherein he praised her determination and valour against odds which were stacked against her, in effect saying that she embodied the spirit of a warrior.
Asahiko Esashika (江刺家 朝彦, Esashika Asahiko won the silver medal in Mens Individual Kendo, being beaten out by an athlete from Bakkermaya for the top spot on the podium. He will compete alongside the Mens National Kendo team in the team phase of the event when it is held.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 01, 2021, 06:20:47 AM
The Daitōjin National Space Agency has confirmed that the Tenryū spaceplane has completed its second test flight. It took off aboard its carrier-plane at 6:30 AM before climbing to an altitude of 9.3km and achieving a velocity of approximately 500 km/h, just like the previous test flight. Once reaching this altitude, Commander Michiko Yamada and Pilot Erich Habermann separated from the carrier plane, gliding for roughly five minutes and 28 seconds, after which the spaceplane touched down on the same lakebed as the previous flight. The test flight was deemed a success, being completed without any major incident. Now, only three remaining SCS flights remain before the orbital test flight later this year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 07, 2021, 12:15:20 AM
His Majesty, Go-Tenshi Tennō, has won the Gold Medal in the Horseback Archery Circuit and Cross Country Relay events. The latter of these victories was, as he admitted, achieved in part thanks to the other members of the national team, to whom much glory has rightfully been attained. His Majesty also won second and third place in the standard cross-country and Time Attack events respectively. It should be noted, however, that in the case of the latter event, he was reportedly "going easy" on the Fleuroix and that he felt pity for their team in particular, given their rather poor performance in the Circuit event. As for the Cross Country event, he admitted that his Achkaerinese competitor was genuinely skilled enough to have beaten him fairly. The same went for the Tytorian competitor in the Time Attack event. Regardless of this, though the games will continue, the Nation celebrates its honoured Emperor. Long may he reign!(OOC Note: This was meant to be released last wednesday/thursday)
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 07, 2021, 08:14:14 AM
During a press briefing earlier today, General Nanako Ahane confirmed that the Imperial Air Force has begun the process of retiring the last twenty AS E/A-9s from service. The aircraft, which has served since the early 1970s, was manufactured by aerospace corporation Arakawa-Sasada from the late 60s until the early 90s, and has been in the process of being replaced by the Armed Forces since the introduction of the AS E/A-24 in 2009. While still a capable aircraft for its age, it was deemed to not be fit for further usage first by the Navy in that year and by the IAF in 2017. While the other aircraft remain in storage, the last 20 aircraft have remained in use by the 19th Electronic Warfare squadron, which is set to receive the AS E/A-24s later this month. While it hasn't been confirmed, it seems likely that the Ministry of Foreign Affair's Bureau of Political and Military Affairs is considering the transfer of these aircraft to a foreign country, alongside other units from the E/A-9 surplus. More information will be provided as it becomes available to the public.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 09, 2021, 04:23:18 AM
General Elections to be held in October, Imperial Government confirms
The Imperial government has confirmed that general elections will be held on the 27th of October, in keeping with the terms of the mandate given to it by the Imperial Diet in June. This comes as candidates prepare to begin their campaigns on the fifteenth of October, a result of a law passed in 1978 requiring that electoral campaigns for the House of Representatives take place over just twelve days. This rule was temporarily waived in 2020 as a test for potential reform in the system which has, however, been rescinded. So far, it seems likely that, in spite of previous events surrounding the tumultuous Fukumoto premiership, the Jiyū-Minshutō (LDP) will perform well, although it is expected to face a significant challenge to its hold on power by the Rikken-minshutō (CDP).
The elections this year are expected to be rather unique, coming off the heels of the Imperial Diet being dissolved in the wake of the 6/10 attacks and power being temporarily handed to the Emperor. This move was generally met with a mixed response, with many questioning the need for a Diet if it was going to hand power to someone else in the face of a crisis. It is expected that this decision will pose a challenge to many members of the House of Representatives as they begin their campaigns.
Gubernatorial elections will be held as planned this year on the same day as the General election, with several prefectural governors standing for reelection, although some, such as Gov. Shiro Yokata-san announcing their retirement. With that in mind, the coming election season looks to be a most interesting one for the Empire.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 16, 2021, 06:30:06 AM
Jin Hiraishi, Director of the Tokubetsu Kōtō Keisatsu, has confirmed that the agency has arrested a suspect in the investigation into the 6/10 attack. The individual, a man by the name of Kaiji Hatsu, was found to have ties to the organization known as the RAC, had been seen leaving the building where the gunfire came from, and had, according to a source in the organization, his fingerprints on bullet casings in the room where the firearm was found. The Director was quoted as saying "While we have concerns as to how our gunman acquired the rifle used, that being a Yamakawa R73, we have no doubt that 'Hatsu-san' was responsible." The Rifle, whose serial number has not been disclosed to the public, was last checked out by a Rikugun-Chūi by the name of Katsuo Ijima, who went missing shortly before the attacks on the 10th of June. While the Director did not confirm the relation of Ijima-chūi to the attacks, he did say that there was good reason to believe that he was tied to it in some manner.
Director Hiraishi expressed his concern over another finding in the case, that being the discovery of Ijima-chūi's body in Ikijima's Mitane Prefecture in June. This news was reported briefly in the Island's local news outlets shortly after its discovery but was, due to its apparent lack of importance at the time, not reported by national news networks. So far, Director Hiraishi stated he believed that the suspect, Kaiji Hatsu, may have kidnapped the lieutenant during a regular drill and had, after the killing of Prime Minister Anabuki and the Antei Emperor, murdered him in order to tie up any loose ends. However, he stressed that, although the primary suspect has been taken into custody, the case remains far from closed as the investigation into any potential co-conspirators begins. We will update you with any other findings as they arrive.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 17, 2021, 03:42:59 PM
Speaking to the Press earlier today, the Director of the DNSA, Haruki Akisada, officially confirmed that the launch of UHS-01 has been pushed back to the 24th of October, allowing ground crews to fully prepare the launch site for its first flight. The mission, which was initially hoped to be set for the 10th, will see a crew of two fly to the Kyūden-IV space station and prepare it for decommissioning. It will mark the first time a reusable spacecraft docks with the space station, as well as the second to last docking to the station in general before it is decommissioned in preparation for the launch of the first module of the Rikugō Space Station in March of 2022. The mission will see the recovery of the Setsugō docking module from the station, where it is planned to undergo refurbishment before being placed on display at the Shinkyō National Aerospace Museum.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 17, 2021, 05:15:14 PM
The Fourth Round of the Emperor's Cup has come and gone, with eight teams qualifying for the Quarter Finals scheduled to be held on the 23rd of October. The Emperor's Cup, which was first held in 1921, will see its 100th anniversary on the 21st of December, when the Semi-Finals are scheduled to be held. Below are the scores for the Fourth Round as well as the teams which took part. Those listed in bold are the teams that will continue to the Quarter Finals this October.
Team I
Score
Team II
Shinkyō Tengu
2-1
Iwate Diamonds
Tenkyō Giants
1-1 (a.e.t.) (3-4 p)
FC Awara
Urasoe United
2-0
Uravi SC
FC Erikshaven
2-1
Shibetsu Tigers
Júbilo Otsu
3-1
Gamba Yuzawa
Sagan Saito
1-1 (a.e.t.) (10-11 p)
FC Goris
Ventforet Setouchi
2-1
SC Ishigaki
Kaga FC
2-2 (a.e.t.) (3-4 p)
KSCC Kitsuki
The Quarter Finals will see the following teams play against each other:
Team I
Team II
Shinkyō Tengu
KSCC Kitsuki
FC Awara
Urasoe United
FC Goris
Júbilo Otsu
Ventforet Setouchi
FC Erikshaven
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 21, 2021, 06:19:44 AM
The UHS Orbiter Tenryū has, according to the DNSA, completed it's final Approach and Landing Test, landing safely at MFS Artsiv at 3:30 PM AST. The flight, which was crewed once more by Michiko Yamada and Erich Habermann, took off from MFS Artsiv at 2:36 PM, where it would at first circle the launch complex at an altitude of 5,791 meters before, at 3:28, the orbiter separated from its carrier plane. For the next two minutes, the vehicle would approach the runway before landing successfully to much elation from the crew. With the completion of this significant milestone, only one test remains: The first launch of the UHS this October.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō; Backdated to 7 August technically)
Post by: Daitō on September 26, 2021, 01:43:23 PM
With the eighteenth day of the 2021 Mundus Games coming and going, so too have the games come to a close. Now, the nation sings praises of the victors, regardless of their origin, in celebration of humanity's indomitable spirit. Below are the final totals for the participating nations in order of the number of gold medals earned:
Nation
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total
Nation (cont.)
Gold (cont.)
Silver (cont.)
Bronze (cont.)
Total (cont.)
Achkaerin
66
47
60
173
Izhitsa
14
15
16
45
Heyra
35
35
30
100
Altona
12
10
3
25
Lijiang
30
28
18
76
Drenovia
11
11
10
32
Fleur
26
39
42
107
Jugland
11
9
10
30
Daitō
26
24
29
79
Floodwater
10
4
3
17
Solace
26
17
8
51
Lodja
7
13
16
36
Tytor
25
30
24
79
Kaitaine
5
10
18
33
East Moreland
22
17
22
61
Theocracy of Kaitaine
3
3
7
13
Centralia
21
18
14
53
Seaforth
2
1
3
6
Royal Selucid
17
14
12
43
Toshikawa
N/A
2
1
3
Bakkermaya
16
32
28
76
Zimalia
N/A
1
2
3
Nueva Ardia
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Rodina
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Vanora
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Of particular note were the Lijiangese team, which, despite having never participated in the games before, secured itself the No. 3 spot on the leaderboard, as well as the Achkaerinese, Heyran, and Fleuroix teams, which all won more in excess of a hundred medals over the course of the games. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn't mention His Majesty's performance during the games, during which he, alongside the Daitōjin National Team, took home two gold, one silver, and one bronze medals for the Empire. Many legends were born over the last eighteen days, legends which will undoubtedly continue in the years to come. Thank you for watching our coverage of the 2021 Mundus Games, and we hope to see you soon as the 2021 Emperor's Cup draws near.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Arashkai)
Post by: Daitō on September 28, 2021, 12:08:21 PM
The DNSA has announced that it has awarded Aerospace Company Zayasu a contract to use their proposed Karasu spacecraft as a lifeboat for the soon-to-be-launched Space Station Shirotsuru. This comes as the agency prepares for its second phase of lunar exploration, requiring that any future Ryū spacecraft be devoted to that program over the next decade starting in 2023. The Karasu capsule will be capable of carrying eight crewmembers from the space station back to Mundus, where it would be refurbished and relaunched, whether that be on the soon-to-launch Inari III or carried aloft in the cargo hold of a UHS Orbiter.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/892364687725973565/unknown.png) Pictured: The Karasu ECRV
While the spacecraft has not yet been launched, we do know some information about it. For instance, we know that current plans for it will see it have a gross mass of about 7,000 kg and a payload capacity of 500 kg, as well as that its height will be around 4.28 meters and will be able to carry a crew of eight back to Mundus should an evacuation be necessary. Zayasu Aerospace is a name well known in the aerospace community, producing the venerable Kōnotori series of cargo resupply spacecraft which have serviced Daitōjin stations going back to 1987 with Kyūden II. The decision to pick this spacecraft is, as a result, not at all unexpected in light of it meeting the requirements laid out by the UYS Applications Program and the company's reputation within the DNSA.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 11, 2021, 04:44:59 AM
Imperial Government to restore traditional Daitōjin naming order in Official Documents
The Imperial government has issued an edict requiring that all foreign-language translations of official documents make use of the traditional Daitōjin naming conventions in place of so-called "Ardian Naming" which has been in use since the late-1890s. No longer will the Empire cater to foreign expectations on this matter, believing it necessary to preserve the nation's traditions in an ever-changing world. Many across the nation have praised this move, although it has naturally seen some pushback in Styria from those who believe that it will affect all people, rather than just those who possess a name that is Daitōjin in origin. It is believed that, as election season approaches, more actions such as this will be taken as a part of the State Ministry of Culture's policy of "National Rejuvenation". This policy is set to take effect on the 2nd of January with the start of the Daitōjin New Year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 15, 2021, 04:34:30 AM
Following the dissolution of the Imperial Diet earlier this year in the wake of the 6/10 attacks, it was formally announced on the 8th of September that a general election would be held on the 27th of October in order to reform the House of Representatives and determine a new Prime Minister. His Majesty, the Emperor, has given his blessing to hold these elections, believing it necessary to return the nation to a state of normalcy following such an atrocity as the period of stabilization has been successfully accomplished. While it is anticipated that the LDP will win the elections based on current projections, it is believed that their control of the House will weaken, potentially requiring a coalition government in order to maintain their government.
As the deadline for registering as a candidate in the elections has now come and gone, those running have twelve days to campaign under the rules provided by the 1978 Electoral Reform Act, after which the elections will be held. So far, some notable candidates in the running include former Prime Ministers Himekawa Jin (LDP) and Edano Ikumi (CDP), as well as the head of the Teikokutō, Wakabayashi Saigo. Hayate Daisuke, the head of the Chōwa Research Council faction of the LDP, is also running for his position as the Representative for Aomori Prefecture. Once again, while the LDP is expected to maintain power in the nation, it is clear that this election will prove most interesting.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 18, 2021, 02:17:32 AM
Autonomy of Styria in Question as Deadline Approaches
With the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Cession of Styria at the start of the new year, many have begun to question what will be done regarding pre-existing treaties on the status of the territory. The territory of Styria, formerly defined as a client state of the Empire from its transfer by the Derusmian Empire in 1897 until the 1922 Cession, has operated since as a protectorate with a high degree of autonomy over its internal affairs as well as limited control over its foreign affairs, thus permitting it to be a party to the MCUR while the Empire as a whole is not. As the Empire has been legally bound to maintain this system for the last century, after which the treaty stipulating it will be considered null and void, this has led to a debate as to what the status of the region should be. There are effectively two options: Maintain the status quo or formally integrate the territory as a full member of the Empire. While the native Teutonic plurality has largely supported the former option, many, including the sizeable Daitōjin population in the territory, have called for the latter option to be taken.
At present, it seems largely dependent on which party will win the election, as the two largest, the LDP and CDP, have supported opposing sides in this matter since 2017. The CDP has referred to the current system as "being beneficial to both parties" and that it has "reduced the strain of administering the territory". The LDP, on the other hand, has, although not explicitly, referred to the system as a potential threat to national security in the coming century, one that must be eliminated before the ties between the territory and the National Government are exploited by those who wish to see the nation plunged into chaos. They have also noted that, in spite of the alleged easing of the administration of the territory, it has led to a higher cost than the nation needs expend. It seems likely that this issue will play a major role in the elections set for the 27th.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 23, 2021, 11:04:06 PM
The DNSA has confirmed that UHS-01, carrying Uchūnauts Hiroji Ryoma, Jin Shirokawa, Kinuko Arakawa, and Erich Weber, has successfully achieved orbit and is commencing procedures relating to its rendezvous with the Kyūden IV Space Station. The orbiter, Tenryū, is the first of its type, being based heavily on the design of the cancelled UYS orbiter that is, as we speak, being converted to serve as the nation's next-generation Low-Mundus Orbit Station.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/824832694642278410/913261586683166760/ezgif-7-a0ebbc49b323.gif) Pictured: Tenryū launches from LC-17A
UHS-01 will serve both as the UHS Spacecraft's operational test flight and as the final manned mission to Space Station Tenryū, with a modified Kōnotori II Orbital Resupply Vehicle being set to dock next month in preparation for the station's deorbiting. The crew is expected to dock with the station at around 11:19 AM AST tomorrow, marking the fastest rendezvous a spacecraft launched by the agency has performed. The crew will then board the station before, at around 5:31 PM AST, undocking with the Setsugō module before repositioning it to docking port 1. The crew will then dock once more and perform activities relating to their mission over the course of the following eight days, including an EVA in order to test a new manned maneuvering unit for operations involving Shirotsuru starting next year. Regardless, this flight has been met with great celebration, and the Emperor has reportedly called the crew to congratulate them on this achievement. Stay tuned for further updates on the mission.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 29, 2021, 05:34:44 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)LIVE: Election night in Daitō
As a tight race comes to an end in the twilight hours of the 28th of October, 2021, we now expect that a result will arrive momentarily. This election is particularly momentous, as it marks a return to the pre-2020 electoral system which was, for the year's elections, done away with in a trial run of a new system, as well as it being the elections which follow the attacks that rocked the nation earlier this year. In light of the Diet's failure to act on the crisis, instead opting to hand power to the Emperor, we have seen a dramatic drop in voter turnout, with only a turnout of 50.1% so far compared to the previous election, which saw a turnout of 64.9%.
With all precincts reporting, we are now willing to call the elections in favor of the LDP, which won in 27 prefectures, although it will likely be forced to form a coalition government with the runner-up, the Teikokutō. The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) picked up 15 seats in the House, while the Communist Party (DCP) won only three. Other political parties failed to win any seats in the House. LDP Party leader Jin Himekawa, who, should negotiations within the party go well, will likely serve as the nation's next Prime Minister, has issued a statement hailing the election as proof that, in spite of difficult times such as this, the nation's institutions will prevail and that he will immediately begin negotiations with the nation's now-second largest party in the House of Representatives regarding the formation of a coalition government. It remains possible that a member of the Teikokutō will serve as Prime Minister should the LDP fail to form a government before the deadline in november.
The Quarter finals of the 2642 Emperor's Cup have concluded, with four of the eight qualifying teams passing to go to the Semi-Finals. These semi-finals will be held on the 21st of December, while the Finals will be held on the Daitōjin New Year, or the 1st of February for our foreign viewers and/or readers. Below are the scores for the scores for the Quarter Finals as well as the teams that took part. Below that is the lineup for the Semi Finals.
Team I
Score
Team II
Shinkyō Tengu
3-2
KSCC Kitsuki
FC Awara
4-1
Urasoe United
FC Goris
2-2 (a.e.t.) (6-5 p)
Júbilo Otsu
Ventforet Setouchi
1-1 (a.e.t.) (4-5 p)
FC Erikshaven
Team I
Team II
Shinkyō Tengu
FC Goris
FC Awara
FC Erikshaven
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 02, 2021, 04:48:38 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Tenryū returns home
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/STS-135_landing_cropped.jpg/640px-STS-135_landing_cropped.jpg) Pictured: Tenryū lands at MFS Artsiv, 2 Nov, 2021
The DNSA has confirmed that the UHS spaceplane Tenryū has successfully landed at MFS Artsiv after a successful test flight. The flight, which was crewed by Uchūnauts Hiroji Ryoma, Jin Shirokawa, Kinuko Arakawa, and Erich Weber, lifted off at 7:36 AM local time on the 23rd of October before docking with the Kyūden IV Space Station on the 24th. The crew then briefly boarded the station to prep the Setsugō module for its undocking and repositioning to the front of the station.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/644254647292526612/895533352633917460/unknown.png) Tenryū docked to Kyūden IV
The crew of four spent a little over a week in orbit, performing experiments and readying the station for its deorbit early next year. With the success of the mission, the all-clear has been given and the DSNA will proceed with plans to launch Shirotsuru, a UYS-derived orbital station, later next year. For now, the agency has begun preparing for the launch of Ryū M-3 in December as well as subsequent missions through 2024. The agency has also indicated that it would open to international cooperation on a station in lunar orbit in the future.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 11, 2021, 02:34:59 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitō celebrates Victory Day — 76th Anniversary
The Daitōjin celebration of Victory Day has once more come and gone, with military parades being held across the nation, as well as, in Styria, the so-called "Großer Zapfenstreich der Territorialgarde" (Grand Tattoo of the Territorial Guard), which was postponed from last week due to poor weather. His Highness, the Emperor, attended the parade in Shinkyō, where he, like his father before him, oversaw the day's festivities. Notably, he visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Shinkyō's Daigo ward, where he paid his respects to the nation's war-dead before attending a few ceremonies around the city.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/675376616158920750/908349655945981972/unknown.png) Parade of the Imperial Armed Forces, Shinkyō
Other notable attendees of the parade were the Imperial Chancellor, Sachio Himekawa, as well as members of the Imperial Family, the Grand Dukes of Tsukishima and Styria, and Marshal Okimoto Esashi.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 19, 2021, 10:15:50 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)LDP fails to form government
Following difficult negotiations, the LDP has reportedly failed to form a coalition government with the Teikokutō. Having failed to accomplish this task, it now falls on the latter party, headed by Saigo Wakabayashi, to form a coalition government. If they fail to form a government by the 27th of November, then the government faces one of two options: restore the caretaker government headed by His Majesty or hold elections once again in December. It currently appears more likely that the former option will be taken, and if it is done, then this caretaker government will remain in place until 2024. What this will mean for Daitō, nobody can really say, although some wonder if its thirty-three year experiment with democracy could be on the verge of slipping away.
DNSA set to launch lander
The DNSA has confirmed it plans to launch the lander for the Ryū M-3 mission later this month, with it aiming to launch on the 29th at 6:23 AM AST. The lander, built by Negishi Aerospace, is designed to support the crew on the surface for no longer than five days, during which time they will explore the lunar surface around Shackleton Crater. The Ryū M-3 crew will launch later that day and rendezvous with it in orbit around the moon.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 27, 2021, 09:22:15 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Teikokutō fails to form government — Caretaker government to be reinstated
With the deadline for the Teikokutō to form a government having come and gone without success, it has become apparent that it will be incapable of forming a coalition government. As a result, it has been announced that the caretaker government established earlier this year will be restored, with it being kept until the next elections in 2024. Some have suspected that this could threaten Daitō's already fragile democratic institutions, however, a spokesperson for the Imperial Government has confirmed that it remains committed to maintaining the process of elections going forwards, even if reforms prove necessary. Others have hailed this as the correct move for the nation, which still reels from nearly a year of turmoil. Whatever the case may be, the future now lies in the hands of His Majesty's government.
Negishi developing Ground Effect Vehicle
In a press conference earlier today, a spokesperson for Negishi Aerospace has confirmed that it has been contracted by the Imperial Daitōjin Navy to construct a new class of vehicle. This vehicle, the first of its type to be operated by the navy, is a Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV), often referred to as an "Ekranoplan" in foreign circles. Known as the Suirō, or "Water Dragon", it is intended to set a new speed record of around 760 km/h for ground-effect vehicles while also maintaining the ability to operate from nearly any terrain on the planet, this being a result of its VTOL capabilities.
(https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/vva-14-ground-effect-aircraft-dreamt-of-dominating-world-for-the-soviet-union-165657-7.jpg) Pictured: A model of the Suirō-class GEV
The Suirō will be used by the IDN as both an Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol ship, further bolstering the nation's defensive capabilities as well as, should they be inclined, those of its allies. Negishi has not indicated so far whether it will be open to selling them to foreign powers outside of the CSTO, although it certainly remains a possibility unless the Imperial Government elects to block it.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 29, 2021, 01:49:47 AM
The DNSA has recently completed the back-to-back launches of two Tenjin MLV-E launch vehicles as part of the Ryū M-3 mission. The second of these launches carried the Command and Mission modules, crewed by Uchūnauts Eijiro Ebashi, Hiroki Inagaki, Isao Kitamori, and Taeko Akiyama, and is set to rendezvous with the lunar module three days from now in orbit of the moon. Three of the four crew, those being Mission Commander Eijiro Ebashi, Lander Pilot Isao Kitamori, and Mission Specialist Taeko Akiyama, will land on the moon near Shackleton crater, where they will spend the next five days exploring the surface, including an excursion into the crater itself by Akiyama-san with the goal of prospecting for ice and learning more about its formation. The crew will also test a lunar rover which will service future missions to the lunar surface.
As of now, the crew has completed the transposition, docking, and extraction of the spacecraft's mission module as it continues through cislunar space. According to Commander Ebashi, the crew is in good health and good spirits and is reportedly excited to get to work.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 01, 2021, 01:44:46 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Ryū M-3 Crew takes first steps on the lunar surface
We now continue our coverage of the Ryū M-3 lunar landing. At 1:38 PM AST, the Lunar Surface Access Module, designated "Tengu" by the crew, successfully landed on the surface of the moon, not far from Shackleton crater, not far from the lunar south pole. Some in the past criticized the designated landing site, owing to potential risks in landing there and it being the first Daitojin landing. Suffice to say, these criticisms have been solidly cast aside as we now cover the nation's first steps on the surface. The signal takes a little under two seconds to reach Mundus from the surface, so for all intents and purposes, this is footage is live. That's right. Live from the surface of the moon.
There he is. Uchūnaut Eijiro Ebashi, Mission Commander for Ryū M-3, is now descending the ramp the LSAM. Let us listen in as he takes his first steps. "I take this step for my nation, for my people, and for all the children of Mundus, knowing that today is but a single step in a voyage which will take us all to the stars. I know this is not the first voyage here, but I know in my heart that it will not be the last."
And with those words, Daitō has finally reached the lunar surface, only two years after Atlas 9 in 2019. But although it is not the first, with that honor going to the Rokkenjimans in the 1970s, it will not soon be forgotten by those who have watched this momentous occasion.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 10, 2021, 09:00:55 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Ryū M-3 returns home(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/918957585246339112/unknown.png) Pictured: Crews work to secure the Ryū command module
The Ryū M-3 mission, Daitō's first excursion to the lunar surface, has come to an end with the spacecraft's splashdown in the Kyne, approximately 97 km northwest of Tsukishima. The spacecraft spent nine days in space, with three of the crew, Uchūnauts Eijiro Ebashi, Isao Kitamori, and Taeko Akiyama, spending nearly five days on the lunar surface. This stay on the lunar surface marks one of the longest of such stays, during which time the crew explored the lunar south pole around Shackleton Crater. Of note was an excursion into the crater by Taeko Akiyama, during which time samples of ice and other materials were collected for study on Mundus. The crew performed a total of five EVAs on the surface for a time of about thirty-five hours, with the longest occurring on the third of December for the aforementioned excursion.
Furthermore, a final EVA was performed by Eijiro Ebashi and Hiroki Inagaki while on the way back to Mundus with the goal of inspecting the spacecraft for any damage that may have been sustained while in orbit. This has been standard procedure for spacecraft flying to the moon since Ryū M-1 as a safety measure, although no such damage was found that would impair the spacecraft's ability to reenter the atmosphere.
The crew is reportedly in good spirits and will be transported back to Artsiv over the next day, where they will undergo rigorous testing to ensure their health following the mission. Once cleared, it is expected they will fly to Shinkyō to meet with His Highness, the Emperor, as well as other officials in the government in order to congratulate them on a successful mission. As for the samples they returned, they will undergo study by the DNSA over the coming months and perhaps years.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 18, 2021, 08:43:45 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)DNSA confirms Kyūden IV reentry date
The DNSA has confirmed that it intends to deorbit the Kyūden IV space station on the 6th of January, 2022. This comes as the agency prepares to launch Shirotsuru early in March, while in the meantime, it will not have any crewed launches until after the station is launched. Currently, it is planned for the Kōnotori II spacecraft presently docked to the station to fire its thrusters in order to bring the station on a collision course with the planet in the southern Alucard. This location has been picked due to its relative distance from any populated areas and shipping lanes. A spokesperson for the agency has assured that there is no risk of the station hitting any populated areas, with the band in which the debris will fall being entirely confined to the ocean. Nonetheless, it has been suggested that advisories be put into place for the region between the 5th and 7th of January so as to avoid any unnecessary risks to civilians and property.
Prototype of Suirō to "enter testing soon" — Negishi CEO
Jiro Hanamura, the CEO of Negishi Aerospace, has recently gone on record saying that a prototype of the Suirō Ground-Effect Vehicle will enter flight testing soon, with the company aiming for a first flight as early as February. Hanamura has stressed that this demonstrator will primarily serve as a proof of concept, being completely unarmed but featuring the lift-jets and inflatable pontoons that make up a key part of the vehicle's ability to operate from most terrains. Should it prove successful, a second vehicle will be produced that will, in effect, be one such GEV as is planned to enter service with the Imperial Military.
The prototype Suirō has been given the designation YPV-16 by the Imperial Military, with the production variant likely to be known as the PV-16 should it ultimately be adopted.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 22, 2021, 01:31:16 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Semi-Finals of the Emperor's Cup have concluded — Shinkyō Tengu to face FC Erikshaven
The semi-finals of the 2641 Emperor's Cup have concluded with much fanfare. During the games, the Shinkyō Tengu bested their rivals, FC Goris, while FC Erikshaven soundly bested FC Awara to take their place in the finals. With these matches concluded, things are shaping up for a battle that will cross the Kyne, as these two rival teams prepare to face off for the most important game of the cup. The game is set to occur on the Daitōjin New Year, set this year for the 1st of February on the Gregorian Calendar. This will allow both teams more time to prepare for the game, which will be played in Erikshaven, Styria. Below are the scores for the Semi-Finals:
Team I
Score
Team II
Shinkyō Tengu
3-2
FC Goris
FC Awara
1-2
FC Erikshaven
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 28, 2021, 12:47:08 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Breaking News — Daiji Hatakeyama dead at 100 The Taikō was the oldest in Daitōjin History
The Family of Taikō (Grand Duke) Daiji Hatakeyama has confirmed that His Highness passed away last night in his sleep at the age of 100. Hatakeyama-taikō was, in life, a famed military aviator, having shot down twenty-two aircraft during his thirteen year service in the Air Force. His son, Katsuji Hatakeyama (72), has been sworn in as the new Grand Duke of the Hidaka Circuit and will formally take up the duties of the office starting on New Years Day. The late Grand Duke will be cremated and buried within his family's grave in Ueno in a private ceremony. With respect to the family, our coverage will be limited to announcing that his funeral has occurred. Flags across the nation and at its embassies will remain at half mast for the next two weeks in honour of the departed Grand Duke and War Hero.
DNSA to test "Flyback Booster" If successful, turnaround of the UHS will improve tenfold
The DNSA has confirmed that it intends to test a prototype "flyback booster" variant of the Tenjin MLV-U first stage starting with UHS-002B in March. This booster will, if successful, allow for two-thirds of the spacecraft to be fully reusable, with a fleet of such boosters permitting the rapid turnaround of the UHS spaceplane and launch vehicle while also reducing the costs associated with replacing the booster presently used. The infrastructure necessary for such a design presently exists, with a landing strip already existing that would be large enough to facilitate the booster's landing, due to it having similar dimensions to that of the two Ochiai CT-8 Sekiryū aircraft operated by the agency for transportation. Haruki Akisada, the director of the DNSA, has stated that the stage will likely be the largest unmanned aircraft to have flown for many years to come, however, he stressed that its success would revolutionize spaceflight forever.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/917104578334445658/925352253378949161/unknown.png) Artist's conception of the "Tenjin MLV-O" gliding back to Mundus
The DNSA remains committed to the UHS program even if the booster fails, although it has stated that it will need to scale back its long-term plans should the need arise. Nonetheless, engineers appear hopeful that the flights will succeed based on previous simulations. Due to its large height, although not surprising within the field of rocketry, its first test flight will remain UHS-002B, with there being no fears of the test endangering the mission nor its crew owing to the rocket's historical track record as a reliable rocket.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 05, 2022, 10:36:51 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Diet set to vote on MCUR The measure is deemed necessary in the leadup to the Integration of Styria
Both houses of the Imperial Diet will convene to vote on the nation's status with regards to the Mundus Convention on Universal Rights later this week, owing in part to the upcoming integration of the Autonomous Circuit of Styria in February. This marks the second attempt by members of the Diet to bring the nation into accordance with the Convention since its creation, with the leaders of the Jiyū-Minshutō (LDP) and the Rikken-minshutō (CDP) coming out in favor of signing. However, the Teikokutō currently remains opposed to the matter, with many of its members in the House of Representatives expected to vote against signing as they did in 2019.
The status of Daitō with regards to the MCUR remains a difficult subject, with the nation largely following the convention in spite of not being a party to it at this time. However, many within the government have criticized the document over concerns about its effects on national autonomy, not wishing to find itself fully beholden to international bodies with regards to the lives of the civilian populace. His Majesty has, although choosing not to make a gesture of support to one side or the other, indicated his support for the convention in practice, with many suspecting that he will support its ratification should it occur. Whether or not Daitō does ratify it will not necessarily change the course the nation finds itself on, although it could be perceived by those within as a concession and by those without as an act of goodwill towards the International Community.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 07, 2022, 09:06:41 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Imperial Diet ratifies MCUR The Nation will likely adopt the treaty's provisions in February
The Imperial Diet voted today to ratify the Mundus Convention on Universal Rights, with the House of Peers voting 245 to 82 to adopt a resolution which would see the nation formally sign the treaty. The House of Representatives likewise voted 293 to 172 to adopt said resolution, with the responsibility of signing it now falling to His Majesty's government. It is anticipated that said signing of the treaty will occur within the month, with a provision allowing for him to sign as late as March being on the table. While the Empire has long complied with the provisions of the MCUR, many wished to remain separate from said treaty, fearing the encroachment of foreign powers on the nation's sovereignty by signing it. Indeed, a significant part of the Houses of Peers and Representatives, largely belonging to the Teikokutō, voted against ratification.
Some observers have questioned whether the decision to sign was truly out of the so-called goodness of the nation's heart or whether it is merely part of an effort to court the favour of foreign powers. Whatever the case may be, this decision, whether symbolic in nature or not, will certainly affect the position the nation finds itself in going into the next few decades.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 14, 2022, 08:59:47 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Ryū M-IV set to launch later this month The Mission will be performed in conjunction with the Achkaerinese(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/931199269019471892/unknown.png) A Tenjin MLV-V-U undergoes stacking, c. 30 December, 2021
The DNSA is now targeting the 30th of January for the launch of Ryū M-IV, which is set to bring a full crew of Uchūnauts, alongside an Achkaerinese Astronaut, to the lunar surface. The mission, which will launch only two months after Ryū M-III, marking a record turnaround for separate missions involving an MLV-V-U (the previous record being 59 days), will take the crew to lunar orbit, where they will rendezvous with an Achkaerinese-launched reusable lander, named "Bauer" after Jerry Bauer, the head of the ASA during the Trinity project, before landing on the far side of the lunar surface. This is set to coincide with the upcoming flight of the Rokkenjiman Akari spacecraft, whose crew will land first, allowing for this mission to serve in many regards as a dress-rehearsal for a potential rescue mission on the lunar surface.
The crew is reported to be made up of uchūnauts Taichi Yukawa, Erich Habermann, and Makoto Sadatomi, as well as Achkaerinese astronaut Danielle Sanders. Unlike the previous Ryū M-III mission, which only saw three members of the crew land on the surface, Ryū M-IV will make full use of the spacecraft's ability to fly fully autonomously, with the previous mission only keeping one of its crew aboard in the event of any issues involving the spacecraft's systems. The mission will also feature the deployment of a system known as "FROST", or "Far-side Radio Observing Scanning Telescopes", an array of radio telescopes designed to demonstrate the potential of far-side radio astronomy, something which may prove useful for projects potentially being considered by other space agencies. The DNSA has confirmed that, in the spirit of exploration and science, the findings from this demonstrator will be made freely available to any agency which wishes to make use of them.
With the launch of this mission less than a month away, many now suspect that Ryū M-IV will be the last flight of the Tenjin MLV-V-U, which, upon the launch of the mission, will have completed seven flights. The launches of Shirotsuru and the next two flights of the UHS spaceplane are set to fly aboard Tenjin MLV-V-U rockets, while the next lunar missions will launch aboard the MLV-V-O and future large-scale missions aboard the MLV-V-Ka, including rumored plans for a space station in lunar orbit or a platform in geostationary orbit. What does seem certain, as the launch date for Shirotsuru and Tenryū draws closer and closer, is that Artsiv Cosmodrome will likely be quite busy over the coming months, with High Bays I, II, and III currently occupied for the first time since the launch of Kyūden IV. The joint Akari-Ryū mission will mark another record, that being for the most individuals on the lunar surface at a single point, with an upwards of eight crew from three nations at the same spot on the far side of the moon.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 24, 2022, 01:19:53 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Ryū M-IV rolled out to LC-17C(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/841871626689839104/934948516000833566/unknown.png) View from the Tenjin MLV Mobile Servicing Structure
The DNSA has confirmed that the Tenjin MLV-V-U rocket set to carry the crew of Ryū M-IV has completed its rollout to Launch Complex 17C following a 6-hour journey. The rocket, given the serial number TEU-7, is set to be the last rocket of the Tenjin MLV-V-U series to fly, with future launches expected to be carried out by the reusable MLV-V-O and the far more powerful MLV-V-Ka. In a way, it will be an end of an era, with the rocket having carried the Kyūden IV space station into orbit as its first mission and facilitating the last three lunar missions. As for the capsule itself, the crew has elected to name it Adachi, its namesake, keeping with the decision to name the lander for the ASA's Jerry Bauer, being Hideo Adachi, the first director of the DNSA.
Ryū M-IV will, unlike the previous M-III mission, see the entire crew depart from the Command Module, with the crew landing within 200 meters of the Rokkenjiman crew at Mare Ingenii on the Moon's Far Side.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 30, 2022, 05:19:50 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Transcript: Launch of Ryū M-IV
T- 1:45 [DHK - Daiki Funae] For those who are just tuning in, this is Daiki Funae for DHK, coming to you live from Artsiv Cosmodrome on the East Coast of Tsukishima. It is is currently 12:33 AM local time, two minutes away from liftoff. The Crew of Ryū M-IV, ūchunauts Taichi Yukawa, Erich Habermann, and Makoto Sadatomi, alongside astronaut Danielle Sanders of the Achkaerinese Space Agency, currently sit atop the powerful Tenjin MLV-V-U that will carry them to lunar orbit. Their lander, Bauer, was launched by the Achkaerinese Space Agency earlier today and is currently on a translunar trajectory, with the crew expected to rendezvous with the spacecraft in lunar orbit. This mission is a historic once for many reasons, with it being the final mission of the Ryū Block V spacecraft and with it, the end of the Ryū program. It will also mark the first flight of the Achkaerinese lander, which is designed to take man to the surface of Nergal. With one minute remaining, we will switch over to the audio from Mission Control and the spacecraft. T- 1:00 [DHK - Daiki Funae] T-minus one minute and counting. Now in the final minute of the countdown. At T-minus 45 seconds, Taichi Yukawa will make the final guidance alignment. T- 0:45 [DHK - Daiki Funae] MARK. T-minus 45 and Yukawa has made te final guidance alignment. This is the last action taken by the crew aboard the vehicle. We are now approaching the half-minute mark. T-minus 33. T-minus 30 seconds and continuing... Continuing at T-minus 25 seconds. T- 0:30 [Mission Control] 30 to go. T- 0:29 [Yukawa] Roger, Hide. We are ready and are GO. T- 0:21 [Mission Control] Minus 20. T- 0:10 [DHK - Daiki Funae] 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... Ignition sequence - all engines started - we have ignition 2, 1, zero ... We have liftoff. T- 0:10 [Mission Control] 10 ... 9 ... 8 ... 7 ... ignition ... 6 ... 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 T- 0:01 [Yukawa] On the shoulders of giants, go Ryū! 0:00 [Mission Control] Liftof (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/937167405405327410/unknown.png) 0:00 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Turning midnight into dawn, Ryū M-IV has liftoff! Tenjin is now moving off the pad, and what a sight it is to behold. 0:01 [Yukawa] Roger, the clock is running. We have yaw. 0:08 [Mission Control] Clear of the Tower. 0:10 [Yukawa] Roger; tower. Yaw complete, we are rolling. 0:13 [Mission Control] Roger, Yukawa. Everything seems nominal, thrust is good on all five engines. 0:17 [Yukawa] Roll complete, we are pitching. 0:27 [DHK - Daiki Funae] This is Mission Control. Taichi Yukawa reports the launch vehicle is maneuvering to the proper altitude. Everything looks good at this point. 0:29 [Yukawa] Alright, checking our angles. 0:31 [Sadatomi] Thirty seconds. We really are going! 0:34 [Yukawa] Thirty seconds and Ryū is GO. 0:37 [Mission Control] Roger, 04. You are GO. 0:40 [DHK - Daiki Funae] First stage looks good, altitude is 1.7 kilometers. 0:45 [Sadatomi] Okay, 1 minute and 68 degrees. 0:47 [Yukawa] Got it. 0:48 [Habermann] Everything's on track over here, Taichi. 0:49 [Yukawa]Roger. Stand by for MAX- Coming through MAX-Q at 68 degrees. 0:57 [Habermann] Copy. 0:58 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Booster says we are good. Tenjin is now at 4 kilometers. 0:59 [Mission Control] IV, stand by for Mode I Bravo - 1:01 [Mission Control] MARK. Mode I Bravo. 1:03 [Yukawa] Roger. I-Bravo; we are still go. 1:06 [Mission Control] Roger, Taichi. Right on the line. 1:08 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Mission Control reports that everything is nominal and. Tenjin is now at 1.6 km downrange and is proceeding, currently at 6.7 km high. 1:09 [Yukawa] Okay, we have RCS command. 1:10 [Mission Control] IV, Feet Wet. Repeat, Feet Wet. 1:12 [Yukawa] Roger, Feet Wet. 1:25 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Coming up on maximum dynamic pressure at this time. Tenjin is now 6.4 km downrange. Altitude is 12.8 km down range and approaching 610 meters per second. 1:27 [Yukawa] Okay, 1:30 and 50 degrees. 1:30 [Yukawa] 1:30 and we are GO. 1:36 [Mission Control] Roger, Taichi. You are looking good. 1:37 [Yukawa] 2 gs. 2-1/2 gs, pushing 3. Just hang in a little longer. 1:48 [Yukawa] Okay, we are out of Max-Q. 1:55 [Mission Control] Standby for Mode-I Charlie. 1:56 [Yukawa] Copy. 1:58 [Mission Control] MARK. Mode-I Charlie. 2:00 [DHK - Daiki Funae] And the Flight Dynamics Officer says all is good from all sources. We are right on trajectory. 2:00 [Yukawa] Roger, Mode-I Charlie. 2:02 [Yukawa] EDS is off and we are GO. 2:03 [Mission Control] Standby for skirt sep. 2:04 [Yukawa] Roger, standby for skirt sep. 2:05 [Mission Control] MARK. Skirt sep. IV, you are still GO. 2:11 [Mission Control] IV, you are go for staging. 2:13 [Yukawa] Roger, go for staging. 2:24 [Yukawa] Okay, hold on until after staging. 2:25 [Sanders] Standby, everyone. 2:27 [Sadatomi] Okay, here's 20. 2:28 [Habermann] Okay, its 19. 2:30 [Yukawa] Now at 41... 41 seconds. 2:32 [Yukawa] 3-1/2 gs. 2:33 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Crew will experience maximum G-forces of about 4 Gs at shutdown. 2:35 [Yukawa] Hold on! 2:40 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Coming up on stage shutdown, and we have had shutdown on time. 2:44 [Yukawa] Staging. 2:46 [Yukawa] And Ignition. 2:55 [Mission Control] IV, Shinkyō. Thrust is GO on all engines and you are looking good. 3:03 [Yukawa] Alright, 3 minute mark and we are GO. 3:04 [DHK - Daiki Funae] We are at 3 minutes. Tenjin is downrange at 112 kilometers and 69 kilometers high. Velocity is 2,843 meters a second. 3:13 [Yukawa] Right, we have skirt sep. 3:16 [Sadatomi] 19, 15, 17. 3:18 [Mission Control] Roger, skirt sep (https://thumbs.gfycat.com/IlliterateSatisfiedCaribou-size_restricted.gif) 3:20 [Sadatomi] 16. There it goes! 3:23 [Mission Control] Roger, tower separation confirmed. Mode II. 3:25 [Yukawa] Roger, Mode II. 3:34 [Mission Congrol] Steering has converged. The CMC is go, you are right on track. 3:38 [Yukawa] Got it, Hide. Guidance is confirmed. 3:43 [DHK - Daiki Funae] That's the automatic guidance system, the inertial guidance system, performing properly. 3:45 [Yukawa] Okay, Hide, I got you the ELS SEP Circuit Breakers. We've seen it all, let me tell you: ignition, staging, and tower. 3:52 [Mission Control] Okay, got you. 3:54 [Yukawa] Oh, and by the way, the cabin's sealed (laughter). 3:58 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Ryū M-IV is now at 104 km in altitude. 4:03 [Yukawa] 4 minutes and we are GO. 4:05 [Mission Control] Okay, M-IV, you are GO. 4:09 [Yukawa] 21 degrees, still Mode II. 4:15 [Sadatomi] H and H-DOT are good. 4:28 [Yukawa] 4:30 and we are GO. 4:30 [Mission Control] Roger, IV, you are GO. 4:47 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Coming up on five minutes. M-IV is now 128 km high, 370 km downrange. 5:02 [Mission Control] IV, 5 minutes and you are GO. 5:04 [Yukawa] Roger, GO at 5. 5:13 [Habermann] Okay, coming up on T-4I to COI. 5:24 [Mission Control] Okay, IV, this is Shinkyō. Your times are nominal. Level sense arm is 8 plus 36; T-2 shutdown at 9 plus 20. Nominal times, over. 5:33 [Yukawa] 8 plus 36 and 9 plus 20, roger. 5:56 [Mission Control] Standby for T-4I to COI capability. 5:59 [Mission Control] MARK. T-4I to COI capability. 6:01 [Yukawa] Roger, T-4I to COI. 6:03 [Yukawa] Good. Gimbal motors? 6:04 [Sadatomi] Got it. 6:05 [Mission Control] Roger. 6:06 [Yukawa] PITCH 1. 6:06 [Sadatomi] Roger. 6:07 [Yukawa] Okay, and YAW 1. 6:08 [Sadatomi] YAW 1, go ahead. 6:13 [Yukawa] PITCH 2. 6:15 [Sadatomi] Got it. 6:15 [Yukawa] And YAW 2. 6:15 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Ryū M-IV still on trajectory. Now at 148 kilometers. 6:16 [Sadatomi] Okay, got a plus 15.8 and a plus 19. 6:16 [Yukawa] Got it, we've got four good motors and we are GO at 6:20. 6:25 [Mission Control] Roger, we copied the gimbals and everything is nominal. You are GO. 6:46 [Mission Control] Standby for T-IVB to orbit capability. 6:49 [Yukawa] Roger. 6:49 [Mission Control] T-IVB to orbit capability. Erich, we'd like OMNI Delta. 6:54 [Habermann] Got it. 6:67 [Sadatomi] 7 minutes. 7:00 [Mission Control] Roger, 7 minutes. 7:01 [DHK - Daiki Funae] 7 minutes in and we now have sufficient velocity to reach orbit should Stage II shutoff early. 7:08 [Yukawa] 7 minutes. We are looking good onboard. 7:09 [Mission Control] Copy, 7 minutes. 7:24 [Yukawa] Standby for inboard. 7:35 [Sadatomi] 1/2 G, standby. 7:40 [Yukawa] Inboard cut-off. 7:43 [Mission Control] Roger, inboard on time. 7:46 [DHK - Daiki Funae] And we have confirmed inboard shutdown, on time according to Mission Control. 7:53 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Ryū M-IV is now 1,005 km downrange and 149 km high. 8:01 [Yukawa] Eight minutes and we are GO. 8:03 [Mission Control] Roger, IV, GO at eight minutes. 8:08 [Yukawa] Standby for PU shift. 8:09 [Mission Control] Roger, PU shift. 8:17 [DHK - Daiki Funae] The spacecraft's guidance systems are agreeing very closely with the MLV. It looks good. 8:18 [Yukawa] Okay, that level sense will be at 36. 8:20 [Sadatomi] 36, got it. 8:21 [Mission Control] IV, Shinkyō. You are GO for staging. 8:24 [Yukawa] Got it, we are GO for staging up here. 8:32 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Staging is now less than 1 minute away. 8:34 [Yukawa] Coming in, we are level sense arm now. 8:40 [Mission Control] You have level sense. 8:42 [Yukawa] Roger, level sense arm. Standby for MODE 4, and then staging. 8:48 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Ryū M-IV is travelling at 6,400 meters per second. 9:01 [Yukawa] 9 minutes and we are GO. 9:03 [Mission Control] Roger, you are GO. 9:06 [Yukawa] Okay, standby. 9:07 [DHK - Daiki Funae] And about 10 seconds to staging. 9:09 [Yukawa] 10 seconds. 9:16 [Mission Control] Standby for Mode IV capability. 9:20 [Yukawa] T-2 Cut-off. 9:21 [Mission Control] MARK. Mode IV capability, and we copy cut-off. 9:23 [Yukawa] Roger, Mode IV capability. And we have T-4I ignition (https://i.imgur.com/W5pL3jN.gif?noredirect) 9:28 [Mission Control] Roger, we copy T-4I ignition and thrust is nominal. 9:36 [Yukawa] We are MODE IV. 9:45 [DHK - Daiki Funae] We're up to 7,010 meters per second and are aiming for 7,620. 9:50 [Yukawa] Alright, 10 minutes. 9:55 [Mission Control] IV, the steering has converged and the CMC is GO. All systems nominal. 9:59 [Yukawa] Roger, the CMC is GO, 10 minutes. IV is GO onboard. 10:02 [Sadatomi] H-DOT's a little low, but not bad. 10:07 [Mission Control] IV, Shinkyō, you GO for orbit - GO for orbit. 10:11 [Yukawa] Roger, Shinkyō, we are GO for orbit up here as well. 10:18 [Yukawa] Okay, coming up on 3.0. 10:20 [Sadatomi] Got it. 10:20 [Yukawa] Double-check everything. 10:22 [Sadatomi] 3.0, 347 degrees. 23.9. We're a little high. 10:29 [Sanders] Velocity's a little low. 10:33 [Sadatomi] H-DOT's a little low. 10:34 [Mission Control] Roger, you're looking good. 10:36 [Yukawa] Okay, the cutoff is VI plus 100. 10:37 [Sadatomi] VI... I'll count you down. 10:52 [DHK - Daiki Funae] And we are now 1 minute from shutdown, from engine cutoff. 11:04 [Yukawa] 11 minutes and we are GO. 11:06 [Mission Control] Roger. Cutoff will be at 11 plus 47, repeat, 11 plus 47. 11:13 [Yukawa] 11 plus 47, roger. 11:33 [Yukawa] 11:30 and we are go. Standing by. 11:35 [Mission Control] Roger, you are go. Cutoff time is still holding at 11 plus 47. 11:44 [Yukawa] Cutoff at 11:44. 11:49 [Mission Control] Roger, cutoff at 11:44, we copy. 12:00 [Yukawa] We are looking at 93.5 by 89.5. 12:04 [Mission Control] Roger, 93.5 by 89.5 12:54 [Mission Control] The range safety is safe and we - you are in a GO orbit, nominal. 13:00 [Yukawa] Roger, we are in a GO orbit, nominal. 13:03 [DHK - Daiki Funae] Mission Control reports Ryū M-IV is now in orbit. Repeat, Ryū M-IV is now in orbit.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 31, 2022, 06:11:33 PM
(OOC Note: This is backdated to around the fifth of January)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Commander Taichi Yukawa gives interview ahead of Ryū M-IV
As his fateful mission draws closer and closer, Taichi Yukawa, Commander of the upcoming Ryū M-IV mission and former commander of Expedition 32 to Space Station Kyūden IV, has found his training for the mission become far more intense than before. The ūchunaut will, as part of a multinational effort on the lunar surface, fly alongside an Achkaerinese crew member, Astronaut Danielle Sanders, and rendezvous with a Rokkenjiman crew consisting of Astronauts Mamoru Chiba, Usagi Tsukino, and Minako Aino on the far side of the moon. However, he has agreed to take an interview ahead of his flight set for next month.
When you were selected for this mission, how did you feel, knowing that you would be one of the lucky few to walk on the lunar surface?
Well, if I had to put it in a single word, I'd say I was surprised. Not in a "I'm not qualified for this mission" sort of way, but rather more of a "There are so many others who would make for a good commander on this flight" kind of way. Nonetheless, I'd argue I took to it quite well. I was certainly excited to find out, although I will admit I hid it decently well when I was at work. After all, it's the resolution to a dream I had when I was a child, watching the tapes of the first steps on the lunar surface. I'll never forget them, nor how I felt knowing that the future was upon us. Naturally, I wanted to be a part of it, but I digress. The fact that I am going to walk on the moon is, while on its own a wonderful thing, more than anything a chance to inspire future generations to do great things themselves. If I, a boy from the countryside of Sagami, could achieve this goal, then I don't see why, if you commit yourself to it, you couldn't achieve your own dreams, big or small.
Does this being the last flight of the Ryū program hold any particular significance to you?
Yeah, it does. I mean, sure, it'll be like III for the most part, but in a way it will be as though we will be taken aloft on the shoulders of giants. It's estimated that at its peak back in 2016 or so, we had some 400,000 or so people who worked on the program, who gave of themselves to make our mission possible. That's not to mention those dozens who gave their lives in the pursuit of this goal. Those are the giants whose shoulders we find ourselves carried upon, y'know. It's not some poetic speech for the sake of giving artificial weight to the mission. No, the dreams of those who worked on this program and on the coming UHS flights to the moon are riding with us. So yes, it is for those reasons that this mission is far more significant than one man can truly grasp. Even I struggle with it sometimes, but that's how it is.
What about the mission do you think is the most important facet? The landing itself, the cooperation in achieving it, or?
The fact that we will have seven people on the lunar surface at one time time, hailing from three countries and four distinct cultures certainly is quite important, in my opinion. Sure, that it will be the first mission to the far side of the moon is quite important too, as will the demonstration of radio astronomy from the lunar surface, but more than anything, the so-called "Handshake on the Lunar Surface" will no doubt go down in history as one of the greatest moments in spaceflight. A way of... showing to the world that the future has dawned, that cooperation, not competition, is the correct way forwards beyond our world. I hope that it will also show that the conflicts we have down here on Mundus are less significant than we lend credence to. After all, having orbited the planet for nearly a year over three flights, I already have had the chance to form such a perspective. With divine providence, it is my genuine hope that even a few may come to see things the same way.
How long will you actually stay on the lunar surface, and what can you tell us about the landing site?
Well, our total lunar stay-time is planned for about 152 hours, which is a little more than six days. Longer than any previous flight has planned or actually been on the lunar surface. This includes six seven-hour EVAs, well, plus or minus seven hours depending on how our oxygen and how our water and consumables go while out there on the surface itself. The first EVA will see us be, for the most part, in and around the lander, where we will get the majority of our scientific equipment deployed, our L-SEP package deployed, and unstow and unfold our lunar rover for future EVAs. In effect, it'll be a significant housekeeping EVA, where we'll need to get all of our equipment unloaded, get the rover in operational condition, load the rover with our tools, our radios, and our scientific gear, then spend the next three or four hours, depending on how this goes, on the L-SEP package, our scientific package, deploying it, setting up the radioisotope thermoelectric generator—the nuclear power generator which will keep it running. The last hour will be spent on field geology around our landing site. The second EVA will see us rendezvous on the lunar surface with the crew of Akari 7, taking the lunar rover between one and three kilometers southeast to meet them near their landing site. It will also be a seven hour EVA, during which time we will practice joint operations on the lunar surface and perform further field geology and study alongside them. The remaining EVAs will be similar to the second until the crew of Akari 7 returns to their capsule up in orbit, at which time we will continue our own exploration of the surface.
As for the landing site, it will be within Van de Graaff crater, a crater formation located in Mare Ingenii, the Sea of Cleverness as it were, a relatively large merged crater formation. The site itself promises to be a relatively smooth one, although it has enough interesting geology to make it worth the trouble of reaching.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on February 03, 2022, 12:08:30 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)PV-16 Suirō delivered for testing to navy
Negishi Aerospace has confirmed that a pair of prototypes of the PV-16 Suirō have been delivered to the Imperial Daitōjin Navy and are set to begin testing shortly. The PV-16, likely set to be renamed the V-16 upon entering service, is a VTOL Ground Effect Vehicle that is planned to be used by the IDN for roles of Anti-Submarine and Ship Warfarfe and Maritime Patrol, with the option of further modification being left open. The vehicle is designed to be capable of operating from any surface, provided there is enough clearance on the ground for it. The Imperial Government has stated that it will block the sale of such vehicles to foreign powers not presently aligned with it, effectively cutting off the rest of the world beyond the Cross-Straits Community, or CSC, from purchasing it.
Jiro Hanamura, the CEO of Negishi Aerospace, has gone on record claiming that the best-case scenario for the vehicle would be that it enters full production in two to three months, although he expects it be more likely to happen in Mid-August.
Emperor's Cup comes to a close
The 2641 Emperor's Cup has come and gone, with the Shinkyō Tengu claiming victory over FC Erikshaven, with a final score of five to four. With this victory, the Emperor's Cup has finally come to a close, with the team being crowned this year's champion. To the victors, all praise is warranted. As for the defeated team, they have fought valiantly and have earned the deepest respect for their efforts. We here at DHK look forwards to the coming season, and with it the 2642 Emperor's Cup.
Ryū M-IV celebrates New Year in Lunar Orbit
The crew of Ryū M-IV, the final crew of a Ryū spacecraft, celebrated the Daitōjin New Year while docked to their lander in lunar orbit. This marks the first time that a crew has done so from Lunar Orbit, with the crew of M-I narrowly missing it. Nonetheless, it is expected that it will be far from the last of such flights to celebrate it, with the UHS program ramping up and all. The crew of four is expected to undock from the spacecraft in six hours, after which they will land on the lunar surface within Van de Graaff Crater.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on February 03, 2022, 11:55:36 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Zayasu, Aizawa-Shinoda announce joint venture, new Tenjin variant
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/938759868410654730/TransOrbital.png) Logo of the new venture
Zayasu Aerospace and Aizawa-Shinoda Defense, Space & Security, branches of the larger Zayasu and Aizawa-Shinoda corporations, have announced that they have partnered in a joint venture to manage the launches of their venerable Tenjin family of launch vehicles alongside the Sekidō and Inari rocket families. This joint venture, which has been named TransOrbital Solutions, will provide support for such launches while carrying on development of the Tenjin family and its derivatives, as well as offering launch services to private companies. As part of it, the newly-established TransOrbital Solutions has confirmed that work has continued on a proposed reusable replacement for the Tenjin IC, officially labeled the Tenjin II, alongside the previously-announced Tenjin MLV-V-O and MLV-V-Ka.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084656103350302/938762619718877184/Tenjin_IIRyu.png) A render of the Tenjin II with a Ryū Block V spacecraft, c. 2018
Neither Zayasu Aeropsace or Aizawa-Shinoda Defense, Space & Security have confirmed whether this move is a reaction to the recent presentation (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2392.msg22236#msg22236) by the Revanan Nebulus Aerospace, which sought to demonstrate a reusable booster prior to its failure, although it seems clear regardless that said company will be viewed as the venture's primary competitor. Due to its nature and to regulations in place by the Imperial Government, TransOrbital will be well within range of government oversight, with the venture being viewed as subordinate to the DNSA and will not be permitted to launch its own crew at this time. Nonetheless, the company has stated its intention to allow for foreign spacecraft to fly aboard the Tenjin II platform, whether from Artsiv or from foreign launch sites, with government approval, of course.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on February 05, 2022, 07:14:54 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Bauer has landed It is the largest manmade object to land on a foreign body(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/939242336217624586/unknown.png) Artist's conception of Bauer at Mare Ingenii
Following yesterday's landing of the Akari 7 crew on the lunar surface, the DNSA has confirmed that the crew of Ryū M-IV has landed on the lunar surface, making it the second crew to land on the far side of the moon, following their partners from ISEA. With the landing now complete, the crew prepares to spend the next six days on the lunar surface, during which time they will conduct the most extensive manned survey of the lunar surface at Van de Graff crater as well as set up the mission's Far-side Radio Observing Scanning Telescopes (FROST) array. Tomorrow, it is expected that the crew will rendezvous on the surface with their Rokkenjiman counterparts and conduct the first in a series of such surveys. We will continue our coverage of the mission as it happens.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on March 02, 2022, 10:07:32 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Shirotsuru has launched!(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/917104578334445658/948501764003479552/unknown.png) Tenryū at LC-17B, 02/28/22
Yesterday morning, the DNSA successfully launched the Shirotsuru Space Station from its Launch Complex 17A at Artsiv Cosmodrome. This comes following the successful test of the UHS spaceplane, now being known as the Mizuchi program, with the flight occurring last October. The launch was reported to have gone off without a hitch, although the first crew to visit the new station stood by, ready to launch at a moment's notice if any issues were found after it achieved orbit. While the launch was successful, it was decided that the crew of UHS-02B was to launch as soon as possible following confirmed reports that the station's "keep-alive" solar panel was not rotating fully. As such, they launched that afternoon aboard Tenryū that afternoon, spending eight hours in orbit before rendezvousing with the station at 2:00 AM AST.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/917104578334445658/921010873332551730/unknown.png) Shirotsuru from Tenryū, 03/02/22
Following this, the crew of UHS-02B extracted the station's first of three pressurized mating adapters, or PMAs, attaching it to its docking port before docking with the station at 6:00 AM AST. At present, the crew of UHS-02B, led by mission commander Daisuke Hanagata, work tirelessly to inflate the station's intertank crew access tunnels, or ICATs, however little progress has been made in this regard so far. Further updates will be provided as the situation aboard evolves.
Govt. responding to oil spill
The government of Tsukishima circuit has confirmed that it is responding to an oil spill linked to the Ocean's Blessing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seawise_Giant), one of the largest ocean-going vessels ever built. The Ocean's Blessing reportedly ran aground near the Great Kynean Reef, a mere 445 km off the shore of the island. While not strictly falling under their jurisdiction, the government there dispatched a helicopter to survey the site of the wreck with the goal of gathering enough information regarding the incident before passing it along to the central government in Shinkyō.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/948517204587073586/unknown.png) The Ocean's Blessing, 03/01/22
The government of Tsukishima has, following this early response to the incident, called for assistance from the Imperial government in responding to what a spokeswoman has called "an ecological disaster the magnitude of which cannot be put into words". The Ocean's Blessing, operated by the Nueva Ardian Andino Oil Company, is capable of carrying up to 4.1 million barrels of oil, oil which is now reportedly draining into the ocean, wreaking significant damage to the area's ecosystem and endangering many unique species of ocean-going fauna, as well as numerous species of birds. While the site is presently entirely contained within international waters, it is believed that this is only a temporary situation and that it will, unless decisive action is taken to curb it, spread to within the nation's exclusive economic zone.
The Imperial Government is presently weighing its options with regards to the situation in the Dauntel, owing to the potential economic damage said oil spill could cause if allowed to spread.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on March 03, 2022, 05:32:47 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Crew confirms repair of Shirotsuru's Power Module
The crew of UHS-02B has confirmed that they have entered the station following the inflation of its intertank crew access tunnels, which proved troublesome yesterday following their arrival at the station. It was reportedly discovered that the friction between the tunnel's fabric folds had exceeded parameters on the ground, and as such, the crew was ordered to inflate the module slowly so as to mitigate the risk of a "snap-to" inflation, which would risk detaching the tunnel from its mount within the intertank. With this task now completed, the crew has proceeded into the station and has conducted an EVA from the Chiheisen module's airlock, where they dislodged a piece of debris that had become caught in the SPM's rotary joint. With this complete, the panel was capable of then rotating, after which point the SPM was fully deployed to its standard configuration.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/917104578334445658/921493731075584161/unknown.png) A render of Shirotsuru and Tenryū docked together, 03/03/22
The crew of UHS-02B will perform another EVA tomorrow, making use of the station's Yari Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to access the sides of the station's former fuel tank, where they will install a series of handrails to further assist in future EVAs. Following that, the crew will seal the hatch into Shirotsuru and return to Tenryū, where they will seal its hatch as well and depressurize the intertank, after which two ūchunauts, Daisuke Hanagata and Goro Hagihara, will enter the station's liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks in order to secure them prior to their pressurization on a future mission. An interview with the crew will be held on the sixth, while the crew will return to Mundus on the eleventh.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on March 05, 2022, 08:48:37 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Tokkō indicates "new" suspect in 6/10 attacks
In a press conference today, Jin Hiraishi, Director of the Tokubetsu Kōtō Keisatsu, indicated that the agency believed it had another suspect in the 6/10 attacks that rocked that claimed the life of His Majesty, Antei Tennō, as well as six others in what was believed to be an attempt on the life of the Heavenly Sovereign. While a previous suspect, Kaiji Hatsu, was taken into custody last September, he was reportedly released following new details in the case that proved he was not linked to it, rather being in the wrong place at the right time. Director Hiraishi went on to say that the Tokkō was looking into groups from foreign powers that may have been responsible, ranging from terrorist organizations to groups within the at-the-time war-torn Republic of Halych, before clarifying that they now believe the assassin hailed from Eastern Aranye, although he gave no specifics as to his actual nationality. Director Hiraishi also did not confirm whether or not this suspect was in the custody of the Tokkō.
Shirotsuru "ready for outfitting", says DNSA(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/917104578334445658/920938432866426890/unknown.png) Daisuke Hanagata in the former LOX tank of Shirotsuru, 03/05/22
The crew of UHS-02B, according to the DNSA, completed all primary tasks relating to the UHS-02B mission and are set to begin the second part of their mission on Space Station Shirotsuru, where they will conduct a number of experiments via the Chiheisen laboratory module. This was achieved following a pair of Intravehicular Activities, or IVAs, into the LOX and LH2 tanks of the station by ūchunauts Daisuke Hanagata and Goro Hagihara, who worked tirelessly to inspect the interior of the future modules. This was accomplished with no small risk to the crew, who were required on multiple occasions to "leap" to the top and bottom of the tanks, starting with the LOX tank, where Hanagata-san jammed a sealing plug into the nose LOX tank vent, ensuring that it would hold pressure when the time came. This plug will serve as a backup against valve actuators, ensuring that the crew's air supply will not, when the tank is pressurized, flow the same way that liquid oxygen once did.
Upon completing their IVA into the LOX tank, the pair closed the hatch into it before repeating the job in the much larger Hydrogen tank. This tank required a far greater leap, 25 meters in total, all in near perfect darkness, only illuminated by the lights on their helmets. Once they had ensured that the tank had no damage, they jammed similar plugs into the tank's main fill and drain lines. Once this was completed, they returned to the station's ICATs, sealed the tank, and tested whether they held any pressure. Only after this was confirmed did they repressurize the tunnels, concluding their tasks for the day. With that accomplished, the crew has officially completed all of the tasks deemed necessary to consider the mission a success and will return to Mundus in three days. An interview and guided tour of the station will be occur tomorrow.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on March 29, 2022, 08:00:30 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)DNSA tests new SRB
The DNSA has, in cooperation with TransOrbital Solutions, performed a test on the TO-660X solid rocket booster which is set to help carry the Tenjin MLV-V-Ka rocket into orbit. The test, which was performed at 9:16 PM local time, lasted for 114 seconds and produced 15690.64 kN of force. The glow from the test was reported as being seen from as far as fifty kilometers from the site, while those present reported that it was almost bright enough to be noon. The test, which made use of an SRB only half as long as the one to be used on the Ka, was deemed a total success, and another has been scheduled for the 19th of May.
(https://i.redd.it/yvyne8dp8u261.jpg) Test of the TO-660X solid rocket booster, 3/28/22
Imperial Family indicates wedding of Emperor will occur this year
A source within the Imperial Household Agency has indicated that the wedding of His Majesty to Lady Mayumi Tachibana is set to occur at some point later this year. Following several delays owing to both the tradition whereby it is considered inauspicious for an Emperor to marry within a year of taking the throne and the turbulence following the 6/10 attacks, many see this confirmation as a sort of "return to normalcy", although it is clear that much has and will change as the new era proceeds. The source, who asked to remain anonymous, said that while no firm date has been scheduled, they hope that it will occur soon, preferably before the end of spring. Regardless, we here at DHK offer our preemptive congratulations to the Imperial Family as they prepare for such a joyous occasion.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on April 19, 2022, 08:02:21 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitō marks 100 years since the "Great Triumph" The Parade is the largest since 1945(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/965982412213452850/965984362741006386/unknown.png) Members of the Imperial Daitōjin Army on parade in Shinkyō
The Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces (IDAF) recently celebrated Armed Forces day in a massive parade outside of the Imperial Palace in Shinkyō. The parade, which is held annually in celebration of Daitō's victory over the Ardian Empire in 1922, was held for its 100th time since the Treaty of Awara was signed. This treaty recognized the ownership by the Empire over the western provinces, stolen away in 1868 by the Ardians, as well as ensuring a peace treaty that would last until 1939 when our forces righteously rode once more to the defense of our southern brothers in Toshikawa. But more than that, it proved that we could hold our own with minimal aid from the outside world, too busy with the squabbles of lessers, allowing us to rebuild and proving to the world that we, not the Ardians, would stand for ten thousand generations. Not only that, but it gave our former foes to become as brothers, forged in the fires of cruel war.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/965984012411756624/unknown.png) Members of the Imperial Guard on the march (https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/937083687726612580/965913738815373352/unknown.png) A Pair of F-42's take off from an airbase near Shinkyō
His Majesty, the Emperor, attended the military parade, overseeing the troops on display. More than 17,000 thousand strong, this marks the largest parade the Empire has held since the Great War. In his address to those assembled, His Majesty gave remarks on the nation's history since the victory in 1922, the performance of the Armed Forces during the peacekeeping mission in the Republics of Halych and Volhynia, and touched on a need for a "National Revival", although he did not go into detail on this last point. With the conclusion of the parade, the Empire now looks ahead to the coming Imperial Wedding on the 21st.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 07, 2022, 10:27:51 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)His Majesty, the Emperor, has wed
We are now reporting that His Majesty, the Emperor, has officially married Lady Mayumi Tachibana at 11:35 AM, Ardian Standard Time. The new Empress Mayumi will take up the duties expected of her following the couple's honeymoon in three weeks time. During this period, Crown Prince Hidehiko has been appointed Sesshō, with him expected to perform the duties of the Emperor until His Majesty returns, after which his post as regent will be rescinded. This period will undoubtedly give the Crown Prince much-needed experience with governance, in the unlikely event that he should take the throne in the event of tragedy. We at DHK offer our best wishes to the new couple as they begin their life together, having followed this story since their engagement was announced in 2018. Nonetheless, for the sake of privacy, we will not cover their honeymoon more than the basics, with it being expected that they will spend time in the Miyako Islands between Tsukishima and Floodwater.(Backdating this to the 21st of April)
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 09, 2022, 09:43:19 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)DNSA clears engine for test flight(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/973318336320532490/NTRDiagram.png) Diagram of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket
The DNSA has confirmed plans to test a new Nuclear Thermal Rocket engine ahead of the launch of the propulsion module of the agency's Shirotsuru Inter-Planetary Transfer Vehicle. The Shirotsuru IPTV, whose core module was launched last march and is currently docked to Space Station Kyokkō, will allow for both regular flights to the lunar surface and beyond, with its primary mission being to bring mankind to Nergal. As for the engine, it will make use of a converted Tenjin IVc upper stage, typically used to launch unmanned probes into the outer solar system, as a testbed, being mounted in place of the J-2X engine. The payload, bound for the red planet, will be an electric aircraft developed by the agency's Yuzawa-based Aerospace Development Laboratory (ADL), and is set to search for landing sites on Nergal.
As many of our readers are likely unaware of what a Nuclear Thermal Rocket is, a brief explanation will be provided. A Nuclear Thermal Rocket, or NTR, is a type of engine where the heat from a nuclear reaction, more often than not nuclear fission, replaces the chemical energy found in the propellants of a typical chemical rocket. This external nuclear heat source allows a higher effective exhaust velocity and will double payload capacity compared to chemical rockets which store energy internally. Future versions of the engine will be capable of even tripling such a payload capacity. Projects to develop one have existed since the 1960s, however, the DNSA's program, which was approved in 2004 alongside the Shirotsuru program, is set to be the first to actually fly, with its launch scheduled for this June. If successful, it will open the door to Shirotsuru being able to travel to Nergal in the 2024 transfer window, once construction is completed over the course of the next year and testing in and around Mundus next year. The next module of Shirotsuru, the Heiwa node module, will be launched in three weeks, after which the Kagaku Science Lab in July. Said modules will, until 2024, serve as additional modules of the Space Station, expanding its capabilities, something which will be done while the vehicle is undergoing servicing after its first operational mission.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 20, 2022, 05:47:39 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Shirotsuru node module launched(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/977210254876090368/977210262593634344/unknown.png) Recap on Akaryū's latest launch
The DNSA has launched the second module of the Shirotsuru Inter-Planetary Transfer Vehicle. This module, known as Tansa, is a node module with two Common Berthing Adapters, or CBAs, designed to provide mounting points for a pair of "tunnels" as part of vehicle's centrifuge, which will provide the crew with a comfortable 0.11 to 0.68g, thus reducing the strain on their bodies while in orbit. Making use of a large bearing capable of keeping the module pressurized while in use, the module, although small compared to those aboard Zenshoen, is very much the most complicated single module to be launched from a mechanical perspective, surpassing even Zenshoen's own Centrifuge Gravity Laboratory, which, although similar in principle, was not used to provide gravity for humans, rather being used to test its affects on small animals such as mice. The module will not receive its booms until later this year, once the rest of the main "spine" of the vehicle is completed. Once these booms are launched alongside their habitation and laboratory modules, the vehicle will undergo a series of three tests to ensure it works in microgravity, having already been tested in a vacuum chamber back in 2019.
The crew of five is set to arrive at the station at 10:00 PM AST and will assist in research aboard the station, joining the crew of Expedition 32 for eight days before returning to Mundus on the 28th. Haruki Akisada, the DNSA's Director, was quoted as saying,
Quote from: Haruki Akisada
Lets be clear, we remain on track to put a man on the surface of Nergal by the end of 2024. However, those who say we are strictly in a race to "beat" Achkaerin to the planet are, frankly, wrong. While yes, it would be an achievement more prestigious than the first moon landing, from a scientific perspective it matters less who is first and more how long we can stay, at least in this regard. As such, we actually hope for Shirotsuru to arrive roughly around the same time as the Achkaerinese, with the goal of extending our presence on the planet's surface throughout the 2024 transfer window, thereby allowing for a far greater scientific output than would be possible on a single mission."
Emperor to nominate new Prime Minister
It is now believed, based on reports coming out of the Imperial Household Agency, that His Majesty will nominate a new Prime Minister after nearly a year without one, during which time the Chancellor, usually the highest officer of the Imperial Cabinet, fulfilled the role. Once he makes his nomination, it will be up to the Imperial Diet, presently held overwhelmingly by the Daitō Fukkatsu Dōmei (DFD), to confirm the pick. However, at present there is no word as to who he has picked. In spite of this, we do have good reason to believe that the decision has already been made, with the most likely pick being as follows.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084906520051712/977274045831741510/unknown.png) Official Portrait of Suketoshi Heishi
Suketoshi Himekawa, known alternatively as Suketoshi Heishi, is the most likely choice for Prime Minister. Himekawa-san, who had previously served in the Armed Services and is currently working as an aide to his father, the Chancellor, is a direct descendent of Chancellor Toshikatsu Heishi and a career politician, having gotten his start in 2014, when he served as a member of Awara's City Council following his brother's election as a representative. Owing to his extensive relationship with the party, he has proven popular among the DHD, with his mandate likely to have much support, not to mention enjoying popularity among the populace due to his military service and public speaking ability. Politically speaking, he falls in line with the party's centrist elements, although outside observers have noted that some of his beliefs resemble those held by the party in the mid-80s, indicating a possible shift in his ideology over the last three years. In speeches during a tour around the nation, he took a more nationalistic stance, although he has also stated his continued support for the CSTO.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 20, 2022, 08:45:41 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Kanji Akasaki, Daitō's first spacefarer, has died(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/917104578334445658/977289480027390012/unknown.png) Akasaki-sensei in 2018
"The world mourns the loss of seven of its sons and daughters, the nation, brave heroes now commended to the sea of time. But as we mourn their loss, we must look ahead to the next mountain-top, for only by looking ahead can we see the rising sun." These were the some of the words that Kanji Akasaki said at the memorial service for the ill-fated crew of UHS-25 in 1986. Today, we mourn another hero's passing from this world and into the next, as we have been noted that Kanji Akasaki has passed away at the age of 95. He is survived by his son, Kagemori, and daughter, Natsue, as well as five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Akasaki-sensei was Daitō's first ūchunaut, flying aboard Suzaku II on the 26th of August, 1961. He would subsequently command Taka II on April 16th, 1965, Ryū IV in 1973, Kyuden III in 1976, UHS-1 in 1981, and finally UHS-9 in 1983. He served as Chief of the Ūchunaut Office from 1975 until 1999, where he made a name for himself as a stern, determined leader who prioritized his crew's safety over everything else. He is set to be given a state funeral in two weeks time, although there are proposals that some of his ashes be placed at Oceanus Procellarum on the Lunar Surface during the next Tsuki mission in June, with it being particularly symbolic due to the site being planned for the first Washi Program Lunar Landing, which he was set to command.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 30, 2022, 12:28:31 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitō's new Prime Minister takes office
The Daitō Fukkatsu Dōmei's members of the Imperial Diet recently came together to vote on the Emperor's nominee for the office of Prime Minister, Suketoshi Heishi. Of the 460 Diet members, many of whom attended the vote via Arasaka's Sakura Connect web conferencing software, 411 voted to confirm him as Prime Minister, 42 voted against, and 7 abstained from the vote or voted present. With said votes, the DHD, which makes up a majority in the Imperial Diet, has formally appointed Suketoshi Heishi as Prime Minister as of the 27th of May, with him being officially inaugurated today. The new Prime Minister was quick to make a speech on his confirmation, calling, in colorful language mimicking the speeches of his ancestor, Toshikatsu Heishi, for the Imperial government to take action to undo the damage caused by the post-bubble economy, essentially continuing the policies of his predecessors since 2020. He also called for initiatives to be made for the preservation of the Onishic culture, which he rightly claimed were under assault by the Occident and by consumerism. Whether such policies will prove successful remains to be seen, with some questioning what success would even look like in that particular field, but such rhetoric has proven popular in the past, so it may very well be, as some observers have noted, an effort to drum up further support behind him and the Imperial government. The new Prime Minister was quick to also announce plans to visit a number of countries with the goal of "restoring old alliances and making new ties", although it yet again remains to be seen who he was referring to.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on June 03, 2022, 06:43:08 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Imperial Family to move(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/981996798417727528/unknown.png) The Tenkyō Imperial Palace's Shishinden Main Hall, viewed through the Jomeimon gate
The Imperial Household Association has confirmed that, ahead of scheduled renovations to the Imperial Palace in Shinkyō, His Majesty and the Imperial Family will temporarily relocate to the Tenkyō Imperial Palace. With its earliest iteration going back to the late 8th century, the current palace, which was built in the 18th century following a fire which also damaged the Imperial Library, spans an area of around roughly four kilometers and overlooks the Rokkenjiman Sea. The palace had left unoccupied following the war in 1868 which saw Ardian forces seize lands up to the Ashida river, some 60km from Tenkyō, with it having remained out of use in the 154 years since then. However, until recently, it had remained open as a museum, though the then-Crown Prince Eijiro briefly resided in the palace as part of his studies in 2012. Some expect that, should renovations in Shinkyō drag along behind schedule, the palace in Tenkyō could become the official residence of the Emperor in perpetuity, with it having been updated to allow it in 2016 following a brief scare with Emperor Antei's health.
The Imperial Family is expected to reside in Tenkyō until 2024.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on June 05, 2022, 10:25:41 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)DNSA Launches Nergal Sky Sailor(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/937084608984543302/982881261611806780/unknown.png) An Ineko III Heavy rocket lifts off carrying the Nergal Sky Sailor and its Nuclear-powered transfer vehicle 4 June, 2022
The DNSA launched its latest mission to the red planet today, that being the "Nergal Sky Sailor", an electric aircraft designed to survey an area of around 1,700 kilometers, or roughly a quarter of the planet's circumference, over the course of a twelve hour flight. The aircraft, nicknamed "Funanori" or, simply put, "Sailor", will, during its relatively brief flight, investigate in detail a number of sites in and around the red planet's equatorial region, pinpointing locales for missions both crewed and uncrewed over the course of the next few decades, with the DNSA expressing an interest in sites around the Valles Marineris canyon system, which could provide greater insights into earlier periods of Nergal's geological development. Other sites include Victoria Crater and Shalbatana Vallis, with the former being deemed the most likely site for a first crewed landing owing to extensive knowledge of the region's terrain and the existence of a rover in the region that could be used as a sort of beacon for any lander approaching the site. The aircraft is capable of landing after a twelve hour flight, where it will spend a period of time prescribed by Mission Control recharging. Once that is completed, it can be commanded to take off again, after which it will resume its exploration of Nergal's skies.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/982922033866367037/unknown.png) Prototype of Nergal Sky Sailor, 2019
Alongside the Sky Sailor aircraft, this flight marks the operational test flight of a nuclear thermal engine, or NTR. Such an engine, which operates on a different premise than a chemical rocket owing to it making use of externally-heated propellant as opposed to the exothermic reduction-oxidation chemical reactions of propellants used on conventional rockets. While previously, engines such as these had been proposed, and indeed some had been tested as early as the late 1960s, for varying reasons they had not been able to fly. This flight, therefore, marks the beginning of a new era of spaceflight, as it is the first test of a nuclear thermal rocket in orbit, let alone beyond the kármán line.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/982927884551356446/unknown.png) An example of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket such as that used for the Sky Sailor mission
Starting at 3:45 AM on the 5th of June, the engine performed its Trans-Neral Injection Burn, or TNI burn for short; this burn lasted for a total of 34 minutes, putting it on a trajectory which will, in roughly a month-and-a-half's time, bring the vehicle within Nergal's Sphere of Influence, or SOI on the 17th of July, 2022. On that day, designated Sol 0, the vehicle will perform a second burn for roughly the same amount of time, putting the spacecraft into a Low Nergal Orbit, or LNO. The day after, the aircraft's aeroshell and orbiter will detach from the propulsion element, with said aeroshell entering Nergal's atmosphere at 0800 UTC before breaking in two, releasing the aircraft which will then begin its first flight. It is expected to operate for, at a minimum, three days, whereby it will have travelled enough of a distance far enough to have travelled around Nergal one and a half times.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/982937618817900554/AAAA.png) Diagram of Sky Sailor's deployment process
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on June 08, 2022, 12:33:37 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Government announces investment in infrastructure, energy sector
Prime Minister Heishi, on behalf of the Imperial Diet, announced that the legislature has voted to enact a bill which would allocate $330 billion in government funding over the next few years as an investment into the nation's infrastructure and energy sector. Such a move is meant to encourage further development and upgrades to such vital sectors while promoting further employment. As part of this, the government wants to see an additional twelve nuclear reactors brought online over the course of the next few years, while an additional 400km are to be added to the Shinkansen High Speed Railway service and 600km of new roads. In addition, it has allocated some of this funding for new technologies, with a heavy focus on, again, nuclear energy, with notable cases being the development of small modular reactors, or SMRs, and nuclear microreactors, which would revolutionize power generation the world over. It is hoped that this move, on top of further measures to be taken later down the line, will help to ease the worst affects of the recession that Daitō experienced in 2019, with it remaining on track to see renewed growth by the year's end.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on June 19, 2022, 09:34:20 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Shirotsuru's next module launches
The DNSA has launched the next module of the Shirotsuru Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle, in this case a node module which will allow it to, in theory, host a pair of manned landers or the aeroshell for a probe, depending on mission parameters. This comes shortly after the vehicle's centrifuge was inflated earlier this week, which will allow crews to spend further time outside of Mundus's gravity well and enabling safe travel to Nergal and beyond. The station's commander, Mitsuo Yanagida, who is set to return to Mundus later this week alongside the crew of Zenshoen 22A, had the chance to assist in installing the node, capturing photos of the vehicle while on EVA. The mission also delivered the vehicle's remote manipulator system, or RMS.
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/984293310195720223/985069608178450453/unknown.png) Photo from Shirotsuru's centrifuge module, Mitsuo Yanagida c. 2022
The first flight of the UHS Block III is set for the 28h of June, where it will deliver a pair of "pocket labs" to the vehicle, increasing its scientific capability and unlocking further secrets of the universe. The UHS Block III's orbital flight test, if successful, will enable the DNSA to complete the vehicle in record time, thus allowing it to perform its first free flight in December.
Project Suirō completes testing, breaks record(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/965982440113991761/987991901082902558/unknown.png) The Q3N Type 82 "Suirō"
The Imperial Daitōjin Navy confirmed earlier today that it had completed testing of the Q3N Type 82 Suirō class wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) vehicle has completed its testing and is set to enter service in the coming months. Though designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol, it is meant to also be capable of limited ground attack capabilities, having hardpoints capable of supporting unguided bombs alongside the standard array of torpedoes, depth-charges, naval mines, and active/passive sonobuoys. A spokesperson for the IDN reported that during testing, it reached a top speed of 760 km/h and had a cruise speed of 640 km/h, well above the previous record set by East Moreland's Ekra-Badger 1.
It was confirmed later that the Imperial Daitōjin Navy has ordered a flight of six vehicles for a total cost of roughly $972 million, with them being set to enter service by the end of August. Negishi Aerospace has not commented on whether the vehicle will be for sale abroad at this time, although it seems likely that at a bare minimum a few could be sold to the nation's allies.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on June 29, 2022, 08:54:38 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)UHS Block III performs first Orbital Flight Test
The DNSA launched its first UHS Block III spacecraft on a mission to Shirotsuru earlier today, carrying a pair of pocket laboratories and a radiation shield in its payload bay. The Block III spacecraft is a further evolution of the UHS Orbiter which first flew in 1981, being designed for complete reusability and rapid turnaround, although critics have pointed out that the ambitious plans for it flying once a week are, in a similar vein to the original UHS spaceplane, unlikely to be fully achieved. Nonetheless, the orbiter that launched today was designated as US-302, or Danketsu, being representative of the unmanned IIIA subclass of orbiter featuring no quarters for crew and an extended payload bay for larger objects to be carried aboard. Danketsu is set to rendezvous with Zenshoen later today, carrying with it a pair of so-called "pocket laboratories", a set of two sets of OMS fuel tanks, and mountings for Shirotsuru's RMS. With this step, the segment of the vehicle designed for the crew will soon be declared complete. The final construction flight for the vehicle, set for July 5, will deliver the vehicle's drive segment and a remote manipulator system.
Shirotsuru also completed testing on its centrifuge earlier this week, being rated for a solid three-quarters of Mundus Gravity.
"Storm of Steel 1944" tops Box Offices in Daitō(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/991764918342791288/unknown.png) The Poster for "Storm of Steel 1944", inspired by the war films of the 1950s and 60s
"Storm of Steel 1944", a war film following the story of the IDN Fusō in its protracted battle with the Heyran KS Monarch between the 20th and 23rd of March, 1944, recently topped the Box Office across Daitō, grossing roughly $26,783,911 (¥2,142,712,880) in its opening weekend. Starring Haruhisa Sanada, Daizō Aratama, and Gérard Decaux, and with a supporting cast of veteran actors, the film, which runs for roughly two hours and sixteen minutes, was released to strong reviews by critics, with many praising its cinematography and sound design, while others applauded its plot, which is divided between the crews of the two vessels. The Film's director, Jiro Kamasaki, said in an interview that he wanted to examine the war from both sides, specifically focusing on the experience of the average crewman rather than just on the commanding staff of vessels such as those featured in the film, standing in contrast to older films which rarely showed their perspectives.
The film will remain in theaters until August 8th, with an at-home release for DVD and streaming coming later this year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 04, 2022, 04:00:47 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitōjin economy grew 1.9% in second quarter(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/937083619120394250/993343247273439313/unknown.png) Daitōjin economic growth since Q1 2020
The Daitōjin economy grew by around 1.9% since last quarter, according to the State Ministry of the Treasury on the 2nd of July, marking the highest quarterly growth rate in the country since 2018. This, alongside statistics from Q1 2022, which saw the nation's GDP grow by 1.1%, has securely indicated that the recession in the Empire has well and truly come to an end. Now standing roughly around $7,696,095,910,944 (¥615,687,672,875,520), experts predict that the country's economy could potentially continue to grow with continued government programs such as those taken last month (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1826.msg24431#msg24431) by the Heishi administration, which is expected in the coming weeks and months. However, even if the government fails to act, many believe that the worst fallout of the 2019 recession has been weathered and that the country's economy is on track to return to its position prior to the recession by the end of the year.
Emperor, Empress to attend Festival of Sail(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/Yas_yacht_in_Barcelona_port.jpg/640px-Yas_yacht_in_Barcelona_port.jpg) the IDN Hikōkyōi in Floodwater, c.2016
A source within the Imperial Household Agency confirmed that His Majesty, the Emperor, and Empress Mayumi will attend the 2022 Festival of Sail aboard the imperial yacht, IDN Hikōkyōi. The vessel, built in 2005, will be accompanied by a military escort comprising frigates IDN Hōshō and Katsura up to the edge of Morelander waters, at which point its security will be turned over to local authorities. Furthermore, it will join the SS Akatatsu and SS Kamakiri-maru for the duration of the festival, taking part in the parade on Day One before leaving six days later, presumably to visit Altona, if the source is correct, before returning home, although they did not rule out any further stops in region, likely including a brief stop in Rishiri. Nonetheless, Daitōjin citizens attending the festival may no doubt take great joy in having such important guests present for the coming event.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 05, 2022, 04:34:54 PM
The DNSA launched the final segment of the Shirotsuru Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle earlier today, that being its engine segment. Launched aboard a Tenjin MLV-V-Ka launch at 4:16 AM local time, this final, most important section of the vehicle holds both the main engine block of the vehicle and its solar and radiator arrays. Also carried up was the vehicle's Remote Manipulator System, which will, much like the one aboard Zenshoen, be used to grapple payloads such as the reusable lander presently docked to the station. As part of the ceremony marking its completion, and in order to move away from the name "Shirotsuru", which was officially just the project name for the vehicle class, the DNSA officially renamed Shirotsuru to Sojourner, owing to its nature as a vessel meant to travel between the planets. Indeed, though its first official mission will be to travel to Nergal, there are plans for it to travel throughout the inner solar system over the coming decades, with the potential for its service area to be extended with ever-advancing technology.
Sojourner is expected to begin its first test flight in Low Mundus Orbit later this week, remaining undocked for two weeks alongside a crew of four from Zenshoen 22B before returning to the station on the 22nd, once Tytor's Space Shuttle Albion has returned home.
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/984293310195720223/993877664941215814/unknown.png) Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle "Sojourner"
Deputy State Minister of Foreign Affairs tours the Peninsula
Deputy State Minister of Foreign Affairs Harukichi Mishima recently returned home from a tour of the Ardian Peninsular countries of Ardia, Nueva Ardia, and Toshikawa today, during which time he discussed matters of trade and worked tirelessly to improve relations between the Empire of Daitō and the peninsular nations. Perhaps indicating a shift in Daitō's outlook on relations within East Ardia, it remains to be seen just what the outcome of these continued talks will be. Regardless, the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that envoys can be expected to visit other nations in the region in the coming weeks and months, notably Lijiang, Cassiopeia, and New Derusmia, although when asked, it neither confirmed nor denied that any plans exist for a visit to Heyra or Phuebra.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 09, 2022, 11:17:20 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Representative calls for referendum on CSTO membership(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/995175996812697610/unknown.png) Rep. Goro Akihara, Taiki Prefecture, makes the case for a referendum on CSTO Membership, 7/9/2022
Representative Goro Akihara of Taiki Prefecture proposed that the Imperial Government conduct a referendum among its population so as to determine whether it will continue to pursue its membership within the Cross Straits Treaty Organization. This comes following a sharp decline in the alliance's popularity since the Empire first ratified the Cross Straits Treaty in 2020, with, according to a poll by DHK in June 2021, just 50.6% of those polled showing support for Daitō's membership in the CSTO. Many question the need for Daitō to remain in the organization, given the lack of a genuine threat outside of the alliance, something which has not existed since the fall of the USR and is likely not to be the case for a long time. Others note the organization's failure to evolve to meet the changing requirements of the modern world, with some going as far as to say that the CSTO may possibly be rendered obsolete. And of course, there are those who view Daitōjin interests as being hampered by membership within the alliance, given recent actions taken by its various members.
As for Rep. Goro Akihara, he has long been opposed to Daitōjin involvement with the Cross Straits Treaty Organization, making up but one of a considerable faction within the Daitō Fukkatsu Dōmei which opposed the nation's ratification of the treaty. Though initially rather small, since 2020 it has grown to make up one of the largest voting blocs within the Imperial Diet, with its members holding 241 seats within the House of Representatives and 138 seats in the House of Peers, or 379 seats out of 713 controlled by the DFD in the Imperial Diet as of today. Representative Akihara has been noted to share many of the same beliefs as those voiced in the survey that DHK held. He has, however, noted that the referendum he proposes should be held after the annual CSTO summit has completed, that way the public can be aware of all of the facts necessary before making their decision.
Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces to expand
The Chief of Staff of the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces, Gensui-Rikugun-Taishō Okimoto Esashi, recently announced plans for the IDAF to conduct its largest expansion since 1977, with plans existing for all branches of the Armed Forces to see such an expansion and modernization. Of note are plans for the Imperial Daitōjin Navy to increase its number of Ikazuchi-class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arleigh_Burke-class_destroyer) Guided Missile Destroyers from eight to sixteen, as well as to add a further six vessels of the planned Myōkō-class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya-class_destroyer) guided missile destroyer. While it hasn't been confirmed whether the proposal has been selected, some believe that Daitō may seek to expand its carrier fleet with the addition of a further pair of vessels belonging to the under construction Taihō-class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_R._Ford-class_aircraft_carrier), with the first vessel of the class intended to replace the IDN Utsugi by the end of the decade. What has been confirmed, with regards to the navy, is that plans exist to expand the country's fleet of submarines alongside its surface fleet.
Beyond the navy, Esashi called for a renewed push to recruit new personnel for all branches, notably Daitō's ground forces, and has indicated that plans exist to establish an additional three squadrons to the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force, likely being made up of aircraft such as the J9As muiltirole fighter and L8Z transport aircraft. These plans will, of course, take some time to complete, although it should be noted that some of the vessels planned were already under construction, simply being paused due to the recession. The State Ministry of Defense has not confirmed whether any of its plans may be changed to purchase equipment from foreign firms. As an aside, the country's military budget was finally approved, granting the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces a new budget of 2.9%, raising it from the previous 2.2% from last year.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 14, 2022, 04:23:44 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Daitō holds referendum on CSTO membership(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/962347439921180683/997145227439636540/unknown.png) An English-language Ballot, made for members of Daitō's immigrant community
The Daitōjin government held a public referendum on membership in the Cross Straits Treaty Organization yesterday, sending out ballots to each household in order to determine whether it will remain or leave. This came after the Diet passed a bill to permit the referendum previously, with some observers noting how quick the government was to issue and deliver the ballots, potentially indicating that it had been planning such a move for quite some time. Nonetheless, for those who missed our live coverage of the results last night, of those who responded, 55.76% voted to leave while 44.24% voted to remain within the organization. While the exact number of ballots which were returned has not been released, an official within the government said that it was around 66-72% of the population. With this vote, the Imperial Government is now obligated to formally submit a notice of its withdrawal from the organization, which is likely to occur within the next two days. Many expect that the state will leave the organization effective August 1st, however, this is only speculation. Nonetheless, we at DHK will continue to provide live coverage of this process as it occurs.
UHS Block III makes second flight(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/997161165442523317/unknown.png) Artist's depiction of a KA-11 recon satellite
DNSA launched its second flight of the UHS Block IIIA Spacecraft early this morning, carrying a KA-11 KESSHŌ reconnaissance satellite on behalf of the Imperial Daitōjin Space Force into an orbit between 548 and 773km and with an inclination of 98°. Having been formally cleared for re-flight a few days ago, this marks a new record turnaround time for an orbital vehicle by DNSA, going from landing to launch in just eight days owing to the vehicle's innovative inconel-based metallic thermal protection system, which was designed to both be safer and easier to maintain than the LI-900 silica ceramic-based tiles flown on previous generations of UHS and PLS spacecraft, as well as its modernized engines which are far simpler to maintain after reentry. While not quite living up to its once-a-week flight plan immediately, many expect that as flights continue, such plans may become feasible, further driving down the price per kilogram as commercial options open up.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 22, 2022, 12:44:31 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Imperial Household Agency to lift restrictions on use of Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal
The Imperial Household Agency has struck down its long-standing policy established in 1922 restricting the use of the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal in foreign affairs as an act of solidarity with the then-exiled Rokkenjiman Royal Family, which had fled Rokkenjima following the establishment of the Federal Republic. With their restoration on the 30th of September, 2013, the the Agency began an admittedly long-lasting process building towards restoring the use of the symbol by the Empire of Daitō beyond on internal use. As opined by Hisato Watase, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency,
Quote
The Abandonment of the Chrysanthemum as the symbol of the Imperial House on the global stage was but a symptom of the decline of the Empire's standing among the great powers of the age. As this century of struggle draws to a close, so too should this error be rectified, a reminder that the great dragon of the east, once slumbering, has been awoken, never to rest again.
—Hisato Watase, Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency
As part of this policy being lifted, the agency has readopted a number of flags to be used by the Imperial Family in lieu of the previous set, which will be fully phased out the end of the year. These flags will feature the Chrysanthemum in place of the rising sun, which, while a symbol of Daitō, will no longer represent the Imperial Family as a whole.
Tadakatsu Haruno in the ASA
Tadakatsu Haruno, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a visit to the Allied States of Ardia earlier this week, where he assisted in negotiations regarding a potential free trade agreement with the Ardian government. While the details of such an agreement have not yet been disclosed, one can expect a similar deal to that which was struck between the Empire of Daitō and Rokkenjima in 2020. Also unconfirmed but nonetheless anticipated is the likely extension of such a free trade agreement to both Nueva Ardia and Toshikawa, given a recent, renewed push by Daitō to befriend the peninsular countries. Such a gracious offer will no doubt be well-received by the Ardians, who have in the past been both friend and foe to Daitō, with such a move likely cementing their relationship as being the former going forwards.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on July 27, 2022, 09:19:21 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Final Flight of the UHS Block I Spacecraft(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/977210254876090368/1001729471587549215/unknown.png)
The following is a transcript of the final launch of Tenryū on the UHS 226 mission to resupply Zenshoen. The crew, making use of a pair of Extended Duration Orbiter pallets (EDO) will remain there for three weeks, during which time the station will also be visited by a UHS Block II spacecraft which is set to carry the second half of the Zenshoen 22B crew to the station.
-00:09:43: [Flight Director]: Alright, UHS-226 Flight Controllers, one after another, give me a GO/NO-GO for launch. ACO? -00:09:37: [ACO]: Go. -00:09:36: [Flight Director]: Booster? -00:09:35: [BOOSTER]: We're go. -00:09:34: [Flight Director]: DPS? -00:09:33: [DPS]: Go, flight. -00:09:32: [Flight Director]: EECOM? -00:09:31: [EECOM]: Go. -00:09:30: [Flight Director]: EGIL? -00:09:29: [EGIL]: Go. -00:09:28: [Flight Director]: EVA? -00:09:27: [EVA]: We're go on this end. -00:09:26: [Flight Director]: FAO? -00:09:25: [FAO]: Go. -00:09:24: [Flight Director]: FIDO? -00:09:23: [FIDO]: Go. -00:09:22: [Flight Director]: GC? -00:09:21: [GC]: Go. -00:09:29: [Flight Director]: GNC? -00:09:19: [GNC]: We're go. -00:09:18: [Flight Director]: INCO? -00:09:17: [INCO]: Go, flight. -00:09:16: [Flight Director]: MMACS? -00:09:15: [MMACS]: Go. -00:09:14: [Flight Director]: PDRS? -00:09:13: [PDRS]: Go! -00:09:12: [Flight Director]: PROP? -00:09:11: [PROP]: We are go, flight. -00:09:10: [Flight Director]: Rendezvous? -00:09:09: [RNDZ]: Go. -00:09:08: [Flight Director]: TRAJ? -00:09:07: [TRAJ]: Go. -00:09:06: [Flight Director]: TALCOM? -00:09:05: [TALCOM]: We're go over here, flight. -00:09:04: [Flight Director]: Launch Control, this is Shinkyō. We are go for flight, wish the crew the best of luck. -00:09:02: [DTD]: Roger that, Shinkyō. Listen up, we are go for launch. End built-in-hold. -00:09:00: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: Shinkyō reports all flight controllers are go for launch, countdown is proceeding from nine minutes onwards.
-00:02:00: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: We are currently two minutes away from liftoff and the weather is clear. The Orbiter Access Arm retracted about five and a half minutes ago and the engines are armed. T-1 minute and fifty seconds and counting. We are hearing that the oxidizer tanks in the first and second stages have fully pressurized. We continue to build up pressure here at the last minute to have it prepared for liftoff. T- one minute, thirty-five seconds on the UHS mission, the final flight of the UHS Block I spacecraft. All indications are coming into the ground control center that we are still GO. One minute, twenty-five seconds, and the second stage is fully pressurized. The 80 second mark has now been passed. We will go on full internal power once we pass the 50-second mark in the countdown. Guidance system goes on internal at 17 seconds leading up to the ignition sequence at 8.9 seconds. We're approaching the 60 second mark on the UHS-226 mission. -00:01:00: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: T-minus 60 seconds and counting. We have passed T-minus 60. 55 seconds and counting. We have passed the 50-second mark. Our transfer is complete. We're on internal power with the launch vehicle at this time. -00:00:40: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: 40 seconds away from the liftoff of UHS-226. All first stage tanks are now pressurized. 35-seconds and counting, we are still go. -00:00:31: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: 30 seconds and counting. Ūchunauts Akitomi, Haruno, Gusukuma, and Saejima are reportedly in good spirits. T-15 seconds, guidance is internal. 12... 11... 10... -00:00:10: [DTD]: We are now go for main engine start. -00:00:10: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: Go for main engine start. T- 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... All main engines are running. 2... 1... And LIFTOFF! Liftoff of Tenryū. On the shoulders of the Block I, Daitō will continue the dream of exploration future generations!
+00:00:03: [Akitomi]: Roger, clock is running and we have yaw. +00:00:10: [Range Safety Officer]: Clear of the tower. +00:00:11: [Akitomi]: Roger, tower cleared. +00:00:12: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: The tower has been cleared. +00:00:16: [Akitomi]: Roll program. +00:00:17: [Mission Control]: Roger roll, Tenryū. +00:00:19: [Akitomi]: 610 meters. +00:00:54: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: Altitude is 3.2 kilometers and rising. +00:01:00: [Mission Control]: Tenryū, Shinkyō, you are go at one minute. +00:01:02: [Akitomi]: Roger. +00:01:24: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: We are going through maximum dynamic pressure. Tenjin's main engines are throttling down to reduce strain on the vehicle. +00:02:01: [Mission Control]: Tenryū, go with throttle-up. +00:02:03: [Akitomi]: Roger, go with throttle-up. +00:02:15: [Mission Control]: Tenryū, go for staging. +00:02:18: [Akitomi]: Roger, go for staging. +00:02:48: [Akitomi]: We have stage separation and the MMEs are burning. +00:02:53: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: We have engine cutoff and stage separation. Tenryū's four main engines have ignition. The booster is pitching over and is preparing to glide back to the ASC. We will continue our coverage as the flight continues. +00:08:20: [DHK - Daiki Funae]: We have external tank separation. Tenryū is in orbit for the last time.
(OOC Note: the latter half of the launch is skipped as there is nothing really of note to mention in it post first stage separation.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on August 04, 2022, 08:48:40 AM
(https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=29545.0;attach=1114189;image) KA-11 4-3 as pictured by UHS-206, June 18, 2017
In a statement to the press, Marshal Saburō Yokomichi, chief of the Imperial Daitōjin Space Force, reported that a KA-11 KESSHŌ reconnaissance satellite went offline roughly 98 minutes after the destruction of a Rokkenjiman military satellite by a Nagareboshi Anti-Satellite Missile launched from the IRN Pride of Lydcaer on the behalf of the Rokkenjiman government. The satellite in question, KA-11 4-3, was launched in 2013 aboard a Sekidō-C rocket from Shiroi Shakyū Air Force Base (now Shiroi Shakyū Space Force Base) and has, until today, remained in service, providing valuable information on various sites. Costing roughly ¥111.68 billion mon ($1.396 billion), the satellites are a valuable asset to the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces, albeit an expensive one. Marshal Yokomichi had the following to say on the matter,
Quote from: Saburō Yokomichi
While we have yet to determine the cause of the satellite going offline, observers on the ground did note, as much as I hate to say it, that it appeared that the satellite had been impacted. What we have been able to determine, as of this moment, is that the satellite has been rendered inoperable, perhaps permanently, however, we are continuing efforts to at a bare minimum assess the extent of the damage done to it and if possible bring it back online."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on August 05, 2022, 06:12:13 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)2022 Kita Exercises to occur in spite of CSTO withdrawal
(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/965982412213452850/1004951103609258014/unknown.png) Marines of the Imperial Daitōjin Marine Corps disembark during the 2020 Kita Exercises
Marshal Okimoto Esashi confirmed in a press conference earlier today that the planned 2022 Kita Exercises in and around Tsukishima will continue as planned in spite of the Empire's withdrawal from the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. This comes as many question whether the exercise can continue, given the recent withdrawal from the alliance and planning for the exercises to include its members. However, Esashi-taishō clarified that their participation was always optional, however he was quick to say that the Empire of Achkaerin had agreed to participate in this year's exercise. Whether this will be the case in the years to come remains to be seen, but he appeared hopeful.
It is recommended that international traffic refrains from travelling into the waters off of the southwestern coast of Tsukishima from the 20th to the 27th of August, owing to it being designated a live fire exercise area. Likewise, civilian air traffic will be redirected to avoid these zones until the exercise comes to an end.
Foreign representatives visit Kantei
Diplomats belonging to the Allied States of Ardia, Andinist Republic of Nueva Ardia, and the Shogunate of Toshikawa arrived in the city of Shinkyō yesterday, where they were welcomed by Prime Minister Heishi and his staff. The diplomats had travelled to Daitō in order to participate in the first in a series of talks to work out a potential free trade agreement, with the possibility of further provisions being included alongside this deal. The DFD has, since 2000, sought to build ties with the various states that line the Sea of Azukishima, with these plans being delivered a vicious blow when Toshikawa invaded Nueva Ardia. As part of efforts to aid in reconciliation on the Ardian Peninsula, Deputy Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi first proposed an East Ardian Free Trade Agreement back in 2019 while he was still serving as a representative in the Imperial Diet. His cause has been taken up by the Prime Minister, who it is believed wishes to see greater unity in East Ardia and hopes that the agreement may, in cooperation with its other prospective founders, eventually encompass a vast swathe of the East Ardian region.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on August 10, 2022, 12:18:52 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Imperial family makes announcement
Hisato Watase, Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency, held a press conference earlier today with regards to the Imperial family, for whom he has been charged with aiding since June 13, 2014. The steward first went through the standard array of topics, mostly relating to travel plans for the various members of the family, however, this was, by comparison to other news he had to share, unimportant. He read a statement to the press, saying "Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress, have requested that I relay the following information to you. With great joy and hope, I announce that Her Majesty, Empress Mayumi, is pregnant with His Majesty's child. The couple has been aware of the pregnancy since last month, and the honourable Court Physician, Dr. Haruto Uchiyama, has stated that the child will be born sometime in December. The Imperial family as well as the Tachibana family are overjoyed at this announcement and are eager to welcome the new Prince or Princess. On behalf of the Imperial government, I wish to offer my sincerest hope that the mother and child enjoy good health."
Shortly following the statement being issued, crowds of citizens flocked to the gates of the Imperial Palace in Tenkyō to offer their best wishes to the couple and making offerings at shrines in the area around the palace. A similar display occurred at the palace in Shinkyō as well. Shrines and temples across the country have been reported to include prayers for the potential future heir to the throne in their repertoire, mostly those shrines backed by the Imperial family.
DNSA announces landing site on Nergal(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/1006873833027932181/unknown.png) Candor Chasma as pictured by Sky Sailor, 20 July, 2022
The DNSA has announced that, having reviewed data collected by both orbiters around Nergal as well as its recent Sky-Sailor mission, it has determined the optimal landing site for the 2024 mission to Nergal by the Sojourner spacecraft. This comes after photoreconnaissance performed by the vehicles indicated a site roughly in the center of Candor Chasma in the Valles Marineris canyon system to be optimal for a crewed landing. The DNSA also noted the potential presence of water ice just below the surface as a reason for their interest in the site, which, if present, could potentially support longer term missions to the red planet, not to mention that the soil could harbor evidence of past life on the planet. The agency also noted Melas and Coprates Chasma as potential secondary landing sites, given their unique geography and in the case of Coprates, evidence of seasonal flows along its slopes.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on August 23, 2022, 11:50:40 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Ignition confirmed in a nuclear fusion experiment for the first time(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Preamplifier_at_the_National_Ignition_Facility.jpg/640px-Preamplifier_at_the_National_Ignition_Facility.jpg)
A major breakthrough in nuclear fusion has been confirmed a year after it was achieved at a laboratory in Tsukishima circuit. Researchers at the Tadakatsu Ujihara Imperial Laboratory's (TUIL's) Imperial Ignition Facility (IIF) recorded the first case of ignition on August 23, 2021, the results of which have now been published in three peer-reviewed papers. But before we proceed, what is nuclear fusion? Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun and other stars: heavy hydrogen atoms collide with enough force that they fuse together to form a helium atom, releasing large amounts of energy as a by-product. Once the hydrogen plasma "ignites", the fusion reaction becomes self-sustaining, with the fusions themselves producing enough power to maintain the temperature without external heating.
Ignition during a fusion reaction essentially means that the reaction itself produced enough energy to be self-sustaining, which would be necessary in the use of fusion to generate electricity. If we could harness this reaction to generate electricity, it would be one of the most efficient and least polluting sources of energy possible. No fossil fuels would be required as the only fuel would be hydrogen, and the only by-product would be helium, which we use in industry and are presently running out of. The problem with fusion energy at the moment is that we do not have the technical capabilities to harness this power. Scientists from across the world are currently working to solve these issues. In this latest milestone at TUIL recorded an energy yield of around 1.3 megajoules in just a few nanoseconds. "The record shot was a major scientific advance in fusion research, which establishes that fusion ignition in the lab is possible at IIF," said Joji Watabe, chief scientist for TUIL's inertial confinement fusion program. "Achieving the conditions needed for ignition has been a long-standing goal for all inertial confinement fusion research and opens access to a new experimental regime where alpha-particle self-heating outstrips all the cooling mechanisms in the fusion plasma."
In the experiments performed to reach this ignition result, researchers heat and compress a central "hot spot" of deuterium-tritium (hydrogen atoms with one and two neutrons, respectively) fuel using a surrounding dense piston also made from deuterium-tritium, creating a super hot, super pressurized hydrogen plasma. "Ignition occurs when the heating from absorption of α particles created in the fusion process overcomes the loss mechanisms in the system for a duration of time," said the authors in a paper publishing the results in the journal Butteki Fukushū E.
This landmark result comes after years of research and thousands of man hours dedicated to improving and perfecting the process: over 1,000 authors are included in the Butteki Fukushū Moji paper. Despite repeated attempts having not been able to achieve the same energy yield as the August 2021 experiment, all of them reached higher energies than previous experiments. Data from these follow-ups will aid the researchers to further streamline the fusion process and further explore nuclear fusion as a real option for electricity generation in the future. "It is extremely exciting to have an 'existence proof' of ignition in the lab," Watabe said. "We're operating in a regime that no researchers have accessed since the end of nuclear testing, and it's an incredible opportunity to expand our knowledge as we continue to make progress."OOC Note: Actual papers regarding this achievement are provided below: Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment (https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001) Experimental achievement and signatures of ignition at the National Ignition Facility (https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.106.025202) Design of an inertial fusion experiment exceeding the Lawson criterion for ignition (https://journals.aps.org/pre/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevE.106.025201)
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on August 29, 2022, 01:58:35 AM
It's a tradition which shows no signs of slowing down. The Kurashiki Danjiri festival brings thrills to the city of Kurashiki each year with its high-energy race of shrines through its many streets and spectacular—albeit dangerous—performances atop them. Dating back more than three-hundred years, the festival began when the daimyō of Kurashiki, Iwasaki Yorifusa, prayed to the Kami for an abundant harvest at Ukyō Inari-taisha in Tenkyō. Divided into two separate festivals, the first and most famous is held on the last Saturday and Sunday of August, while the second, held in October, is less famous but includes more Danjiri shrines. The August festival is again separated into two. Again, the more famous is the Kurashiki Danjiri centering on the castle and runs from the Nankai line down to the shore of the Mutsu inland sea. The other Danjiri festival occurs in the town of Nishi and centers around Nankai Nishi Station. For more on the festival, we join Fusako Arishima, who had the opportunity to spend time in the city for the festival.
"It is 4:50 AM and Kurashiki, Kawachi is coming to life. This ornate wooden float, or danjiri, will soon join other neighborhood teams blazing around the city streets." She said about the float itself before getting the chance to interview someone who would be onboard during the parade, who, when asked if he got scared going around corners at high speed, said that he actually found it exciting more than anything. She also got to interview the Sujikaicho team's leader, Atsuo Fujibayashi, who expects his team to run a blistering pace. "I think we'll be running faster than usual. Counting children and women, we'll have about 200 people pulling the danjiri." Fujibayashi-san said. "Of course, it's not really about making it first, rather, it's to show our devotion through this great struggle."
5:30 AM, tension is slowly building in the streets of Kurashiki. Men make the final preparations for their danjiri ahead of the festival. As the voices of revelers grow louder, the signal is given, and the festival is kicked off. Various courses snake through the city's streets. Men balance and dance atop the portable shrines, giving instructions to their teams in a highly ritualized fashion, often at great personal risk as seen with many accidents over the decades. Twenty-two teams run at high speed, one after another along the route. As they make their way along, the Sujikacho team prepares for its first "yarimawashi", which means cornering at high speeds in what is considered by many to be a highlight of the festival. The team speeds into and successfully navigates the corner as the crowd erupts in elation.
Behind the scenes, another tradition is underway. From early morning, women are hard at work preparing for an influx of hungry runners. Locals often eat crab during the festival, owing to it being commonly caught in the area. Of course, another staple of the event is beer. The festival keeps the women going full-steam, as preparing food takes up the entire day. "We watch the festival on TV, mostly to keep track of where everyone is and how much time we have left." One of the cooks said during an interview. "Right now, we've got about twenty minutes to clean this up and prepare the next meal."
Come afternoon, the crowd swells and the energy of the festival rises. More than three-hundred thousand festivalgoers flock to the event annually, while many more in the region often watch local broadcasts of it. The teams parade their floats in front of the train station, where celebration ensues. Then, when that is done, it is back to running, which continues until six in the evening. Now more than three centuries after this tradition began, it has remained a hallmark of the region, and like a danjiri at full speed, it is still going strong. For DHK, this is Tatsuo Watai, signing off.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 15, 2022, 07:10:31 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Naval buildup marks shift in policy(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1019762829852692510/1019762835980570658/unknown.png) IDN Taihō under construction in Kyure, c.2021
He represents a change in priorities for the Empire. The IDN Taihō (KB(G)-6), the lead ship of the eponymous class, has long been hailed as a new start for the Imperial Daitōjin Navy since it was first proposed in 2012. First laid down in 2018, it was caught in the aftermath of the 2019 recession, sparking delays as a result of budget cuts. Following this, it resumed construction in 2021, with it now nearing completion and being expected to launch in December 2022, but no later than February 2023. At present joined by its sister ships, Hōshō (KB(G)-7) and Zuihō (KB(G)-8), which are in varying degrees of construction, funds have been allocated to explore a further two ships. When the ship is complete, it will be the largest ship operated by the Imperial Daitōjin Navy in its entire history, as well as its most powerful. It is, in effect, the poster child of what is being called the "New Imperial Armed Forces", overshadowing other vessels and equipment in what is shaping up to be one of the largest acquisitions of equipment in the Empire's long history, rivalled only perhaps by that which was seen during the Keiyo Restoration in the late 1860s and early 1870s. Indeed, many have noted the existence of plans to construct a new class of Amphibious Assault Ship, alongside a number of other projects currently in various stages of development.
Some have questioned why the Empire needs this expansion, after all, the country's navy is already top-notch, as are its Air Force and Army. However, others have pointed out that such an expansion would both provide the means for greater power projection for the state and of course assist in the country's defense. Furthermore, many experts have said that the Empire ought to take a more active role in securing major trade routes and ensuring peace on the high seas going forwards. This marks a substantial shift from previous military and foreign policy which focused entirely upon the protection of the homeland, reflecting the growing international focus of the Heishi Premiership.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 17, 2022, 02:07:05 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/652903412186218526/865706904864948234/INSNew.png)Could New Materials Change the Shape of Stealth Aircraft?(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083687726612580/965913739108941864/unknown.png) Pair of Aizawa-Shinoda J11As "Kotsu"s over Takehara Prefecture. Photo Credit: Akihisa Tachizaki, 11 June 2018
While often thought of as little more than a sort of "stealth paint", radar absorbing materials are essential to the operation of any stealth aircraft, but they also account for a large percent of the operating costs associated with fifth generation fighters. Furthermore, the physical limitations of these materials often then become the physical limitations of the aircraft they treat, stifling the performance of the world's most advanced fighters in the air while simultaneously limiting fleet size and readiness rates on the ground. However, that may not be the case for much longer. A new kind of ceramic-based radar absorbing materials could not only drastically reduce the limitations these materials place on low-observable aircraft, they could quite seriously launch stealth into a new era of aviation, paving the way for stealth to be seen on future hypersonic aircraft. In the short term, this material could dramatically reduce the costs of operating existing stealth fighters and even allow for the development of lower-cost stealth platforms with similar performance to today's high-end jets. In the somewhat longer term, it could allow Daitō's next-generation of stealth fighters to be faster, more aerobatic, and stealthier than anything that has ever taken to the skies.
In order to understand the value of this Ceramic-based RAM, one needs to understand what RAM is in the first place. Modern stealth aircraft leverage radar-reflecting designs, meant to deflect electromagnetic waves away from them rather than directly back at the receiver. In spite of this, these designs alone are not enough to make a modern fighter really stealth. They are also covered in layers of radar-absorbing materials, or RAM, which reduces their radar returns. In more technical terms, Radar-absorbing coatings are a special class of polymer-based materials that absorb electromagnetic energy; Put simply, this advanced—and often troublesome—material practically eats radar for lunch. This is exceptionally important, as even with advanced stealth designs mean to deflect radar waves, the leading edge of an aircraft's wings, its jet inlets, parts of its vertical tail surfaces, and other elements of a fighter tend to produce radar returns. These facets of a fighter's shape are essential for aerobatic performance, at the very least for now, and as a result, modern stealth aircraft will often see a radar-absorbent edge treatment over all of these portions of the aircraft. Such materials are often incorporated into a honeycomb lattice or a similar structure that are placed inside the jet's intake for the same reason. A jet's intake compressor-fan produces a large radar return. The radar-absorbent materials used by modern Daitōjin fighters today is important, being rated to absorb upwards of 70-80% of inbound electromagnetic energy, but is also very expensive and time-consuming to maintain, and as a result, this is a major part of the large expense associated with operating the J11As or the A9As, for that matter. This creates real financial limitations on stealth aviation. Per a quote from a member of a maintenance squadron,
Maintaining the radar-absorbent coating on the surface of the A9As is a job that takes very detail-oriented, sometimes tedious work — masking every small area, properly mixing chemicals, applying them precisely, smoothing, and assessing the smallest imperfections. It's time-consuming, but it's vital to get it right."
There is indeed a reason that most stealth aircraft fleets do not extend into the triple digits. Put simply, it is too expensive for most countries. The reason for that expense, however, is not as transparent, after all, these days, it is far cheaper to buy an A9As Type 68 for less than a modernized A8As or Rokkenjiman RK-74. It would appear that it hasn't been cheaper to fly into the stealth era, however, the truth simply is that acquisition isn't the largest financial hurdle for an aspiring stealth-based air force. Rather, sustainment is. Per the Ministry of War, the intention is to buy nearly 1050 A9As's by the time the program ends, representing a stunning $200 billion, which, while a significant expenditure, still pales in comparison to the price of operating the aircraft throughout the extent of its service life is expected to cost nearly three times as much. Per the accounting office, it is projected that A9As sustainment will top $989 billion by the time it is retired. In 2020 alone, it cost about $7.8 million a year to operate each A9As Type 68 that any nation would have in a hangar, with higher figures associated with the more specialized Type 72 and 76 variants. A sizeable portion of that annual expense came down to repairing, maintaining, or replacing the radar-absorbing materials that coat these aircraft, and as a result, the Ministry has noted that unless the sustainment costs of the aircraft can be brought down, it will have to limit its purchases of these fighters.
Now that you have been provided a sense of how expensive radar-absorbing materials can be, as well as what a pain they are to maintain, we can begin to talk about how they actually limit the physical performance of stealth aircraft. Today's polymer-based RAM may be good at absorbing electromagnetic energy, but it is not particularly good at surviving the rigors of combat aviation. Today's RAM begins to break down at temperatures in excess of 250°C. This becomes a major problem for tactical jets that travel at supersonic speeds, where the combination of friction and air pressure on the leading edge of the wings and in portions of the tail can often exceed the temperature limits of RAM. It's also a problem for body panels located at the rear of the aircraft, near to the jet's exhaust. As a result, stealth fighters are designed in such a way as to mitigate friction on these leading edges, which can compromise their aerobatic performance to an extent. To make matters even worse, these accommodations for RAM aren't always effective. Back in 2011, the A9As Type 72, which is the Short Takeoff Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant and the A9As Type 76 variant, which is designed for carrier duty, were subjected to flutter tests. A flutter test is a test of an aircraft's structural behavior under aerodynamic loads. These aircraft are rated for a top speed of Mach 2.24, but they were tested at slightly lower and more realistic speeds. The results were nonetheless troubling. After sustained flight at Mach 1.8, the Type 72 showed "bubbling and blistering" of the RAM applied to both sides of the jet's horizontal tail surfaces and boom. The Type 76 fared even worse, with, quote, "thermal damage" that actually compromised the structural integrity of the tail surfaces found after sustained flight at Mach 1.76. As a result, both of these aircraft are now limited to speeds of Mach 1.6 or lower, and their only able to sustain such speeds for less than a minute before the risk of damage to the aircraft becomes too severe to to be permitted under anything other than emergency circumstances. It should be noted that Aizawa-Shinoda has reportedly improved the durability of the radar absorbent materials used in the A9As and later deliveries of these aircraft, meaning that it may not be as big of an issue today as it was before, however, there is no word on the speed restrictions being lifted, likely remaining classified, however, it may still be a real problem. Even with improved durability, it is quite possibly still a real problem just because of the limits of these polymer-based materials. However, this is by no means a problem unique to the A9As in any way. In fact, if anything, the A9As is probably less susceptible to these problems than other stealth fighters. Not only does the A9As take a different approach to applying these materials, it is also built with extensive use of radar-absorbing polymer materials in the aircraft's composite structure itself. Aircraft built with less advanced materials utilized in their construction, older jets such as the J11As, or foreign ones such as like the Su-57, are just as susceptible to issues with RAM, or in some cases, the use of radar absorbent materials may be omitted from high-friction areas on an aircraft, which would reduce maintenance requirements and operating costs at the expense of observability.
For those who are interested in the development hypersonic aircraft, this means that radar absorbing materials, which are all but required for for any stealth aircraft, are a no-go for hypersonic applications. After all, an aircraft travelling at Mach 5, the lower end of the hypersonic realm, regularly sees temperatures as high as 982°C on the fuselage. After all, if today's polymer-based RAM starts to break down at speeds as low as Mach 1.6, which was designed to be covered in RAM and fly at supersonic speeds, you would quickly come to realize that the physical limits of this material creates very real physical limits not only on today's aircraft, but on what we can design the next generation of stealth aircraft to do as well. But there are still more big problems with today's polymer-based RAM. It is very sensitive to exposure to moisture and salt, which is a problem for the A9As Type 72 and 76, both of which often operate from ships, and it is also sensitive to abrasive materials like sand, a fairly common facet of modern warfare.
But what is the solution? Efforts are underway to develop a new ceramic-based RAM-coating that can sustain much higher temperatures and withstand significant environmental abuse. This new form of RAM is so promising that it could not only resolve the issues inherent to the material on existing stealth fighters, but could also allow for the design of faster, more aerobatic stealth aircraft than ever before. It could even benefit hypersonic applications, like the often rumored Aizawa-Shinoda "Kurai hoshi", or whatever platform ultimately emerges from the Air Force's combined-cycle scramjet program. Back in 2020, a research team out of Keiyo University in Shinkyō led by one Harumi Gōda announced the development of this new ceramic-based radar absorbing material, and they immediately posited that it could be used for tactical fighter applications. According to their findings, this new RAM is actually more effective at absorbing electromagnetic energy. While today's RAM is rated to absorb around 70-80% of inbound radar waves, this ceramic RAM, or C-RAM, could absorb up to 90%. Perhaps even more importantly, its also harder than sand and extremely resilient to both moisture and high temperatures. As mentioned before, today's RAM begins to break down at around 250°C, but this ceramic-based material can withstand temperatures as high as 1,760°C, which is more than enough to sustain not only supersonic speeds, but hypersonic speeds in excess of Mach 6. Per Dr. Harumi Gōda,
Quote from: Dr. Harumi Gōda, Keiyo University
Fundamentally, there aren't any concerns with this material's performance or durability. So, there are no longer any constraints on how the aircraft could be designed."
Applying this new ceramic-based RAM is also a pretty simple process, at least when compared to applying today's polymer-based RAM materials. A liquid ceramic precursor is sprayed onto the aircraft and then just left exposed to the ambient air. Over the span of around two days, the liquid hardens into a solid ceramic material. Two days is about the same as the cure time on today's polymer-based RAM, but because the C-RAM is so durable, you could apply it way less often, which would mean a significant drop in maintenance requirements, costs, and downtime while simultaneously increasing readiness rates. Dr. Gōda and her team's work has been substantiated by a number of other peer-reviewed papers, with the concept being deemed very promising. So promising, in fact, that Gōda's team secured funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to continue the development of this invention for use in advanced stealth applications. What this means is that ceramic RAM could emerge as one of the more potent stealth improvements that we will see on Daitō's next generation of stealth aircraft, slated to enter service by the 2030s. It is also possible that we could see this material added to existing stealth aircraft such as the A9As to not only unlock its full performance potential, but also reduce its operating costs, making it more a feasible aircraft for a broader variety of mission sets, as well as potentially being used on 4th generation aircraft to improve their survivability. Of course, this is but one variable among many, but even so, the fact that essentially a thick layer of ceramic paint could have such huge reverberating effects in military aviation for decades to come is nonetheless significant. In a real way, Ceramic RAM may unlock the future of military stealth aviation.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 23, 2022, 04:12:58 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Awara High Court rules prohibition of Same-Sex Marriages constitutional(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/937083619120394250/1022509947977732126/unknown.png)
The Awara High Court, whose jurisdiction is the entirety of the Tōsandō Circuit, ruled on Thursday that the country's prohibition on same-sex marriage does not violate the constitution, rejecting demands for compensation by three couples who said their right to free union and equality has been violated. The Awara High Court is the third decision on the issue, and disagrees with a ruling last year by an Urasoe court that found the ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional. It underscores how divisive the issue remains in Daitō, one of the world's largest economies which still does not recognize same-sex unions. In its ruling, the Awara court rejected the plaintiff's demand for 文593,120 mon ($7,414 USD) in damages for each couple for discrimination that they face.
The plaintiffs—two male couples and one female—were among twelve same-sex couples who filed lawsuits against the government in five major cities—Shinkyō, Urasoe, Awara, Hatsukaichi, and Saito—in 2019 for violating rights to free union and equality. They argued that they have been illegally discriminated against by being deprived of the same economic and legal benefits that heterosexual couples enjoy through marriage. Although homosexuality was decriminalized in 1966 and support for sexual diversity has been growing in Daitō, legal protections are still lacking for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. LGBTQ people often face discrimination at school, work and at home, causing many to hide their sexual identities. Rights groups had pushed for passage of an equality act ahead of the 2021 Mundus Games, when international attention was focused on Daitō, but the bill in effect killed by the DFD. The Osaka court on Monday said freedom of marriage in the 1895 Constitution only means male-female unions and does not include those of the same sex, and therefore banning same-sex marriages is not unconstitutional.
Judge Hisaichi Tsukitate said marriage for heterosexual couples is a system established by society to protect a relationship between men and women who bear and raise children, and that ways to protect same-sex relationships are still undergoing public debate. The court, however, urged the diet to seek methods to better protect same-sex relationships, including options to legalize same-sex marriage.
The plaintiffs and their lawyers called Monday's ruling unacceptable and said they would appeal. Yasuaki Tsuji, a plaintiff, said at a news conference that they took legal action to obtain backing from the judicial process for parliament to take action, but "the court stayed away from making a decision." He said he will keep fighting. "We don't have time to feel discouraged," he added.
Public opinion in Daitō currently favors legalizing same-sex marriage. Under current rules in Daitō, same-sex couples cannot inherit each other's property, house or other assets they share, and have no parental rights over each other's children. They are often barred from renting apartments together, and from hospital visits and other services available to married couples. More than 200 municipalities across Daitō, or 6% of the total, have begun issuing non-legally binding partnership certificates to same-sex couples since Shinkyō's Shiraizumi ward became the first to do so in 2015. The Shinkyō metropolitan government recently adopted a plan to accept registrations starting in November from sexual-minority couples seeking certificates of their partnerships. Still, this is not the same as a marriage certificate and does not provide equal legal protection.
Many hope that the Supreme Court will overturn the ruling by the Awara High Court, however, some anticipate that the decision by the court, if it agrees to hear the case, will likely be inline with yesterday's ruling. Nonetheless, it could also be possible that legislation similar to that which had been proposed in 2021 will once again be introduced in the Diet in the coming months.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on September 27, 2022, 11:30:35 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)101st Emperor's Cup Quarter Finals Conclude(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1024391498575396864/1024391907008335994/unknown.png) Daikichi Nakasato (Left) and Takaji Segawa (Right) of Kyūre United FC shortly after scoring against Júbilo Otsu, Otsu Dome
The finals for the 101st Emperor's Cup officially kicked off today following delays with a series of four games across the Empire, aiming to determine who will be crowned as this year's champions. We saw a strong performance from the various teams involved, with the Shinkyō Tengu, the champions of the 100th Emperor's Cup last year, performing admirably in their defeat of the Tenkyō Giants 3-2. Likewise, FC Awara saw victory over Hatsukaichi with a score of 2-1, while the Shibetsu Tigers won against their opposition, Sagan Saito. Perhaps the biggest upset, however, is the victory of Kyūre United FC over Júbilo Otsu with a score of 3-1. Kyūre United has long been in the background of the Emperor's Cup, not making it to to the Quarter Finals since 2009 and making it past since 2007. Perhaps this will finally mark their return to the top? Only time will tell, but many anticipate that they will not succeed, as they will be forced to play against Awara, which has performed strongly in the last few years. Nonetheless, the Semi-Finals will occur on the 5th of October, while the finals will be on the 16th.
Diet approves aid for Djabidjan(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1024442331954425997/unknown.png) the House of Representatives in session, 3時代2682年09月27日
The Imperial Diet has approved a proposal from the War Ministry to allocate resources in assisting the government of the Republic of Djabidjan as it recovers from disastrous flooding which has swept the south of the country. This includes, provided it is approved by the Djabidjani government, the transport and delivery of relief supplies, aerial reconnaissance of affected areas, and search and rescue operations within the affected regions. In addition, it would see the deployment of the IDN Kyūseishu to the country, offering its services in treating those left injured by the floods, as well as funds presently not exceeding 文3,680,000,000 Mon ($46,000,000 USD) to assist in disaster relief efforts. His Imperial Majesty has stated that he will personally donate 文1.28 billion Mon ($16,000,000 USD) to charities operating in the region with the expressed purpose of having the funds go towards said disaster relief efforts, while the Imperial Household Ministry has stated that there is a good chance that His Imperial Majesty will visit the country in the coming weeks out. If the offer is approved by the Djabidjani Government or if His Imperial Majesty's visit to the country is confirmed, we will keep you updated.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 05, 2022, 09:10:38 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)101st Emperor's Cup Semi-Finals(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1024391498575396864/1024392040219426867/unknown.png) Hajime Aragaki of the Shinkyō Tengu
The Semi-Finals of the 2682 Emperor's Cup were held today in Kyūre and Shibetsu, seeing the four highest-scoring teams of the Emperor's Cup go head-to-head to determine who will go on to fight for glory and who will be left in the dust. The games were hard-fought, seeing FC Awara and Kyūre FC fight tooth-and-nail attain victory, with Kyūre coming out on top with 3 points to Awara's 2, while the Shinkyō Tengu absolutely dominated the field, scoring four while their competition, the Shibetsu Tigers, scarcely managed one. As a result, Kyūre and Shinkyō will play against each other during the finals on the 21st. At this time, the Shinkyō Tengu remain the favorite to win, owing to their consistently strong performance. Nonetheless, the fact that Kyūre has reached these heights after such a long streak of defeats in previous years remains nothing short of a surprise. We are certain that their fans are elated by this news, but they nonetheless face a stiff challenge going into the finals.
Daitōjin Economy continues to grow in 3rd Quarter(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1022706998149656656/unknown.png) Daitōjin economic growth since Q2 2020
The Ministry of the Treasury released the financial results for Q3[1] 2022, with the figures therein reporting that the economy grew by 5.1%. The reasons indicated included the policies undertaken by the Heishi administration, which has successfully navigated the country out of the recession. As a result, per the current figures, the GDP of Daitō has finally surpassed the $8 trillion mark, while the country's GDP per capita stands at, as of the time of the results being published, $35,264.86. Even so, the rapid growth seen in the previous quarter is likely to be a fluke, however, some are nonetheless optimistic for the future, especially with negotiations on the East Ardian Free Trade Agreement set to conclude later this month. Some have claimed that Daitō could see its GDP nearly double within the next eight-to-nine years, however, those predictions are based purely on the current growth rate continuing unabated, which is deemed extremely unlikely to be the case. Even so, many have now liked Daitō's economy to a long-slumbering dragon now awakened, set to shake the world in the coming years.
DNSA, IDSF partner to repair KA-11 4-3
Marshal Saburō Yokomichi of the Imperial Daitōjin Space Force has confirmed that the branch has partnered with the Daitō National Space Agency to repair the KA-11 4-3 reconnaissance satellite damaged following a Rokkenjiman anti-satellite weapons test last August. According to the Marshal, ground crews managed to bring the stricken satellite back online temporarily, during which time they were able to run a diagnostic of the vehicle and determine which systems had malfunctioned. They learned that the systems damaged, which remain classified alongside much of what we know of the vehicle other than its general shape, were critical to it performing its mission objectives, but that the satellite was still functionally capable of short-term orbital maneuvers. Owing to their design allowing for upgrades over time, he stated that the damage sustained, while a challenge, was not entirely impossible to repair.
It is expected that the crew, comprising solely military personnel, will launch some time next year. Further details have not been given, other than that it will fly aboard a Block II UHS Orbiter and that it will have a crew of seven, much like had been done for the Goryū Space Telescope back in the 90s and 2000s before it was recovered. Beyond that, the remainder of the mission is classified.
Prime Minister Suketoshi Heishi and Shiro Ishihaka, Prime Minister of Toshikawa signed a Free Trade Agreement earlier today following intensified negotiations over the last few months. Marking a key step towards the creation of a Free Trade Area extending throughout much of Ardia, the treaty, known as the "Tōa Jiyū Bōeki Kyōtei" in Ōnishi or the East Ardian Free Trade Agreement (EAFTA) in English, calls for the gradual reduction of tariffs on goods travelling between the two states until 2026, when tariffs are intended to be fully removed on the vast majority of goods and products travelling between Daitō and Toshikawa. Furthermore, as a provision of the agreement, it has been stated that the two states will cooperate on a number of scientific endeavors. While not a part of the current agreement, it has been indicated that eventually, there may be plans to ease restrictions on travel between the two countries, likely first for students wishing to study in either state.
The Heishi Cabinet is undoubtedly celebrating this victory, which comes as the administration prepares for the upcoming 2022 Mid-Term elections later this month. The Prime Minister, who also serves as representative for Shinkyō's sixth district, stands for reelection in what is to be the first notable challenge of his term. As the Prime Minister is required to be a sitting member of the House of Representatives or House of Peers, if he loses the election there, the YFD will be forced to select a new Prime Minister. Nonetheless, most expect that he will win the election with ease, as his primary competitor, the CDP's Daishi Akazawa, trails behind him by twelve points.
Emperor to participate in Tenkyō Jidai Matsuri festival(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1029427110844059740/unknown.png) Omikoshi of Emperor Tenju, founder of Heijō-kyō (Modern Tenkyō), 2019 Tenkyō Jidai
Hisato Watase, Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Ministry, has confirmed that His Imperial Majesty has graciously opened his doors to the yearly Jidai Matsuri held in Tenkyō. Having participated in the festival during his stay at the Palace in 2012, he has elected to participate once more in keeping with his role as head of the Teidō faith. The Jidai Matsuri, or the "Festival of the Ages", has been celebrated in Tenkyō each year on the 22nd of October since 1895, commemorating the 1100th anniversary of the city's founding by Emperor Tenju. It was expanded in 1940 to also celebrate Emperor Go-Kaiyo, the last Emperor to reside entirely within the city. Some have questioned whether participating in the festival will be feasible for His Imperial Majesty, as he is scheduled to visit Djabidjan later this month, however, the Imperial Household Ministry was quick to point out that, unless something comes up, that will not prove to be an issue.
Air Force looking into air-deployed palletized standoff munitions(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/937083619120394250/1029404542309240944/unknown.png) Render displaying hypothetical deployment of a swarm of ADM-61I decoy missiles from an "air-drop module"
Following the announcement (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=150.msg25257#msg25257) last August that EMAC had successfully created a "Silo Aircraft" by leveraging palletized standoff munitions and the immense payload capacity of modern cargo aircraft, the Imperial Air Force has issued a contract to Uechi Technologies to begin developing a similar system for use by the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces. The program is reportedly split into two distinct systems, those being the basic six- and nine-self contained palletized munitions, or "deployment boxes", that would be launched from the cargo bay of the L7, L8, and L10 aircraft, and a specialized system, an "air-drop module", to deploy Uechi's ADM-61 series of decoy missiles in a large volume. Such a system would be used in conjunction with the former deployment boxes, creating a large swarm of both fake and real targets in order to overwhelm the air defenses of any near-peer adversary which could pose a threat to the Empire.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 17, 2022, 08:43:00 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Daitō, Ardia, Nueva Ardia sign Free Trade Agreement
After a long series of negotiations with his counterparts in the Allied States of Nueva Ardia and the Andinist Republic of Nueva Ardia, His Excellency, Prime Minister Suketoshi Heishi has announced that the Empire will enter into a Free Trade Agreement with both the Allied States and the Andinist Republic. The treaty that they signed mirrors that which was signed last week with Toshikawa, pledging for the gradual reduction of tariffs on goods travelling between the three countries until they are entirely removed on most goods in 2026. Likewise, further cooperation between the countries on matters of scientific endeavors and of tackling climate change has been provided by the treaty, which will go into effect starting in January. With the signing of these treaties, there is now pressure on the Daitōjin government to pursue a policy of easing travel restrictions between the countries, although some members of the Diet have stated that they will oppose such a measure for the time being.
Earthquake strikes off Tetsugen, Kihoku Prefecture
Residents of Tetsugen in Kihoku prefecture were startled awake earlier today by an earthquake which struck roughly 118km off the coast of Nankai circuit. Per the Yamato Meteorological Agency (YMA), the earthquake occurred at a depth of roughly 32 kilometers and saw an intensity of 7.3 on the Richter Scale. Instrument intensity on the YMA Seismic Intensity Scale, or Shindo, was reportedly measured at 4.7, giving the earthquake a maximum intensity of 5-. A Tsunami advisory has been put into place for parts of Kihoku Prefecture, with a maximum height predicted to be around 55cm along coastal regions. Citizens are advised to stay out of the water and to leave coastal areas below that height. The YMA has advised that residents in Kihoku and surrounding prefectures remain on alert in the next few days as there is the potential for aftershocks, however, at this time there is no expectation of any significant damage.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 20, 2022, 04:36:07 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Sojourner departs on second test flight(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937084577669857310/1032476962343632976/unknown.png)
DNSA's Sojourner Interplanetary Transfer Vehicle departed from Zenshoen earlier today on a voyage to the moon. Its crew, six in number, launched from the recently-renamed Kanji Akasaki Space Center (ASC) in Matsukawa Prefecture aboard UHS Suzume a week ago. The crew will remain in lunar orbit for two weeks, performing a number of orbital maneuvers and a pair of landings on the surface in order to practice for planned operations in orbit around Nergal in 2024. The sites selected are said to be a return to Shackleton Crater in order to collect further water ice for use in testing of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) to refuel the spacecraft, as well as a stop at Tycho Crater. This test flight, designated as Sojourner II, is likely to be the final flight of the spacecraft ahead of its next phase of testing, that being flights to and from Mundus-Sol Lagrange Point L2, ostensibly to service the Tomonaga Space Telescope though primarily simply to demonstrate the vehicle's capabilities further.
New model of Uma will launch "suicide drones"(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/1032489973288534036/unknown.png)
Loitering munitions, sometimes referred to as "suicide" drones due to their function of flying into a target to bomb it, have been under development by contractors for the Imperial Daitōjin Military for many years now, with the Kubota Corporation's Tantō loitering munition having been adopted by the military in 2018. There have been many proposals over the years for how to launch them in an effective manner. Kawasaki Motors, the Chibu-based manufacturer of Daitō's iconic military Uma transport, recently unveiled a new variant of the vehicle capable of launching dozens of Tantō drones at a time. The variant, known as the Uma Tsurugiba, was unveiled at the Association of the Imperial Daitōjin Army convention in Awara earlier this month.
The Tsurugiba system is capable of launching up to 24 Tantō 500 suicide drones and up to 14 shorter-range Tantō 200s. It is also designed to be capable of shooting down enemy drones with a roof-mounted grenade launcher. That being stated, the Tsurugiba is not just an armored Uma of the kind that has been ubiquitous over the past decades, but also a mobile suicide drone launching platform with its own anti-drone defenses. As observers have noted, the army is presently moving forwards with plans to largely displace Umas with the Kame Joint Light Tactical Vehicle produced by Fukui-based Isuzu Defense. The Kames are more heavily armored while remaining mobile, adapting to the reality of roadside bombs. Yet in spite of this, experts have noted that the Uma will likely still have a role in the army and the Kame will be deployed alongside thousands of them. The Tsurugiba's future may not be guaranteed, but it is proof of Kubota's commitment to secure a place for its iconic vehicle on the drone-blanketed battlefield of the near future.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 24, 2022, 01:10:12 PM
OOC Note: Backdating this to the 21st of October)
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Kyūre FC narrowly defeats Shinkyō Tengu, wins Emperor's Cup(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1024391498575396864/1024392126043258970/unknown.png) Kyūre FC celebrates its victory
In what is proving to be an upset the likes of which haven't been seen in many years, Kyūre FC has defeated the Shinkyō Tengu in the Emperor's Cup Finals with three points to Shinkyō's two. This occurred only after the teams were left tied near the end of the game, with the final goal being scored after extra time. Experts have been left stunned by Kyūre's performance this year, with some calling for an investigation into the team with allegations of potential cheating. They believe that there was no means by which Kyūre should've been capable of winning, that Shinkyō was robbed. Others allege that Shinkyō, having lost a number of its star players from last year, simply was incapable of defeating Kyūre. Nonetheless, for the time being, fans of Kyūre FC no doubt are celebrating this incredible achievement.
Hisao Yanagisawa arrested in connection with 10th of June investigation(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/938461430619967589/1034054720555323403/unknown.png) Hisao Yanagisawa, c.2019
Hisao Yanagisawa, Party Leader of the Rikken-minshutō, has been arrested by the Special Higher Police as part of the investigation into the attacks on the 10th of June, 2021 and the 11th of December, 2020. Yanagisawa, a prominent figure in the country's far right circles, has served in the Imperial Diet for the better part of a decade, first being elected in 2014 to Shinkyō's third district before briefly losing his position in 2016 to the YFD's Makoto Ichijō. Per Superintendent-General Jin Hiraishi, commander of the Special Higher Police, Yanagisawa was arrested for "treason, attempted regicide, and conspiracy to commit murder". At this time, further details have yet to be provided, owing to the nature of the Tokkō as a part of the nation's Intelligence Community. Nonetheless, the Superintendent-General stated that when the investigation was concluded, information pertaining to the arrest, provided it did not threaten national security, would be released.
Critics of the YFD, most notably within the Rikken-minshutō, have claimed that Yanagisawa's arrest was politically motivated and that there was simply no proof that he was tied to the incidents in the last two years. A contingent of the Rikken-minshutō's supporters has vowed to demonstrate against the arrest of their leader, set to begin tomorrow. We will keep you apprised of the evolving situation with regards to the case as more information comes in.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on October 28, 2022, 11:07:37 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)2022 Elections: YFD scores major victory(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1035254815950901328/unknown.png)
Daitō's ruling party and its coalition partner scored a major victory in this year's elections, the first election in the House of Peers since 2019 and thus since the recession. The Yamato Fukkatsu Dōmei party and its junior coalition partner, the Kōmeitō raised their combined share in the 246-member chamber from 134 seats to 147—well above the majority—in the elections for half of the seats in the less powerful upper house. With this boost, Prime Minister Suketoshi Heishi stands to rule without interruption until a scheduled general election in 2025. Hailed by the Heishi administration as a major victory, it will allow the Prime Minister and his advisors to work on long-term policies such as national security, his signature—and popularly dubbed "Heishinomics"—economic policy, and his party's long-cherished but often-impeded goal of reorganizing the Imperial System to better suit the needs of the modern day. With the support of two opposition parties and a number of independents, the YFD now has the option of pursuing this goal as it would, in this case, have the two-thirds majority required to push the amendment through. As it stands, the governing bloc has already secured support in the House of Representatives.
Heishi welcomed the victory, but stated in interviews on the 27th that party unity was a priority following the attacks in 2020 and 2021. He and other senior party members, prior to placing ribbons marking victories on a whiteboard, observed a moment of silence for former Prime Minister Hayata, who was shot and killed in Shinkyō on the 10th of June last year. Daisuke Hayata had been a major figure within the party going back to 2003 and had served as a mentor to many senior members of the party, including the Prime Minister. Nonetheless, as many of the newly elected constitute a part of the moderate wing of the YFD, many are now hopeful that the Empire's controversial policy regarding matters such as Same-sex Marriage could finally change, with the Prime Minister indicating that he would support a theoretical bill that would effect such a change.
Outside observers have noted that the fallout from the revelation of Representative Hisao Yanagisawa's involvement in the 10th of June attack has played a significant role in the further decline of the CDP within the Imperial Diet, as many voters, already turned off by his increasingly radical views, were left, quote, "disgusted" by his actions. Said voters largely did not turn to the YFD, instead voting for parties such as the Yamato Ishin no Kai and the Kokumin Minshutō parties. Many now expect that similar issues will continue to haunt the party for years to come unless it radically pivots away from its current stance, something which could alienate its base. If there is something to watch in the coming years, it is what the fate of the party will be.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 17, 2022, 06:26:21 PM
Backdated to: 11/11/22
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Daitō Remembers the Greater East Ardia War(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1040752919856816201/image.png) Memorial Cenotaph and Eternal Flame, Hatsukaichi Peace Memorial Park
The 11th of November has once again arrived, bringing with it a day of remembrance for the Empire of Daitō. The day is of particular importance in the country, as it both marks the 77th anniversary of the Ardian Empire's surrender and the 75th anniversary of the treaty that formally ended the Great War—known in Daitō as the Great East Ardian War—for the Empire. However, it is not, as those who may be unfamiliar with the conflict might think, a day of celebration, as Daitō's victory was only achieved at a high price. It is estimated that of its prewar population—estimated to have been around 96,470,622 in total—it lost 3.50 to 4.34%, or between 3,376,472 and 4,186,825. Of that total, it is further estimated that between 22 and 25% of said casualties were civilian, caused primarily by Ardian Air Raids, the majority of which occurred between June 1944 and August 1945 and culminated with the Atomic Bombing of Hatsukaichi.
The effects of the war can be felt to this very day. Although faded from the minds of the rising generations, it remains an ever-present facet of life for others. Whether it be the Hibakusha—survivors of the attack on Hatsukaichi—who continue to face discrimination born of public ignorance of the consequences of radiation poisoning—and their children, veterans of the conflict, or survivors of the numerous air raids on the country in the last year of the war, the memory of the war is still present, even if pushed to the side. In order to preserve their memories, we had the chance to interview a number of survivors of the conflict, with these interviews being provided in the coming days.
Professor Harunobu Arase, 81, survived the Atomic Bombing of Hatsukaichi on the 5th of August, 1945. Arase and his wife, Minae, live in the Yatomi ward of Shinkyō, where they are parishioners at Tachikawa Catholic Church. Their son, Yoshiaki, resides in Awara, where he works as the editor-in-chief for the Sankei Shimbun newspaper, while their daughter, Haruka, is a fashion designer currently living in Gowu. Professor Arase was interviewed on the 23rd of October, 2022 at his office in at Keiyo University in Shinkyō. The interview was conducted in Ōnishi but was translated into English for our international readers.
Where are you and your family from in Daitō? Arase: My father [Setsuji] was born in Kikai Prefecture and my mother [Hisayo] was from Fukui prefecture. They met in college, when my father was studying to become a journalist, while my mother was studying medicine. They moved to Hatsukaichi in the early 30s, where my father worked for a local newspaper, the Izumi Nichinichi, if memory serves. By the time I came around, my family, including my older siblings, had lived there for some time.
I was born right here [he pointed to a map]—about 1.4 or so kilometers away from the epicenter of the bombing. It's in the Takanobashi area of Hatsukaichi, down by the river. A beautiful, beautiful place, even now. Now, just next door to where I lived was an all boys High School, and all around were lots of temples. It’s kinda a very religious area, with a number of Buddhist temples and Teidō shrines. Some liken it to a miniature Tenkyō, and I can see why. This is the place [he pointed to another spot on the map]—Koganeyama Park—where I often played. My family, of course, included my mother and father; my twin brother [Etsuji]; two elder sisters [Yuriko and Masako]; and an elder brother [Ichirō].
Can you tell us what happened to you and your family on the day of the bombing? Well, my elder brother, Ichirō, was in the military and was a lot older than me. He was here in Hatsukaichi when the bomb fell, and was killed instantly. But we never did find my sister’s body. Apparently, she was in the blast center at the time. You see, Yuriko was a High School student at the time, and like many of her peers, she was forced to work clearing the streets of debris and other such work. It seems reasonable, therefore, that she had been working in the center of the city. Even so, as I already said, we didn’t know what exactly had happened to her and never found her body. Nothing. We don’t even know where exactly she was when the bomb exploded.
Only my mother, my twin brother, and I were at home in Takanobashi. The bomb exploded at 8:15 in the morning, and we usually made it a rule to walk in the morning, just before my mother’s shift. As a result, we had had just finished our walk and entered the house when the bomb hit. If we had been even a minute late, we would’ve all been dead.
My mother lost consciousness after the blast, but with how much me and my brother were crying, it must’ve awoken her. She pulled us from the debris. Even though she was bleeding all over, she did everything she could to save us. She told me that she cried out “Help us! Help us!” But of course, nobody did. Everyone was in the same situation. No soldiers, no neighbors, only us. So she tried to rescue us. The house had completely collapsed and we—my brother and I—were left trapped in the bathroom, where we had gone to wash our hands. My mother was in a different room, if I were to guess, probably the kitchen or living room. And of course, unsurprisingly—though obviously it was at the time—there was a fire in the house next door, so it was a very dangerous situation.
I remember her pulling us out. I had some wounds here [pointing to his arms]. I was of course crying and crying and so I don't remember exactly what it was like. But I do remember my mother took my brother and I and walked four, maybe five kilometers away to a relative’s house. This was right after the bomb, maybe twenty or thirty minutes at most. It’s funny. The things I remember most aren’t the sights, but rather, the smells. I smelled a lot of unusual and weird things on that day, because there were lots of dead bodies all around us, including lots of dead horses and dogs and, of course, men. I still remember dead people lying in the road, so many gone that even I, a boy only the age of four, knew something was horribly, horribly wrong. The thing that sticks with me the most is the smell: It was like… canned salmon. I can’t even open a can of salmon now without thinking of that day.
I also remember people crying out. “Mizu, kudasai… Mizu, kudasai!” they said. In English, I think it would translate as “Give me water! Give me water!”
My father was, thankfully, not in town at the time. He was sent down to Kyūre to cover the relief effort after the city was burned. It was going to be his lucky break, he thought. The story that would earn him an award of some sort, or at least a promotion. He was lucky, I will give him that, though not in the way he would’ve wanted. He was spared the immediate effects of the blast, wasn’t a Hibakusha like us. Of course, when he saw what had happened, he tried to get back as soon as possible. The trains were out, so, as he told me a few years later, he walked from Kyūre back home, not stopping to rest even for a moment. I will admit, it was very lucky that he wasn’t here; the money he had earned, as well as that which he had inherited from his father was, at least given the circumstances, substantial. Without him, we wouldn’t have had enough to go to college, and I suspect that all of our fates would’ve been very, very different.
My other sister, Masako, had been sent to Kawamoto, some twenty or thirty kilometers from Hatsukaichi to stay with a friend of the family, because the situation was getting worse and people thought the children should move away. As it happens, Etsuji and I were supposed to join her on the 11th, but that obviously didn’t happen. We didn’t see her again until near the start of December, and since then, I don’t think she’s ever lived anywhere outside of Hatsukaichi.
After the bombing, my mother and father, as any parent would in such a situation, went out frantically searching for my older brother and for Yuriko. Ichirō was a military man, so they knew where he was and what had happened to him. But as for my sister… They never found her. Every so often, I thought I saw her back then, but we all did. We held out hope that maybe she was out there, somewhere, but eventually, we had to stop looking. It almost destroyed my mother, already wounded from the attack, but that was how things had to go. Frankly, as much as I hate to say it, I have no doubt in my mind that she died instantly.
What did you and your family do in the years after the bombing? We moved to the southern part of the city. Our home was destroyed, and there wasn’t much left for us in Takanobashi. I was raised in Hatsukaichi up until I was fifteen years old, then my brother and I came to Shinkyō to attend a High School associated with Keiyo University. It was a very prestigious school, one we were proud to go to and one which my parents wanted us to attend. But when we were still in Hatsukaichi, I remember there being a lot of orphans and very, very poor kids without food. At the time, we were still bringing our lunch to school. Some of those kids were unable to bring their own lunches, so I would frequently share mine. I know many were poor enough that they couldn’t even afford shoes. This was contrasted heavily by some well-to-do families, who were able to afford such luxuries, but about one-third of the schoolkids were very poor, without clean clothes or food.
Some of my classmates and classmates’ parents died when I was in the people’s school. People were dying after five or seven years, an after-effect of the bombing—leukemia, mainly. I was, admittedly, terrified that I would die of leukemia or something. It was very, very scary. I thought it would just take me in the night and that would be it. But as a boy, I was also enthusiastic about games, baseball, and so-on. But when I went to bed at night, it was scary.
Before I converted, I would often think that we are fortunate that we are not a country of Christians, that instead, we are a country of Buddhists. Let me explain. You see, so many people, including many of my friends, committed suicide when i was young. I don’t blame them, nor will I judge, but you have to understand that in Christianity, suicide is very much forbidden. I thought, therefore, that it was lucky that we are not a country of Christians because it meant that these people who were suffering from the effects of the war were at least not spoken very ill of.
After High School in Shinkyō, what did you do? I graduated Keiyo university in 1963. At that time, ∑1 was 360 mon. Due to some technicality at the time, we weren’t able to take more than ∑500 outside of the country, so I had to get a full scholarship—a university fellow or something. I needed Achkaerinese colleges to support me financially because we couldn’t bring our currency over to Achkaerin. The best offer we got was from the University of Gowu, so I went to Gowu. At first, I studied philosophy, especially logic. But logic, I think, betrayed me because the language we actually use is so different from the language analyzed by logic. And so I shifted my attention to what is called "natural language." I read books on linguistics, and among them was Argonauts on the Alucard, a book which dealt with language in primitive cultures and which attracted me very much. And so I decided to study anthropology, eventually earning my doctorate in it.
My wife and I met here in Shinkyō. I had come back because my mother had died when I was at Gowu, so I was there for her funeral. Died of liver cancer in Hatsukaichi, and on the return trip, I happened to meet Minae. Although I was to be gone another year, I never forgot her, and when I returned, we started dating. But that’s not really relevant, I suspect.
In Daitō, professors mainly teach at one university but, on a part-time basis, it isn’t uncommon for them to also teach at other universities. I’m no different. Alongside working at Keiyo university, I’ve worked for something like fourteen or fifteen others. Places like Shinkyō University and Kunan University, mostly, but also a women's college—Rikkyo University—and Toyo Gakuen.
Do you think that the use of the a-bomb was at all justified? Not at all. Not justified. Never. Ever. A lot of things are relative, yes, but the A-bomb is an absolute evil, one that nobody can justify. It is indiscriminate in its effect, destroying everything and killing everyone. There is no way to justify it, no line of reasoning that can ever condone such an action, and the fact that neither Ardia nor Achkaerin have apologized for its use is likewise indefensible.
Since if I don’t say it, I will sound like some sort of far-right politician, which I’m not, I’ll go ahead and admit it. Daitō acted very cruelly during the war, even if under the guise of, and I quote, “the liberation of the East Ardian Race”, and because of that, I am glad to say that we have apologized and done everything in our power to aid those countries affected by the conflict. Many countries involved have made similar efforts. Yet despite that, neither Ardia nor Achkaerin have apologized for what they did. Ardia, for subjecting the world to the horrors of the atomic age, and Achkaerin, for having seen such horrors and still going forwards with their own attack. We are all victims, certainly people in Ardia, but even in Achkaerin. Many of their soldiers were killed in East Ardia and beyond. How I see it, and I am glad that others share that view, nobody is victorious in war. To right the wrongs of that era, we have to first accept them. And again, the use of nuclear weapons is an unjustifiable, unnecessary, evil crime against humanity.
Even if Ardia has never apologized for the use of the a-bomb, do you forgive those who were involved in its use? I don’t feel any sort of enmity towards the people in the Allied States. I was never good at holding grudges. And the pilots and engineers in the plane, well, they couldn’t possibly imagine what would happen, and in any case, they were carrying out actions they had been ordered to perform. I also don’t really blame the scientists working on the project; most of them had been assigned to work on it, and many urged against using the weapon. No, it was the politicians and leaders of the army and navy who made those decisions. They, not the average man in Ardia, are to blame.
Do you think that, overall, the world is making progress towards peace? It’s complicated. On one hand, certainly, I do think so. As you know, nuclear weapons have been prohibited and the last of them was destroyed just last year. In that regard, yes, we are making progress. However, there are other factors which I fear have led to us regressing. While yes, we have been defanged, so to speak, we are now more divided than we were in years past. The death of the Commonwealth Treaty Organization and its predecessors has left the world without guidance and liable to repeat the mistakes that led to the Great War. Already, we see increasing factionalism, one could say, in various parts of the world, and there is no truly unified body to prevent the development of nuclear weapons once again. In short, we are close to making progress, but held back by politics.
Do you think that the problem here is that we’re becoming complacent, and we’re not as committed to peace as we have been? Yes. That’s why I think it is so important for Daitōjin bomb survivors to use their voices and tell the world what happened on that day in August. And I think, in spite of it all, they are doing that. I do think people are capable of recognizing the cruelty of war, and to that end, education is a must. We must teach people history in order to not repeat it.
You think that people, given the information they need, will make the right choices? Yes, I do. But first, we have to do something about nationalism. We have to change the doctrine of “this country” and accept the idea of one world people. Everyone is adopting this view of “progress”. We have to stop favoring this concept, and we have to seek some way of living together peacefully without consuming more and more and competing with each other. We have to think that the whole world is one nation. We can’t keep living the way we are, with every country chasing its own “progress” without regard for others. It will kill the world.
Do you think complete peace is possible, or is some conflict inevitable? Well, total demilitarization is ideal. In reality, however, as long as there has been human civilization, there has been war. The difference is, in the old days, we had duels of honor with pistols and swords. Back then, people would see blood and understand what they were doing. But now, we have the remote, button-pushing, bomb-dropping war that indifferently kills masses of people. That must be stopped if we are to survive. When we get to the point where we kill people like bugs without any feeling in our conscience, we have to do something or else human society will perish.
How do you think we can fix the problem of this mechanical, remote warfare that you describe? I think that if any country decides to go to war, there must be a rule that you send your own family first. I think then war would stop entirely. If you had to send your own wife, your own child into battle, then it brings up this sense of ownership and personal stake in this conflict. It’s a similar case with the death penalty — something that among advanced countries, Daitō still has. The people who commission the death, who sentence the defendant, should be present at the scene of execution. If we don’t make these things happen, it’s unacceptable. It creates the sense that the suffering of other people isn’t relevant to your own self. So the sentencer must be there to see the sentence carried out. If you’re going to declare war, those people doing the declaring should be the first on the field. Then they would realize — it’s not us and them. It’s just people. People who are suffering because we can’t understand that they are just the same as us.
Undoubtedly, the people who can make the most difference in carrying out this vision of peace are the youth. Do you have any words for the rising generation of the world? I really want young people to think independently about politics. When I was young, I despised politics and politicians, and I always tended to think about more abstract, philosophical things in life. But when I was a college student, I realized how important it was to be involved in things political and to act in accordance with one’s beliefs irrespective of one’s field of specialty.
One more thing. I have always told my students to find something in life that no one can take from them — like reading, or writing. In a long life, there will be a lot more sorrowful, depressing things than joyful events, but that inalienable thing that you find and choose to make yours will help you to find yourself.
As part of the day's activities, His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, attended a memorial service at the Hatsukaichi Peace Memorial. He is expected to stay in the city for the next two days, meeting with survivors of the attack and their families, as well as touring various historic sites in the surrounding area. Similarly, Prime Minister Heishi was present at a ceremony in Shinkyō in remembrance of the victims of the firebombing of the city on the 6th and 7th of March, 1945. We will continue our coverage of the various ceremonies as they continue on throughout the evening.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on November 25, 2022, 06:21:52 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)DNSA announces Sojourner 24 Crew(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/984293310195720223/993877664941215814/unknown.png) Sojourner in Orbit as viewed from Zenshoen, October 2022
DNSA Director Jiro Asagiri held a press conference earlier today, where he and the other top officials within the agency answered questions with regards to ongoing and future missions. During the conference, he touched on the recent test flight performed that took it to the moon, landing crews at both Shackleton Crater and Tycho Crater while testing the spacecraft's in situ resource utilization (ISRU) experiment, the full-scale form of which will fly in 2024. More importantly, however, he announced the crew that will, barring any potential changes due to accidents, health issues, or otherwise, be a serious contender to be the first to land on Nergal. Commanded by veteran Ūchunaut Sadakazu Onizuka, the crew of six will spend roughly a year in orbit and on the surface of Nergal before returning to Mundus via a slingshot maneuver around Ishtar. They are expected to cooperate with the crew sent by Achkaerin during their stay in preparation for what is hoped will eventually become a sustained presence beyond Mundus's sphere of influence.
Sadakazu Onizuka was selected as part of Ūchunaut Group 16 in 1998 and first flew on UHS-127 in 2004. Prior to his selection, he served as a pilot in the Imperial Daitōjin Navy, flying the J-7 throughout his career. He was assigned in 2008 as a Flight Engineer aboard Zenshoen during Expedition 16, commanding UHS-143 in 2011, and returned to Zenshoen to serve as its commander during Expedition 47 in 2016. He most recently flew aboard UHS-166 in 2019, and it is expected that after Sojourner 24, he will retire from being an Ūchunaut. He will be joined by Yuna Usatsuka, Kiyonari Amamiya, Jiro Sanmaidō, Kahori Shigaki, and Ryōichi Sakai. Having already begun extensive training as early as 2020, the crew will be more than prepared by the time they depart in early 2024.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 02, 2022, 07:19:49 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Diet Rejects Treaty, Passes Security Bill(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1047787617267240980/image.png) The Imperial Diet in session, 11/25/2022
In a major blow to Prime Minister Suketoshi Heishi's administration, the Imperial Diet has voted against ratifying a treaty with Achkaerin and Rokkenjima. Said treaty would've seen an immediate cut of tariffs on foreign trade between member-states, rather than a gradual reduction over time as would be seen in other Free Trade Agreements while putting at risk other agreements such as the East Ardian Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, the bulk of the criticism within the Diet stemmed from the section on Security and Mutual Aid, with it being viewed by many as little more than a repeat of the Cross-Straits Treaty Organization. Speaker Hisayoshi Kitabatake, already a political rival of Prime Minister Heishi and one of the most vocal detractors to the treaty, was quoted as saying "it is tantamount to political suicide to have signed the treaty so soon after Daitō had withdrawn from the CSTO". The House of Representatives voted 332 against ratification and 109 for it, while 24 representatives abstained. Likewise, the House of Peers voted 146 against ratification, while 98 voted in favor and 4 abstained. It should be noted, however, that in spite of the treaty not being ratified, many within the Diet, even among those who voted against it, nonetheless remain open to continuing ongoing measures to build ties with Rokkenjima and Achkaerin, just wishing instead to keep them separate from a single, all-encompassing treaty.
In other news, the Diet did pass a new bill into law. Co-authored by Representatives Goro Akihara (Taiki I) and Heizō Sasazaki (Shinkyō IX), the bill, titled the "Stability Preservation Act", is a new security bill designed to grant sweeping powers to Daitō's intelligence services, allowing them to better combat organizations such as the Kokuryūkai. The text of the bill reads: "Anyone who has formed an association with the aim of altering the kokutai or threatening the security of the state and its legal system, and anyone who has joined such an association with full knowledge of its purpose, shall be liable to imprisonment with or without hard labor, for a term not exceeding five years, as well as a fine of ¥640,000." It has been noted that the bill shares language from the 1925 Peace Preservation Law, which similarly targeted radical organizations in its day. Said law has a controversial legacy in Daitō, as its intentions were certainly noble, however, it was ultimately used as a tool for state control, granting the central government carte blanche to outlaw dissent until it was repealed in 1945. Even so, among those polled, many were optimistic that, with stronger protections granted to the public as well as the YFD's commitment to democracy, such actions would never happen again.
Major Companies Attacked(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/675816895517294610/1047974377012084867/RobinHoodLogo.png)
Per a private communique sent to us, an organization calling itself the "Robin Hood Gang" has claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack against several major "elite" corporations and individuals in Daitō. According to this "gang", the corporations attacked were responsible for exploiting their workers in pursuit of profit, among numerous other shady dealings involving some. They further explained that they have requested that the companies attacked "must deposit a small donation, relative to the size of their operation" to their operation, with said funds being intended to be redistributed in order to "ensure that those who are exploited benefit". They claim that upon the transfer of funds from their victims, control over their systems will be returned immediately.
At this time, there have been no statements issued by those attacked, and as a result, we cannot make claims with any certainty as to who has been affected. In the statement given by the Robin Hood Gang, they said that they will release more details on their victims if their demands are not met. In a statement issued by IPA Commissioner Entarō Wakayama, he stated "We are fully aware that there have been attacks in the last few hours and are responding accordingly. Many of the people we have worked with at the various companies affected likewise have performed admirably, and we are working around the clock to assist them in resolving this incident."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 07, 2022, 12:15:23 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Imperial Family Welcomes New Members
It is with much joy that we confirm that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mayumi, has given birth to a healthy set of twins at the Imperial Household Ministry's hospital in Tenkyō at 5:36 and 5:48 AM local time. Dr. Haruto Uchiyama, the current Court Physician, stated that the pair were in good health, as was the mother. We were, of course, elated by the news that Her Majesty had gone into labor yesterday, and likewise, we are overjoyed by the birth of the prince and princess. As His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, has elected to remain with his wife at this time, Hidehiko, Prince Kachō, was granted the privilege of speaking to the press at 7:00 this morning. In a short statement, he said, "As is the way of the universe since the age divine, new life has once again been born. At 5:36 AM on the 7th day of Jūnigatsu, the day of Taisetsu, in the Imperial Year of 2682, my sister-in-law, the honorable Empress Mayumi, gave birth to a healthy son, and likewise, twelve minutes later, a daughter. I am pleased to announce that hence-forth, I shall be resigning my post as Crown Prince and heir-presumptive to the Celestial Throne, abdicating this role to the newly-born Prince Tatsuhiko, son of His Imperial Majesty and heir-apparent to the Celestial Throne. Furthermore, I am overcome with joy to welcome my niece, Princess Sayako, into the world. May the kami bless our new Prince and Princess, and may they live long in good health." The Imperial Couple is expected to remain in the hospital until Saturday, the 10th of December. On behalf of all our staff and the people of Daitō, we would like to congratulate them on this most important, most meaningful of occasions.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 16, 2022, 04:30:22 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Navy launches new carrier(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1051750829213880381/image.png)
The Imperial Daitōjin Navy launched its newest aircraft carrier, IDN Taihō (KB(G)-6) yesterday from its dock in Kyūre to much fanfare after nearly five years of construction. Taihō, named for the aircraft carrier which played a key role in the Second Battle of Yakushima during the Great War, measures in at around 337 meters in length, 76 meters in height, and has a beam of 78 meters at its widest. The ship is intended to carry a complement of about 4,550 personnel alongside more than 75 aircraft at any given time. Although it features numerous upgrades to its sensors and other defensive systems compared to its predecessor, the Tairyū-class, a more significant and notable change came in the form of its catapult system. Whereas previously, the navy made use of steam catapults to launch its aircraft, going forwards, it will instead utilize a system known as an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, which employs a linear induction motor rather than the conventional steam piston. The system is better than the previous one as it weighs and costs less while requiring less maintenance, all while allowing the carrier to launch lighter and heavier aircraft.
Taihō is set to embark on a shakedown cruise that will last until March, at which point it is expected to enter full-time service within the navy. During that period, it is to be commanded by Rear Admiral Hirotoki Saotome under the provisional battle group designated as Carrier Strike Group 4, comprising personnel, ships, and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One and Destroyer Squadron Eleven. Over the duration of the shakedown cruise, the carrier will undertake a number of tests on its various systems as well as its superstructure as a whole, allowing for changes to be made to the other vessels under construction to eliminate any flaws that may be found.
"Best Guy: Odyssey" releases to critical acclaim
The long-awaited sequel to the 1988 classic "Best Guy" has released in cinemas around the world, bringing in roughly $18.6 million (¥1.48 billion) in ticket sales Thursday night from showtimes that started at around 3:00 PM AST. As always, these figures are expected to fluctuate, with "Storm of Steel 1944" bringing in $26,783,911 on its first day while ultimately earning $96,403,716 by the end of that week. Nonetheless, owing to the timing of its release, though it is competing with the Achkaerinese War Film The Great Raid, it is well on its way to not only earn more than 1944, but it the potential to be one of the highest grossing films in Daitōjin Cinematic History.
Something to keep in mind with regards to "Best Guy: Odyssey" is that people are expected to flock to it by appointment viewing. This means that distribution sources are expecting this movie to hold weekend to weekend, even if it comes in the low end this weekend. Odyssey won’t be frontloaded like many Summer Blockbusters. Moviegoers seeing Odyssey want the perfect seat, perfect time, perfect format. As such, showtimes for prime 3D, Imax, and other premium format viewings are hard to come by in Shinkyō, Tenkyō, and Awara. It is, as a result, the experience auditoriums which will be the drivers of this pic’s weekend ticket sales. By this time tomorrow, the film will be showing in more than 4,000 theatres around the country, as well as countless more abroad.
Reviews of the film have been overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of critics expressing their enjoyment of the film. As it stands, Odyssey's ratings stand at 8.2/10 on the website Spoiled Persimmon, leaving it with the often-coveted "Certified Ripe" status sought by filmmakers around the country. Audiences likewise have thus far reacted extremely positively to the film. Many have suggested that the film could be in the running for Best International Film at the 2023 Ostlake Film Festival Awards, competing against what looks to be a strong lineup of both foreign and domestic films.
Imperial Household Ministry authorizes excavation of the Maefutago Kofun(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Kamiishizu_Misanzai_Kofun_Aerial_photograph_2007.jpg/436px-Kamiishizu_Misanzai_Kofun_Aerial_photograph_2007.jpg)
The Imperial Household Ministry has granted archaeologists from Gakushūin University the rare privilege of excavating a Kofun in the Hayama-Makino cluster near Okayama in Tenkyō Prefecture. The structure, which is, like the other Kofun in the cluster, owned by the Imperial Family via the Imperial Household Ministry, is said to be the burial site of Prince Toneri (376 - 411), an important politician during the Suzaki Period (290 - 592). Kofun are large megalithic tombs found along the northern coast of the Rokkenjiman Sea which were built across a vast period lasting from the mid-7th century BC until 647 AD, when their construction was banned under the Taika reform. Excavations of these tombs has often proven difficult to authorize, owing to concerns about damage to relics which may be stored within them, however, the team from Gakushūin University was reportedly quite convincing in its arguments for it.
Dr. Fumihiko Wakamisugi, who is heading the team of Archaeologists from the university, stated that the excavation, while intended to better the world's understanding of the time period in East Ardia, has a far larger goal. He wishes to put techniques developed at Gakushūin University and its partners to the test in a safe environment, with the ultimate goal of using them to finally study in full the Kamiishizumisanzai Tomb, known in English as the Mausoleum of Emperor Tengyō, who, while details are scarce, is believed to have been the historical founder of the Empire around the late third century BC. For decades since it was discovered, it has captured the imagination of generations, not only because of the discovery of a vast collection of life-sized Haniwa statues (normally, such figurines would only stand at most around 0.3 meters tall), but because for the longest time, there was much concern over possible damage done by opening the tomb, which is said to be sealed so well that the air inside cannot escape. However, a solution has been proposed to get around this: the construction of what is effectively an airlock that mounted directly to the sealed entrance of the tomb. This structure will be tested on the Maefutago Kofun, although the kofun doesn't require it, in order to develop the proper procedures for the coming excavation.
Of particular interest to Dr. Wakamisugi and his team are naturally the Emperor's Burial Chamber, which is said to contain historical records dating to the time period as well as, obviously, the Emperor himself. If findings such as the "Kōfukō-type" cadavers, which remain some of the most well preserved mummies to have ever been discovered, are to be believed, many suspect that the former Emperor, who died roughly around the same time, could be just as if not better preserved than any others. This, ultimately, was the primary reason for not opening the tomb until now. Furthermore, while anomalously high levels of mercury were discovered in soil surrounding the site, experts are eager to determine whether this was owing to industrial pollution in the 70s or due to multiple claims in historical documents of the tomb containing, quote, "rivers and seas of mercury", which, of course, also makes exploration of the site a hazardous endeavor, further necessitating such modern technology.
If Dr. Wakamisugi is able to obtain permission from the Imperial Government to explore the tomb in full—something which is dependent on how this "trial run", as he calls it, goes—it is entirely likely that it will result in some of the most important archaeological finds of the century. Many even anticipate that it could, in theory, rewrite our understanding of early East Ardian history in its entirety. The excavation of the Maefutago Kofun is expected to begin next month on the 15th.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 23, 2022, 04:06:21 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Deputy Prime Minister, Representative have "scuffle" in Diet(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1055240283576598558/image.png) Sadazane Konishi, aged 55, and Representative Eiichi Wakamura (CDP), aged 42, in the midst of a fight on Wednesday
An image of Deputy Prime Minister Konishi, dubbed by the media as the "Captain of the Mustache", striking the DPP's Representative Eiichi Wakamura has been circling political circles over the course of the last day. This comes following a controversial bill regarding the legality of same-sex marriage was narrowly passed through the House of Representatives. The bill saw a significant amount of support within the YFD, Ishin, and Kōmeitō parties, however it was also opposed by members of the YFD and CDP. Representative Eiichi Wakamura, the acting Chairperson of the DPP in the House of Representatives, was reported as having claimed that the bill would "unravel the moral framework that the Empire was built upon" and that it was an "affront to the Kami."
Following the vote, footage emerged of Representative Wakamura engaged in a verbal sparring match with Deputy Prime Minister Konishi outside of the Chamber of the House of Representatives which resulted in a physical scuffle between the two. While the audio is difficult to make out, the Representative can be heard hurling insults at the Deputy Prime Minister and notably his firstborn son, who recently came out as bisexual. This evidently struck a nerve with the 55-year old army veteran, who was seen striking Representative Wakamura in a display which Speaker Hisayoshi Kitabatake called "unbecoming of an individual of his standing". This led to the two men engaging in a fistfight which only ended when fellow members of the Diet broke it up.
Both Deputy Prime Minister Konishi and Representative Wakamura were treated for superficial injuries following their confrontation, with the Deputy Prime Minister suffering a broken nose. Neither party has issued a statement to the Press. As for the bill, it now faces a tough fight in the House of Peers.
TransOrbital, Negishi win contract for Zenshoen Replacement The design promises to drastically reduce costs for future stations
DNSA has announced that it has selected TransOrbital and Negishi's bid to build one of two space stations intended to replace the aging Zenshoen as early as 2024-2025. Titled "Kidō Asase", the joint venture would see the launch of a large module capable of hosting a crew of four to eight with a comfortable 400m3, with potential room for expansion via, quote, "daisy-chaining the modules together". The spacecraft is designed for flexibility, with the aim being for the design to be marketable to foreign countries which lack the capability to launch crews into orbit as well as to private companies which wish to make use of the microgravity environment for research and/or manufacturing. Yasuhiro Ishibashi, the CEO of TransOrbital, stated that this contract was a "fundamental step in building out the new global space economy".
The design is built to support virtually every docking system currently in use, whether it be the SSVP system used aboard the former USR station Spetsnaz or more modern systems. All renders of the station, however, display the station using the APAS-derived NASDA docking system operated by DNSA and its precursor agency as well as the frequently-seen Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM). The station will make use of a unique "Dragon Scale" micrometeoroid shield alongside the standard "Whipple Shield" seen on most spacecraft, with this new "space armor" being mounted some 102mm off the exterior of the hull. It will be used both as waste heat management and as an additional line of defense, and solar panels can be mounted aboard it capable of generating 8kW of power. Most importantly, the entirety of the station is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for a number of mission parameters that can be changed based on mission requirements.
"Guilty!" Hisao Yanagisawa convicted on all counts(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1056012890588581918/image.png) Yanagisawa mid-trial
The trial of Former CDP Leader Hisao Yanagisawa concluded earlier today with a guilty verdict on all charges. The sixty-year old ex-Representative stood accused of treason, attempted regicide, and conspiracy to commit murder, with the prosecution pursuing the harshest sentence available. As the charge of attempted regicide, falling under Law No.45 of the 1907 Penal Code, Chapter 1, Articles 73 and 75, which read "1. Any person who causes or attempts to cause harm to the Emperor, Empress, Crown Prince, or Grandson of the Emperor shall be punished by death." and "1. Any person who causes harm to the Imperial Family shall be punished by death, and any person who attempts to do that shall be punished by life imprisonment.", respectively. Furthermore, owing to its nature as attempted regicide, the defendant is furthermore guilty of High Treason against the Empire of Daitō, which in of itself mandates the death penalty. Until his sentencing early next week, Hisao Yanagisawa has been remanded to the custody of the Kenpeitai.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 29, 2022, 12:56:33 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Garrisons in Shinkyō mobilized(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083714243010660/1057817781766197288/image.png) Their flag, mirroring that of the Righteous Army, reads "Sonnō Tōkan", or "Revere the Emperor, Destroy the Traitors"
Residents of Shinkyō were startled to find members of the Imperial Daitōjin Army and Navy establishing checkpoints in and around the city starting at four in the morning. Though initially, reports were limited, we now understand that, per a statement issued by the office of the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces, they are undertaking an operation to, quote, "remove from power those who seek to corrupt the spirit of the nation and lead it into chaos", with a noted target being Chancellor Sachio Heishi, who was set to make a major announcement later this afternoon with regards to his career. As of now, that being 8:00 AM, the whereabouts of Chancellor Heishi, as well as a number of members in the House of Peers associated with him, are currently unknown. Nonetheless, we urge all residents in and around Shinkyō to follow any instruction issued by military forces.
Furthermore, it is being reported that in Tenkyō, His Imperial Majesty has disappeared from the Imperial Palace there, with no word being given as to where he has gone. Some suspect kidnapping, however, it was also noted that the Imperial Yacht, IDN Hikōkyōi, left Naval Station Tenkyō at 3:08 AM, presumably with the Emperor aboard. Following these troubling events, we can only pray that normalcy will return soon, and as a result, we will keep you updated on the situation as it develops.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 29, 2022, 09:34:16 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Breaking: Emperor Addresses the Nation
We now go live to the General Headquarters of the Army, where His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, is expected to deliver an address to the nation following today's whirlwind of events. Over the last few hours, we have received a steady stream of information from the General Staff, including word that Chancellor Sachio Heishi and a number of associates have been arrested under the recently-implemented Stability Preservation Act.
"Loyal subjects, I come before you today to inform you that at four-o'clock in the morning local time, forces under the command of the honorable Marshal Okimoto Esashi, in concert with agents of the nation's intelligence services, moved to arrest a number of officials involved in the assassination of my father, the late Emperor Antei, on the 10th of June, 2021. Among those arrested was Chancellor Sachio Heishi, who, in concert with Hisao Yanagisawa, directly plotted to not only kill him and former Prime Minister Hayata, but to take my life as well. As a result of this treachery, it is my duty to inform you that effective immediately, Sachio Heishi has been stripped of his position as Chancellor and shall be required to abdicate his title of Prince to his son, the Prime Minister.
I sympathize with those who have been left disoriented by this shift in our course, for we live in confusing times, however, rest assured knowing that, beyond today, there shall be no disturbances to your ordinary lives. What will change, however, beyond what is presently being discussed among the leadership of the parties represented in the Diet, is that, in order to ensure stability, I am authorizing the establishment of a special commission to assist the Imperial Government. Furthermore, at twelve-o'clock AM on the New Years Day, the Tenshi era shall come to a close and the Banwa era shall begin. Let us celebrate this era of Perfect Harmony together, and let us rejoice in the fact that the National-Imperial Revolution set about by our forebears shall soon be complete.
In order to achieve this lofty goal, however, I call on each and every citizen of the Empire to dedicate, in their own way, to the future of the state, for only together shall we remain strong. And to our friends abroad, rest easy knowing that the Empire of Daitō—of Yamato shall continue, as always, to pursue the ideals of peace and harmony among all nations."
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on December 31, 2022, 03:52:02 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Sadazane Konishi sworn in as Prime Minister(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1058540296394248272/image.png)
Following the announcement yesterday (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=180.msg26007#msg26007) that Prime Minister Suketoshi Heishi, owing to his relationship with his father, the deposed traitor Sachio Heishi, would resign, YHK now reports that Deputy Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi has been sworn in as Prime Minister and has met with His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor. Sadazane Konishi, a veteran of the Imperial Daitōjin Army, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister under Heishi as part of a compromise between the rival Shin Honryū and Seitōkyōgi factions of the Yamato Fukkatsu Dōmei. He is notably the first Yafudō Prime Minister since Takeo Suzuki in 1988 to not hold the party presidency, however, it is anticipated that in the upcoming 2023 Party Conference, he will be elected to the post after Hisayoshi Kitabatake, the current No.2 within the YFD, announced he will not seek that position. Many know Konishi-san as of late for his fight with Representative Eiichi Wakamura on the 22nd of December, however, more importantly than a scuffle with a known troublemaker in the Diet are his positions.
The new Prime Minister has, on numerous occasions, gone on record voicing his support for changes to the nation's policy on same-sex unions. Even before his son, Ichirō, came out as bisexual in 2018, he has had a long career supporting such reforms, believing that the state should not, with exceptions, interfere in who a person wishes to spend their life with. He is a staunch proponent of the East Ardian Free Trade Agreement, having played a key role in its establishment and has noted his hope that it, in the future, expand to encompass more nations in the region. This is in large part due to the new Prime Minister being an avowed Pan-Ardianist, something very much inline with the beliefs of the Seitōkyōgi faction. Depending on ones perspective, perhaps his most important position is his belief that Daitō must be ready to, quote, "Serve as the Bayonet of Pan-Ardianism", ready at a moment's notice to defend the continent and its peoples from those who would seek to destabilize it, whether internal or external. Even so, he has frequently praised Daitō's relationship with Achkaerin, which he credited with bolstering the Empire's security while providing otherwise inconceivable economic opportunities for Daitō's citizens in the aftermath of the Great War.
In his first address to the nation as Prime Minister, Konishi-san said: "I recognize the concerns of many within our beloved homeland that my appointment is merely a continuation of the turmoil that has gripped the Empire in the aftermath of the recession, however, as my predecessor has shown, we have already risen out of that dark period. As we go into the Banwa era, we do so not only with a reaffirmed commitment to the ideals of our revolutionary forebears, but with a renewed confidence that our way is just. As we have seen with the return (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=8.msg25996#new) of Rokkenjima's Charles Olfdensen, however, there are many out there who would see our revolution fail, and for our Empire, our Heavenly Sovereign, for the kokutai to turn to dust and fade away. They cannot accept our determination to succeed and the fruits of our labor, and thus, they stand poised to bring ruin upon us.
Let me make one thing perfectly clear." He paused. "The achievements of our ancestors, going back to the dawn of the Empire, to the enthronement of Emperor Shin'ō and stretching forth to us, shall not be diminished, shall not be denied, and shall echo forevermore throughout the ages. What Olfdensen and other naysayers claim, that Daitō seeks to... 'usurp' the First Empire, is patently false, and damages the cause of Pan-Ardianism irreparably, allowing for the Occident to once again, as it did in the 11th century, creep its way back onto the continent. If we are to prevent such an ignoble fate from befalling the continent, we must not be divided against one another, but rather let us take up the Bayonet of Pan Ardianism, the torch of the National-Imperial Revolution, and fight not amongst ourselves, but for the betterment of all across the continent."
Checkpoints to be removed on Monday — Marshal Esashi(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/1058587635087593503/image.png) IDA soldier directing traffic on the outskirts of Shinkyō, 12/31/2022
In a statement issued to the press earlier today, Marshal Okimoto Esashi stated that the checkpoints established throughout the city of Shinkyō would be removed on Monday. Said checkpoints were established just prior to the removal of former-Chancellor Heishi from office, however, as the New Year rolls in, it has taken a secondary role in order to assist in directing traffic going in and out of the city. Despite rail facilitating a significant amount of transit in and out of the city, such checkpoints have been deemed a necessity owing to this new year also marking the beginning of the Banwa Era, ultimately resulting in higher traffic than usual. Already, checkpoints established in Isahaya, Hyakuashi, Sabae, Shiraizumi, and Sendō wards have been removed, with the troops manning them giving way to local authorities. Nonetheless, the checkpoints in Iwami ward is, despite the Marshal's claims, expected to remain in place until Thursday morning, owing to increased traffic ahead of a major festival held by the ward's Tsukishiman population.
Imperial Family to return to Shinkyō ahead of Tenchō Setsu
Ginji Kosei, Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Ministry, has confirmed that in spite of renovations ongoing at the Imperial Palace in Shinkyō, the Imperial Household is anticipated to return to the city ahead of the upcoming Tenchō Setsu festival, which commemorates the birthday of His Imperial Majesty, on the 11th of January. Said decision reflects the changing times as much as it constitutes a rejection of the former Chancellor's influence, as the move to Tenkyō, while indeed making room for renovations, was primarily an effort by Chancellor Heishi to sideline the Emperor. As the main Imperial Residence on the grounds is presently in the process of completing renovations, however, the family will instead reside in the former Ōmiya palace built for Empress Dowager Ichiko in 1973 following the death of her husband, Emperor Kunan.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 01, 2023, 03:48:13 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Daitō Rings in the New Year, Banwa Era(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1058902769374871632/image.png)
The Imperial Year 2683 has arrived, with numerous celebrations occurring across the Empire of Daitō and marking the beginning of the Banwa (万和) era. Celebrations commenced with the ringing of bells in Buddhist temples throughout the Empire 108 times in a practice known as joyanokane, symbolizing the 108 earthly temptations in Buddhist belief, and in a order to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Daitōjin citizen. These were joined by large fireworks displays across the Empire, with Shinkyō, Tenkyō, Hatsukaichi, Otsu, and Awara, as has been seen for nearly twenty years now, having the largest displays in the country. Many across the country tuned into YHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen, an annual program wherein two teams of popular musicians must compete to which group performed better, with the "white" team (shirogumi winning this year.
In an address to the nation on the advent of the new year, His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor echoed his speech delivered late last year to dedicate themselves to the future of the nation, while stressing the importance of family in light of the occasion. He drew on the ideal of the nation being like a large family, and that by working together for a shared purpose, that being the continued prosperity of the Empire, the ties that bind the nation together would remain firm, ready to face the challenges of the new era. That being the case, we at YHK would like to wish Happiness for you, our loyal viewers, on this, the dawn of the Banwa era.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 05, 2023, 01:34:31 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Imperial Army awards contract to "upgrade" T-40 Senshi(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/1060303333325275236/image.png)
For more than forty years, the venerable T-40 Senshi has been at the core of the Imperial Daitōjin Army's fleet of tanks, thanks in no small part to a long series of incremental upgrades that have allowed it to remain one of the world's most fearsome pieces of armor. But as foreign militaries roll out next-generation "smart" tanks that shoot, move, and communicate on a different plane than their predecessors, Zayasu Heavy Industries is premiering the "Senshi-J", a Senshi for the new era. And more importantly, the Army has expressed an interest in the design. Back to the point though, a demonstration of the tank made its debut on the show floor the Association of the Imperial Daitōjin Army convention last October alongside potential upgrades to other vehicles. Painted in an eye-catching grey-and-black sawtooth color scheme, the Senshi-J aims to address some of the Army's issues with the existing T-40, all the while building in cutting-edge technology and protection systems, including AI targeting functionality and drone launchers.
The most noticeable differences between the T-40 and Senshi-J are found in its weight and power. The T-40 has, over the years, picked up weight with each consecutive upgrade due to army-built armor packages. At 65.7 t[1], the Senshi is heavier than any of its current competitors, which can ultimately limit its manuverability. It is also infamous for its fuel consumption: it takes 45 liters just to start the engine, just over 4.7 liters per kilometer, and up to 23.5 liters per kilometer when idling. Even before the Imperial Daitōjin Army started to lean into climate change resiliency, this kind of fuel use was a significant liability, particularly in forward locations with risky over-land resupply routes. By comparison, the Senshi-J weighs in at just 53.5 tons, cutting weight by moving the crew from inside the turret to inside the hull, allowing for the removal of heavy armor from said turret. The design also includes an autoloader with built-in safety mechanisms, eliminating the need for a human tank loader and reducing the crew size from four to three. At the same time, while the tank's top speed will remain the same, this reduction in weight will allow for the vehicle to be much more maneuverable.
There are those who are, of course, concerned by the prospect of an autoloader being fitted to a Daitōjin tank, no doubt owing to reports of similar designs having a tendency of, as one observer put it, "turning the turret into an impromptu rocket". However, a designer working on the project called attention to the rear of the turret, where, like the Senshi, the ammunition is kept in a sealed compartment, with blast doors opening only momentarily while loading a round before sealing again. This stands in comparison to, for example, Tamoran tanks, which keep the ammunition beneath the turret, a result of them using autoloaders. Such a feature would've been necessary in years past, but with advances in technology, this problematic feature of the tank is no longer a requirement. He also noted that, in the event of a secondary detonation, it would not blow off the entire turret, rather blowing out the back panels located above where the ammunition is stored.
In order to address the tank's fuel use issues, the Senshi-J will replace the turbine engine dating back as far as the early 70s with a diesel hybrid-electric system. Combined with a high-powered electric generator, it will provide as much power to the tank as the previous turbine had while cutting down on fuel by nearly 50%. The batteries included will also allow crews to use elements of the tank such as electronics and optics without turning on the engine, providing an advantage over near peers. In other words, it would allow for the tank's position to be concealed for far longer. The Senshi-J will also include more protection from the growing threat of aerial drones, such as an improved active protection system with three radars and launchers rather than the current two, creating a perimeter around the tank. The demonstrator of the Senshi-J makes use of the Ishikawa-made Muneate APS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trophy_(countermeasure)) currently employed on the T-40 Senshi, a spokesperson for Zayasu stated that the design is agnostic and is capable of working with whatever APS the Army may choose.
Another new feature for the Senshi-J is the incorporation of Shokubai Next Generation Electronic Architecture, or NGEA, a modular open architecture developed independently by Zayasu which uses AI for object detection and recognition, automatic prioritization of targets, as well as navigation assistance such as path-planning and avoidance of obstacles. NGEA also provides the same situational awareness tools being built into next-generation combat systems such as the J-21 Umikotsu, such as "see-through armor" achieved by perimeter cameras that offer tank crews an unobstructed image of the battlefield. A notable feature that the Senshi-J will include are four launchers for Tantō 500 munitions, also known as suicide drones. These unmanned aerial systems are controlled by the crew from the front of the hull, and while they primarily serve as loitering precision missiles, they also serve as a camera en-route to their target, sending the feed from their sensors back to the crew and thus extending their visibility until detonation. NGEA will also give crews the ability to control other UAVs and robotic ground vehicles from within the tank using existing control panels.
On the note of weaponry, the Senshi-J retains the 120mm main gun, with the JT-360 gun tube developed by the army serving to reduce its weight by roughly half. A redesigned breech on the gun further cuts down its weight. The turret also features a 30mm remote weapons station (RWS) in place of the 12.7mm heavy machine gun, a change which, as was noted, tends to elicit an "emotional response" both from soldiers who love it and those who hate it. The new design also makes the gunner's sight independent from the turret and allows both the gunner and the commander to scan the battlefield independently without the turret.
With all of these features proposed, the Imperial Daitōjin Army has contracted Zayasu Heavy Industries to continue development on the concept, awarding the company roughly $1.1 billion. Alongside the testbed, which merely serves to demonstrate the technologies involved rather than representing the full design in initial operational capability, the company can now push forward with developing a number of test vehicles to actually determine what parts of the system will remain and which will change. It is likely that, owing to the significant changes in design, the Senshi-J will be given its own designation, though what that shall be remains to be seen.
"J-14" to enter service in March(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083687726612580/1060364629102039182/image.png)
The Air Force's J-14 Raijū will enter service in early March, according to a press release from Marshal Okimoto Esashi. The Raijū, which was formally disclosed last December following the completion of its testing, is intended to replace the aging fleet of J-10s as the primary strike fighter of the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force, and will incorporate a number of modern techniques and technologies to streamline production, allowing it to sell for roughly the same price as the ubiquitous J-9 Taka. It will be capable of carrying, without AMRAAMs, 14,120 kg of payload, for a total of 14,769.9 kg onboard. The aircraft, like the Hagetaka which it is replacing, will be capable of supercruise without afterburners and will, owing to its cranked-arrow delta wing, possess higher angle of attack maneuverability, lower subsonic drift, and reduced supersonic drag. Said wings also allow the aircraft to carry more fuel, increasing its range over its predecessor by more than 620 km.
Nearly 33,000 people descended on the Imperial Palace in Shinkyō today in order to offer their best wishes to His Imperial Majesty on the advent of Tenchō Setsu. The Tenchō festival has, historically, marked the Emperor's birthday, however, prior to an edict passed in 1868, it was not celebrated by the public, instead being relegated to among the nation's nobility. Said edict, issued by the Daijo-kan on the 21st of July, 1868, formally established its celebration as being tied to when the reigning Emperor was born, having previously been celebrated on a fixed date during the year. Initially, those visiting the palace were government ministers, however, starting in 1872, the courtyard of the Imperial Palace in Shinkyō was briefly opened to the public, allowing for well-wishers from across the country to pay homage to their liege. This practice continued uninterrupted until 1945 when, out of concern for public safety on account of the ever-present threat of Ardian air raids in the later stages of the Great War, it was cancelled for the year. Since 1946, however, this practice resumed, with the largest gathering being seen in 2021 following the enthronement of the current Emperor.
Visitors had the rare chance to see the Emperor, Empress, and a number of members of the Imperial Family in person, albeit under the close watch of officers in the Imperial Guard, Shinkyō Metropolitan Police, and Kenpeitai. Said visitors entered the palace in groups of up to 300 at a time, starting at 9:30 AM and ending at 6:30 PM, local time. Visitors were freely given small flags and fans bearing the same design, while a few brought banners with messages offering their best wishes to the Imperial Family. They also sung both the national anthem before, in the presence of the Emperor before wishing him long life by repeating the word "Banzai" ("Ten-thousand years") in chorus. Said process lasted only three minutes per group, after which point they were guided out of the palace by the Metropolitan Police. As night fell over the city, fireworks displays were performed, closing out an eventful day in the capital.
As has been tradition since the late 1950s, when Emperor Kunan appeared on national television, a number of networks, including YHK, broadcasted a message from the Emperor, wherein he expressed his gratitude to the country and its citizens for their well-wishes while also acknowledging the need for national unity in the wake of the restoration. While he did not mention the ongoing talks among the leadership of the various parties in the diet, His Imperial Majesty was quoted as saying "The time may be approaching quickly when we will need to forge a new political order, one uniquely suited to the Empire, which will permit us to stand against any threat which may rise up against us, whether at home or abroad.", perhaps hearkening back to the early efforts by the Yafudō to make such a "new order", though observers have noted that, with the Emperor's belief in the principles of democracy, he is unlikely to support any measures which would risk destroying the already fragile Daitōjin democratic system, undermined for decades by the rule of successive chancellors.
Nichinan, Nagato prefectures to expand oil, natural gas production(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1062523210215731383/image.png)
The governments of Nichinan and Nagato prefectures have announced that they will cooperate with a plan by DAIPEX to expand their already-extant oil and natural gas production infrastructure with the goal of boosting the local economies. DAIPEX, or the Daitō Petroleum Exploration Company, has, for the last two decades, expressed interest in the Yamamori-Mogami formation, among the largest in Ardia. Said deposit contains nearly 3,700 km3 of largely untapped proven natural gas reserves and close to 32 billion barrels of oil, however, due to the controversy surrounding the methods necessary for extraction, plans to tap into it have largely stalled out since early 2010s. However, as Nichinan and Nagato prefectures were particularly badly hit by the recession in 2019, what was once viewed as a political impossibility has now become viewed as a something akin to a lifeline. Activists were quick to protest the decision by the local governments to grant permits to DAIPEX, citing the toll that fracking would have on the local environment and its contribution to climate change, however, many in the prefectures have voiced their support for the decision, as it is likely to bring more wealth and opportunities to the stricken prefectures. Whatever the case may be, access to this natural resource will, in all likelihood, be a net positive for the Daitōjin economy over the course of the coming decades.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 21, 2023, 11:27:16 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)YFD, YIP, CDP announce merger(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1066225386784051220/image.png) Prime Minister Konishi and other party officials in Shinkyō, 18 January, 2023
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi, as well as the leaders of the Yamato Ishin no Kai and Rikken Minshutō parties, Daisaku Arinaga and Harunori Yaegashi, announced that the Ishin and Rikken Minshutō parties will be dissolved, with their members expected to either become independent or join the YFD. Said parties, being splinters of the Yafudō, have only existed for a few years, with the CDP having briefly held a majority in the House of Representatives and, by extension, the Premiership from 2018 to 2020. The Yamato Ishin no Kai, or Yamato Restoration Association, was, on the other hand, founded in the late-2000s, taking its name from the briefly-successful party of the same name which held power from 1996 to 2001. With this merger, the previously-splintered conservative wing of the Diet will now be united, holding a clear majority in both houses, which will allow for the new Prime Minister to achieve many of his goals with regards to the Imperial Restoration.
Prime Minister Konishi was quick to celebrate the announcement, calling it an "important first step" towards accomplishing the goals of the National-Imperial Revolution. He was quick to note, however, that with this shift, there could be some, quote, "growing pains" associated with the merger, specifically calling attention to a potential rise in factionalism among the YFD. Nevertheless, in his announcement, the Prime Minister said, "While his aims were noble, the decision made by Prime Minister Toshinari in 1945 was, ultimately a mistake. By throwing away the structure built by his predecessor, the new order, the goals of the National-Imperial Revolution were tossed aside, giving way instead to factionalism and regionalism. As it stands, we must correct course and undo the damage caused since then. There is a need, now more than ever, for us to construct a New National Structure, one built not on the ideals of the occident, but firmly rooted in the teachings of our forebears, an order which will last the generations."
Military tests "Kaisoku Ryū" system(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083687726612580/1066306843225378876/image.png)
Two SOCOM wings partnered in a total force initiative to conduct the first live-fire test of the Uechi-produced Kaisoku Ryū, a long-range palletized munitions system, off the coast of Tsukishima on the 19th of January as part of a routine exercise. During said exercise, two ML-5E Haikumo IIs assigned to the 31st Special Operations Wing flew the Kaisoku Ryū package to an Imperial Daitōjin Air Force training range and deployed it over the Kyne. An ISR aircraft assigned to the 11th SOW of the Tsukishima Prefectural Guard used its manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to collect and disseminate information about the release. This marks the first time that the Kaisoku Ryū system has been employed using cargo aircraft, granting precision munitions capabilities for medium-sized or larger cargo aircraft while providing Daitōjin forces a flexible rapid response option.
"The system will be very easily exportable to our partners around the globe that may want to increase the utility of their air force," said Lt. General Hidetsugu Uchikawa, AFSOC commander, during a recent Air and Space Force Association meeting. "When you look at export capability, many countries around the world lack heavy bomber-type platforms that would be traditional carriers of those types of munitions, but many have aircraft equivalent to the L-5. Such a system like Kaisoku Ryū is, owing to its roll-on, roll-off capability, compatible with just about any of them."
Despite its relative size and the simplicity of the system, the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force Special Operations Command has, thus far, been the only IDAF Combatant Command to demonstrate the system. When asked about why they had been selected, Lt. Colonel Chisato Besujima, the 31st SOW mission commander, had the following to say: "An ML-5 is the perfect aircraft for this capability because we can land and operate from a 900-meter highway and austere landing zones whereas a bomber cannot. Additionally, a crew qualified to execute heavy equipment airdrop could employ this operationally. After the successful execution of this airdrop, we have now proven we can employ the same weapons system. It's simply a matter of being the most qualified unit for testing it."
Members of the 11th Mission Sustainment Team also participated in the exercise, conducting pre-deployment site surveys and airfield assessments. While it is not the first time the team has worked with the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force, it is the first time the MST has conducted their mission alongside elements of AFSOC in a setting realistic to the austere environments they will operate in as they support global SOF operations. As AFSOC postures its forces for the future fight, developing unconventional, innovative capabilities to protect against near-peer adversaries is critical. "This rapid roll-on, roll-off capability extends Daitō's ability to project firepower around the globe," Lt. Col. Besujima said. "It doesn’t require any aircraft modifications, making it incredibly easy to employ any place, any time.”
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on January 24, 2023, 06:09:54 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Is Daitō losing the Hypersonic Arms Race?(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1067272786420178974/image.png) Aizawa-Shinoda's Air-launched Rapid Response Offensive Weapon (ARROW) is intended to travel just over 800 kilometers in just 10 minutes once fired from a P-13 Bomber
For the first time in years, Daitō is lagging behind its international competitors in a technology race with far-reaching military and diplomatic implications. Hypersonic weapons are designated one of six developing technologies—artificial intelligence, lethal autonomous weapons systems, directed energy weapons, biotechnology, and quantum technology—that the Ministry of War believes could dictate the outcomes of future conflicts, but as Daitō's competitors continue to field new hypersonic missiles, the Empire's own efforts seemingly continue to be met with delays and failures. But why? How is it possible that Daitō, with its comparatively large annual defense spending, can't get a hypersonic weapon into service while Rokkenjima, which spends a roughly similar amount each year, has been capable of fielding such a system? The truth is, as it tends to be, complicated and the question may very well misrepresent the true nature of the hypersonic arms race we now find ourselves in.
Despite having previously led the world in hypersonic technologies and even having had plans for hypersonic aircraft as far back as the 60s, the past twenty years have forced a shift away from advancing military technologies and toward the large-scale employment of existing combat systems. Like the previous generations of the J-7 and the J-13, hypersonic missiles were seen as incredibly expensive weapons with no potent threat they were needed to address. Now, with tensions seemingly on the rise between many world powers, the Ministry of War is making up for lost time the best way it knows: by throwing money at the problem. In 2020, the Ministry of War devoted just over ¥160 billion ($2 billion) to developing hypersonic technologies, including missiles. In 2021, that number jumped to ¥256 billion ($3.2 billion). it once again grew in the War Ministry's 2022 budget, with ¥304 billion ($3.8 billion) allocated, a number which is likely to stay the same for fiscal year 2023. All told, there are roughly 50 separate hypersonic programs drawing funds from this pool, seven of which are for publicly disclosed missile programs.
Why is Daitō behind in fielding hypersonic missiles? (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1067274858045640714/image.png)
The Empire is indeed lagging behind the competition in fielding operational hypersonic missiles, but the word operational can be fairly subjective in this context. Many times, a new aircraft, for example, has been claimed to be in operational service despite there being only a handful of manufactured aircraft and a few prototypes. By Daitōjin standards, such aircraft would be many, many years away from earning such a label. But even so, the popular conception of the Daitōjin hypersonic weapons program being years, if not decades, away from fielding such a weapon are, frankly, misguided.
For starters, the word hypersonic has a cutting-edge connotation to it, and recent media coverage of these technologies has treated the realm of hypersonic flight as though it were pulled straight from a science fiction movie. Recent films, such as Best Guy: Odyssey, with its opening involving a hypersonic aircraft, have certainly played a role in bolstering that image. The truth, however, is that hypersonic platforms have been around for decades, and many of them are recognizable to the masses. The hypersonic barrier is Mach 5, or approximately 6,125.4 kilometers per hour. At these speeds, the air itself becomes the enemy as it impacts the vehicle, creating enough friction to damage or even destroy most common aircraft and missile materials. The UHS Orbiter, however, regularly exceeded Mach 25, or more than 30,627 kilometers per hour, during reentry. Similar vehicles fielded in recent years can also reach such blistering speeds. In fact, practically every ballistic missile and spacecraft ever launched has been hypersonic in nature.
That means that not only does Daitō already possess a wide variety of hypersonic platforms just like many other nations, even corporations such as TransOrbital and Nebulus can claim hypersonic capabilities. That's not to say that we should adjust the hypersonic weapons conversation to include everything from the Suzaku Program to the modern UHS and PLS flights, of course. Rather, it's meant to highlight the selective use of the term "hypersonic" in most media to frame the discussion specifically around the capabilities Daitō lacks. That is, after all, the more dramatic story. As one observer noted, in many ways, Daitō is running a very different race than what Rokkenjima is trying to trigger.
Not trying to beat around the bush, but as early as the mid-1980s, Daitō was operating a reusable hypersonic platform for the military, in the form of a specialized UHS orbiter, Saikyō. The orbiter, which was turned over to NASDA—Now DNSA—in the late-90s, was used largely on classified missions, although owing to its rather unique use in polar orbit, it is safe to assume it was used for reconnaissance missions, as well as a number of military-run experiments. While this capability was leapfrogged by the Achkaerinese in the 2010s with their Starlight program, which bears similarities to Daitō's own Type 66 Orbital Reconnaissance Vehicle, it nonetheless demonstrates that up until recently, Daitō has held a resounding lead in that field.
The Competition isn't as far ahead as it seems (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1067283021385969724/image.png) A Rokkenjiman Ifrit missile, launched 21 Jan, 2023
Even in terms of specifically envelope-pushing hypersonic technologies in the contemporary sense of the word, the Empire again has a solid pedigree. As far back as 2004, NASDA's 3.65-meter long scramjet technology demonstrator known as the Shi-91A reached Mach 9.6 in testing. In 2011, Zayasu's Z-101 Kishu, also a scramjet technology demonstrator, flew under scramjet power for nearly 210 seconds, reaching speeds upwards of Mach 5.1. In May of 2012, ARPA's Shi-133U boost-glide vehicle reached Mach 20 during a nine-minute test flight, and in 2017, Daitō tested its Shi-142 scramjet missile, which reached speeds in excess of Mach 8. Meanwhile, Rokkenjima's Ifrit, which entered testing in 2021, is a hypersonic glide vehicle which, while representing a technological achievement, is seen by many in Daitō as little more than an elaborate distraction, lacking much in the way of payload capacity compared even to the Zircon missile. Similarly, proposals seen in some countries for converting the first stage of short-range ballistic missiles, while in theory being useful, have been deemed by higher-ups in the Daitōjin Armed Forces as being of limited practical value.
Daitō's currently active hypersonic missile efforts currently include at least two hypersonic boost-glide vehicles and as many as four hypersonic cruise missiles leveraging scramjet propulsion. A scramjet, or supersonic ramjet, is essentially an air-breathing jet engine that reaches combustion with supersonic airflow, unlike traditional ramjets which use shock cones to reduce airflow to subsonic speeds. This form of propulsion allows for incredibly high rates of travel, but it needs to rely on a conventional source of power, whether it be a ramjet or a rocket booster, to reach those speeds in order to operate well. Of course, putting a ramjet/scramjet-powered weapon system into service has never been done by any nation before, making it pretty logical that this effort would lag behind any effort to reuse older technology and brute force in order to enter the hypersonic arena. Daitō's approach will result in a longer timeline to service for many of its systems, but it may well also result in far more capable weapon systems in the long run. Nonetheless, as has been seen in the last decade, other countries have had hypersonic weapons tested and in some cases brought into service. Despite Daitō's previous successes in this specific realm, there is no denying that the country has yet to entirely match that capability, but there is quite possibly a good reason for that too.
Though it may seem obvious, as Daitō, unlike Rokkenjima, has never possessed nuclear weapons—though it has been described as "nuclear latent"—it has, throughout its history, never had a reason to even consider using hypersonic weapons to carry nuclear payloads. As a result, since the very start, it has needed to focus on technical challenges that wouldn't be faced under such circumstances, even if nuclear weapons have now, thankfully, been disposed of worldwide. Such challenges include developing proper targeting systems, which, owing to the buildup of plasma faced during flight, are presently inadequate for such a role. In the case of Rokkenjima's Ifrit missile, which is ostensibly designed to hit a target the size of an aircraft carrier at roughly 1,600 kilometers, there has been little evidence to date suggesting that their targeting apparatus could achieve such a feat with a conventional warhead.
There is, of course, an argument to be made that new and more advanced weapons, hypersonic or not, offer little strategic value. Any exchange between two near-peer or peer-level powers would, after all, effectively destroy both nations economies, so unless a new weapon can neuter the opposition's ability to respond, current weapons are as good a hypersonic weapon, while being far, far cheaper. Strategic value, in this situation, can only truly be achieved with a weapon that forces a shift in an opponent's strategy. To date, Zircon hasn't done so. Rokkenjima, however, has forced a major shift in Daitōjin Navy priorities thanks to the introduction of the Ifrit, but it is important to note that this shift is based on the assumption that Rokkenjima will eventually get over the massive technical hurdles associated with targeting a moving vessel at range, not necessarily the understanding that they presently have.
Daitō's shortcomings shouldn't be ignored (https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1067307514212909117/image.png) A P-13 out of Shirasu Air Force Base carries an ARROW missile for its first captive carry flight, March 2020
It seems clear that the conversation about the modern hypersonic arms race has been slightly skewed by a combination of confusion about the latest defense buzzword and media sensationalism. But to call that the end of the story would mean ignoring a major catch: Daitō's hypersonic weapons programs have been riddled with failure in recent years. While looking back at hypersonic test programs operated by the Ministry of War over the past decade, ignoring some tech demonstrators mentioned before, you will find not only a list ripe with failures, but seemingly preventable ones as well. Many of these failures occurred before reaching hypersonic velocities, meaning that it was tried and true technology like rocket boosters and stage separation mechanisms which went wrong. Most frustrating for the military, there was no data to be poured over with these sorts of failures, and thus, no lessons to be learned about the nature of hypersonic flight.
Out of forty-eight tests conducted since 2010, twelve failed due to problems with the missile's conventional rocket booster, with one other called a total failure for undisclosed reasons. Six more failed due to issues with the stage separation mechanisms or control fins, both of which are technologies Daitō has had in service for decades. An additional nine tests were considered partial failures after achieving hypersonic speeds prior to an issue with the vehicle. In all, the War Ministry has only had twenty successful hypersonic weapons tests since 2010, with the most recent in November of last year. That, however, was the only one of the last five tests to be successful. The most recent failure came in October, when a conventional booster failed again. With such frankly embarrassing failures, a few have started to question whether the program is being faced with sabotage.
But weapons tests are expected to fail, that being a part of their very nature. There's no telling how many undisclosed failures many nations have experienced in their own efforts, as press freedoms are questionable in many places around the world. The most egregious issue with the program is not that twenty-eight out of forty-eight tests at least partially failed, rather, it's that Daitō has only conducted 48 tests since 2010 to begin with. It's simply a matter of fact that, until recently, Daitō simply hadn't felt a pressing need to invest in hypersonic technology. But even after the defense apparatus shifted focus towards hypersonics, it remains merely one area of focus. That means that hypersonic weapons have to compete for time on testing ranges with other developmental programs that have similarly far-reaching implications and national importance.
It's not simply military test ranges that are holding back the country's hypersonic efforts, though. There are only two wind tunnels in the country that can manage both the high speeds and the high temperatures associated with hypersonic testing, and both of them are owned by DNSA, which has its own programs to focus on. Daitō has earmarked roughly ¥80 billion ($500 million) to put toward wind tunnel facilities to ease this choke point, however, it's not the only one. Test range facilities are expanding, but will remain limited for some time to come.
Reexamining the "Arms Race"
It wouldn't be fair to say that nobody is winning the current hypersonic arms race, because it seems clear that not all nations are pursuing this technology with the same goals. For a nation like Kaitaine, at the time already on the road to the chaos we now see with its division, fielding the first hypersonic weapons was of grave importance. These weapons, owing to similar issues with guidance technology as seen in more recent developments, offered little in the way of genuine strategic capability, but garnered the nation's weapon programs a great deal of attention and prestige. That mattered for a country which was on the verge of civil war. Kaitaine needed foreign buyers for its weapons in order to be able to afford to build their own in any real numbers. The same could be said for advanced missile systems.
Rokkenjima's hypersonic goals have much to do with presenting an image of military parity with much of the developed world, in keeping with their aim of being the dominant world power going into the future. The Ifrit system has forced the Daitōjin military to reconsider its approach to force projection, making it a successful strategic weapon even if it never proves capable of hitting an aircraft carrier at all. And then, there is Daitō, which is not reliant on foreign weapon sales to fund its own programs and does not view military dominance as imperative to its survival. Daitō has nothing to gain from rushing a hypersonic weapon into service beyond prestige, but prestige itself is a tricky business. Both Zircon and Ifrit have been "in service" for some time now, and it stands to reason that most of Daitō's missiles could be a few years behind them before becoming operational themselves.
But after that point, the hypersonic arms race will stop being about when each nation brings them online and starts being about the strategic and tactical capability that these weapons provide. Daitō was poorly positioned to win the first leg of this race, but it is now well-positioned to win the second. And the truth is quite simple: while the first spring is about winning headlines, the second, while perhaps less prestigious in the eyes of the media, is aimed at winning wars.
Where we go from here
The earliest Daitōjin Hypersonic Weapons program, the Air-launched Rapid Response Offensive Weapon, or ARROW, has thus far been the most successful hypersonic weapons program undertaken by Daitō in the last ten years. With a range of 1,600 kilometers, it is, in theory, similar to the Rokkenjiman Ifrit, with the primary difference being that ARROW is capable of being launched from mid-air. While the targeting system is, owing to technical difficulties to be expected with such weapons at this time, somewhat restricted in capability, it has been demonstrated striking in the vicinity of moving targets as close as 100 meters, roughly the twenty meters lower than the circular error as an ICBM under the best conditions. In some circumstances, this accuracy has been reduced to anywhere between 200 and 350 meters, potentially making precise targeting nearly impossible. Nevertheless, with the exorbitant price-tag it, like any other hypersonic weapon, when it enters service later this year, it will likely see extremely limited use.
To summarize, however, while Daitō has fallen behind its peers in this particular field, it cannot be said that Daitō has lost, and indeed, it seems quite possible that it will, in fact, win this supposed arms race, if only because its goal is something entirely different to what current operators of the technology field.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on February 08, 2023, 09:36:21 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Prime Minister Addresses Joint Session of the Imperial Diet(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1072206774494576740/image.png)
His Excellency, Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi, addressed the newly opened 350th session of the Imperial Diet yesterday evening in what is first speech since his appointment, as well as, more importantly, the first of such speeches since the Banwa Restoration which he spearheaded. Originally intending to focus on the situation at home, the Prime Minister, following the tragic news from Rokkenjima regarding the murder of Crown Princess Asuna, elected to touch on the event, as well as other developments in the world as a whole. Prime Minister Konishi saw fit to also elaborate on the plans of the National-Imperial Revolution put forwards by the Yafudō, emphasizing the push for reform as being not only a goal to be reached, but as an urgent necessity which needed to be achieved with both integrity and enthusiasm. Below is the full text of the Prime Minister's address:
Quote from: Prime Minister Konishi
The Prime Minister's Speech to the Diet 6 February, 2683
Your Imperial Majesty, Mr. Speaker, members of the Imperial Diet, the Privy Council, and the Cabinet. Justices of the Supreme Court and distinguished guests. Loyal citizens. Tonight, I come before you to convoke this, the three-hundred and fiftieth session of the Imperial Diet, recognizing the achievements made here since the day it first opened, but also looking forwards to the future which lies before each and everyone of us. As it stands, we are faced with the challenge of rebuilding the state so that it may better serve the needs of the Daitōjin People. Tonight, we meet not only as members of the Yafudō or the Kokumin Minshu-tō, or independents, but as fellow subjects of His Imperial Majesty.
Eighty-six years ago, soldiers loyal to then-Marshal Hisayuki Sonyu, members of the Righteous Army, seeing the threat posed to our fair society by both the rampant imperialist blight of the Ardian Empire and by the radical republicanism of the Rokkenjiman Federal Republic, took action to excise those figures within the Imperial Government once and for all and to complete the work started by Emperor Keiō, Chancellor Toshikatsu Heishi, and the other fathers of the modern Yamatojin state. Though others claim, perhaps out of a desire to spread misinformation about the Empire and to undermine our position in the world, that they sought control over the Empire, the simple truth is that they did not act in self interest, for they put their lives on the line for that which they believed in, to set the Empire upon the correct course, rather than fall further into instability and decay.
The Great East Ardian War, while abundant in hardships, also proved a learning experience for the still-new Yamato Fukkatsu Dōmei. Early on, our forebears were too swift in the actions they took, and in many cases, they went too far. One may only look as far as the power gained by the Kenpeitai during the war, and the numerous injustices which they committed in the name of the National-Imperial Revolution. When the war ended, unlike what is claimed, Prime Minister Sonyu did not resign out of embitterment towards our allies, nor in disgrace for the suffering which the Empire faced, but to make way for others who could rebuild the nation stronger than it had been before. I have spoken, at times, of the mistakes made by his successor, Prime Minister Toshinari. It is my belief, yes, that he did not achieve the reforms necessary to make way for the democratic system we now have in place. As a result of his frankly rushed policies, we did not have the time to restructure the state, and in the vacuum created by this rapid course correction, Chancellor Toshikatsu Heishi's descendants turned on the goal pushed by the honorable Chancellor and by the party, instead betraying Daitō for their own personal gain.
Late last year, we took action to correct the mistakes of the past, and now, we must look to the future. The former Chancellor, Sachio Heishi, and his co-conspirators against our Heavenly Sovereign must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, not so as to make an example, but to ensure that, like everyone else, they be afforded the same treatment in the eyes of the law. The crimes they committed, grave as they may be, must be dealt with as is required by the constitution and by the laws of the land. But let me say this to you now: this vile attack on our institutions, this... coup that they sought to achieve, cannot be allowed to go unpunished. For if we fail to fail to act, then it will send a message not only to other elements within our society, but throughout the world, that the Empire of Daitō has grown weak, and that attempts like this may be feasible in other nations. We owe it, not only to ourselves and our citizens, but to the world as a whole.
Though this pursuit of justice is necessary, there is a goal more important than simply prosecuting those who sought to harm the Empire. As one may recall, last year, the Renmin University Democracy Index showed that the Empire of Daitō, once a beacon of prosperity and freedom in the world, had fallen by nearly two points overall, and thus placing it on the edge of being classified as, quote, a "Hybrid Regime". Of note was the sharp degradation of our democratic political culture, falling to a worse state than even Djabidjan. This issue in particular has troubled me, but it is an issue we must resolve. When asked, many in the Empire stated that they would prefer that the Imperial Daitōjin Army take power, a clear sign of a declining trust in the institutions that bind this country together. It is a simple fact that we must fix this, and as a result, I am calling for reforms in campaign financing, as well as restrictions on political lobbying. We must be ready to combat misinformation spread by foreign actors, and we must make it easier for Daitō's people to vote. The National-Imperial Revolution is not, as some foolish claim, a ploy to establish a dictatorship, but rather, to forge a new path, democratic, yes, but in a form which is uniquely suited to the Empire's—to the average citizen's needs.
As part of forging this new path, I am pleased to say that just yesterday, I signed legislation which will bring the Empire of Daitō into compliance with the guidelines of the Mundus Atomic Energy Agency, and in the coming weeks, my signature will be attached to the treaty which founded it. While we seek to build a better future, not just for our own people, but for the world as a whole, we must do so with great care. We cannot allow the mistakes of the cold war be repeated, cannot allow for the proliferation of nuclear weapons across the globe when we have come so far. Signing this treaty shows our commitment to this goal, and sends a message that it is better to cooperate on matters of nuclear energy rather than to dangerously pursue it on our own and allow the technology to fall into the wrong hands. Nuclear security is a key part of ensuring global security.
On that note, I must turn to the challenges faced abroad. At present, there exists an avenue for which Tamora, isolated in large part from the international community over its continued practice of slavery, is able to continue to trade on the international market. As of the most recent estimates, nearly forty million people in Tamora—just over sixteen percent of the nation's population—remains as chattel, and yet, through the Heyran city of Elysium, Tamoran companies—companies proven to not only profit from, but actively participate in the slave trade—are able to incorporate subsidiaries and trade on the open market, all the while sending the funds earned back to their parent companies in Tamora unabated. As Her Highness, Crown Princess Serenity brought up in her address to the Achkaerinese Senate last January, companies ranging from the Tamoran Imperial Bank to Jalal Deer and many others have incorporated such subsidiaries in Elysium, and in spite of a resolution passed by the Ardian Assembly in 2019, the Republic of Heyra has failed to address such loopholes. What reason, I ask, could they have to do so? There is a saying which I believe applies here: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". I do genuinely believe the Heyrans to be good people, having worked with them on occasion in my time as a lawyer. But the fact remains that, by their inaction to close this loophole provided by Elysium, they have allowed a great evil to persist, and yet they do everything they can in their power to obscure that from the world, even as they continue to claim they respect the MCUR in its totality. And as a result, though I regret to say it, they have picked their side, and their side is in the wrong. History will speak of them not as a bastion of "liberty", but as a pawn of an evil emanating from the heart of Aranye.
We meet here, tonight, in the shadow of tragedy. Just a few days ago, the Crown Princess of Rokkenjima, Asuna Anselmo, was murdered in cold blood, sending shockwaves across not only Rokkenjima, not only East Ardia, but the world as a whole. Such an atrocity marks a continuation of a wave of political violence which has spread across East Ardia. I have already expressed my condolences to the Rokkenjiman Imperial Family and to the nation as a whole, but as we mourn her loss, we must, nonetheless, look to the future. And that means confronting a most concerning development in our eastern neighbor. The new Premier of Rokkenjima—the convicted war criminal— Charles Ofdensen, has shown a blatant disregard for diplomatic norms, seeking to enflame tensions between not only Rokkenjima and her allies, but between the First Empire and Daitō as well. He claims that Daitō is a member of a, quote, "global conspiracy" against Rokkenjima, and has threatened that we shall pay for our supposed crimes, "whether it be by blood or dollar". He, who conspired with others to facilitate breaches of the Uppsala Convention, now threatens war with Daitō. Time will tell whether he intends to go through with it, but we must be ready. Therefore, i am asking you, members of the Diet, to approve my request for an increase in military spending this year so that we may counteract this threat to our sovereignty, and to protect our people.
Let me conclude with a message to Ofdensen, to anyone who would threaten our nation's sovereignty, our soil and our grain, our rising generation, our right to a future, as well as those who continue to engage in the slave trade. You may think that Daitō has grown to be "irrelevant", that we will not take action to defend ourselves, or that we will not do everything in our power to stop your schemes. There was a quote by a famed general, many, many years ago, who said and I quote, "Let Daitō sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world". You have awoken Daitō, and now, by prodding at it, disturbing this global system and ignoring the building-blocks of international law, we will never turn inwards again. Already, we are in the midst of the greatest period of economic growth since the Great War. As it stands, we are on track to surpass Rokkenjima as the world's second largest economy before the end of the year, and even Ui Cenneslaig will soon be surpassed. And not only that, we can pride ourselves on having some of the most productive workers in the world. Given a fair chance, a fair shot, they have proven that they have never, never, never let this country down. Never! So if you think, even for a moment, that we have grown weak, think again, otherwise, you will rue the day that you dared threaten our people and our nation.
Now is the time we faced the challenges of the world head-on and overcame them, not as members of one party or another, not as citizens of Yakushima or Tsukishima, not as Onishi or Dalseomin, but as one people, one Daitō, one Empire under heaven, looking out upon the eight corners of the world and making it our home, rather than turning inwards once again. We are, each and every one of us, citizens of Daitō, so let us enjoin in strengthening the Empire. May the Kami protect Daitō, may we know peace unending, and may His Imperial Majesty reign ten-thousand years!
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on February 15, 2023, 10:20:54 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Navy Announces Replacement for Kirishima-Class(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1019762829852692510/1077777553521119242/Ship.png) Artist's Conception of the New Class
In a statement issued on the 13th of February, Admiral Satoru Hazuki confirmed that the Imperial Daitōjin Navy had contracted the Zayasu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., to construct a new class of Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Strike Cruiser to fulfill the requirements of the ongoing JSYG(X) project, a part of the larger program to modernize the navy's surface assets. Named the Miyakejima-class, in honor of the engagement in February 1915 between Ardian and Daitōjin forces not long after the start of the Great War, it is intended for the class to include at least twelve vessels, with the potential for as many as eighteen pending approval from the Diet. In many regards, the class, alongside a new class of destroyer, will also replace some of the Tone-class cruisers which are slated for retirement in the mid-to-late 2020s. However, at its core, it is intended to take over the role currently filled by the Kirishima-class Nuclear-powered Strike Cruiser.
With regards to its characteristics and capabilities, the Admiral stated that the vessel is to measure roughly 196 meters long overall and will have a displacement of roughly 16,500 tons. Owing to it being nuclear powered, the ship will have an effectively unlimited range, barring the need for resupply, and will only ever need to be refueled once every twenty years to twenty-five years—roughly half-way through the class's projected lifespan. Despite being on the larger end of surface ships, the Miyakejima-class will feature a far smaller crew, owing in no small part to a number of automated systems which will assist in day-to-day running the vessel. Perhaps the most notable feature of the vessel, however, is also its most readily visible one: its hull. Making use of a wave-piercing tumblehome hull-form, the ship's design intentionally reduces its Radar Cross-Section, which, despite the ship being slightly more than 40% larger than the Ikazuchi-class Guided Missile Destroyer, will be roughly the size of a small fishing boat.
With regards to armament, it is fully expected that the Miyakejima-class will, upon entering service, be among the most heavily-armed warships to have graced the seas. It is designed to carry 228 Mk 41 VLS cells, which will be capable of firing a standard array of missiles. in addition, though some have questioned its utility, it will also be equipped with a 155mm cannon, the "Advanced Weapons System", for the purpose of shore bombardment. With its range, however, critics have noted that using said cannon could, in some cases, put the vessel in range of anti-ship missile batteries. Even Admiral Hazuki noted that, suggesting that a potential Flight II variant of the vessel could replace the cannon with equipment for launching Daitō's planned Long-Range Hypersonic Vehicle (LRHV) instead. Ultimately, however, some worry that the ship could be a step too far, that it may be too advanced for today's technology. Nonetheless, it is a story which we will keep you updated on as it develops.
Title: Re: YHK World — Daitō
Post by: Daitō on February 17, 2023, 05:15:34 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)LIVE: His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, Addresses the Nation(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1075925039662247977/image.png)
His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, is expected to make an address to the nation tonight from the Kyūjō in a few moments. Stay tuned for his address:
Quote
His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor's Address to the Nation 16 February, 2683
Good Evening. Two hours ago, I walked out of a meeting with Prime Minister Konishi, the Privy Council, and the Cabinet of the Empire of Daitō, where we discussed the ongoing, deteriorating situation in the Rokkenjiman Sea. We discussed what options we could take, as diplomacy has, since the 6th of February, continued to fail, and thus, in accordance with international law and the will of the Kami, the Empire of Daitō is now forced to take action, and I have therefore authorized that military force be used to drive the Rokkenjiman state from our waters. Rokkenjima started this conflict when they opened fire upon a defenseless Daitōjin Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Daitō—a nation with no desire for war with the Empire of Rokkenjima—now must move to respond; the blood of our eleven airmen, spilled in this cowardly act, demands it. Ten days ago, Empress Kyoko and Premier Ofdensen started this war. Tonight, the battle has been joined. I say it again: This nation is at war with Rokkenjima.
As I speak to you, our Air and Naval Forces, as well as those of our allies, are now engaged in military action against Rokkenjiman military installations and assets. Ground forces are not yet engaged. This military action, taken in accord with the International Community and with the backing of the Imperial Diet, follows constant and virtually endless diplomatic activity on the part of the Assembly of Ardia, the Empire of Daitō, and many, many other countries. Yet in spite of this, the leadership of the Empire of Rokkenjima instead sought to shift blame, to "point the finger" at others so that they may save their own skin. Even following our Ambassador's—the honorable Haruki Edano—numerous meetings with the Rokkenjiman government, we were unable to secure a peaceful resolution. As a last ditch effort, Prime Minister Konishi himself had sought to meet with Rokkenjima's leadership, but he was refused. Our nation, as well as those involved in a multi-national coalition, have exhausted all reasonable efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and have no choice but to restore order in East Ardia by force. We will not fail.
At this present moment, air attacks are underway against military targets in Rokkenjima. We are determined to prevent, to our best ability, any attacks against our civilians, and thus Kyoko's airfields will be made inoperable. Ofdensen's tanks, aircraft, and ships will be destroyed. Our operations are designed to protect Daitōjin and allied forces, as well as our citizens, by targeting Rokkenjima's vast military arsenal and destroying its war-making potential. Initial reports from Marshal Esashi indicate that these operations are proceeding according to plan.
Our objectives are clear: Rokkenjima will leave the territories held by the Empire of Daitō. Those responsible for the conflict will be brought to justice for their crimes, and in time, when peace is inevitably restored, it is our hope that Rokkenjima will live as a free, peaceful, and cooperative member of the International Community of Nations, thus enhancing the security and stability of the Rokkenjiman Sea. We have no ill-will, no argument with the people of Rokkenjima. Indeed, for those innocents caught in the midst of this conflict, I pray for their safety. Our goal is not the conquest of Rokkenjima, nor territorial aggrandizement, but the restoration of stability to the nation and the protection of those islands which Rokkenjima has claimed for many years. It is my hope, even now, that the Rokkenjiman people can, even now, convince their leaders that they must leave our waters, lay down their arms, and let Rokkenjima rejoin the peace-loving community of nations.
Prior to ordering military action, I instructed our military commanders to take every necessary step to prevail as quickly as possible, and with the greatest degree of protection possible for Daitōjin and allied service men and women, as well as to mitigate civilian casualties. I have assured the Daitōjin people that this will not become another Sipura, a vow which I repeat here tonight. Our troops have the best support possible in the world, are among the best trained in the world, and shall not be forced to fight with one hand tied behind their back. It is my sincerest hope that this fighting will not go on long, and that casualties will be held to an absolute minimum. Their families are counting on them, for failure to achieve victory will come with a terrible cost for our people. So therefore, in order to ensure this victory and in keeping with Title 22 of the Imperial Code, I am authorizing the mobilization and nationalization of the Prefectural Defense Force, as well as other members of our military's reserves. Furthermore, the National Economy shall likewise be mobilized to serve the war effort. I expect that you, loyal subjects, will do everything in your power to aid in this mobilization, and that together, we will achieve victory, not merely for Daitō, not merely for our allies, but for the betterment of all mankind.
As our forces fight on, I solemnly reflect on the sacrifices they shall make, for it is not an easy decision, sending our nation's sons and daughters to war. They are the nation's finest, the guardians of the Empire. They are an all-volunteer force, expertly trained and highly motivated. They know why they fight, as do we. We must show to the world that aggression cannot be tolerated, that tyranny cannot prosper, and that injustice cannot go unpunished. Tonight, as our troops engage Rokkenjima, they and their families are in our prayers. May the Kami bless, protect, and preserve each and every one of them, and those of our allies, and may they continue to protect our dear nation, the Empire of Daitō.
Title: Re: YHK World - Daitō
Post by: Daitō on March 01, 2023, 12:23:15 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Aizawa-Shinoda Investing into Fighter-Controlled Combat Drones under "Project Yanai"(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1080215439721889792/image.png)
On a battlefield in the near future, an L-5 drops a pallet loaded with small, expendable drones, which break off and immediately begin flying towards a flight of J-21s at high altitude. As the J-21 pilots fly towards an enemy surface-to-air missile battery, they issue commands to the drones under their control: "Collect data,""go forward and draw fire," or "find this target." Based on the data gathered by some of these drones, the pilots are alerted to a probable threat, and an alternate route is suggested using information from other drones which had scouted ahead. This is the kind of technology which Aizawa-Shinoda aims to prove out in its newly-revealed "Project Yanai", a multi-year investment started in 2019, wherein the company aims to sink more than ¥8 billion ($100 million) of its own money into drones, artificial intelligence, upgrades to the J-21 and novel communications technologies that will connect all the pieces together, Akihira Harada, the Vice President of the company's secretive "Wraith Works" advanced development division, in a briefing to reporters on Monday.
Upcoming demonstrations are expected to see a J-21 pair up with a "network" of Aizawa's "Kasha" drones, an expendable aircraft the company disclosed in 2020. However, the most significant element of the effort will focus on figuring out how fighter pilots can actually operate drones in the field, what advantages these drones can offer for human pilots, and how to establish trust between pilots and the AI guiding the drones. Vice President Hirada was quoted as saying "What we’re really focusing on is a systematic build up where we can evaluate that human and uncrewed system interaction, and understand how those behaviors build up over time.” He also said that Project Yanai will inform what Aizawa eventually proposes for the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force's Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) effort, an assortment of unmanned combat drones which will augment the J-13 and J-21, as well as the Zayasu-built J-20 and the upcoming sixth-generation fighter which will form the centerpiece of the "Air Dominance Fighter for the 27th Century[1]" (ADF-27) family of systems.
In late 2022, Nanako Ahane, the current Chief of Staff of the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force, stated the service could begin a JCA competition as early as fiscal year 2023. At the same time, the Air Force has to learn how to integrate combat drones with normal fighter operations, said Ahane, who added that the service could pursue demonstrations where fighter squadrons experimented with some of the unmanned systems already on the market. "You would be employing an integrated unit at a small scale," she said. "You'd be integrating these drones with existing aircraft in a way which somewhat proves out some of the tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as things like maintenance concepts and organizational structures."
Project Yanai's early tests will focus on demonstrating Kasha's airworthiness, starting with captive carry tests from an undisclosed aircraft. Then, Kasha will make its first test flight, which will demonstrate whether it can be successfully launched from an aircraft and allow Aizawa to assess its performance characteristics. After that, Aizawa will conduct tests where a J-21 controls one—and then multiple—Kasha drones. However, Harada stressed that the effort is more ambitious than simply proving that fighter jet and drones can operate within the same airspace. "Just following fighters around is not an effective way to defeat a near peer adversary. You really have to have that ability to push in front of the fighters to either stimulate the integrated air defenses of the adversary, or you have to be providing information that the onboard systems of a fighter can’t organically get themselves."
Key to Project Yanai is a concept called "Flexible Autonomy", an AI brain for unmanned systems that can adapt to the needs and preferences of the user. In early tests with autonomous systems as far back as the early 2000s, as Harada noted, "...We automated everything, and essentially, the mission would unfold, and the user would watch this, giving a lot of feedback like 'Why did it do that? I don't understand why it did that. I wanted it to do this instead.'" before adding "There was no easy way for them to interject or drive what the user thought should be happening with the set of autonomous systems."
By contrast, a flexible autonomy framework will allow the user to decide how much control they have over the uncrewed system at any point during a mission. Pilots with years of experience and a high level of comfort in the cockpit of the aircraft can direct every action of the drones under his or her command, while a more novice pilot could opt to take a more hands-off approach. "The underlying behaviors, the autonomy, the way in which the rest of the ecosystem works together—that is exactly what we want to uncover in these series of experiments, to understand how you would actually field this type of capability," he said. "Frankly, as we watch the rest of the environment, this is an area that’s not getting as much focus as it should. We have far too many people that are emphasizing 'Here's my pretty vehicle.'" While Kasha will take a key role in Project Yanai, Aizawa looks to demonstrate other air vehicles and classified payloads during the tests. Kasha is slated to cost less than ¥160 million ($2 million) per copy and is currently designed to be expendable, Harada said. However, Aizawa is also making investments in mid- and high-tier drones that could also be offered for the JCA program.
27th century on the Imperial Calendar, not the Gregorian Calendar
Title: Re: YHK World - Daitō
Post by: Daitō on March 03, 2023, 09:52:04 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Air Force Acquires First J-14s(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083687726612580/1081316816455991426/image.png)
The Imperial Daitōjin Air Force has acquired its first batch of J-14s, Marshal Nanako Ahane confirmed in a statement earlier today. The aircraft, nicknamed the "Raijū", is designed to replace the country's aging fleet of J-10s and is capable of carrying a payload nearly 5,600kg larger than its predecessor, all the while doing so at higher speeds, higher altitudes, and with a longer range. As of today, the number of aircraft currently operated by the Air Force is four or five, however, it is widely expected that the remaining J-14s of the 15th Fighter Squadron, which presently operates the J-10, will be acquired by the end of the month, while their J-10s will be replaced in their entirety by summer, allowing time to train on the new aircraft. While rumors had abounded that the J-14 would be the first to make use of a ceramic RAM coating, which would effectively make the aircraft a fifth-generation fighter, and indeed reports had been made that a variant of the aircraft made of use of it during testing, the Marshal stated that there were no plans at the time to equip the fighter with this specialized coating, instead suggesting that the J-13, J-20, and J-21 were most likely to receive it, owing to their roles.
Title: Re: YHK World - Daitō
Post by: Daitō on March 16, 2023, 08:52:12 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Taihō Completes Shakedown Cruise(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1019762829852692510/1085179309553111100/image.png) Taihō underway in the Rokkenjiman Sea
The Taihō has completed its shakedown cruise following a delay in part due to the recent conflict with the First Empire of Rokkenjima. The carrier, under the command of Rear Admiral Hirotoki Saotome, played a role in the opening hours of hostilities between the two countries, when a pair of J-7s shot down two Rokkenjiman RK-80s—now recovered—which had, moments earlier, downed a Daitōjin Q-6 "Akugyo" maritime patrol aircraft. As the year continues, Taihō is expected to undertake its first deployment in the Kyne alongside CSG-4, where it is anticipated to take over duties for the Utsugi, which is scheduled to be refueled this year, while her sisters, Iwaki and Kirigamine, complete their refit. With Taihō entering service, the navy now looks to the launch of two other vessels later this month, those being the Miyakejima and the Minekaze, whose classes are intended to partially replace the Tone and Kirishima class cruisers.
Army Orders New Tanks(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/1085649489064378408/image.png) The Type 83 Bushi, previously Senshi-J
The Army has announced that it has contracted Zayasu Heavy Industries to produce its "Senshi-J" Main Battle Tank, re-designating it the Type 83 Bushi. Per the Ministry of War, the Army will acquire, during Fiscal Year 2023, fifty-six of such vehicles, with the intention to eventually take inventory of more than 500 by the end of the decade. As has been previously mentioned earlier in the year, the Bushi, or "Warrior", will feature a diesel hybrid-electric engine, intended alongside a high-powered electric generator to cut fuel consumption in half from what is seen on the older Senshi. It will also come equipped with the Muneate active protection system (APS) and the SHOKUBAI Next Generation Electronic Architecture (NGEA), which will provide better defensive and sensory capabilities for the vehicle and its crew. On that note, the vehicle will also feature an unmanned turret, capable of being controlled from inside the main hull, while ammunition is handled an autoloader. Most importantly, however, is that it is designed to have a reduced weight compared to present models of the Senshi, all the while maintaining the same survivability seen on the previous vehicle.
The Type 83 is unlikely to be made available for export for the foreseeable future, however, a spokesman for the company expressed that its leaders hope the government will change course in good time. At present, each unit is expected to cost roughly $4.43 million, approximately $1.22 million more than the current Type-40U4 Senshi, although said price is anticipated to drop as manufacturing kicks off.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on April 21, 2023, 06:50:07 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Daitō Celebrates Armed Forces Day, Peace in East Ardia(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/965982412213452850/1098823234457186334/ezgif-5-095baaba00.gif) Veterans of the "Three Day War" March during a Military Parade in Shinkyō, 17 April, 2683
The Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces celebrated the 105th anniversary of the end of the Ardian Continental War today, as well as the end of the conflict between the Empire of Daitō and the First Empire of Rokkenjima, which has come to be referred to as the "Three Day War" by many in the public. Although clothed in the typical pomp of the day's celebration, many on the ground noted that, compared to parades held in previous years, the one held outside of the IDAF's General Headquarters in Shiraizumi Ward carried with it a certain solemn atmosphere, at least at first, as though many of the aims set forth during the conflict had been met, that it had even come to war was, as one commentator put it, still unfortunate. Nonetheless, the parade saw members of all branches of the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces participate, including members of the Naval Landing Forces, who launched a raid in the Tokara Islands during the closing hours of the war, and pilots belonging to both the Air Force and Navy, most notably a formation led by Captain Genta Saeki, who commanded a J-7 during the opening engagement of the conflict, as well as a P-3 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_B-2_Spirit) stealth bomber. On display, though not actually a part of the parade itself, was one of the RK-80s that had been shot down during the conflict by the aforementioned pilot, now restored to some degree, being set to be put on display in a museum in Shinkyō once study of the aircraft is complete.
Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi, as well as Marshal Esashi, Minister of War, oversaw the parade, as His Majesty, the Emperor was spending the week on tour across the nation, visiting Mount Ushiro in the Tanzawa Mountains and Saito before paying homage to the fallen of Hatsukaichi at the city's Peace Memorial, which marks the hypocenter of the atomic blast which devastated the city in 1945. During his address, Prime Minister Konishi emphasized the "need for both parties to put aside their differences" and to "work together to ensure that peace remains between them." He also touched on the casualties of the conflict, currently tallied at around 37 dead and eighty-three wounded on the part of the Imperial Daitōjin Armed Forces, framing them as "great heroes who sacrificed everything for their nation", suggesting that they would likely be enshrined as had been done for Daitō's war-dead since the late 1860s.
Could Liquid Trees be a Gamechanger for Urban Spaces?(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083619120394250/1098834098161733653/image.png) A "Liquid Tree" proposed by researchers in Daitō
Often times, companies and governments have planted trees in forests as a strategy to lower levels of CO2 in the air. But while this important, some have questioned what should be done in dense cities where there is little room for even a bush. After all, these urban centers are where pollution is most concentrated. While normally, the solution has been to struggle to find a place for trees and other plant-life, a group of researchers at Keiō University have come up with an innovative and downright strange solution to the issue of space: Liquid Trees. According to research, pollution kills nearly three times as many people a year as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria combined. While Daitōjin cities, which rely to a larger degree on a complex web of nuclear and renewable energy, most often wind and hydroelectric power, are blessed with having relatively low air pollution, other cities across the globe are not so lucky.
Dr. Hibiki Itō, a researcher from Keiō University, explained to us that "It is estimated that cities are the source of as much as 75% of total CO2 emissions in the world, of which the largest percentage comes from traffic and cooling and heating in buildings." He further explained that, due to the high rates of urban dwelling among the Daitōjin population, and by extension, the higher population density, creating green areas and planting trees—which represent natural air purification in urban areas—is a complex goal to achieve, as there is a lack of free areas for landscaping. However, though it is a complex goal, it is one which is certainly important to resolve, as a solution would not only help to keep Daitōjin cities clean, it could potentially be a gamechanger for cities across Mundus as well.
A colleague of Dr. Itō's, Dr. Akitsugu Nosaka, one of the authors on the project from the university's Institute for Advanced Biosciences, has developed an innovative tool for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and for improving air quality in cities: the liquid tree. Officially dubbed FLUID 2, the novel creation is, in effect, an urban photo-bioreactor, a solution in the fight for clean air. The device contains roughly six-hundred liters of water and works by using microalgae to bind carbon dioxide and produce oxygen by way of photosynthesis. This microalgae is capable of replacing two ten-year-old trees or two-hundred square meters of lawn. The function of FLUID 2 is, practically speaking, an imitation of it, although unlike real trees, it can be installed in places where a tree cannot grow as the algae can survive extreme pollution. The big advantage of FLUID 2, however, that it is between ten and fifty times more efficient than trees. The team behind FLUID 2 has stated that their intention is not to replace trees, but rather to use their system to complement existing flora by placing it in areas where there is no room for foliage.
While some online have mocked the idea, misunderstanding the utility behind it or perhaps its appearance, FLUID 2 goes to show that the promotion of climate-smart urban development is as important as ever. By engaging the civil society, the public, and businesses to come up with new and innovative ideas on how to contribute to this in practice, it is possible to ensure that better solutions for climate change mitigation will be made, which will, in turn, have a positive effect in nearly every field of study. On a more personal note, it demonstrates to future generations that, when faced with a challenge, it is not necessarily wrong to come up with new ideas.
Air Force to Unveil Next-Generation Stealth Bomber in June(https://images02.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2020-01/B21-raider-artists-rendering-2-1800.jpg) Artist's Rendition of the Rumored P-X
General Hiromichi Sato of the Imperial Daitōjin Air Force, long suspected to be Marshal Ahane's successor in the coming years, announced last night, ahead of today's celebrations, that the Air Force was ready to unveil the long-rumored "P-X" program to the public. He stated that the aircraft was to known as the P-10 "Phantom", mirroring its predecessor's name, the "Wraith", while alluding to its allegedly improved stealth design, which will allow it to avoid being detected for far longer. This comes after the P-3 performed admirably during the Three Day War, where it was used to great effect in striking Rokkenjiman radar installations ahead of further military operations during the conflict. While he didn't specify as to any capabilities, he did state that the aircraft would formally be revealed on the 10th of May this year, which coincides with a number of other announcements scheduled for that month. We will, of course, update you on this and other developments as we receive further information. OOC Note: Backdated to the 17th of April, 2023.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 05, 2023, 05:39:31 PM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)Prince, Privy Councilors Arrested in Kokuryūkai Investigation
In a statement issued by the Imperial Household Ministry, it was reported that Hidehiko, Prince Kachō, as well as Kiyokazu Maeda, Tadahiro Hori and Tomosaburō Matsura, members of the Privy Council, have been arrested in connection to the ongoing investigation into the Kokuryūkai conspiracy. The "Kokuryūkai", or "Black Dragon Society", is a movement within Daitō which was founded by Sachio Heishi with the goal of placing a different emperor on the Celestial Throne, however, following his arrest, a great many members of the group have been discovered, which has, unfortunately, included the former Crown Prince. Prince Hidehiko stands charged as an accessory to murder and attempted regicide, charges which carry fifteen years behind bars. His co-conspirators, Kiyokazu Maeda, Tadahiro Hori and Tomosaburō Matsura, have been charged with the same crime, but also stand accused of corruption, using their positions on the council for their personal benefit. The four have resigned their positions on the Privy Council, while Prince Hidehiko has also been stripped of his duties within the Imperial Family. We will keep you updated on the situation as more information comes in.
Title: Re: Imperial News Service (Daitō)
Post by: Daitō on May 12, 2023, 12:47:10 AM
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/958140923773059122/1022275111874723860/YHKSmall.png)"Deterrence, the Daitōjin Way": War Ministry Unveils P-10 Phantom(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/937083687726612580/1105914826829594714/image.png)
For the first time in a generation, the War Ministry revealed a new stealth bomber—a sleek, highly capable weapon the service hopes will be so deadly it would force the governments of foreign adversaries to rethink wars for decades to come. The Air Force unveiled the Zayasu-made P-10 Phantom to the public Wednesday evening in a ceremony at Air Force Plant 16 in Karumai, Nagato, which included top defense officials, Zayasu Heavy Industries executive Haruichi Endō, as well as members of the Diet and other elected officials. Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi was reportedly in attendance, although he did not speak at the event. Instead, alongside the CEO of Zayasu Heavy Industries, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Imperial Armed Forces, General Chūichi Suzuki, and the Minister of War, Marshal Okimoto Esashi, spoke, with both touching on the name of the aircraft, which honors the personnel of the 29th Sentai, "Azumaya's Phantoms" as they were known during the Great War. "The audacity of Azumaya's Phantoms has inspired generations of Daitōjin aviators," War Minister Esashi said as the aircraft loomed large behind him. "I believe it fitting, therefore, that the next chapter in Daitōjin airpower be named in their honor." He continued, later adding "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is deterrence, the Daitōjin way."
The ceremony was also attended by Zayasu employees and family members of some of Azumaya's Phantoms. Their mood was notably celebratory, as employees frequently cheered. As dusk fell and a Zayasu employee sang the national anthem, a procession of four bombers streaked overhead—first a P-42 Fencer, followed by a restored P-1 Tengu and a P-2 Archer with their afterburners roaring, and finally, a P-3 Wraith bomber. After Endō's comments, in which he thanked the employees who had worked on the aircraft, he left the stage as dramatic music played. A pair of immense hangar doors slid open, where the P-10 sat under a massive cover and bathed in fog and light. The sheet dropped, revealing the P-10, its fuselage seemingly painted white, as it was towed forward out of the hangar to the applause of the crowd.
The long-awaited debut of the P-10 marks a milestone in reshaping the Air Force's increasingly aging bomber fleet. It comes after conflict erupted between Daitō and Rokkenjima over the Tokara islands, tensions with Midaranye over the issue of slavery seem to be unending, as piracy reemerges in the Krimeon, perhaps in some way exacerbated by conditions in Kalasin, and when the imperial military wants a highly public display to serve as a pointed warning to any of Daitō's potential adversaries the world over. And if war were to break out again, recent military advancements—particularly air defenses—will require the Air Force to have aircraft that can slip undetected into enemy territory. The Air Force hopes that the P-10's advanced stealth capabilities, brought about in part thanks to recent advances in radar absorbent materials, will allow the aircraft to carry out such penetrating strike missions. Air Force officials envision the P-10 as the "backbone" of its future bomber force, as well as a key element of the Daitōjin military arsenal for perhaps the next half-century. When the highly-classified bomber starts arriving at bases such as Onagawa AFB in Otobe, it will come with the capability to to carry standoff and direct attack munitions, as well as, in the future, hypersonic weapons. It will also come with a hefty price-tag for the program.
An expert on the military budget, Shusaku Arisaka, told us that the P-10 Phantom will be the one of the three largest aircraft acquisitions in Daitōjin military history, rivaled only by the J-20 and an as-of-yet unnamed aircraft under the JAST program. Other major efforts currently underway include Navy shipbuilding programs such as the Miyakejima and Minekaze-classes, as well as the fielding of the Army's new Type 83 Bushi MBT and plans to field hypersonic missiles in the coming years.
As more P-10s become available, they will replace the aging P-2 Archer and P-3 Wraith bombers as the Air Force prepares to move to a two-bomber fleet. The air force plans to retire all P-2s and P-3s by the early 2030s, leaving the service with at least 100 P-10 and Cold War-era P-42 Fencers, which are set to receive new engines starting later this year. While no further notes, save only for confirming long-held suspicions about the aircraft's RAM coating, were made about the aircraft's capabilities, Minister Easashi did confirm that the aircraft will begin flight tests later this year. Zayasu has further stated that the date of that first flight will occur based on data from the aircraft's ground testing. It has further been confirmed that there are currently six aircraft already in some stage of production.