The Long and Winding Road Toward a New Order of Japan-U.S. Integration
Prologue
In 2030, Japan was on the brink of crisis due to economic stagnation and rapid population decline.
As Japan's international influence waned, a growing number of disillusioned young people within the country contributed to a deteriorating social climate.
Meanwhile, the United States managed to maintain its global leadership, but signs of international isolation loomed, spurred by domestic issues and the rising influence of China and the Global South.
Chapter 1: The Decision for Integration
Amid this desperate situation, the Japanese government made a surprising decision to ensure the nation's survival and protect its citizens' livelihoods.
The decision was to propose the integration of Japan into the United States.
This move shocked both the Japanese populace and the international community but eventually gained support as a realistic choice.
Chapter 2: Difficult Negotiations
In the initial negotiation phase, Japan hoped to retain a degree of autonomy while becoming part of the United States.
However, strong opposition arose within the U.S.
Many Americans rejected integration, citing cultural and political differences, and the majority of Congress shared this opposition.
Chapter 3: International Pressure
As negotiations stalled, neighboring countries like China, North Korea, and Russia expressed strong concerns about the integration of Japan.
China, in particular, feared the expansion of American influence in the Far East and exerted international pressure through the Global South.
North Korea condemned the move as "imperialist expansion," escalating tensions with missile tests.
Russia also ramped up military activities in the Far East to counter the U.S.-Japan integration.
Chapter 4: Major Concessions
Facing international pressure and domestic opposition in the U.S., the Japanese government proposed major concessions.
Japan offered to be unconditionally integrated into the United States, becoming a complete part of the country.
In preparation for integration, English was designated as the official language, and Japan's education and administrative systems were reformed to align with American standards.
This proposal, essentially an unconditional surrender, meant abandoning Japan to become America.
Chapter 5: Language Barriers and Socio-Cultural Struggles
The designation of English as the official language triggered unprecedented backlash within Japan.
Especially among the elderly and intellectuals who only spoke Japanese, riots broke out over fears they would no longer be able to survive.
Protest demonstrations filled the streets, and the media covered the issue incessantly.
A power shift occurred across politics, bureaucracy, law, business, and academia, favoring English speakers and undermining traditional authorities.
With Japan's top officials becoming state governors, proficient English-speaking politicians were chosen.
Chapter 6: The Challenge of Currency Integration
The integration process faced significant issues during the conversion from yen to dollars.
Japan proposed a rate of 100 yen per dollar, but the U.S. insisted on 150 yen per dollar.
This decision sparked inflation in Japan, dramatically raising living costs and plunging many into economic hardship.
Chapter 7: Fiscal Reform Conditions and Hidden Agendas
Japan's fiscal deficit became a severe problem post-integration.
The U.S. government set a top priority for Japan to achieve fiscal health within ten years.
Failure to meet this goal would prevent Japan from sending electors to the presidential election.
However, this condition was merely a facade.
In reality, the U.S. aimed to prevent a Japanese president indefinitely, using fiscal reform as a pretext.
Chapter 8: Realization of Integration and Resistance Movements
Integration was formally approved, and Japan became a part of the United States as "State of Japan."
Yet, many Japanese struggled to adapt, and discrimination and backlash against the new state spread within the U.S.
Discriminatory slogans like "Go back to Japan" appeared on streets, and violent incidents against workers from the State of Japan increased.
Chapter 9: Terrorism and Conflict
Opposition to integration intensified within both Japan and the U.S.
In the U.S., extremists promoting "America First" carried out terrorist attacks targeting Japanese facilities and people.
In Japan, groups seeking "restoration of independence" engaged in underground activities, frequently attacking pro-integration politicians and businesses.
Chapter 10: Economic Revival and Technological Innovation
Integration brought increased investment from the U.S., leading to rapid economic recovery in Japan.
Technological innovation flourished, creating new industries.
Remarkable progress in AI and renewable energy positioned the State of Japan as a driver of U.S. economic growth.
Chapter 11: Political Resurgence
Ten years after integration, the State of Japan was finally allowed to send electors to the presidential election.
Years of hard work to achieve fiscal reform paid off, granting Japan this right.
However, the path to a Japanese president remained closed.
According to Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, candidates must be "natural-born citizens" who have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years and are at least 35 years old.
Moreover, various barriers were set up post-integration to prevent a president from the State of Japan.
Epilogue
Twenty years after integration, the State of Japan established itself as an essential part of the United States.
Eventually, constitutional amendments and institutional reforms led to the election of the first president from the State of Japan.
While Japan as an independent nation ceased to exist, it achieved prosperity and development in a new form.
Both Japanese and Americans overcame the challenges of integration, gaining the strength to forge a new future.
