Modern Imperialism
Banned
Instead of the Meiji Restoration being achieved by war it is done by a compromise between the Shogun and Emperor. Emperor is the actual ruler of Japan again and not a figurehead. His power is great but not absolute. The shogun retains a decent bit of power but is below the emperor. The shogun is the supreme commander of the military and is appointed by the emperor. The shogun and emperor relationship is similar to the prime minister and king relationship. As part of the compromise the samurai status and rights are retained but with a few stipulations which relate to modernizing the country. Samurai class are expected to get well versed in modern combat and be the military elites of the country. Also practices that are considered unproductive or outdated must be abandoned. Samurai would not be provided stipends unless they worked for the government. They are instead provided free housing and food at military barracks if they so choose. They are allowed to be the only citizens to carry their traditional swords and guns publicly. They also can’t just kill people for disrespecting them anymore. Samurai dominate professions like military officers, special forces(later on), weapons manufacturing, and the police force. Class mobility is also less strict. Lower class people are allowed to marry up into the samurai class if merited enough and with the father approval but they must take that family name. Conscription of the lower class focuses more on navy then army. Japan focuses on having a very professional and well trained army while trying to create the largest navy possible with a large marine force. Basically Japanese marines are made up of lower class people who act as shock troops, distractions, or canon folder while the army are elite soldiers(mostly samurai class) who come in after them or flank the enemy. Lastly this causes culture to develop differently in Japan. Japan still adopts Western technology, economic systems, and political institutions but less in terms of culture.