Ashikani

あしかに

Photo of an Ashian-Aztlani family

The Ashikani or Ashikans are an ethnic group defined as being of Aztlani nationality. However, they trace their ethnic heritage primarily from Ashia. They are consistently ranked as the most successful Hezrana immigrant class & are generally considered one of the only immigrant groups to have successfully integrated into Aztlani culture. Although this has worked against them as they have typically been viewed as outsiders in the Aztlani-Hezrana community. Especially by the Michise as the Ashikans were viewed as cultural sell outs who did anything to be viewed as Aztlani.

## Immigration to Aztlán

The Ashikans were, ironically, one of the later groups to immigrate to Aztlán. Although there had been some immigration in the colonial era. Primarily from indentured servants who traveled from the Ninhundish colony in Ashia. The amount was very low. It wasn't until the War of Humiliation that Ashian immigration to Aztlán really kicked off. In the 1860's, the flow had begun to increase slowly. By the 80's, thousands of immigrants had migrated to Aztlán as the countries industry boomed in preparation for the conflict. However, in the war, immigration dried up as the country found itself devastated & humiliated. Interestingly, once the conflict finished. Ashian immigration boomed.

Contemporary anthropologists point to the recovery of Aztlani industry as being the focal point of immigration booms. As Ashian immigrants saw their opportunity to take advantage of the fragile Aztlani economy to not only buy land at a unbelievably reduced price. But also to begin businesses & advance in society much more easily than back home. Thus thousands of Ashian immigrants would migrate to Aztlán once more.

Initially, Ashians would encounter discrimination & xenophobia as many Aztlanis viewed them as secondary Michise immigrants. However, the Ashians would overcome this by integrating themselves into Aztlani culture. Whereas the Michise created ethnic enclaves that retained unique Michise culture & fashion. The Ashians immediately surged into Aztlani communities. Often blending their traditional culture with vibrant Aztlani traditions. Ashians would also adopt a mixture of Ninhundish & Asutekan names. Nonetheless, many Ashian communities would spring up. In addition, Ashians typically married within their community. Rarely would they marry outside of it. Henceforth, despite integrating, the Ashians grew as a community into the Ashikani of today.

The 1890 Ninhundish-Ashian conflict would also change Aztlani perceptions of the Ashikani. Given the near non-existent reputation of Hezrana contries beforehand. Aztlán was impressed when Ashia, a relatively unknown country, managed to boot Ninhundland from their territory. As Ashia began to grow into its empire. Aztlán grew to look at the country with interest. Despite Aztlán enacting discriminatory legislation in the wake of the conflict, it would only take a few years for the legislation to be repealed. As many, ironically, Asutekans viewed the Ashians as a model ethnic group & preferred them over the Michise who often excluded or kicked Asutekans out of their communities.

Thus in the follow up to WW1. The Ashikani community would surge into the millions. As Ashians were welcomed & paraded as the model immigrant group. Much to the detriment & eventual resentment of the Michise class.

Although with the outbreak of WW1, immigration slowed to a halt. From here, the flow would never recover. Even in the aftermath of the conflict, only a couple hundred Ashians would immigrate to Aztlán every year. From here, the community would grow from the inside as the birth rate surged.

## Ashikani Today

In the modern day, the Ashikani form a vibrant & essential part of Aztlani culture. The globally renowned automobile manufacturers Tepox & Huitzil are regarded as quintessentially Aztlani. Izel Yoshikawa is one of the few Ashikani women to have the privilege of dining in the Tlahtocalli. In addition, Ashikani women have been at the forefront of Aztlani fashion. As many of them have found work in the modelling scene. As for the men, many have taken to the "Cartel" fashion of Aztlán. As they don the clothing & fashion typically associated with the Cartels in Aztlán. What many consider a trashy & low class product of Aztlani culture. The Ashikans view it as a quintessential way to display their Aztlani pride.

The Ashikani have also paved the way for Ashian-Aztlani foreign relations. As Aztlán generally has a friendly perception of it's relationship with Ashia. Viewing it as a successful & exotic Hezrana country. The Aztlani government consistently organizes cultural exchanges with Ashian tourist agencies. What's more, Ashian fashion & traditions have developed a foothold in Aztlán. As traditional Ashian clothing has been donned by Asutekan women. Not to mention, there exists an entire industry dedicated towards the collection of Ashian swords & general swordmanship. In regards to the model industry, Ashikan women have consistently remained on top. As Aztlani fashion has found it's base in the Ashikan community. There have been jokes that some Ashikani women are more Aztlani than even Asutekan women. A byproduct of the successful integration into Aztlani culture. Regardless, many Aztlani communities appreciate & celebrate the fact. Which has continued to earn the Ashikans a reputation for being Aztlani & not foreigners. Unlike the Michise.

Another Ashikan success story is definitely their food. All throughout Aztlán but especially in Tenochtitlán, sushi & all manners of Ashikan seafood restaurants dot the cities. Even the Imperial Family have praised Ashikan chefs as being tasteful & exquisite in their cuisine. In Tenochtitlán, many sushi restaurants often feature celebrities which attracts customers by the thousands. At one point, a waiting period of 4 months was established as the norm for Ashikan sushi restaurants.

Another defining point is the Ashikan Asutekayotl community. The Ashikan community is the only Hezrana community to have adopted Asutekayotl in large numbers. As immigrants found Asutekayotl as a relaxed & simple way to integrate into Aztlani culture. Many Aztlani communities that had once shunned Hezrana immigrants, welcomed disciples of Mary with open arms. As they viewed them as fellow brothers & sisters in the eyes of the Mother Mary.

Overall, the Ashikan community has left a large imprint on Aztlani culture. Despite the initial hardships, the community would overcome these struggles & go on to flourish into an essential aspect of Aztlán. As many came to call Aztlán their home. Even at the expense of their Hezrana identities.