Japan: A Nation Fallen

Japan. Once a major superpower in the world, boasting the second highest economy across the globe behind the United States of America. An undisputed world leader in progressive technology, medical advancement and scientific fields. By the late 21st century, home to a population of over two hundred million citizens.
Everything changed in that one instant on February 11th, 2092.

### **Global Divisions**

World War IV had broken out across the globe as of 2087. The main superpowers of the world had been ramping up their stakes for decades, consolidating their own powers, defenses and resources ever since the Ukrainian-Russian conflict and the subsequent World War III following it. Whereas organisations such as the European Union and NATO had been built to increase solidarity and companionship following the events of the first two Worlds Wars, the aftermath of the latest global conflict served to divide the world more than ever. Trade barriers were erected, isolationism once more became a choice of several nations and nuclear deterrents were only increased, with more money and resources than ever being pumped into their research.

During this period, China, already the most densely populated country in the world and with a strict authoritarian structure, began to put into motion a scheme to expand, unable to cope with its ballooning population far surpassing by now almost two billion. While various space programs were in place, resettlement on the Moon or beyond was still a pipe dream to the world at large. Having been cautious of the West and Western Capitalism for many years now, the plans would start with invading and conquering European territories, beginning with Russia, heading into Eastern Europe and then eventually the West. Secretive talks hosted by China were held among counties of the Eastern Peninsulas such as Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, who had also become wary of Western influence and ambition. Offers of assistance with the plan were agreed, in return for newfound trade agreements, migration tunnels and labour deals.

### **World War IV**

   As planned, Russia was the first to be attacked. China initiated the first assault in March of 2085. Russia, although providing fierce opposition, was not prepared for the sheer number of the Chinese forces, and struggled to hold ground as the battles commenced. Following the invasion of Ukraine in the early 2020s, global trust and companionship with Russia was at an all-time low, and as such no aid was sent. The Chinese forces continued their occupation into Russia, before turning the sights of inland Europe and deploying forces to several nations. In response to the invasions, European nations declared war on the Chinese as of February 21st 2087, and World War IV was officially announced.
Although in league with supplying China, its allies such as Japan and South Korea took no part in the invasion, or sent any of their own troops, therefore excluding them from direct involvement in the war in the eyes of many. Over the last few decades, Japan in particular had advanced its culture and country tenfold, becoming the first practically self-sustained nation in the world. In their pursuit of progression, they had learned to create their own resources, whether it be food, medicine, biosystems and so on, and had become less and less dependent on trade, something which had clearly begun to cause tensions with China, who despite fighting for further territory, had a booming population who were consuming resources nearly seven times faster than they could be generated.

Once the Chinese forces had begun to move further West, the United States finally became involved. Desperate to solidify their status as the largest superpower in the world, they launched a devastating campaign against the Chinese forces, who for the first time since the war began, faced some form of equal opposition. During the war, America had been further devising its nuclear program to new heights, and now held the Chinese government to hostage saying that the new missiles were fully stocked and aimed to fire, and would truly decimate any landmass at which they were fired. Although the fighting on the frontlines continued, secret talks were held between China and the United States, with China agreeing to cease under certain conditions, while allowing the US to display a level of their preventative power. Like China, America had become wary of Japan in more recent years, and did not at all like the fact that Japan had become self-reliant and no longer required the international cooperation it had once had, this also meaning America losing their grip over a superpower nation.

### **The Nuclear Attack**

Japan had suspected for some time that there would be foul play from the Chinese, the two nations having never been completely compatible in any of their dealings. In order to deal with any threats, shielding technology had been in development for several years now, and had been placed over Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama, with more being planned as soon as possible. But on February 11th, 2092, Japan's National Founding Day, the missiles came. Nuclear missiles and bombs had always been tools of destruction, but America had developed deadly new warheads from a fusion of hydrogen, radiation and studies on and harnessing dark matter. While the three cities under the protection of the shields were largely spared, the rest of the country, along with its resources and people, were annihilated from existence. A country of over two hundred million had been reduced to a population of just over sixty million spread between Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama.