Mod Concept: Japan 1836–1870 – “The Dance of Sun and Mouth”

Summary

This document outlines an expanded event and decision path system for Japan in Victoria 3 (Paradox Interactive). It includes neutral Journal Entries (1836–1870), a “Stability of Japan” value, “Strength of the Emperor/Shogun,” and two main paths (Opening & Isolation) that can run in parallel but exclude each other in sub-decisions.

1. Journal Entry Structure
1836 – The Dance of Sun and Mouth

Journal Entry at game start, introducing the rivalry between Emperor and Shogun.

Unlocks Decision Point 1.

Decision Point 1 (1836)
Options:

Support Opening → Activates Path A (Onuma no Michi)

Maintain Isolation → Activates Path B (Tategami no Kabe)

Undecided → starts a 5-year timer with no path flag; ends in 1841, then triggers Civil War

Path A: Opening (“Onuma no Michi”)
Leads to Sub-Events A (50 events, e.g. Welcoming the Black Ships, Iwakura Mission)

Adjusts values: Stability, Emperor and Shogun Strength

Path B: Isolation (“Tategami no Kabe”)
Leads to Sub-Events B (50 events, e.g. Edict Against Foreigners, Land Army Expansion)

Adjusts values: Stability, Emperor and Shogun Strength

Neutral Journal Entries (1837–1870, approx. 30)
Occur independently of the chosen path

Examples: Earthquake in Edo (1848), Secret Ronin Conspiracy (1850)

Modify "Stability of Japan" and "National Drama"

End Nodes & Civil War
Meiji Restoration (Emperor Strength ≥ 100)

Shogunate Victory (Shogun Strength ≥ 100)

Scripted Civil War triggered at Stability ≤ 0 or timer expiration

2. Mechanics
2.1 Stability of Japan
Starting value: 50 (range 0–100)

Modifiers:

Increases via successful reforms (e.g. trade deals, infrastructure projects) and positive neutral events

Decreases via natural disasters, internal uprisings, and harsh isolationist decisions

Effect: Reaching 0 triggers immediate scripted Civil War (Boshin War)

2.2 Emperor / Shogun Strength
Starting values: Emperor 50 / Shogun 50 (always sum to 100)

Mechanic:

Every path-specific action shifts the balance:

Pro-Emperor measures (e.g. education reforms, pro-Emperor treaties) → +X Emperor / –X Shogun

Pro-Shogun measures (e.g. army expansion, repressive edicts) → +X Shogun / –X Emperor

Goal: If either value reaches 100, that faction wins at the end of the path, provided no civil war has occurred

2.3 Indecision Timer
Trigger: Choosing "Undecided" at Decision Point 1

Duration: 5 years (1836–1841)

Effect: Both main paths blocked until timer expires

End of timer: Automatically triggers civil war if no path has been chosen

3. First Decision (1836)
Option Stability K/S Change Outcome
Support Opening +5 +10E/–10S Activates Path A, Path B locked
Maintain Isolation –5 –10E/+10S Activates Path B, Path A locked
Undecided 0 0 Timer 2–4 years, then civil war

4. Path A: Opening Path “Onuma no Michi”
4.1 Sub-Events & Decisions
(Details see scripting)

Optional Journal Entries:

Industrialization of Japan (e.g. early factories, infrastructure projects)

Mission to Korea (open) (diplomatic and cultural exploration of Korea)

Daimyo Resistance (conservative lords oppose opening policies)

Legacy of the Samurai (open) (role of the samurai in the new Japan; potential conflicts)

4.2 Event Index (50 Events)
(Selected examples)

1841: First Steam Cannon in Edo

1845: Trade Delegation from USA

1853: Black Ships Appear

1853: Treaty of Kanagawa Chosen

1855: Industry Congress in Osaka

1860: British Embassy Established

1863: Treaty with France

1868: Meiji Proclamation Prepared