Within Japan, something was being stirred. Though on the surface things could be seen as moderately normal, a deep thrumming could be felt, in the cities and in the countryside. The first sign of this, is the presence of foreigners within Japanese cities, something that had not been seen for centuries. When the west arrived, they first attempted to peacefully pry open the Japanese markets, but upon being repulsed, they came with force, with warships who made their point clear. Submit, or be destroyed. The Shogun was forced to submit, allowing foreigners to be within certain ports and to do their business, which has infuriated those who already been displeased with Tokugawa rule. The Tozama Daimyo have long been discriminated against by the Tokugawa, being seen as less loyal than the Fudai. In particular, the Satsuma and Choshu have recently railed against the Shogun, with the Choshu being punished by the Shogun who brought his armies to bring the Choshu Daimyo to heel. The current Shogun is a young man, who through his wife Kazunomiya has connections to the Royal Court, and who many hope will bring a union of the two and bring about a strong Japan.

From the side of the Tozama, they have seen the country become weak, clearly from the way the westerners have been able to dominate the country, and wish to reverse this. The Shogunate had their chance, and they squandered it. It is time for Japan to return to it's true form of government, to return the power to the Emperor that he rightfully deserves. Only through the Emperor, can the barbarians be repelled. Only through the Emperor, can Japan rise to it's rightful place in the world. However, currently this seems to not be possible, the Shoguns forces are, at least, stronger than even both the Satsuma and Choshu could form together, though that gap is closing with the adoption of western organization and tactics by the radicals who have been rising up in their ranks. But more importantly, the Emperor is not on their side. The Emperor has made it clear, he has trust in the Tokugawa to reform the Bakufu to protect Japan. The Emperor is content to allow the Tokugawa to drag the reputation of Japan in the mud. This can not be allowed to continue. One way or another, the Emperor will be made to see the truth, that only through his intervention, can Japan be saved.