Sakamotoism

Sakamotoism is an ideology based off ex-samurai and influential political figure Sakamoto Ryōma.

History
Ryōma started out as a low ranking samurai, in a time of great political turmoil. The unofficial  signed an unfavorable treating ending Japanese policy of. This brought them into conflict with the, sparking a civil war. Originally on the side of the Emperor, the staunchly traditionalist, anti-western Sakamoto Ryōma had his mind change when he tried to assassinate a high ranking military official, Katsu Kaishū. Kaishū manged to convince Ryōma that the only way for Japan to survive was through modernization, seeing as it's isolationist polices had left it desperately behind in terms of military technology.

After that, Ryōma became a supporter of Japans modernization, and switched sides to support. He started to admire countries like The United States and  England for there democratic principles, and the idea of a nation without. He was key in securing several key victories for, mostly by bring together two feuding clans, and is remembered as having outlined a vision of a modern, democratic Japan, as well as being an early advocate for a strong navy. In 1867, he was assassinated.

Personality
Sakamotoism can generally be seen mixing Japanese and Western styles of fashon, wearing a kimono and carrying a revolver (in real life, he also wore cowboy boots, but that's hard to draw for a ball.) This is reflected in his attitude towards his country, being very passionate about Japan and wanting to preserve it's culture, while at the same time acknowledging the need to modernize and adapt; preserving what he can of Japanese culture while taking helpful ideas from other countries, and even acknowledging that some of the ideas in his culture are better off left in the past.

Friends

 * [[File:Clib.png]] - I admire what you've done in the west. Hopefully, we can bring it to Japan.
 * [[File:Nalib.png]] - Also combines national interest with liberal principles.
 * [[File:Consti.png]] - Japan should have a constitutional government.
 * [[File:Nation.png]] - Japan must be a strong, modern nation!
 * [[File:Progconf.png]] - If it is to survive, Japan must change.
 * [[File:Thalassocracy.png]] - We need a strong navy!
 * [[File:Strato.png]] - The Emperor has no idea how to rule! We need to support the shogunate!

Frenemies

 * [[File:Trad.png]] - I understand where you're coming form, but we can't cling blindly to the past.

Enemies

 * [[File:Caste.png]] - I've struggled all my life as a low ranking samurai, but no more! Now we will have a soceity based on merit!
 * [[File:Isolationist.png]] - You have only made Japan weak.