Sakamotoism

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

History
Ryōma started out as a low ranking samurai, in a time of great political turmoil. The  signed an unfavorable treaty ending Japanese policy of , which was forced through by the United States Navy. This was wildly unpopular, and 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 changed when he meet a high ranking military official, Katsu Kaishū. Despite the fact he allegedly had planed to assassinate his mentor, 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, especial there navy.

After that, Ryōma became a supporter of Japans modernization, and switched sides to support. This didn't last long however, as by bringing together two powerful clans with a deeply held gruge against each-other, Ryōma was actually able to force the Shogon to surender, mostly due to fears that this new allince would be able to defeat both the Shogon and the Emperor if the fighting continued. He help to the bring about what would later become the, which unfortunately, Ryōma was never able to see. In 1867, he was assassinated.

Beliefs
Ryōma admired countries like The United States and  England for there democratic principles, and the ideas of a nation without. He is remembered as having outlined a vision of a modern, democratic Japan, as well as being an early advocate for a strong Japanese navy. He said that Japan must open up more to trade in the west, with government regulation of exchange rates between gold and silver.

Personality
Sakamotoism can generally be seen mixing Japanese and Western styles of fashion, wearing a kimono and carrying a revolver (in real life, he also wore cowboy boots, but that's hard to draw on 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. He is a peaceful and diplomatic ball who none the less recognizes the need for military force when his powers of persuasion fail him.

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:Conmon.png]] - He likes me because I helped establish him in my country.
 * [[File:Nation.png]] - Japan must be a strong, modern nation!
 * [[File:Progconf.png]] - If it is to survive, Japan must change.
 * [[File:Indust.png]] - We must modernize!
 * [[File:Thalassocracy.png]] - We need a strong navy!

Frenemies

 * [[File:Trad.png]] - I understand where you're coming form, but we can't cling blindly to the past.
 * [[File:Strato.png]] - I supported Shogun over the emperor for a while, but now it's time to step down.

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.
 * [[File:Abmon.png]] - The Emperor is to out of touch to rule!

Further Researcher

 * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakamoto_Ry%C5%8Dma
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaigNoQ_Y7QSakamoto Ryōma: A Short Biography of Japan's Renaissance Man
 * Why Ryoma is the 2nd Most Popular Man in Japanese History