WesWorld

Stuffing everything for the year in one post in order to catch up...

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First Quarter

January 20, 1923
With a lot of interest Japan’s aero division looked toward Iberia where two days ago Juan de la Cierva demonstrated a new design ‘plane’ called the autogyro. While nothing has been determined, the aero division intends to take a look at the concept.

Second Quarter

May 20, 1923
Rumors have it that the Japanese Armed Forces have shown interest in the two Italian flying boat designs, Dornier’s “Wal” and Savoia-Marchetti’s S.55. While nothing was said, it is possible that Japan will order some of these flying boats for the Imperial Navy.

May 28, 1923
Several Japanese submarine designers were present in Venice Italy to observe the construction of Italy’s latest design, the SX-01. One particular point that they are interested in is the submarine’s use of its batteries and the electric motors.

Third Quarter

July 1, 1923
Today, four of Japan’s Armored Cruisers were handed over to the Navies of Chosen and Formosa. The main reason given was that these excellent ships will help the two navies in case the pirates decide to return to the region and start to plunder cargo ships. The Jakumo and Azuma were transferred to the Navy of Chosen and the Kasuga and Iwaki were transferred to the Navy of Formosa.

September 2, 1923
[SIZE=4]GREAT EARTHQUAKE ROCKS KANTO REGION.[/SIZE]
Yesterday at 11:58:44 on the first day of the ninth month of the tenth year of the reign of His Imperial Majesty, the Taisho Emperor, a massive earthquake devastated Edo and the surrounding area of the Kanto region. Many houses and buildings were destroyed, the most damage caused by the many fires that broke out all over the place after the earthquake had struck. Many of the fires are still burning today.
At this time, there is no news of casualties, but it is believed that many thousands of people may have perished in the quake and the fires and many more injured. A bit to the south, the scene of destruction was pretty much the same in Yokohama.
Still, many call it a miracle that the Yokosuka yards seemed to have escaped any damage. Edo castle also seemed to have escaped without too much damage. A couple of Buildings on the castle’s grounds collapsed, as did a small part of the southern wall. The northern wall received some fire damage at places.
At the time of the Quake, the Shogun and his wife were visiting the Imperial Palace for a few days. Once they received word of the quake, both rushed home to Edo.
Images from the quake can be seen here and here. (*)

September 28, 1923
Japan’s second carrier was completed today. The Zuiho will start its shakedown cruise next month and after that join the Imperial Navy as part of the Southeastern Fleet.

Fourth Quarter

October 1, 1923
Today there was a special ceremony as the former Japanese battleships Okinoshima and Mishima were officially handed back to the Imperial Japanese Navy. The plans are to convert these ships into museum ships.

October 3, 1923
Yesterday, the Manila Times made a report of piracy in the South China Sea. It appears that the pirates have regrouped again.

November 1, 1923
After several more pirate attacks in the Southeast Asia region and the recent speech of Presidente Enrique Monastario of the Philippines, Japanese warships are again on patrol, searching for pirates.

November 17, 1923
Today the second carrier of the Zuiho class was completed. The Shoho will soon start its shakedown cruise and once finished join the Imperial Navy as part of the Southwestern Fleet.

December 15, 1923
Estimates were released today as to the Earthquake that struck the Kanto Region two months ago.
It is estimated that about 75 percent Edo was lost either by the quake or the fires that followed.
It is estimated that about 85 percent of Yokohama was lost either by the quake or the fires that followed.
It is estimated that some 140,000 lives were lost either by the quake or the fires that followed.
It is estimated that some 180,000 people have been injured either by the quake or the fires that followed.
It is estimated that some 70,000 people are still missing, although it is assumed that they did not survive.
It is estimated that some 4,000,000 people lost their homes as result of either the quake or the fires.
It is estimated that the property damage exceeds 500 billion yen (roughly 4.3 billion USD).

December 30, 1923
Everything appears to rather quiet around both the Imperial Palace and Edo Castle. No reports as to why, but there are rumors that no one is at home at both places...

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(*) Note that these pages are of the actual earthquake, so for the Wesworld version read "Edo" whenever it says "Tokyo" and "Taisho Era, 10th year" whenever it says "Taisho Era, 12th year".

The Government of the Philippines extends its condolences to those in Japan who have lost so much in the recent earthquake. If any assistance is required all export tariffs will be lifted on any and all relief supplies.

The Government of Atlantis would also like to send its condolences to Japan in this time of great tragedy. The distruction that the Kanto quake has left in its wake is an omen not lost on the people of Atlantis.