The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 2: Japan's Decision

I would like to improve any strange parts here and there. That said, it's tough not having writing skills...

- ワイアード

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April 30

Conference Room, Prime Minister's Office, Tokyo, Japan

"Well then, shall we get started?"

The meeting, attended by various ministers, began with the words of Masaru Hirose, the Prime Minister of Japan. It had been half a month since Japan had been transferred to another world. This was the second meeting, yet Japan was still languishing in an unknown world without any notable progress.

"Hirose-san, the stockpile of Japan's energy resources can last about a year and a half at most, even with frugal use. I never thought we would come to realize how reliant we had become on importing energy resources in this way," said Shibukawa, the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, with a deep sigh. The other ministers around him echoed his sentiment with their own sighs.

"That said, it's been half a month since we transitioned to this world, yet there haven't been any major riots, which is unexpectedly good. I'm starting to think once again that the Japanese are a resilient people in emergencies."

"Only if we're talking about the Japanese people."

In response to the Chief Cabinet Secretary's words, Prime Minister Hirose leaned on his hand. While there hadn't been any major riots nationwide, small demonstrations and riots were occurring here and there.

More than 80% of the participants in these protests were foreign residents. They were travelers caught up in the transference, without homes or belongings, demanding life assurances from the Japanese government. Incidents of theft and robbery had also increased, so the police and riot squads were working tirelessly to respond.

"Ambassadors from various countries are demanding explanations about the current situation and assurances for living conditions. Well, all we can say is that we're investigating."

"As for the living assurances, we will respond, but of course, we will prioritize Japanese citizens. We might be accused of discrimination, but at the end of the day, they are foreign nationals. It's only natural to consider our own citizens first."

"That's true. How about you, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare?"

Tajima, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, answered the Prime Minister's question.

"Healthcare facilities and public institutions haven't been affected as much as expected. However, international businesses and service industries focused on overseas operations are crying for help. If we could find oil or natural gas, we could establish a development agency, and things would improve significantly."

"As for the living assurances, we plan to reassess those receiving them and ensure that only those who truly need support are provided for, on a nationwide scale. Also, we should reduce public servants' salaries, including ours, by at least twenty to thirty percent and allocate that to the living assurances."

"Expect backlash from the opposition parties, of course."

"Japan is at a crossroads between life and death right now. There's no choice but to make them understand that."

"Maybe we should just go on a hunger strike? Heh, heh, heh."

At Koshimizu's words, light laughter spread through the conference room, but Foreign Minister Azumi scowled. With his naturally stern face, he seemed even more intimidating.

"What's wrong, Azumi? Your scary face is looking even scarier."

"Please don't mention my face, Prime Minister. Haah... Aren't you all anxious? What will happen to Japan from here on out?"

In response to Azumi's question, Defense Minister Kuze replied, "Well, for now, let's do what we can within our immediate reach. The P-3C patrol aircraft from the SDF is currently on a survey mission."

"But that's only within Japan's airspace, right? Moreover, during the last meeting, it was suggested that the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland might be gone. We still can't contact anyone overseas."

The ministers all frowned simultaneously. They understood that conducting surveys only within Japanese airspace would yield no further developments. Communication with other countries remained impossible. If they extended their survey range beyond Japan's territory and accidentally entered another country's airspace or territorial waters, they risked attack and the possibility of starting off on the worst possible terms with that country.

"Shall we extend the survey range to outside of Japan?"

"Hm!?"

In the midst of a tense silence, PM Hirose suddenly slammed his knee. His statement, ignoring the dangers that everyone had been concerned about, left the surrounding ministers in shock.

"Are you serious, Prime Minister?"

"What if something happens if we do that?"

"What are you talking about? At this rate, it's only a matter of time before Japan is doomed, right? Don't worry; if anything happens, I'll take responsibility!"

"........."

Thus, half a month after Japan was transferred to another world, investigations abroad finally began. Despite the inevitable backlash from the opposition parties, the heightened sense of crisis among the citizens that Japan might perish if things continued as they were allowed for a relatively smooth progression of events.

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Well, well, Japan has finally taken action to investigate outside of its borders!

- ワイアード