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There is no better country to play in Victoria 3 than Japan. One of the most interesting powers at that time, Japan decided it would isolate itself from the world, and was forced by the United States to open up its markets and industrialize, only to become one of the greatest powers in the world. If you want to learn how to make Japan a great power in Victoria 3, continue reading this guide to see how to start the game right and lead Japan to a new era.
Starting Situation
Two factors will will make your Victoria 3 Japan playthrough almost impossible:
- Russia’s Attitude
- Shogun’s Ideology
If Russia starts with a Belligerent attitude, there is almost a 100% chance that they will attack you in the near future. It does not matter if you bring relations up to 100, a Belligerent Russia will be a major problem.
Even if you have to restart 500 times, it would be better to get a friendly Russia for your Japan game.
Also, if the Shogun is a Traditionalist, you will have absolutely no chance of building a great power as Japan in Victoria 3. If he is either Jingoist or Reformist, great. A Traditionalist Shogun will oppose all of your moves and won’t allow you to industrialize and modernize Japan.
Opening Moves – Victoria 3 Japan Guide
Economic
Build the classics: Wood, Paper, and Construction. Also, use the Promote Social Mobility decree with all your excess Authority to bring your literacy up.
When it comes to research, your first tech should always be Colonialism. You can then follow up with either Banking, Stock Exchange, or Academia.
Diplomacy
There are two major powers that you should try to keep a good relation with Russia and Great Britain. You should befriend Russia from the start of the game, and increase relations with GB once they conquer a port or two in the Opium Wars with China.
Politics
These are the laws players should pass and remove as Japan in Victoria 3 (“+” means you should get that law, “-” means you should get rid of that law):
- + Professional Army
- + Colonial Resettlement
- + Serfdom Abolished
- + Appointed Bureaucrats
- + Landed Voting
- – Isolationism
- – Traditionalism
Don’t remove the Shogunate from power until Landed Voting. Always suppress them during your Japan playthrough.
Honorable Restoration
This is the Journal Entry all players that need this Japan guide should aim for in Victoria 3. There is nothing more powerful for Japan than putting the emperor back in power.
You can do this once you manage to get the Shogunate out of government, you will be able to start the Honorable Restoration event where you can get a lot of good buffs.
And that is all you need to know about Japan in this Victoria 3 guide. Check out other interesting Vicky 3 guides and articles:
Victoria 3: How to Demobilize | Victoria 3: Dominion vs Puppet – What is the Difference? | Victoria 3 – How to Increase Standard of Living
