The Japanese Army on Mars

The Japanese were the first to arrive on Mars following their successful implementation and improvement of aether technology gained from an undiscloased source. Shortly after them, the British landed and started their expansion and alliance with the Japanese.

New Victoria for many is the principle human city on Mars but the Japanese have also established their own enclave of Shin Kyoto. Simpler in form than New Victoria it has taken the shape of Martian sand banks with ramparts behind and a simple dry moat to the front. Various gun embrasures are dotted along the circumference and these are of various calibers; placed because of the Sky Martian threat. This threat appears to be less than the threat on New Victoria, possibly because of the more understated size of Shin-Kyoto.

 

The main advantage Japan has over the other nations is their large and expanding aeroneff fleet and the support to go with them. Various designs of neff are in the Japanese fleet including, but not limited to, armoured gunboats, torpedo cutters, destroyers and larger armoured corvettes. Many smaller support craft have also been constructed on Mars in recent months allowing Japanese expeditions to range further and further.

The first soldiers to arrive were from the recently formed Imperial Guard but these were soon added to by conscript forces from 1873 onwards. At this moment in time there are two full regiments on Mars to date with five cavalry squadrons and an artillery regiment with various engineers, medics etc. More soldiers are due in the next supply run from earth to help bolster Japanese interests.

The more recent arrivals from earth have been issued with summer uniforms; basically white made from a lighter material to help with the high temperatures experienced on Mars. Quite often, earlier and later units will be mixed together on expeditions and also more recent supply runs have meant that some units are having to wear a mix of winter and summer uniforms so the army can be quite a colourful affair. The Japanese high command are also looking at khaki uniforms but nothing much has been done about this as of yet.

The Japanese cavalry are looking to use the local Martian mounts, as getting remounts from Earth is a long process. Training these larger beasts is proving to be problematic at best as they are temperamental towards humans, the reason is yet to be ascertained. Special saddles are being designed due to the nature of the Martian mounts skeletal structure but should prove efficient when complete. Using the Martian mounts will help enormously with long range patrols as they are perfectly suited for the Martian terrain and weather.

The Japanese engineers have managed to set up a good armoury and foundry and are already starting to produce ordinance and artillery on Mars although raw metals in the vicinity of Shin Kyoto are scarce. This scarcity means that patrols deep into Sky Martian territory are becoming a necessity and large, armoured convoys are becoming a common sight on Mars.