Kinshū

Kinshū, officially the Republic of Kinshū, is a nation located in Bangju, within the cultural sphere of Sinju. Its population of 17,267,539 is spread across seventeen provinces covering its mainland area as well as its twenty islands. It is bordered by Yaetteng to the north, Basanreseri to the south, and the Eastern Sinju Sea to the west. Kinshū's capital, Sakaigawa, is located on Kazanjima, its largest island.

Kinshū has been home to several ethnic groups throughout history. Mainland Kinshū was inhabited by various peoples since the Stone Age before they were displaced by Basanreserians in the 6th century CE. The Basanreserian groups settled throughout the mainland, and traded extensively with Sinju through the Yedal Road. Fusenic}} groups settled the [[Kinshuan Archipelago between 500-700CE. Dangu raided the coasts and islands of Kinshū throughout the 10th century, and settled throughout the archipelago. The dangu settlers continued to migrate into Bangju in the 10th century until they were finally defeated by a confederation of Basanreseri petty kingdoms and became sedentary. Exiled Nichiren Buddhists from Fusen arrived in the 13th century, and their teachings spread rapidly throughout the islands.

Buddhism was founded by the monk Kinrem in 1389, and became popular among peasants. By this time, the archipelago was home to several large city-states and many smaller chiefdoms, who would often band together in wars against each other. A plague in 1432 decimated the population of the islands and coastal regions; this rapid depopulation led increased power and autonomy for peasants, many of whom were strict adherents to Jōdo Shinshū practices. Peasants began to form leagues called Ikyoa-soto challenge local nobility and make demands for even greater autonomy. Jōdo Shinshū temples capitalized on this by funding and arming these leagues, and by the beginning of the 15th century, these leagues were strong enough to challenge the city-states of the islands. In 1542, the abbot Kinjo of Mihara declared himself Grand Abbot of the Ikyoa-so and united many of the islands under his control, calling his new kingdom Kinshū. In practice, however, he ruled over a very decentralized league of temples and peasants who maintained a large degree of autonomy.

Following two centuries of conflict with Yaettengese and Basanreserian petty kingdoms, Kinshū was faced with the threat of a united Basanreserian empire in the late 16th century. Kinshū capitulated in 1585, becoming a part of the empire; the abbots and peasants, however, proved to be unruly, and they resisted outright annexation. The Treaty of XX was signed in 1633, recognizing Kinshū as a constituent kingdom of the empire, and leading to the formation of Basanreseri-Kinshū. The dual-monarchy remained a significant force in Bangju until its defeat and dissolution following the Bangju War. The newly-formed Pure Land Kingdom of Kinshū declared itself a monarchy with a largely ceremonial Grand Abbot. During the Great Eulhae War, Kinshū fought alongside Basanreseri and other Contingent powers.

Today, Kinshū is a middle power whose economy relies heavily on shipping, agriculture, and heavy industry. The country is a member of the Council of Nations.

Etymology
The kanji for Kinshū (葉秀, "beautiful celery") were first applied to the area by early Fusenic people who relied on the region's plentiful natural herb,, as a food source.

Prehistory
The earliest evidence of human activity in Kinshū dates to around 7000 BCE. Traces of stone tools found throughout Bangju indicate these early people groups migrated from present-day Wamu as far south as Shojin. While it is unclear how many of these people groups passed through Kinshū, there is archaeological evidence that suggests the aimuri culture had settled on the coast by 4,800 BCE. Small totems resembling various marine creatures and stone fishing tools have been found throughout the Kinshan Archipelago, suggesting these people were seafaring and established distinct clans throughout the islands. Unlike other early people groups in Bangju, the aimuri practiced marriage. In addition to the aimuri, archaeological evidence suggests that the wairigan and numaimi cultures--traditionally associated with Basanreseri--also had settlements in present-day Kinshū.

Foreign Relations
Kinshū hates all of Bangju and the feeling is mutual.

Economy
Farming

Culture
We have none

Cuisine
Kinshū's culinary traditions are rooted in its deep Buddhist influences. As the shito class grew in power, culinary practices traditionally associated with monastic Buddhists came to be practiced by lay people. One example of this influence is the common practice of eating only two meals per day: one in the morning, and one just before noon. While not universally observed, many Kinshūnese people have adopted this practice. The first meal, asa-gohan, typically consists of assorted fruits, vegetables, and . Meat is also sometimes consumed, depending on the individual. The second meal, hiru-gohan, usually consists of a rice dish or noodles and vegetables. Green tea is served with most meals.

Kinshū has a long tradition of. Historically, meat eating has been banned or looked down upon at various points. In areas where meat eating was not traditionally practiced, dishes often prominently feature rice,, , , , and. Kinshū's national dish, kishimen, is a famous vegetarian meal; consisting of dipped in a soup of soy sauce and sliced leeks, it can be served hot or cold.



In areas where meat eating is practiced, fish is a common feature. is commonly served over rice, seasoned with mami miso, a unique variation of that originated in Kinshū. and are also popular, often featuring squid, eel, and snapper. , a dried, salted, and fermented fish, is a common street food item and is famously pungent. The is a large free-range chicken that is native to the region, and is featured heavily in Kinshūnese cuisine. In particular, sashimi that prominently features kōchin gizzards, liver, and heart is popular.



Kinshū has one of the lowest rates of alcohol consumption in the world, primarily due to religious influences throughout its history. Following government reforms in the 19th century, laws regarding the production and sale of alcohol were loosened, though alcohol is mostly consumed by younger people even today. was originally imported from Fusen, and is popular in Kinshū as a drink following formal meals. , a spirit distilled from rice, barley, or buckwheat is also popular.