Seko

[Wu Han]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Koga Narumi elected Premier, XNC elected President
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 15 February 4765


⠀ ⠀ NATIONWIDE: Both acting chairwomen of the Liberation Movement have been elected to the highest executive offices in the land. Chairwoman Koga Narumi, who had served as Minister of Environment and Tourism under the administrations of Kono Saki and Seichō, will be sworn in as Premier of Seko within the week. Similarly, Chairwoman Xquic Nelli-Cualli (XNC), who had served as Premier shall now be sworn in as President of Seko, having secured a solid victory on the first ballot.

⠀ ⠀ Koga and Xquic appeared together at Aapo Hayashi Memorial Park in downtown Eiwa the morning after the general election, thanking voters for their support and greeting commuters. Speaking to the media, President-elect Xquic pledged to ensure greater support for decentralized and autonomous communities across the country. Premier-elect Koga, for her part, announced her intention to pass public holiday legislation, long debated in the National Assembly.

⠀ ⠀ The 4765 General Election was the first to be contested by the restructured Liberation Movement, which held its first Congress in the week prior to voting day. Both acting chairwomen were confirmed to their positions by the Liberation Movement Congress. Meanwhile, the 26-member Coordinating Committee experienced some turnover, with nearly a third of its acting membership replaced by new individuals. It is widely expected that the twelve Ministers of State appointed by the Premier shall be derived from this body.

[Wu Han]

⠀ ⠀ SHK releases title track for new reality competition show "Pick Me!"
⠀ ⠀ 88.1 FM Web News
⠀ ⠀ 13 June 4768


⠀ ⠀ SEKO'S NATIONAL BROADCASTING COOPERATIVE, the Sekoku Hōsō Kyōdō (SHK), has released the much anticipated title track for their forthcoming reality competition show Pick Me! The accompanying performance video, set to the upbeat pop-dance song, has already garnered nearly two million views online. The show is produced in partnership with the Jiaozhi Broadcasting Corporation and YM Entertainment North which produced the Yingdalan competition show Create 108, which Pick Me! is modelled after.

⠀ ⠀ While Create 108 culminated in the creation of the globally-popular girl group U&I, Pick Me! intends to form a boy band of 11 members, democratically selected by viewers out of a pool of 108 contestants. More than 3,000 trainees and prospective young people initially auditioned for the show, having been reduced to 108 through subsequent adjudications. According to SHK, contestants must be students over the age of 16 at time of filming to comply with Seko's stringent youth labour regulations. Not unlike most commercial ventures in Seko, the eventual boy band developed through the competition shall be governed co-operatively by the chosen members, in partnership with YM Entertainment North and SHK Music.


⠀ ⠀ International contestants may apply from countries which Seko has penned a "Declaration of Friendship" with, namely Dankuk and Yingdala, in recognition of Seko's commitment to grant students originating from these countries equal rights to their Sekowan counterparts. With regard to potential issues raised by the language barrier between trainees, SHK has taken a page from their predecessor show Create 108 in equipping the contestants with earpieces to translate live communication between one another.

⠀ ⠀ A number of contestants presented in the performance video have garnered attention online and in the media. Atsumi Jun (20), the son of Assemblyman Atsumi Tadakatsu, featured as the "centre" of the dance formation indicating that he has received acclaim from the judges and his peers alike in the earliest challenges. Other notable entrants include Mahiro Hidaka (20), a Daenist monk whose hip-hop dance videos have become popular on social media, and Narimiya Takashi (24), an model-turned-activist who currently serves as Youth Spokesperson for the Communist Party of Seko, a constituent member of the governing Liberation Movement.



Click here to watch the performance video for the Pick Me! theme song.


S-WAVE 88.1 FM is Seko's most popular FM broadcast, running concurrent transmissions in Nago, Ishinawa, Eiwa and Heimeikyo, as well as online.
S-Wave also maintains an active blog on their official website, complete with analysis and reporting on cultural developments in Seko and around the world.

[Auditorii]

Ostland Allgemeine Zeitung: Ostlandic mission in Bianjie: They had chemical and biological weapons. (September, 4772)

[jamescfm]

Jakanian fast food phenomenon Güneyin Lezzeti takes unique product global

[Auditorii]

Ostland Heute: Ostland to seek closer ties for its Gao-Showan Kunihito population

[Wu Han]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⬆ Assemblyman Atsumi Tadakatsu
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Interview: An Afternoon with Assemblyman Atsumi
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The "Anything Assemblyman" talks about his career in the arts, his anti-nuclear activism, and his goals in the National Assembly
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Story by Rena Minami, July 4768


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀The interview with Assemblyman Atsumi Tadakatsu was rather difficult to arrange. While he is personally and professionally approachable, his time is divided amongst the various fields his talents have led him to, in addition to his role as a leading figure in the National Assembly. From fashion and design, where Assemblyman Atsumi cut his teeth and honed his artistic identity, to activism and architecture, he has earned a reputation as the "Anything Assemblyman."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I first spoke to Assemblyman Atsumi over the telephone, when he informed me that he would not be in Eiwa at the time we had agreed to meet. Assemblyman Atsumi told me that he had travelled to his personal residence along the coast, and that he would be pleased to reschedule at a later date. Perhaps my voice betrayed my personal disappointment, as Assemblyman Atsumi alternatively offered to host me at his home the next afternoon.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀In the morning, I left the city to drive alongside the jagged, volcanically-formed coastline cliffs just east of Eiwa. After one hour, I turned off the appropriate exit and made my way into a small sea-side village which itself exists inside a national park, so designated for the natural beauty of the surrounding coastline. After soliciting the help of a friendly local restaurateur, I arrived at the stunning villa belonging to the Assemblyman, who met me at the gate.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Exchanging pleasantries, I couldn't resist from offering my praise for the Assemblyman's home. He informed me that when he bought the lease to the land fifteen years ago, a small house existed which he initially intended to keep. However, after persistent water management issues and structural insufficiencies, Atsumi decided to tear down the building and start anew.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"It is my design philosophy to incorporate the kindness and delicateness that old architecture had," Atsumi explained. "Delicateness, here, meaning to make a building which is united with nature, from its structural conception to the choice in materials."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Describing the traditional materials at work in this construction, the Assemblyman explained that he preferred to use soft materials like Sekowan cedar and cypress, as well as paper and tatami mats, as a way of keeping the building in the framework of the Sekowan and broader Kunihito traditional style. The villa, which collectively comprises 800 square metres, includes seven main rooms, two guest rooms and one master bedroom. The property also integrates a traditional onsen and tea room, as well as an office from which Atsumi conducts much of his work.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Removing my shoes at the genkan, we wind our way through the halls which at this prime midday hour are flooded with natural light, no doubt an indication of the influence of Atsumi's mentor, Yoshida Yoshiro. The shoji doors give an impression of singularity, with attention focused on the staircase that lies before us. Nonetheless, an open shoji unmasks this illusion, revealing a secondary bedroom — occupied not by the presence of a person, but by the evidence of a person's presence. "Is this your son's room?" I ask as we ascend the stairs.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Assemblyman Atsumi gave a slightly shy expression, as we settled on the couch. While I momentarily fretted over how I could repair any perceived social impropriety, the Assemblyman responded: "You'll have to excuse me," he began, "it is indeed my son's room. Before you arrived I found myself standing at the door, with a profound sense of longing and nostalgia. I haven't seen him in some time. I suppose these feelings are familiar to any parent that has experienced their child transition to adulthood, and ultimately independence."


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⬆ Assemblyman Atsumi's living room. From the opposite perspective of the photograph, one can enjoy sweeping views of the Kankawaran Bay.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Assemblyman Atsumi's son, Jun, is currently a contestant on the SHK reality competition show Pick Me! where he has consistently ranked among the top performers, praised for his talent and hardworking, earnest demeanour. Prior to entering the contest, Atsumi Jun worked as a dance instructor, and occasionally at the patronage of his father, as a fashion model. "I would prefer, with all due respect," said Atsumi, "if we could focus the scope of our interview on my public life — I am immensely proud of my son, beyond the capacity of words to convey, but I don't wish to appear as interfering with his personal life."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Acceding to the Assemblyman's request, I quickly shifted the conversation to his early career, working in fashion and design amidst the great social, economic and political revolution of the late 4730s. The Assemblyman came of age during the revolution, and became an ardent supporter of the Liberation Movement. Nonetheless, the Assemblyman professes that the economic and political goals of the broad coalition were secondary to his personal belief in the elimination of nuclear power.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"There is no doubt whatsoever that co-operative, people-centred politics are right for Seko," Atsumi said, "but I must admit that I was not as passionate about labour at that time as I was about absolute necessity of eliminating nuclear power domestically."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Assemblyman Atsumi explains that as a teenager, he was shocked and horrified by the graphic descriptions of nuclear war employed by his teachers. In particular, the Vanukean nuclear strike against Deltaria (4418) left a lasting impression on Atsumi, from the massive casualties of the crime, to the radioactive fallout which had lingering adverse effects on the Majatran continent for generations. After learning about the use of nuclear weapons, Atsumi began to read more about nuclear technology at his local library. From the use of nuclear weapons against Cobura, to the nuclear accidents in Baltusia and Valruzia, Atsumi became convinced that nuclear power delivers gains at too high a cost to ecology and humanity.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Since those earlier days, Assemblyman Atsumi has not changed his tune. His entry to the National Assembly in 4755 was the culmination of a grassroots base he had built in opposition to nuclear power. Accordingly, Assemblyman Atsumi succeeded in adding a subsection to Article 9 of the Constitution, which reads: "Seko prohibits the use of nuclear power for civil purposes or for weapons of mass destruction." Assemblyman Atsumi also sponsored successful legislation which banned defence industries from operating in Seko, the only nation on the planet to do so.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"These so-called 'defence contractors' are parasites — look at any country where these entities exist and tell me that this isn't true," said Atsumi. "These bloodsucking companies utilize the threat of violence to extort huge tax-funded contracts to build weapons of war. It is impossible for these companies to exist without the direct intervention of the state. Yet, they serve no social purpose whatsoever! What has Asvald Gruppen contributed for the benefit of humanity, aside from developing tools for humanity to tear itself apart? Surely, governments around the world can find better places to expend such resources."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀While the Assemblyman was certainly clear about those policies he is opposed to, he also laid out his future legislative plans to support Seko's cultural industries. "I take very profoundly the words of President Kono who eloquently established the link between the arts and our humanistic form of governance," said Atsumi. As a man of the artistic community, Assemblyman Atsumi said that the development of a strong domestic industry, encompassing all aspects of high and popular culture, is his primary career objective at the moment. Here, Atsumi is transparent in stating that he is taking direct inspiration from the ethical socialist policies of nearby Kalistan.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀As one of the wealthier individuals in the country, Assemblyman Atsumi pledged that future legislation would have a minimal impact on his earnings. "It's an coincidence that my career is based in the arts, and so are my political ambitions," explained Atsumi, "if any legislation should increase my personal income indirectly, I will return the money to the state; I have no need for more than I have."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀After two hours had elapsed, and knowing that the Assemblyman was needed elsewhere, and I rose and thanked him, as he walked me to the door. "For nearly 60 years, a small dilapidated house stood on this land," said Atsumi without prompt as I struggled to put on my shoes, "within 12 months this house was constructed. The direction of time can certainly be redirected by the intentions of committed actors, no?" I agreed, tentatively, before I bowed and made my exit. Subsequently, I got in my car and drove back to Eiwa, with plenty of time to think over my meeting with the 'Anything Assemblyman.'


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Naegi (Seedling) is a weekly magazine featuring journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry from a leftist, Daenist perspective.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Naegi is printed by a non-profit worker's cooperative located in Nago, Seko.

[Wu Han]

Pick Me! final trainees to debut as project group "11PM"
20 July 4768


⠀⠀SHK's reality competition series "Pick Me!" concluded last night, in a finale that attracted 4.3% of national viewership and a total of 5,320,417 votes cast. The show's original 108 trainees were reduced down to a final group of 11, which will go on to debut under the name "11PM." Though additional details remain sparse, netizens have speculated that the name could mean "11 Permanent Members," or "11 Pop Musicians." The group will be self-managed, in partnership with SHK Music and YM Entertainment North.

⠀⠀Over the course of the night, energetic and exciting final performances were dispersed between results announcements, which culminated in a showdown between competition frontrunners Atsumi Jun and Kawanishi Ruki. The two Eiwa locals had consistently placed among the top three contestants in each of the adjudication rounds throughout the series. In the end, Kawanishi edged out Atsumi by a difference of 15,328 votes to take the top spot.



The Members of 11PM

The average age of the top finalists is 20.9 years old. All finalists have completed their compulsory schooling, and the majority have completed their national service. A notable exception is 9th place finalist Yan Bo, a citizen of Yingdala, and thus not subject to the national service obligation. Below is some further information on each of the finalists:

1. Kawashiri Ruki, 18

• From Nago, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Kawashiri was a nationally-ranked amateur freestyle swimmer;
• Kawashiri earned votes throughout the show by attracting viewers to his comedic charm;
• Kawashiri repeatedly ranked either first or second in each Pick Me! voting period.
• Kawashiri is the youngest Pick Me! finalist.

2. Atsumi Jun, 20

• From Eiwa, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Atsumi was a dance instructor and freelance model;
• Atsumi is the son of Assemblyman Atsumi Tadakatsu;
• Atsumi was praised by fans and judges alike for his comradely, hardworking personality throughout the competition, assisting fellow trainees with their choreography;
• Atsumi competed with Kawashiri for either first or second place in each Pick Me! voting period.

3. Endo Minori, 21

• From Seikyo, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Endo worked at a factory;
• Endo's fans identified with his earnest nature and ambitious approach to the competition;

4. Ito Michii, 20

• From Eiwa, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Ito studied dance at a famous studio in Eiwa;

5. Matsuyama Shigeo, 19

• From Ishinawa, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Matsuyama studied physics at Ishinawa National University;
• Matsuyama rose from a dismal early performance, narrowly escaping elimination at the second adjudication;

6. Kihara Takeru, 23

• From Heimeikyo, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Kihara had trained with K.R. Entertainment, a Dranian production company for three years;
• Kihara received attention by offering wise advice and support to fellow trainees;

7. Ota Yuichi, 22

• From Senmatsu, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Ota played on the Seko U-19 Men's National Basketball Team before studying abroad;
• Ota consistently ranked 7th throughout the competition, and has subsequently pledged to get a tattoo of the number;

8. Uehara Takashi, 20

• From Kumasaki, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Uehara had acted in a number of independent films and internet series;

9. Yan Bo, 22

• From Kaizhou, Yingdala;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Yan studied at Nago National University;
• Yan is a citizen of Yingdala and is fluent in 4 languages (Luthorian, Kunikata, Yingdalan and Kyo);

10. Ishimoto Takashi, 20

• From Yamashima, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Ishimoto studied and professionally competed in the art of karate;
• Ishimoto was noticed on Pick Me! for his hometown pride, often referring back to the island of Yamashima and its art, music and cuisine;

11. Tanji Masaki, 25

• From Ishinawa, Seko;
• Prior to auditioning for the competition, Tanji graduated from Ishinawa National University with a bachelor's degree in psychology;
• Following his graduation, Tanji worked various part-time jobs as a personal trainer, janitor, deliveryman and youth social worker;
• Tanji finished near the bottom in each adjudication, before overcoming his self-doubt;
• Tanji is the oldest finalist.

The Sekoku Hōsō Kyōdō (SHK) is a publicly-funded media co-operative headquartered in Nago, Seko, with dispatch offices around the world. The SHK was founded by
an act of the National Assembly of Seko.

[Wu Han]

⠀⠀ ⠀11PM ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM, INTERNATIONAL TOUR
⠀⠀ ⠀1 September 4768


BOY-BAND 11PM has officially announced their debut album Run, nearly two-months after the group was formed on SHK's competition reality show "Pick Me!"

SHK Music posted an animated teaser video for the album, set to a vocal-reliant ballad likely intended to demonstrate the group's versatile musical range. In the video, it was also revealed that the group's name is a literal reference to the time 11:00 PM, which is "the most energetic and dynamic time of day in the cities across Seko, when young people head out to meet with each other, dance and have fun." According to SHK Music, the group will seek to capture this energy in their music.

Later in the day, the group announced an international tour, consisting of stops in Dankuk and Yingdala, to greet their fans across the continent.

[Wu Han]

Koga Narumi elected President; Assemblywoman Arakachi Riza to become Premier
5 February 4770



EIWA, SEKO: Koga Narumi has been elected President following the 4770 general election. Koga began her campaign over a month ago, when she stepped down as Premier to conform with the Liberation Movement's internal rules, which mandate that the party's presidential candidate must be selected from outside the National Assembly. In this way, the electoral trajectory of the President-elect's political career resembles that of her predecessor, President Xquic Nelli-Cualli.

Nevertheless, the Liberation Movement has come under fire from some of its constituent groups, who argue that the practice of installing an acting Premier to facilitate a presidential challenge is too disruptive to the function of government. Accordingly, the Liberation Movement's Coordinating Committee released a unified communique, announcing that the party's next presidential candidate would not be selected in this way.

Koga's longtime legislative collaborator, Assemblywoman Arakachi Riza is expected to become Premier, replacing Acting Premier Tsuchida Asami.

[Wu Han]

Sekowan consumers choose domestic produce, Yingdalan imports
A decade after the ratification of the Takeda Tea Accord, Sekowans shoppers are increasing their tropical fruit consumption
27 March 4770


Above: a worker stocks produce at the M13 supermarket, Seikyo


TAKEDA, NANZAN: Seko's household spending rose for the sixth straight year this January, with spending on fresh fruit and vegetables comprising a surprisingly strong proportion of overall spending on food. This trend — increased spending on produce — has compounded year after year since the ratification of the Takeda Tea Accord with Yingdala one decade ago.

Some of the largest economic benefits have been felt by the agricultural and retail sectors: the former, as a result of access to the much larger Yingdalan market, and the latter through expanded consumer choices. Sagamiya, one of Seko's largest food retail co-operatives, has invested in expanding their store locations nationwide to reflect an increased inventory (and demand).

Some anecdotal scholarly analysis has indicated that the increased consumption of tropical fruit produced in Yingdala, in addition to teas and medicinal herbs, has resulted in many broad societal health benefits, including reports of a lower average cholesterol level.


Capital is a media company specializing in economic reporting, headquartered in Eiwa, Seko.