Seko

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Yu Li Formally Enthroned as Son of Heaven in Ceremony Witnessed Terranwide, Meetings with Terra's Powers Yield Initial Fruit

[Wu Han]

⠀ ⠀ Academics in Constituents' Assembly Debate Nation's Name
⠀ ⠀ Linguists and historians seek to rectify confusion over country's name in advance of constitutional agreement
⠀ ⠀ 30 October 4739


⠀ ⠀ NATIONWIDE: As negotiations remain underway between and among nearly every segment of Sekowan civil society in advance of the constitutional referendum in March 4740, many historians and linguists have taken the opportunity to raise questions about the nation's name.

⠀ ⠀ Academics are optimistic that the upcoming constitution will provide a resolution to the age-old debate regarding the use of "Sekowo" as the nation's name. However within the debate, leading scholars have been divided into two distinct perspectives.

⠀ ⠀ The first perspective, advanced by Dr. Fukushi Kento, asserts that there has been a linguistic shift in modern Sekowan, and Sekowan Kunikata, rendering the final syllable in the nation's historic name obsolete. Further, given the colonial origin of the name "Sekowo," Dr. Fukushi and supporters of his thesis suggest that the new name should break more distinctly with the historic name. Thus, Dr. Fukushi recommends the name "Seko (瀬古)," which has a literary meaning of "Ancient Rapids," in reference to the nation's historic and mighty glacier-fed rivers.

⠀ ⠀ The second perspective, advanced by Dr. Horikita Yui, is aligned with scholarly ideas advanced years ago. Horikita's thesis recognizes the colonial origin of the name "Sekowo," and seeks to rectify it with literary conventions in the traditional Gao-Showan languages of the continent. Advocates of this position suggest that the name "Seikoku (生国)" be adopted; this name localizes the colonial term for the nation while giving it a new literary meaning, "Green Country." Dr. Horikita posits that the term "Seiko" could be used in Luthorian and other translations, or in shorthand by citizens.

⠀ ⠀ Currently it is reported that Dr. Fukushi's thesis is more popular among members of the Liberation Movement's leadership, as well as among communists and socialists in the country. Dr. Horikita's thesis has some support among conservative and older demographics, while nationalists remain divided.


⠀ ⠀ The Shimbun Toyama is a non-partisan general interest newspaper published in Toyama, Seko

[Liu Che/Zhuli]

Son of Heaven Gives Speech in Hope of Gao-Showa-Jelbo-Tukaric Unity

[jamescfm]

Sekowan game Captosaurs captures international imagination
Handheld video game has become a massive hit with children and teenagers across the globe following first international release last month
14 February 4747


A global video game phenomenon has emerged from Seko in the past month, as young people from Artania to Dovani have flocked to purchase the latest instalment in the Captosaurs video game franchise. The franchise is developed by Blue Games, an independent video game developer based in Ishigawa, and is published by multinational video game company Axol. Over the past few years, the franchise has developed a strong following in Seko and some other parts of Dovani but the most recent title, Captosaurs: Infinity, has brought global success. Having been translated into over thirty languages for the international market, the game has captured the imagination of a diverse array of children and teenagers.



Above: Artwork from Captosaurs: Jo's Journey, an internationally published manga launched to coincide with the international release of the latest Dracosaurs video game


The principle of the Captosaurs games is relatively simple, players are able to encounter and capture creatures of all shapes and sizes that then accompany them across the world as they battle with other players and attempt to complete specially designed "battle challenges". The unique and diverse character designs provide the franchise with a unique attraction for young players though, that has driven their success since the beginning.

Originally the first game in the series, simply entitled Captosaurs, contained only ninety creatures. Subsequent editions have expanded the total to over two hundred. Although the new game will be the first exposure to these creatures for many across the globe, players in Seko may be disappointed as the new game only contains fifteen additional new monsters for players to encounter. While different in certain respects, Captosaurs: Infinity is heavily based on the original game in the franchise, with many Sekowan players referring to it as a remake.

From their beginning, the Captosaurs games have played exclusively on Axol's Rabbit, a handheld game console with a rechargeable battery that players can carry around with them. Since their initial success with the Entertainment System, Axol had struggled to compete in the video games console market but the decision to focus on the handheld market has reinvigorated the business. The success of the Captosaurs games have lead to a significant increase in sales of the Rabbit across the globe too.

Outside of the video games themselves, the Captoaurs franchise has been successfully adapted as an animated television series, a manga series and a trading card game. As part of the promotional campaign for the new game, Blue Games have even partnered with respected animation director Baisho Mikka to develop a Captosaurs film that's set for release at the end of this month. The company, which is wholly owned by its employees, hopes that the success of the franchise can bring global attention to the rich and modern Sekowan culture, as well as provide evidence of the success of the country's renaissance over the past decade.

審査官 (Shinsa-kan) is a broadsheet international newspaper published in Sekowo in Sekowan and Luthorian, focusing on economic, business and cultural affairs across the globe.

[Wu Han]

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Above: Kasmenai College, Heimei-kyō
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Leading scholars reach consensus on nation's name
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 10 November 4739


⠀ ⠀ HEIMEI-KYŌ, KANKAWARA PROVINCE: Academics of various disciplines descended on Kasmenai College earlier this week, seeking to reach a definitive agreement regarding the nation's name — long the subject of great debate. Today, these scholars have issued a possible resolution to the debate through a joint communique.

⠀ ⠀ The conference was headed and organized by Dr. Fukushi Kento and Dr. Horikita Yui, considered standard-bearers for distinct and opposed perspectives in the debate. However, according to the communique Dr. Fukushi and Dr. Horikita have reconciled and harmonized their respective theses, and have accordingly received support from their peers in academia.

⠀ ⠀ First, the communique affirmed the long-held position that the name "Sekowo" is an exonym, colonial in origin, having first been used by Egelian explorer Carlos de Almera likely as an attempt to reproduce the local Ancient Orinco name of "Tsekwon." Second, the statement recognized a central tenet of Dr. Fukushi's thesis: namely, that there has indeed been a linguistic shift in modern Sekowan and Sekowan Kunikata which has resulted in the nation's name being pronounced "Seko" by most individuals.

⠀ ⠀ However, the debate which ensued during the week-long conference reached a final position which neither Dr. Fukushi nor Dr. Horikita had explicitly argued: The leading academics were challenged by Kilkut historian Dr. Kanak Angutingurniq, who argued that it was inappropriate to search for a single Kunikito or Sekowan name for the country; in so doing, Angutingurniq asserted, the conference was being ignorant of the nation's culturally pluralistic nature. Dr. Angutingurniq convinced conference attendees that multiple names for the nation exist synchronously, and that these names should be recognized.

⠀ ⠀ In addition, many linguists, philologists and historians disputed Dr. Fukushi's recommended name "Seko (瀬古)" on the grounds that its "literary meaning" is not well established as of yet. Similarly, those gathered were unconvinced by Dr. Horikita's name, concluding that the syllable "sei" was not in-line with popular linguistic trends. Thus, the conference arrived at a conclusion which can best be described as hybrid:

(...) In recognition of the concurring and coexisting names for the territory today called Sekowo, we argue that the issue of a single name should be resolved as follows:

(1) The official name of the polity shall be Sekoku (瀬国) in the Kunikata language; this is in recognition of the language's status as the lingua franca across ethnic lines on the territory;
(2) This "official name" shall be an endonym used widely by all Sekowans;
(3) The polity shall recognize the diverse minor endonyms used by different communities on the territory, namely Sekuku (瀬國) in Sekowan, Saikuvut (ᓭᑯᕗᑦ) in Klikut and Tseku in Orinco
(4) The polity shall recognize an official standard exonym, as opposed to the current, popularly used exonym Sekowo/Sekouo to be used in foreign languages such as Luthorian, among others: Seko (瀬古).

⠀ ⠀ It is widely anticipated that the Constituents' Assembly, organized by the Liberation Movement, will accept the scholars suggestions in the upcoming constitutional draft, to be voted on by the people of Seko in March 4740.

[Wu Han]

⠀ ⠀ Kono Saki says she'll create a country "where the youth can fall in love again"
⠀ ⠀ Mori Junjiro's Radio Hour
⠀ ⠀ 22 December 4739


⠀ ⠀ IN AN INTERVIEW on Mori Junjiro's Radio Hour, Liberation Movement Political Director and Chairwoman of the General Labour Federation Kono Saki answered a number of topical questions and laid out her vision for the future. Kono also discussed her latest book Dignity, available in worker-owned bookstores across the country.

⠀ ⠀ Mori and Kono spent a considerable amount of time discussing the Constituents' Assembly which, while having been organized by the Liberation Movement, operates independently and is composed of representatives of nearly every segment of Sekowan civil society. After holding hearings with over 380,000 Sekowans, the Constituents' Assembly is expected to release the completed constitution next month in advance the referendum on 5 March 4740 wherein the people of Seko will be asked to accept or reject the constitution at the ballot box. Kono has no plans for failure:

MORI: What is your plan, Chairwoman Kono, if the constitution is rejected in the referendum?

KONO: I have to admit that I don't have a second plan. I believe that after nine months of open negotiations, and nearly a decade of living under a failed state, the people of Seko will ratify the constitution so that we can get on with building a stable and equitable state. If it should fail, it will be a major setback — but the fight for a brighter future will not end so easily.

⠀ ⠀ Kono was also questioned by Mori Junjiro on various topics concerning her personal life, however Kono shied away from questions regarding her family emphasizing instead her long-term labour activism and organizing. Despite being just 33 years old, and being the daughter of an aristocratic clan, Kono has been involved in the labour movement for over a decade.

MORI: How did you end up getting involved in the labour movement?

KONO: I was born at the wrong time, and ended up becoming a politician. I wanted to be a teacher; I didn't want to get involved in politics at all. My friends, who had joined university before me talked about the students' movements often, whether it was the labour movement or the lay Daenist activism of the day. At the time organizing looked tough, and so I told myself 'don't get involved!'

I simply wanted to go to university, make friends, meet boys, read lots of poetry and novels and travel; a simple dream that most young people have. That was my plan. But I found that whenever I had a crush on a boy, and got to know him, it turned out that he was involved in the students' movement! So eventually I joined in, and over time I became a hardcore student activist — I joined the labour movement and became a socialist. Those are cherished days of my youth, filled with gunpowder and romance.

MORI: When was it that you actually began organizing and participating in labour struggles?

KONO: While I was in university and involved in student activism, I taught in a number of night schools. Often the women there were labourers from factories around Nago, and I became curious about their employers after seeing their hands scarred and bloodied by the machines. So in my third year in university, I decided to work at a textile factory during my winter break. See, I already had experience using sewing machines. Needless to say, it was a very life-altering experience.

Young children from 14 to 17 were working 14 hour shifts, kids who just graduated middle school. Many of them would bring their school bags and leave them in their lockers while they worked all night. Imagine how tired they must have been, Junjiro-san? I watched one girl who dozed off, she forgot to move her hand while operating a steam press and she clamped it down on her hand. I was so shocked when I saw that and yet she was back at work six weeks later. These kids were so honest, so hardworking, and yet they were so poorly treated; they had no rights. The government had collapsed, the constitution has lost its impact, and factory owners could operate with impunity. I thought it was only right that these kids get paid adequately for their labour, and that's when I figured out where I should be: I thought my role was to become a history teacher, but instead it was my fate to teach workers their rights, to teach them how to unionize, and to teach them how to demand more in their lives — because they're worth it.

⠀ ⠀ Kono discussed with Mori her many experiences as a young labour activist, rising through the ranks of the General Labour Federation until she was elected the union's chairwoman in 4737. As chairwoman of the GLF, Kono has built the union into one of the nation's largest labour organizations. Accordingly, Kono has become a major figure in her own right, attracting support from a diverse base spanning multiple generations.

⠀ ⠀ Mori asked Kono about a number of her social media posts, many of which are photos of Kono embracing her visibly emotional young supporters:

MORI: You know, many politicians and labour leaders, they say they get energy from shaking hands with and meeting their supporters. But there are so many pictures of you sincerely hugging your supporters and comforting them, it must be exhausting for you.

KONO: I was able to get as far as I have because of them. I didn’t plan on hugging many people at first, but as I go to put my hand out… they hugged me and cried as they whispered in my ear.

MORI: What would they say?

KONO: 'My life isn’t mine' , 'Please help me get my life back' , 'It’s been two years since I’ve graduated from college but I’m still unemployed, I can’t face my parents' , 'I’m an intern, but I work too many night shifts that I can’t have children’ I heard many complaints. Young people are struggling to live in this society full of irrationalities and inequalities. There are so few supports; they must bear it on their own. There’s no one to help them or to talk to. So as I met and hugged these young people, I was determined to do a better job and build a society designed to support all of our people. That’s what I think.

⠀ ⠀ The two circled back to discussions regarding the future of Sekowan politics. After being questioned by Mori, Kono announced that she did indeed support the Kasmenai Declaration regarding the renaming of the country. She also briefly described her plan to ensure a single-payer healthcare system across the country. Finally, Mori thanked Kono for making time in her busy schedule, before asking her a final question:

MORI: Your motto, which became the GLF's motto, is 'A Nation Where Labour is Dignified.' You even titled your book Dignity. What is a country that has respect for its labourers and why is it so important?

KONO: A country which has respect for its workers puts them in the driver's seat; it respects the democratic spirit of the co-operative occupation movement. It ensures that workers will always have meaningful power over the operation of their workplaces. It means that a worker will receive the majority of the value they add through their labour back in their wages. Economic democracy and political democracy are inherently linked, because a political democracy without respect for its labourers cannot create a society where the majority of people can live happily. I want to make our new country a place where labour is dignified and workers can stand up for themselves. I want to create a nation which is a place where the youth can fall in love again. I humbly ask for your support so that I can fight to improve the lives of the many, not the few.

Kono Saki's latest book, Dignity, is available now in Kunikata, Luthorian and Orinco.



S-WAVE 88.1 FM is Seko's most popular FM broadcast, running concurrent transmissions in Nago, Ishinawa, Mizuho and Heimeito as well as online.

[Wu Han]

Constituents' Assembly releases drafted constitution ahead of March referendum
1 January 4740



SERITEI, SEKOWO: The Constituents' Assembly has officially concluded its negotiations, publicly releasing a drafted constitution for Seko. As the Constituents' Assembly was formed under Seko's largest political entity and social movement, the Kaihō Undō, it is widely anticipated that it is this document which will be put to a vote in the March referendum. The referendum was pledged by Daenist Abbess Seichō Sakura when she announced her entry into politics and the formation of the Kaihō Undō last July.

[Wu Han]

⠀⠀Dawn Breaks on a New Seko
⠀⠀As the Constituents' Assembly's constitution is popularly ratified through a referendum, Sekowans look toward the future
⠀⠀5 March 4740

⠀⠀Above: Daenist Abbess Seichō Sakura accepts the role of Provisional President, as the new constitution is institutionalized by her "Liberation Movement"

⠀⠀A NEW DAWN breaks over Seko as its novel constitution takes effect, having been ratified through a popular referendum. Daenist Abbess Seichō Sakura has subsequently assumed the title of "Provisional President," while other key figures in the Liberation Movement have assumed various roles throughout the provisional government. The Liberation Movement led by Seichō has received a five-year mandate from the Sekowan public to institutionalize the new constitution before holding legislative and executive elections in 4745.

⠀⠀At a small gathering in downtown Ishinawa, Seichō celebrated the ratification of the constitution by offering a blessing to the land before humbly thanking the people of Seko for having voted in support of the new supreme law, as negotiated by Constituents' Assembly.

⠀⠀"Let us move forward and establish a stable republic which exists to broadly benefit humanity!" Seichō declared to the crowd. "Let's work to liberate the people of Seko and all oppressed people in the world from material and spiritual suffering."

⠀⠀Seichō also alluded to the First Maxim of Governance as issued by the Jianxiao Emperor in 4444: "This government will progress in a way which recognizes the primacy of the people to the nation. We shall protect and preserve the spirits of the land, and we shall ensure that the state acts responsibly and in deference to nature and to the people."

⠀⠀Across the city a very different, jubilant event was held at the General Labour Federation headquarters wherein Chairwoman Kono Saki formally assumed the title of "Provisional Prime Minister," upon learning of the referendum results. Despite the festive atmosphere, Kono offered a solemn and restrained speech emphasizing the "pluralistic political views of Sekowans" and pledging to move quickly to create an open and democratic government. Nonetheless, Kono repeated her oft-quoted slogan as she summarized her plans for her time in government:

⠀⠀"Together, we have taken a step closer to building a country from the ground up which provides a good life for all! Collectively we shall create a country of proud workers, and build a nation where labour is dignified!"

⠀⠀It is expected that the Liberation Movement will work rapidly with the established bureaucracy of Seko, alongside claimant president Kasai Kenji who has pledged his support for the Liberation Movement's constitution, to take total control over various remnants of the failed state.

[Wu Han]

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Top, left to right: Kono Daisuke; Kono Aime; Kono Ichika; Kono Aito. Bottom, left to right: Kono Eichi; Kono Yui; Kono Tadeshi; Kono Saki
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"I'm so very proud of her"
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kono Tadeshi, patriarch of the Kono Clan, speaks about his granddaughter's career in politics
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Story by Tano Tadashi, April 4741


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Kono Tadeshi, patriarch of the minor noble Kono Clan, has broken his silence with regard to his granddaughter's political career over a year after she assumed the office of Provisional Prime Minister. Appearing at a celebration of Bidar's Birthday in Nago, Hokuzan, Mr. Kono shocked those in attendance by taking to the podium deliver a speech filled with praise for his granddaughter's work.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"If you'll allow this old man some time, I'd like to speak about my granddaughter, for I am so very proud of her," Mr. Kono began. "It is hard to fein humility, even on such an auspicious day as today, when I have such a cherished granddaughter."

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Throughout his speech, Mr. Kono commended his granddaughter for working with the diverse communities and interests across Seko and creating an environment wherein the new constitution was able to be ratified peacefully through a democratic referendum. Mr. Kono further applauded the Liberation Movement on their approach in creating a counter-hegemonic force to the failed establishment government.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Much of Kono Tadeshi's speech, however, was directly focused on his granddaughter who he complimented as "a leader who shall be honoured long after her time, for "having brought the politics of respect for all, respect for Terra, and respect for the dignity of labour back to life." Prime Minister Kono was visibly moved by her grandfather's touching words, seemingly on the verge of tears throughout the brief 7-minute address.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀While the speech may appear as simply a tribute from a proud grandfather to his granddaughter, it also sends a distinctly political message: the ancient, dormant aristocracy is behind the new constitution. Though as Solidarity had reported, Kono Tadeshi had subtly signalled his support for Kono Saki, and had silently worked behind the scenes through his patronage networks to bolster her career, this is the first public and explicit endorsement Kono Tadeshi, or any prominent member of Seko's historic clans, has made in support of the Prime Minister and her Liberation Movement.


⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀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]

Provisional President Seichō performs blessing upon Emperor of Yingdala after enthronement
5 September 4742



TIAN'AN, YINGDALA: Provisional President Seichō Sakura has travelled to Yingdala to attend the coronation of Yu Li, Emperor of Yingdala. After the traditional ceremony, Seichō was received by the Emperor in a private audience. It has been reported in the Yingdalan press that Seichō performed a Daenist blessing over the Emperor, upon an invitation from the Heavenly Palace. Yingdalan press also used the name "Seko" and referred to Seichō as the "President," despite the provisional nature of her office.

The trip has subsequently won Seichō and her Liberation Movement government greater legitimacy in the eyes of dissident Sekowans, in addition to people and governments around the world which recognize the prestige historically attributed to the Yingdalan Son of Heaven.