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As I was happily sipping a Q4 drink in the garden of my Shikoku estate, it suddenly occurred to me that I hadn't checked the premises of the Zetsubō Shimbun for a while. As such, I high-tailed it all the way to the newspaper's main office. Unfortunately, after arriving, I found that I couldn't get in.

The damn locking mechanism in the door had jammed. I suspected that this was due to it somehow rusting away, given that a cloud of red-ish dust wafted out of the keyhole after I removed the now useless door key. Thankfully, upon further inspection, I noticed that wooden door itself was rather badly wasted away and a bruised left shoulder later, I had managed to step foot into the office.

Or so it should have been...

Let it be known that procrastination and paperwork really don't go well together

In any case, amongst this pile of unfinished business were the transcripts of several interviews about the Treasury Incident, which should have been made into yet another brilliant article. Sadly, this article never came to pass, and it is now too late to justify writing up such old news.

As a result, these interviews will be published as they are, for your reading pleasure or washroom hygiene.

Foreword
I did of course attempt to interview others as well as those who are listed here, especially such key people as Walorm himself. Unfortunately I received no relevant replies back. Additionally, there were replies I received but have not listed here, as they would not have been used in the intended article, for various reasons… such as that the reply was utterly useless.

Whatever has been listed here is largely complete and exact, save for some minor editing.

And as to why the devil I'm even dredging up this stuff in the first place? Well it's because I thought that these interviews were interesting. Although the factual content is severely outdated and may no longer be accurate, I think that these replies reveal much about each person; some of whom will be running for president tomorrow (or today, depending when you are reading this)!

- Psi


Interviewees
1.1 Yonai Keiko (accomplice to Walorm; then Representative to the Diet)
2.1 anonymous 1
2.2 anonymous 2
2.3 Dokomo (then President)
2.4 Ember Firespiral (then Vice-President)
2.5 Geno Garon (then preceding Vice-President; then Secretary of Asian Affairs)
2.6 KITA Ikki (then Minister of Defense)
2.7 Metic (then Minister of Internal Affairs)
2.8 Reiji Mitsurugi (then preceding Minister of Internal Affairs; then Speaker of Congress)
2.9 Vorph (then Minister of Finance)

Yonai Keiko
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Of course.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Considering the current situation, anonymity isn’t much of an issue for me.

3. Are there any other members/participants who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
The only person I’m able to direct you to is Walorm, though I suspect you’ve already approached him.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
The movement of funds to Treasury DoK was a necessary act for the continuity of eJapan.

5. How large/widespread is the conspiracy?
There were a number of participants, both aware of their actions, and unaware. Obviously, I can’t reveal anyone from the group outside of Walorm, but I can assure you that you would recognize quite a few of the people involved.

6. How many people actually played an active part in executing the plot and how many more knew of it? Who are they?
I can’t specify the number of people executing and having knowledge of the ‘plot’, however, I can say that this was not a two-person job.

7. Have your numbers grown since the event?
In public, most of eJapan has clearly stated their disgust with the ‘plot’. However, our numbers have grown, and not just amongst prominent politicians.

8. How would you describe your opinion of eJapan or your relationship with her?
I am a loyal citizen of eJapan, and I shall defend her to the death.

9. Does your complicity in recent events indicate that you are hostile towards eJapan and her rightful government? Why?
I am not hostile towards eJapan and her rightful government. However, I am hostile to the government currently in power. There are many people in the current government who are dishonest and unrighteous. Their involvement will be detrimental to the safety of eJapan.

10. What specifically was your involvement in the treasury affair?
I was informed of the plan a few weeks after planning began, and I approved of it. I tried to help as much as I could, however, due to the limit of my access of valuable information, I could not help as much as I had hoped.

11. How did you come to be involved and why did you choose to do so?
I was approached by a friend involved in the plot, and was asked of my opinion on the matter. After responding favorably, I was brought deeper into the ‘plot’ and received more information.

12. Can you justify your actions? If so, how?
I shall always hinder a government detrimental to eJapan with all of the abilities I have at my disposal.

13. What is the ultimate aim and reason behind the actions that you have taken? Have you satisfied/achieved them?
The ultimate goal of our ‘plot’ was to hinder the current government as much as possible. Our actions are not over yet, but for now we have achieved some of that main goal.

14. What will be your plans for the future?
I cannot go into detail, but I can say that there ARE plans for the future. We are eJapanese and we will continue to hinder these dangerous usurpers in every way we can.

15. Given the current furore, if it were your choice alone, would you stay/leave/return to eJapan? Why?
I am eJapanese, and I shall always remain loyal to my nation. No government shall ever drive me from my home.

16. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or your detractors?
Wait, and see. I know for every one that stands against us, one more stays silent in support. Do not be afraid, we shall not abandon you. One day we shall remove these usurpers and return eJapan to its proper course.
[Back to Index]

anonymous 1
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yes

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
I wish to remain anonymous

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
Not that I can think of but if you can get hold of Oraizan and Dokomo that will be good.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
In the perspective of most citizens, including me; I would say the theft of the Japanese Treasury is a betrayal and high treason against nation of Japan. The Conspirators have gone against the majority who elected Dokomo by almost a hundred margin and furthermore, the Conspirators temporarily weakened Japan. The Conspirators have also blackmailed and threatened Japan. Japan has risen above this. Now in the present, Japan is running well and the government operations are back up. The stolen gold will still be helpful, but my own priority now is to find everyone who is involved, so this tragic incident will never occur again.

But in the perspective of Conspirators, they most likely thought of themselves as heroes saving Japan at the cost of their own reputations (People who believed that they represent Japan not the Citizens). Ironically, because of this incident Japan was on its knees for a couple of days and so needless to say this interpretation of the crime is wrong. If anything this incident has unified Japan against such treasonous foes.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
Like every citizen, we were and still are devastated at the betrayal of our senior government officials who believed that their opinions outweighed those of the honorable citizens of Japan. But the will of Japan is strong; we have gotten back up on our feet and we continue walking forward.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
They have shown their true colors, a malicious goal to have their own way even if it conflicts with the interest of Japan. It will only be a matter of time until we find out the rest who have been involved in this matter.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators?
People of Japan, you have shown that we are a strong nation through this internal crisis. As a unified nation, we will knock down every obstacle and we will strike every foe. This matter is indeed a troubling one and the government will do its best in order to shine a light on this matter.

Conspirators, you have shown your venomous intent and you have used Japan as a means to your end. We will find who you are even if it means exhausting every resource and reaching the ends of the Earth. Those who do not serve the will of the people do not deserve to be a part of the government. Death to the conspirators! Ten Thousand years for Japan!
[Back to Index]

anonymous 2
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yes, I’d like to help.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
I wish to choose something in between. If my name helps with this interview i allow it to be seen.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
According to my knowledge, you should talk to the player that provided Dokomo the info where is the disappeared money, so basically Dokomo first. My second choice would be the former president Oraizan as she should know something about this too.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
I've tried to think with both sides head and understand their intentions. I couldn't overcome the fact that a robbery is a crime, regardless what was the reason behind it.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident? (in particular as a (former?) member of the economic board)
As a former member of the economic board I had few things to do and very little inview. I was monitoring the treasury and made some counting what can be expected in the future. I didn't have access to any money, all I did was check http://www.erepublik.com/en/country/economy/Japan 2 times daily and sharing my thoughts on the forum. Unfortunately my friend and business partner was involved; it's quite unfortunate on a personal level as well.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
I still don't see all the interest and reason behind this so I don't have a clear sentence on anyone.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators?
I see that eJapan halved her assets and lost many people who were working for it. Now we have less people to defend and rebuild eJapan. In fact they we are fighting each other. Losing the money is one bad thing to see, but losing friends and reliable help, company is a lot more regretful. I pretty much think eJapan lost more with loosing good people than with a few thousands of gold. I think both sides are guilty in this. I wish to see people roleplaying and for a change trying to be nice to their own friends, family, clan or call it what you like.
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Dokomo
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yes.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Named.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
Vorph, exReality, Ember Firespiral, Oraizan, Walorm
4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
All of the above.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
I had to put aside my initial plans as President and concentrate for several days on the Banking crisis. As well, this has affected Japan's to pay for MPP's and TW's and now I must be more cautious with how we spend our gold. I was involved as President in organizing the efforts of the Diet and working as the new Representative of the NBJ.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
They have let their fear and hatred blind them to the idea that people you disagree with can still be responsible stewards of government.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators? Any message as President?
My message to the conspirators has been sent. They know there will be no bargains for funds. To the citizens of Japan, I continue to thank them for their generosity, nobility, and understanding. Those are the true characteristics of our nation, and that is what we will take forward.
[Back to Index]

Ember Firespiral
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Sure, why not?

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
I don't mind being named.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
The rest of the cabinet, I suppose. Dokomo, Metic, Mursu, Reiji, Myung Kei, exReality, Kita Ikki, Vinen, Vorph, Geno Garon. Maybe the perpe-traitor (yes, that was misspelled intentionally) himself, Walorm, as well as Yonai Keiko, and anyone else you might have suspicion of.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
I agree with the many. This is a highly offensive act of all of the above!

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
Well, as Vice-president, I had to help deal with the aftermath on my very first day in office. I have been the head of the Ministry of Culture and Events for over two months, but I am new to this kind of responsibility, so it has made it even more challenging for me, but I look at it as a learning experience. I will use this to make myself stronger and wiser. I have also learned to never trust anyone entirely again.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
I trusted Walorm, and he betrayed the entire nation. It hurts my heart. To know that Yonai, someone I highly respected and trusted, was in on it, too... My heart cries out in betrayal. Anyone else that may have been involved will no longer shock me. I am still a bit in disbelief at the sudden change of attitude and loss of cognitive function that they have shown. I can't believe anyone would betray our entire country this way, and endanger us all.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators? Any message as Vice-President?
To the people of eJapan: We should all be very proud of the government they voted into office this month. I've never seen anyone handle a crisis with such aplomb. I am very proud of Dokomo. He has done an outstanding job of dealing with this crisis and helping the people of Japan recover from it not only as the president of eJapan, but also as a friend to us all. exReality has also done a truly incredible job at investigating the incident. There is no need to worry. We will make sure that eJapan is taken care of and we will see to it that the criminals are brought to justice in one way or another. As for the perpe-traitors: You have not hurt the "FOH" you claim to be rebelling against. You have only hurt the nation. You have helped to show, however, that these "FOH" can be trusted with the good and safety of eJapan. You have effectively accomplished the opposite of your goal. I hope you had fun! ~.^
[Back to Index]

Geno Garon
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yes.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Yes, always.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
I'm not sure who you have on your list, but President Dokomo should be your first stop.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
"Remember, remember, the Fifth of November. Gunpowder Treason and Plot. I see no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should e'er be forgot." To play Devil's Advocate here a bit, many would have called the actions of V to be exceptionally treasonous. People are saying only time will tell the full extent of people's treachery. I say only time will tell the full extent of this treachery's value to Japan.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
I was implicated from the start, and rightly so, as one of the persons who was known to have all three ORG passwords. However, I was not held in suspect for long, and have worked rather tirelessly with both past and current government, contacts of mine who have the ear of the Admins, as well as those known to be involved with the theft, to bring Japan's money back to its people.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
The only thing I can say about those who took part in this is that they have chosen their path, and will live with its consequences.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators?
To the Japanese people, do not lose heart. We are doing everything we can to bring Japan back to normalcy, and we will prevail.
[Back to Index]

KITA Ikki
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
I would be happy to do an interview as a public service.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
You can name me and quote anything I say in the article.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
exReality has done a fantastic job investigating--you can see much of what he's written in the forum posts, but he might have more to add now.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
I do consider it a major theft and had it occurred unrelated to an election cycle, nothing more. Given that it was a direct result of election results, it is an act of treason since the theft attempts to undermine our democracy.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
The Ministry of Defense had a number of program initiatives on the table to keep cheap iron flowing to weapons companies, keep weapons flowing to the soldiers, and save gold for tanking and MPP costs. We are severely affected by the theft and are looking to reduce costs accordingly.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
The people I believe were involved in this theft go beyond Walorm and Yonai Keiko. I suspect Oraizan played a small role in this as well, but it is no secret that the "old government" did not like the rise of the ISP in June-July and certainly did not like the new Godzilla Party who arrived in late July. They had their chance to engage them politically in debate, and the old parties largely failed. The theft was their attempt to retain power despite losing the election. I hope they change their minds and return the money for eJapan's sake.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators? Any message as the Minister of Defence?
The Ministry of Defense has taken appropriate actions to secure orgs and passwords. Even so, if a corrupt official in the highest office wishes to give out the password, there's little we can do to stop them. Get active in politics, elect leaders we can all trust, and the orgs that power eJapan will keep making us stronger!
[Back to Index]

Metic
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yes, of course.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Doesn't matter, would probably depend on what else is asked.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
Vorph, MoF. exReality, ISP CongressMember.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
All of the above. Basically, I see the Bank's money as Japan's money. As long as its uses are towards Japan and its citizens, it is used legally. Walorm's actions, have not acted towards Japanese citizens.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
Not very much. It spurred a lot of discussion among the cabinet members that are active on IRC. The ones who tackled the recovery plan as well as discovering who did these actions are from what I see, Vorph, Dokomo, and exReality. A lot happened during the afternoon after the election day, when sadly I am at school.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
Not impressed. I can understand their rationale, but it is completely stupid to risk Japan in order to fight their own fight.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators? Any message as Minister of Internal Affairs?
Nope. We are back on track, the government programs affected, the military, has resumed. There are more pressing issues on the horizon such as the eIndonesia quitting PEACE, and that can easily risk Japan's sovereignty.
[Back to Index]

Reiji Mitsurugi
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Yeah okay.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Name the shit out of me.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
You know them: Walorm, Keiko, Dokomo, Mursu, Geno, the whole gang.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
It is absolutely a betrayal of the Japanese people. The thieves have gone so far as to brand themselves as patriots, as saviors of the Japanese people fighting against the tyranny of Dokomo. But how can they not see that their actions have gone exactly counter to their goals? They have made Dokomo a victim, strengthened his resolve and popularity, while hurting the people of Japan. It's a failed method, it's disgusting, and it must be punished.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
As the leader of the Imperial Diet of Japan, I can tell you it has affected the entire congress. Our ability to provide services to the people of Japan has been limited. I am also a member of the Imperial Guard, and our military was paralyzed for several days due to lack of funding.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
I've already said enough about them. They are traitors, and not very effective ones at that. They have failed, and Japan is already stronger for it. The best they can hope for now is amnesty, which I am willing to grant.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators?
Enough words wasted on the past, let us look to the future.
[Back to Index]

Vorph
1. Are you willing to be interviewed so as to provide material for a possible article?
Sure.

2. Do you wish to be specifically named or remain anonymous in said article?
Named is fine.

3. Are there any other people who I should talk to? If so, please provide their details.
Dokomo, Kita, Chaotic1, exReality.

4. Many people might call the transfer of the contents of the eJapanese Treasury to DoK, an act of theft, betrayal, treachery or high treason. What is your interpretation/view of this said event?
All of the above, plus a rather extreme act of hypocrisy. I don't believe any of the excuses about this being an attempt to "protect" Japan from FoH. This was nothing more than an act of greed, and whoever it was that gave Walorm access to the orgs must be a very gullible person. The same goes for anyone who still believes their story.

5. How were you involved or affected by this incident?
The first few days after the election were wasted as we had to rebuild the bank via currency printing and selling. Yonai Keiko wasted yet another day with a malicious donation proposal. Currently things are getting back on track and we have been able to get mostly back to business as usual. Loans are being paid off daily, and the 'incident' won't really affect us again until our MPPs are expiring.

The biggest effect it had was on the country's ability to defend itself. The military orgs were basically shut down for several days. Weapons companies couldn't operate, many workers quit their jobs because we couldn't pay them, no one received training weapons, and we had to delay paying for our training wars.

6. What can you say about the people who have taken part in this conspiracy?
They care nothing about eJapan itself, but instead only about furthering their own self-interests. They don't like us, so they conveniently ignore that Dokomo was elected by the will of a large majority of the citizens, as well as the support of 3 out of the top 5 parties. This action did not harm our group of players directly, and if anything it strengthened the alliances we have within eJapan. The real damage was done to eJapan as a whole, and it still remains to be seen what will happen to the country as it is short on money at a time of rather significant political turmoil.

7. Do you have anything else to add? Any message for the people of eJapan and/or the conspirators? Any message as Minister of Finance?
To the people of eJapan, thanks for your support in getting past this. Without all the loans and donations, it would have taken much longer to even begin to fix the damage.
To the conspirators, this is far from over.
[Back to Index]

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Published from archives,
04/02/2010
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Suggested Reading:
Bank of Japan Theft - eRepublik Official Wiki
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