When Tomorrow Comes

Day 2,785, 14:28 • Published in Japan Nigeria • by Madame Yang

Not too long ago, I was in conversation with an expatriate of eJapan. They are a growing demographic these days, as our citizens become dispirited over the sorry state of our nation and leave for greener, more inspiring pastures. He explained to me how the prospects for eJapan were simply too dismal for him to remain any longer. Tragically, the more who come around to that conclusion, the worse the situation becomes. I do not blame him or any other citizen for leaving; believe it or not, there are still a few relatively diverse and vibrant communities within eRepublik worth joining.

In light of this, why should you waste your time in a thoroughly demoralizing country? I suppose those of us who remain here are stubbornly idealistic. To answer a question with a question, I would respon😛 why shouldn't eJapan be one of these coveted destinations? This country is our home, and while it seems there is little we can do to improve it under the dictatorship, we can still keep this improbable, pigheaded dream alive. Some people continue playing a game for the fun; what sustains us, however, is righteous indignation! I'm sure this feeling is hardly exclusive to those in eJapan.

What exactly is there for which to hold out? I can only speak of my own hopes for the future, foolhardy as they might be. I would see a pluralistic democracy in eJapan; a society in which no single ethno-linguistic group dominates at the expense of the rest; a political scene where parties can be permitted to have actual ideals and not simply exist as a segment of one monolithic voting bloc or the other; a foreign policy that consists of more than just flexing military muscle through the intimidation of weaker nations; where disagreements can be healthy and respectfully addressed, rather than lead to the partisan division of the entire country.

Accountability in government is everything. Without it, you get administrations that seek to "punish" their own citizens and deliberately allow the population of the country to stagnate. Presently, applications for eJapanese citizenship from all around the eWorld are left to expire unless the regime is absolutely certain they will join one of the ruling parties. All immigrants ought to be granted the same opportunities to become a part of our community. No one would think to disagree with such a sentiment. Yet here we are.

I would no sooner see a "Tsunami" dictatorship in place of the current one. I have posited before that democracy is the only answer for the problems in eJapan and it remains the only one I shall endorse or accept. I've had other players tell me that my articles have inspired them to begin or renew their own media activity. I can think of no higher praise or goal here. If I've accomplished nothing else, I would be satisfied. Please share with us the eJapan you wish to see! Let us begin a renaissance of hope!

I implore those who would see change to stay in eJapan - we need every single one of you. For those who must go, I understand and wish you luck.

As for me, I'll be around.

~ Madame Yang