[POR] Message to Japan

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miyamoto Su Tokugawa
Subject: Open Relations

On behalf of the Portuguese Republic, I extend a warm and sincere welcome to you as you assume your significant responsibilities on the international stage.

The relationship between Portugal and Japan has a rich and illustrious history, dating back to the 16th century when Portuguese explorers first arrived on Japanese shores. This initial contact marked the beginning of a longstanding friendship characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Over the centuries, our nations have collaborated in various fields, including trade, cultural exchange, scientific research, and technological innovation.

In light of our shared history and the promising future that lies ahead, I would like to invite the Japanese Ambassador to Portugal for a meeting with me. This meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss how we can further strengthen our bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation. Moreover, I believe there is significant potential for a mutually beneficial trade agreement between our countries. Portugal is eager to expand its economic ties with Japan, and I am confident that there are numerous sectors where we can collaborate effectively. In addition to trade, we are also interested in exploring opportunities for Portuguese investments in Japan. Our nation has a wealth of expertise in various industries, and we are keen to contribute to Japan's economic growth and development.

I look forward to the possibility of working closely with you and your team to build upon the strong foundation of our bilateral relationship. Please inform us of a convenient time for the Ambassador to meet, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly anticipate the positive developments that our enhanced cooperation will bring.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Secretary of State of the Portuguese Republic,
Jaime Gama

 

[Tokugawa]

外務省
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
大日本帝國
Empire of Japan​

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From: Her Excellency Su Miyamoto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Empire of Japan
To: His Excellency Jaime Gama, Secretary of State of the Portuguese Republic Bruno

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Classification: Confidential
Encryption: Camellia 128 Bit Block Size 128 Bit Key Size 18 Rounds

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Subject: Re: Open Relations

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Your Excellency,

Thank you for your kind message and well wishes. As the Empire of Japan rises like a phoenix out of the ashes of recent crises the rebuilding of relations with likeminded nations is a top priority of Her Imperial Majesty's Government. To that goal I welcome your outreach. It is our intention to send Sakura Takahashi as the official ambassador from Her Imperial Majesty to the Portuguese Republic this week. Upon her arrival and accreditation she will gladly meet with you to discuss the proposed topics.

Kind regards,
Su Miyamoto

 

[Bruno]

SECRET

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miyamoto Su Tokugawa
Subject: Open Relations

Your excellency,

It is truly heartening to witness the resilience and resurgence of the Empire of Japan, and we are honored to be part of this significant journey. Portugal shares Japan's commitment to rebuilding and strengthening international relations, and we are eager to explore the myriad opportunities for cooperation between our nations.

We look forward to welcoming Ambassador Sakura Takahashi this week. Her arrival marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, and I am confident that our discussions will lay a solid foundation for future collaboration. We are particularly excited to delve into the proposed topics of trade agreements and potential Portuguese investments in Japan, areas where we see great potential for mutual benefit.

Please extend my warmest regards to Her Imperial Majesty's Government. We eagerly anticipate a fruitful and enduring partnership.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Secretary of State of the Portuguese Republic,
Jaime Gama

 

[Tokugawa]

After landing in Lisbon Sakura would be picked up by a Lexus LS from the Japanese embassy to take her first to her residence so she could freshen up and change into more appropriate clothes to meet with the Portuguese than the comfortable plane clothes she was wearing right now. After freshening up and changing she would step back immediately into the same black Lexus and have it take her to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic. Once there the 30 year old woman would step out of the car and identify herself with any security present, or the reception desk if there was no security, and ask to be taken to the Secretary of State.

Bruno

 

[Bruno]

As Ambassador Sakura Takahashi's sleek black Lexus LS pulled up to the Department of State in Lisbon, the air was filled with anticipation. The embassy had informed the Department of her arrival, and it had ensured that the security and reception teams were well-prepared to welcome her with the respect and honor befitting a representative of Her Imperial Majesty's Government.

Upon her arrival, Ambassador Takahashi was greeted by the chief of protocol, who escorted her through the elegant hallways of the Department, adorned with Portuguese and Japanese flags and historical artifacts celebrating our long-standing relationship. As she approached my office, the Secretary of State, Jaime Gama, rose to greet her with a warm smile.

"Ambassador Takahashi, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Portugal. We are honored by your visit and excited about the potential for deepening our bilateral relations."

After the formalities and a brief exchange of pleasantries, they were moved to the discussion room, where a carefully curated agenda awaited them. As they settled into their respective seats, the Secretary started outlining the key proposals he wished to discuss.

"Ambassador, as we look to strengthen our ties, I would like to propose several initiatives that I believe will be mutually beneficial for both our nations" He would read from a document brought to him by an aide.

1. Trade Agreement with Gradual Tariff Reduction:
   • We propose a bilateral trade agreement that includes a phased reduction of tariffs over a period of four years. This gradual approach will help protect our local businesses while fostering increased trade between our countries. The goal is to achieve balanced and sustainable growth in our economic exchanges.
2. Student Exchange Program:
   • We wish to enhance our cultural understanding and educational collaboration, we propose establishing a student exchange program. This initiative will allow students from Portugal and Japan to study at each other's universities, fostering deeper connections and mutual respect between our younger generations.
3. Portuguese Investment in Japan:
   • We are keen to invest $50 million in Japan, particularly focusing on the commercial sector. Given Japan's strategic importance in global trade, we propose investing in the Port of Kobe. This investment will enhance the port's infrastructure and commercial capabilities, boosting economic activities and strengthening our economic partnership.
4. Military Cooperation:
   • In the realm of defense, we would like to propose the purchase of 300 units of the Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile along with its radar systems. To support this acquisition, Portugal will bear the cost of production and pay the profits directly to Japan. Furthermore, we seek a license to produce these units domestically to meet this specific requirement, ensuring our defense capabilities are enhanced while maintaining strong ties with Japan. What this means in, Portuguese Industry would produce 300 units of this product only once, once the 300 units are constructed, the license would automatically be revoked.

"Ambassador, these proposals are designed to create a comprehensive framework for our cooperation, benefiting both nations economically, culturally, and strategically. We are eager to hear your thoughts and look forward to working together to bring these initiatives to fruition." He would observe Ambassador Takahashi's reaction, hopeful that these initiatives would resonate with her and pave the way for a new era of Portugal-Japan relations.

Tokugawa

 

[Tokugawa]

"Thank you, your excellency. It is an honor to be sent to your beautiful nation. Long ago Portugal was the first European power our ancestors met, and my government looks forward to seeing what the future brings for our bilateral relationship" Sakura would respond to the initial welcome. After moving to the discussion room she carefully listened to the proposed agenda for today's meeting.

"I can appreciate the ambitious goals for this meeting. While my government is currently still determining its trade policies I cannot yet commit to any specific trade agreement, however I can discuss it and relay the proposals back to Tokyo for consideration by the Cabinet. On the other three topics I can speak as these are topics the government has settled its policies on"

Bruno

 

[Bruno]

“Thank you, Minister Sakura. Portugal is honored to welcome you and hopes to further enrich the longstanding relationship between our nations. In that spirit, Portugal would like to propose a student exchange program as a first step in broadening our educational and cultural ties. This program would allow students from both Portugal and Japan to study abroad, fostering mutual understanding and sharing perspectives that we believe are essential to the success of a modern global partnership. We hope Japan would find this program equally beneficial and be open to the initial stages of discussion.”

The Portuguese delegation took a brief pause before continuing on the other topics.

“We understand that Japan’s trade policies are still under review, and we appreciate your willingness to bring these considerations back to Tokyo for further discussion. In the meantime, Portugal is pleased to engage fully on the remaining items. We look forward to a productive dialogue on these areas where our goals align and can advance swiftly. Tokugawa

 

[Tokugawa]

She smiled, her smile having always been characterized as appearing especially friendly by others. "The Empress has indicated a strong desire for Japanese society, which has so far been largely culturally insular, to open up to the rest of the world. As such I believe a student exchange would be a great way to begin that process. What exactly would be involved with such a program?"

Bruno

 

[Bruno]

He returned the friendly smile, nodding enthusiastically. "I’m thrilled to hear that the Empress is open to sharing Japan’s remarkable culture and society. Portugal sees immense value in a student exchange program that would encourage cross-cultural understanding while allowing students to gain skills and experiences they can carry forward for life. Allow me to lay out an initial framework, and of course, we can tailor it further to best suit both our nations."

He leaned forward, outlining the program in greater detail. “Our vision is a bilateral exchange where students from Japan and Portugal spend a semester or full academic year at a host institution in the partner country. This could begin at the university level, with options for graduate students as well. Students would enroll in courses that immerse them in the language, history, and culture of the host nation, alongside their chosen field of study. We could establish cultural workshops, language immersion courses, and internship placements to deepen their experience.”

He paused, letting the details settle, before adding, "Beyond the student exchange, we could also include faculty exchanges to build deeper ties between our academic institutions and enable professors to conduct joint research, share resources, and bring new perspectives to their fields."

After a moment, he continued with a respectful tone. "And if I may, I’d also like to ask if Japan might be open to the prospect of discussing military equipment sales to Portugal. While I understand Japan’s policies in this area are nuanced, I believe that opening up this avenue could also further align our nations on matters of shared security and strategic cooperation.”

Tokugawa

 

[Bruno]

Tokugawa