abstract
| - The Nippon Kaigun is the naval branch of the Japanese Armed Forces. It is currently the world's largest navy, being larger than that of its two closest rivals combined (The Roman & Mongol Navies). It holds a unique position in the eyes of the Japanese population and it is a symbol of great honor to be accepted into the officer ranks of the navy. The importance of the Kaigun to the Japanese state can not be overstated, and for most of the nation's history, the navy has been vital in keeping the island nation alive. Japan, as an island, is largely separated from the internal struggles of Asia, but without a powerful navy, the situation could easily fall apart. Not unlike the British Empire was in OTL Europe, the Japanese use their navy to defend their financial interests at sea, allowing them to have an enormous merchant fleet and do business in nearly every corner of the world. Although the Japanese lack the technology that the Roman Empire has access to it, through its Navy it more than makes up for this in sheer number of ships and crewmen. Furthermore, Japanese naval crews receive better and more extensive training than most Roman crewmen, and globally regarded as the best naval tacticians and navigators. Presently, no other state's navy can best that of Japan.
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