Japanese Occupation of Hunan

The Japanese Occupation of Hunan began on June 1, 2003, following the Cantonese War, under the leadership of Satò Aquira. Japanese occupation of Hunan brought protests from the Chinese League who insisted that they were the proper authority to administer Hunan. It has lead to a general deterioration in relations between Japan and most of the Chinese states.

An insurgency against Japan began shortly after the start of the occupation. The ongoing insurgency has divided opinion within the Japanese Empire between those who favor pulling out of Hunan, and those who believe that withdrawal would hurt Japanese interests. Antiwar sentiment is especially strong in Ezo and Corea. The Ezoans fear Russian threats against the Russo-Japanese Condominium Area, and believe that the war in Hunan is dividing Japanese strength against a possibly imminent Russian attack. The Coreans, on the other hand, are opposed to what they see as a war for the benefit of the Japanese Emperor's honor, as well as having sympathies toward China, and, in particular, business relations with Beihanguo.

The Japanese authorities in Hunan have accused neighboring states, particular Zhuanguo and Nanhanguo of supporting the insurgents. These states have strongly denied any connection. In recent years, the insurgents have all but disappeared, and with the crowning of the new king, it is expected that the occupational government will transition before next spring (2016).