Unlocking the Mystery: Why is Inazuma a Closed Nation in Genshin Impact?
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Inazuma, the land of eternity and the Electro Archon, is a fascinating and often turbulent nation within the world of Genshin Impact. One of its most defining characteristics is its closed borders, a policy that has significantly impacted its internal affairs and external relations. But why exactly is Inazuma a closed nation? The answer lies in a combination of political decrees, historical events, and the unwavering will of its ruler, the Raiden Shogun.
In short, Inazuma is closed off due to the Sakoku Decree, a policy implemented by the Raiden Shogun which effectively shut the nation off from the outside world. This isolationist stance was not born out of malice, but rather from the Shogun’s desire to achieve eternity for her nation, a state she believes can only be maintained through unwavering control and the elimination of external influences that might disrupt her vision. The decree was enacted roughly a year before the Traveler arrives in the storyline, creating a period of intense isolation and upheaval for the nation. This isolationism is not a natural state for Inazuma but rather a relatively recent and deliberate choice stemming from the Shogun’s specific goals.
The Raiden Shogun’s Quest for Eternity
At the heart of Inazuma’s isolation is the Raiden Shogun’s philosophy. Believing that constant change and interaction lead to instability, she seeks to freeze Inazuma in a state of unchanging eternity. This vision, though well-intentioned in her perspective, is perceived differently by the people of Inazuma and the wider world. The Sakoku Decree is simply a tool to achieve this goal. She sees external influences as destabilizing elements that could erode the “eternity” she is striving to build. Therefore, by severing ties with the rest of Teyvat, she aims to safeguard her ideal.
The Vision Hunt Decree
Adding fuel to the fire of Inazuma’s internal conflicts was the Vision Hunt Decree, a policy closely linked to the Sakoku Decree. This decree, also enacted by the Raiden Shogun, ordered the confiscation of all Visions within Inazuma. The Shogun believed that Visions, as conduits of ambition and desire, were hindrances to her goal of eternity. The confiscation of these Visions and the suffering it caused further added to the turmoil within the closed nation, leading to a rise of rebel factions. It also became a target for external forces, notably the Fatui, who saw an opportunity to exploit the situation for their own gains.
Consequences of Isolation
The consequences of Inazuma’s closed borders are far-reaching and devastating for many. Internally, the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees led to resentment and rebellion, causing significant social and political unrest. The loss of their Visions, a key component of many Inazumans’ identities and abilities, left many feeling disempowered and desperate. The resistance movement against the Shogun grew significantly and became a major plot point in the game’s narrative.
Externally, Inazuma’s isolation strained relations with other nations and attracted unwanted attention from groups like the Fatui, whose manipulations further fueled internal conflicts. The lack of communication and trade also severely impacted Inazuma’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
Ultimately, while the Raiden Shogun aimed for stability, the closed borders and associated decrees resulted in the exact opposite: a nation rife with internal division and external threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to help understand the complex situation of Inazuma’s closed borders better:
1. What is the Sakoku Decree?
The Sakoku Decree is a policy enacted by the Raiden Shogun that closed Inazuma’s borders to all outsiders, severely limiting external trade and interactions. This policy was implemented to maintain the Shogun’s vision of “eternity”.
2. When did Inazuma close its borders?
Inazuma closed its borders roughly a year prior to the start of the game’s storyline and the Traveler’s arrival in the nation.
3. What is the Vision Hunt Decree?
The Vision Hunt Decree is a policy implemented alongside the Sakoku Decree that ordered the confiscation of all Visions within Inazuma. The Raiden Shogun believed that Visions hindered the nation’s path to “eternity.”
4. What is the goal of the Raiden Shogun?
The Raiden Shogun seeks to achieve eternity for Inazuma, believing that constant change is destabilizing. She wants to maintain an unchanging state through control and the elimination of external influences.
5. How does the Sakoku Decree affect the people of Inazuma?
The Sakoku Decree caused significant social and economic hardship, leading to widespread resentment and rebellion against the Raiden Shogun.
6. Why is Inazuma referred to as the “Land of Eternity”?
The land is known as the “Land of Eternity” because it is the guiding philosophy of the Raiden Shogun. She seeks to achieve an unchanging state for the nation.
7. How do the Fatui play a role in Inazuma’s situation?
The Fatui exploited the chaos caused by the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees, manipulating events for their own gain and further destabilizing Inazuma.
8. What are the main consequences of Inazuma’s closed borders?
The main consequences are internal unrest, a rise in rebellion, economic hardship, and interference from external forces like the Fatui.
9. Is Inazuma completely cut off from the outside world?
Yes, before the Traveler takes action, Inazuma is practically cut off. Travel in and out of Inazuma is severely restricted, leading to isolation and difficulties in communication.
10. How did the people of Inazuma react to the Vision Hunt Decree?
The people of Inazuma reacted with fear, resentment, and resistance. The loss of their Visions left many feeling powerless, leading them to join rebel factions.
11. What is the relationship between the Sakoku and the Vision Hunt Decrees?
The Vision Hunt Decree was implemented to help reinforce the Sakoku Decree. By removing the “ambitions” of individuals, she also believed she was removing potential influences that would detract from her eternity.
12. How does the Traveler interact with Inazuma’s closed borders?
The Traveler plays a crucial role in challenging the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees, eventually aiding in opening Inazuma to the world and allowing its people to reclaim their Visions and their freedom.
13. What is the meaning of “Sakoku”?
“Sakoku” literally translates to “locked country,” reflecting the state of isolation that the decree imposed on Inazuma.
14. Was Inazuma always a closed nation?
No, Inazuma was not always a closed nation. The Sakoku Decree was a relatively recent policy change implemented by the Raiden Shogun in her pursuit of eternity. Before that, it had more interaction with the outside world.
15. Does the Raiden Shogun eventually change her policies?
Yes, the Raiden Shogun eventually reconsiders her extreme policies, influenced by the Traveler’s actions and a deeper understanding of her own motivations and the true nature of “eternity” and the role of Visions. The nation starts to open up after the main Archon quest is completed.