Welcome back, everyone!

I have two little warnings before we move onto this chapter – as you can probably tell by the lateness of this update, school has started again for me and I have much less time to work on fun writing projects like this. I'm sorry about that. Secondly, well… truth is, I've barely written any of Japan's character in the past, so this was a huge challenge. I'm not sure how well it came out. Fingers crossed.

Enjoy, I hope…

Konnichiwa. I am Japan, or perhaps you may know me as Kiku Honda. Please, forgive me; I might sound a little bit awkward because I have never done this before. However, Germany-san and Italy-san have already done this, and as the third member of the Axis Powers, I decided I would try this too so that I may see what is so fascinating about it. Also, please do not send me anything too embarrassing. I wish to be able to answer all of your questions, but if it makes me feel too awkward, I might refrain from speaking.

I thank you all in advance for giving me such support. Now I will read and consider your questions carefully before answering them. Arigato.

From JAPANFANGIRL (anonymous)

*randomly falls out of the sky* ow! Oh hey Japan I have two questionable you

…H-how did you fall out of the sky? Are you hurt? Please, do not do that again – that must be some kind of hazard to your health.

Also, your choice in anonymous name… it is – how do you say it? – flattering. Arigato.

1) if you had to chose between giving America full control of all anime and letting Italy drive you around for the rest of your life which do you think is worst?

I must admit, that is tough. Both of those are horrible things that I never want to happen, but I would say that making Italy my driving escort for the rest of my life is worse. Do not think I have gone mad – I would never want to see what terrible things America would do if he had control over my anime – but I must admit, I am rather fond of my life and do not want to lose it thanks to Italy-san's erratic driving.

I can still feel my heart racing the last time Italy drove me anywhere. How can he even have a driver's license? Do they just not care for safety in his country? That concerns me deeply.

2) who's more annoying France,Italy,Germany, or America?

It is funny you ask that question because I am not someone who is easy to annoy. To start, Germany-san is very good about respecting my personal space and speaking to me when he feels there is need, so I would never call him annoying. Italy-san is a little less, shall I say, reserved; he talks all the time out of enthusiasm, but is generally very self-aware. While he may bother me more often than Germany-san, I would not refer to him as annoying either. Besides, they are my allies – calling them annoying would be very rude and I do not wish to offend either of them.

France and America, however, are not my allies. While France bothers me with his… uhhh… rather frightening "eagerness" to touch me when I am not aware of his presence, I do not think this is as annoying as it is disturbing. I must say, out of all the nations you have chosen, America is the most aggravating. He can be very fascinating at times and I still have much to learn about his culture, but he frequently shows up to watch DVDs at my place and takes pride in trashing my home with his foreign things that, however interesting, I do not want to have in my home. This is not even starting to mention just how often he pesters me in order for us to "hang out" and do something that I, probably, have little interest in to begin with.

I think America is the only one I would call annoying out of all four of your choices…

I-I hope I didn't bother with my questions! *bows* I must go now bye japan *black smoke then I disappear*

Do not worry – I found your questions interesting, and it certainly gave me some perspective to evaluate things I might have otherwise not looked into. I am sincerely grateful you wrote me.

From Idontlikeblackhair jk XD (anonymous)

HI HI MY FRIEND JAPANFANGIRL :) TOLD ME TO DO THIS

…Konnichiwa? Please, you do not need to yell.

1) YOUR SO CUTE HOW DO STAY SO ULTRA ADORABLIE!

I… I don't… forgive me if I am being blunt, but adorable is not a word I would use to describe myself. But thank you for thinking of me as such an… e-endearing figure.

2) ARE YOU straight,bi, or gay?

I am not sure. Romance is something that eludes me a little, although I would like to find a permanent partner someday. Gender does not matter to me, so in that sense, you may perceive me as bisexual. However, I have never been truly romantically attracted to someone else, so maybe I am asexual instead. I am afraid I cannot give you a definite answer until I fall in love, and I am not sure when that will happen, if ever. I apologize.

THATS ALL BYEEEEEE! *explodes*

You… I mean… are you okay?

…

Sayonara?

From apptrullyfan6

U-um hello Japan-sempi please to meet you *bows* um I'm alittle embarrassed doing this since Im one of your many fans *blushes* well I'm gonna get on the questions!

I am very pleased to meet you as well, writer-shi. You do not need to be embarrassed around me, as I can tell that you are a person with a sense of order and modesty. I would be honored to answer your questions.

1) you and Greece seem to be good friends if he was a girl would you date him/her?

Herac – I mean, Greece… he and I are on very good terms and have been since we met. We have supported each other for a long time, in both decision-making and hard times, and visit each other as often as possible.

However… d-dating him, regardless of his gender, might not be appropriate. We get along well enough as friends – perhaps even best friends – and I do not see any reason for that to change. Even if I did feel about him in this way, I cannot guarantee he would feel the same in return. If I date anyone, human or nation, I would like to date someone who I know will wholly reciprocate any romantic feelings I bear for them.

2) how does a sweet quiet country like you survive with hyper-active America around?

To be honest, with a lot of hidden frustration. I would never express this to America, however, as it would not only be rude, but it might hurt his feelings. He is more emotional than he cares to let on.

I-I'm sorry if I annoyed you please forgive me! That's it thank you for listening to me goodbye *waves*

Do not be sorry, I was not annoyed at all. I thank you very much for sending in a letter for me to answer and I hope you appreciate my responses. Sayonara.

From HaloReaper83

Hello, Mr. Japan! Its an honor to be able to talk to you! Well, not really talk. We're typing. But you know what I mean. Um, it's an honor to type to you! Or with you! Or... *blushes* I'm rambling, I'm sorry. I'll go ahead and start with my questions. ^^'

It is an honor to speak with a distinguished writer such as yourself. Please do not apologize for rambling; being friends with Italy has desensitized me to it. I feel as though I am prepared to answer whatever you might ask me.

Um, my best friend, Anna-chan, is a big supporter of Ameripan. She says it's her OTP. I don't really support it, but we want to hear your opinion. What do YOU think of Ameripan?

I… America… and me? In a slash pairing? Together?

…

…While I may find America irritating and annoying at times (especially when he comes to my house without my permission), I do think he is a very interesting individual. There is more to this nation than meets the eye, and I am deeply curious to find out what he is like within. This kind of search that I conduct upon him, to find out who America truly is, definitely puts me in a position of being paired with him in the eyes of the fandom. I can see why someone would ship us.

As for my opinion on Ameripan… I think I need to refrain from speaking here. I apologize.

You REALLY seem to be uncomfortable in situations when you're in contact with other people. Is there a personal reason why? Or do you just not like phisical contact?

Physical contact is not a bad thing, and I have nothing against it. However, culturally, engaging someone in this way in public – by hugging, tickling, patting them on the back, or anything – is considered a sign by my people that the two who are doing this have deep, personal feelings for one another. Bystanders in my country often assume that those feelings are romantic.

This is the reason I am so uncomfortable when, for example, Italy hugs me where other people can see. While I understand he is not making any form of advance upon me, the onlookers may not understand this and assume we are an item.

In private, I am still a bit tense about physical contact, but that is mostly because I am simply not used to it.

How is your relationship with China-kun these days?

It is, in a word, stiff. The tension is so thick, you can cut it. It is both of our faults, though. We have done terrible things to each other in the past, things that I never want to speak of again and, I am certain, neither does he. It makes communications between us strained. However, if I knew how to change that, I would. I confess that I miss spending time with China-sama as brothers rather than as shaky friends.

Besides martial arts, do you like any sports?

While martial arts are certainly my favorite kinds of sports, there are indeed a few others I favor. Another sport native to my culture that I enjoy watching is sumo wrestling, but this does not mean I do not enjoy foreign sports. My people are fans of soccer. Not only that, but we also enjoy slightly-modified versions of baseball ("yakyu") and badminton ("hanetsuki").

Of course, there are many other sports I like, but these are just a few examples of my favorites.

I guess that's all I have to ask you~! ^^ thank you for your time! Oh, wait, my friend Anna wants to say something:

What? The Ameripan supporter?

…Okay, if you say so. Put her on…

Anna - JAPAN! Y U SO KAWAII! U SO CUTE! I WUV YOU~! GO KISSY YOUR AMERICAN AND DANCE WITH SUNSHINE AND LOLLIPOPS~! BYE-BYE!

I… I… thank you?

(O.o err...that's really what she typed. Oh well! Bye, Japan! Nice talking with you!)

She certainly does seem like an interesting character. Anyway, I thank you for writing to me. It was an honor speaking with you.

From Madhattergirl122

Hi Japan! How are you doing in this weather?

Konnichiwa. The weather in my nation is currently temperate, with highs in the mid-sixties and lows in the forties. It is not particularly hot or cold, so I am not quite sure what to wear when I go out most mornings. Otherwise, I am doing well. I thank you for asking.

Well I was wondering, what other drawings/paintings do you have, apart from manga and porn?

I-it's not porn! It's hentai! There is a difference.

…

That was very informal. Please forgive me for my rudeness.

Apart from manga and hentai, I am a very dedicated painter. I often like to paint scenes of the medieval era of my country, of nature and the mountains, or of famous historical or mythical figures in my history. Westerners do not get as much exposure to this, but I also have had much practice in calligraphic visual art as well, or "shodo." You may think of it as being a bit like the visual poetry that some western poets write in.

Also what's your favourite manga?

It is difficult for me to narrow down my favorite manga out of the many series the artists in my nation produce, but there is one by Hidekaz Himaruya that might catch your attention. It's called Axis Powers Hetalia. I highly recommend it.

Have you ever played the KH series? (aka Kingdom Hearts).

No, I have never found the time to personally play the Kingdom Hearts games, but many of the people in my country who have played it have enjoyed it thoroughly. The harshly-critiquing Japanese magazine Famitsu has even given it a 36 out of 40 score, or a low A grade. This is coming from a critic where any grade given that is above 35 is an anomaly to come by.

If I had the time, I would almost certainly try it. Its sequel, Kingdom Hearts II, has gotten a 39 out of 40 in the aforementioned magazine as well. It sounds like a very good series.

Oh can you tell Germany I really want to give him a hug? I feel really bad for him. Oh and tell him thank you for the answers and to just forget his worries and ask the guy out! (he'll know)

While it made me feel slightly awkward, I have told him such. Germany-san seemed hesitant, but he tells me to thank you for your encouragement.

The "guy" you referred to is Italy-san, am I correct? I am just wondering, because the way Germany-san blushed when I told him you said to just "ask the guy out" was of a similar intensity to the way he blushes around a certain Italian country who adores hugs and pasta.

Also what was it like living with China?

Growing up with China-sama was an interesting experience. He was a strict older brother and yelled at me frequently, encouraging a solid foundation of personal discipline. At the same time, he was supportive of my inventive nature, although he never did appreciate how reserved I could be.

I suppose having to move away and becoming my own nation was for the best – while I learned a lot from China-sama and living with him has given me a sense of self-control, he also suffocated me with his personal ideals and gave me little room to practice my own talents at times. Either way, he is a part of what helped me become who I am today, both as a nation and as a person. In this sense, I am forever indebted to him.

Anyway, thanks for putting up with little me(like Italy and Germany have done).

Please, do not worry. It was no problem. Answering your questions was an enjoyable experience.

Happy New year Japan, Germany and Italy!

From Madhattergirl122

Arigato, writer-shi. Germany-san, Italy-san and I all wish you a lucky 2012.

~ Sincerely, Japan

From Mossears of RiverClan

Dear Japan,

Hello, how are you! I hope you don't mind, but I have a few questions for you.

Hello, writer-shi. I am doing fine, as I hope you are. It is my duty to answer questions for now, so please, do not hesitate to ask.

1) This just had to be asked. Which pairings involving the nations are your favorites?

There are several pairings between the other nations that I support, but please do not tell any of them I do – some of these countries can be very sensitive. I am a fan of GerIta, Spamano, any of the possible pairings in the Frying Pangle (do not tell Hungary-san I said that), and a few others. I generally am not a fan of the ones involving Russia or France, but that is only because they terrify me.

2) What do you and Hungary do when you two hang out?

We share stories and doujinshis. Hungary-san has a strong sense of romantic plots in manga, especially when they are hentai.

…

Please forget that I wrote that.

Sorry this was short, I can't think of anything else because I'm too excited. You see, I'm going to my first con tomorrow- Ikkicon. I can't wait. c:

Do not worry. Any letter is appreciated, and I thank you for your support. Ikkicon is one of the large anime conventions in Texas, correct? I hope that you enjoyed it there. I heard that America runs it for three days and that it raises a lot of money for charities in the states.

Thank you again for writing. Sayonara.

~ Sincerely, Japan

From Ashley Reines

Dear Japan,

I wanted to ask: Have you noticed that there is a constant main focus in all shoujo manga/anime? There's always a love triangle with a girl and two boys, the boys are always enemies, the girl is always a klutz, idiot, or both, and the girl tends to end up with the hot-tempered one that all the fan girls love to death. Isn't that just the strangest thing?

~Ashley Reines, anime lover

~ Response ~

Greetings, Reines-shi,

The love triangle trend that you have found in shoujo anime and manga is indeed universal. This is in order to keep its audience – females in their early teens – interested in what happens. Romantic intrigue, we have found, is a must. If the target demographic finds it appealing, then it should become a staple, and this is certainly what happened to the love triangle.

I think it is necessary to point out, however, that it does not always follow the formula you lay out. While I agree that it nearly always has two boys with extremely opposite personalities who are rivals, the main traits of the girl and the boy she ends up with can vary. I will use a fairly popular shoujo anime series as an example of deviation from the personality norms you have described: Ouran High School Host Club.

The main female is a character named Haruhi. She is neither klutzy nor stupid, although a clumsy moment in the opening episode is what caused the plot to occur. She is emotionally-stable, level-headed, intelligent, and insightful when it comes to the people around her. Haruhi is not without weaknesses, though – she is oblivious when it comes to herself, is a bit of a glutton, and is terrified of thunder. While it is true that often female shoujo anime and manga leads are very clumsy or even a bit dense, not all of them are this way.

Next, we have the two main romantic leads – Hikaru and Tamaki. Hikaru is the "hot-tempered one" that you mentioned, with a mischievous personality and an obliviousness to the nature of his feelings. However, Tamaki – an enthusiastic, clumsy, good-natured, and protective boy – is the one Haruhi falls in love with.

In conclusion, yes, I agree that your analysis is how most shoujo anime and manga plots work out. But this is not always the case, and at times there will be diamonds in the rough that prove otherwise. These are the ones I would watch – they are often the ones with the best scripts as well.

Thank you for writing me.

~ Sincerely, Japan

From Sym

Thank you for your answers Germany. And I do know the first war was not you or your peoples' fault; I guess the world just needed a scapegoat and you were unfortunate enough to be the one picked. It was good to hear your thoughts on the matter; I think everyone should get the chance to tell their side of the story.

As a question to Japan: do you have any idea why your popular culture took off the way it did in the western world, particularly here in the United States?

My thanks to both of you, Sym

~ Response ~

Konnichiwa, Antares-shi. It is a pleasure to hear from you.

Germany-san has told me to tell you that he is grateful that you asked him for his perspective and accepted his point of view with an open mind. If I may add, I am grateful you have done so, too; Germany-san has faced a lot of hardship in his time, and what you have done for him was invaluable in making a bit of the (mostly undeserved) feeling of letting everyone down fade a little more. He needed that talk. We thank you.

The western world has been interested in my country since the 1800s – not just in America, but in European countries as well. During that time, I was becoming an industrial power, one that was previously unnoticed but quickly caught up with the manufacturing proficiency of the other nations. Many were stunned and fascinated by us.

By the time anime appeared on the scene in western markets during the late 1900s, it was easily accessible to the citizens of these nations in both subbed and dubbed forms. People in America, Britain, and non-English speaking countries were curious and decided to look into it. Manga actually became more accessible after anime, mostly because the traditional comic format is a bit more difficult to adjust to for western audiences. But Astro Boy launched the world of anime into the west, and by the time Pokémon came onto the scene, people were absorbed in my particular brand and style of animation.

I am not sure what I or my people did for our anime and manga to receive such popularity in the west, but I think it has to do with how easy it is to relate to some of these stories. Even the people who know nothing of me as a nation seem to enjoy them, and through exposure to anime and manga people have developed a greater interest in my culture and language than ever before. In the end, I am not sure what I have done to make people so interested – but whatever it is, I have done it right.

It prides me to see someone interested in history these days. Thank you for writing me.

~ Sincerely, Japan

From xXxAnimespazfreak692xXx

Hey Japan,

so I don't really have a question for you except that your awesome!

-glomps-

~ Response ~

Hello, writer-shi,

Wait, what are you – GACK! I… what is this, what are you – I am being hugged! Readers, please, do not think I am in a romantic relationship with this writer. I promise, we are just acquaintances!

~ Sincerely, Japan

P.S.: I would not use awesome as a term to describe me, but I thank you very much nonetheless.

Well, that was… interesting. Perhaps I will consider doing this again sometime. Until then, I hope that you readers will find many more entertaining fanfictions to enjoy, as well as anime and manga of all demographics. Sayonara.

This. Chapter. Was. So. Exhausting. I can't even begin to describe it, seriously.

Now that we're done with the main trio of the Axis Powers, we're going to move onto the Allied Forces. And what better country to start with than the head honcho himself, America – fuckyeah!

I can't wait to see what you guys plan to ask him. Have fun!