Nippon

To set up the Nippon expansion, players select two general boards from the available options, placing them alongside the main board based on the player count. Factory tiles, starting workers, and initial loyalty tokens are distributed randomly according to the chosen scenario. Players also arrange the specific negative and positive general components that will restrict tracks and dictate rules throughout the session.

The main objective is to successfully industrialize Japan by building a robust manufacturing empire, shipping goods overseas, fulfilling contracts, and keeping the ruling generals satisfied. Players must maximize their economic output while navigating the stringent administrative constraints and penalties introduced by the expansion generals.

During a player's turn, they select a worker of a specific color to execute key actions such as building and running factories, constructing trains and ships, upgrading departments, or placing influence markers on overseas boards. A crucial rules update allows workers to ship to missions even when tracks are full, simply forgoing the expert worker. Players must also manage the dynamic costs and board restrictions imposed by the active generals.

Scoring triggers periodically at the end of specific rounds. Points are awarded for regional influence majorities, overseas loyalty standings, completed contracts, and accumulated milestones. Furthermore, players must meet strict threshold requirements for research, coal, and income, or face severe track penalties.

The game concludes automatically after a designated final countdown phase. Following the last set of turns and a final round of scoring, players conduct a final consolidation step converting any remaining resources and money into bonus points to determine the ultimate victor.