Inazuma Shogunate ⇒ History & Key Events in Genshin Impact

In the vast and enchanting world of Genshin Impact, Inazuma stands as one of the most compelling regions, ruled by the formidable Inazuma Shogunate. This authoritarian government enforces strict policies to preserve order and stability under the rule of Raiden Shogun. The narrative surrounding the Inazuma Shogunate is rich with history, conflict, and change, making it one of the most intricate factions in the game. From its isolationist policies to its internal military structure, the shogunate plays a pivotal role in shaping the events of Inazuma. In this article, we will delve deep into the governance, history, structure, and significant conflicts of the Inazuma Shogunate, exploring how they impact the people of this electrifying nation.

Source: Takumi

Governance and Leadership – The Rule of the Raiden Shogun

The Inazuma Shogunate is ruled by the enigmatic and powerful Raiden Shogun, who is not a singular being but a combination of two distinct entities: Raiden Ei and her puppet Shogun. Raiden Ei, the true Electro Archon of Inazuma, created the puppet to serve as the face of governance while she meditated in the Plane of Euthymia. This division of roles brings complexity to the administration of Inazuma, as the puppet initially enforces laws with unyielding rigidity, devoid of emotion or compassion.

During the early rule of the puppet Shogun, Inazuma was governed with an iron fist, executing strict decrees and overseeing the nation’s affairs with little concern for human emotions. Meanwhile, Raiden Ei remained secluded in her pursuit of achieving “eternity,” believing that unchanging stability was the key to protecting Inazuma from external threats.

Historical Context – The Legacy of the Electro Archons

The history of Inazuma is deeply intertwined with the tragic fate of the twin archons: Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei. Before Ei’s reign, the Electro Archon Raiden Makoto ruled Inazuma with a more benevolent and flexible political stance. However, during the cataclysm 500 years before the events of Genshin Impact, Makoto perished, leaving Ei to take her place as the new Electro Archon.

Devastated by the loss of her sister and fearing that change could bring ruin to Inazuma, Ei decided to pursue the ideal of Eternity. She withdrew from the world and created the puppet Raiden Shogun to rule in her stead, believing that a mechanical and emotionless ruler could maintain stability better than a mortal or divine being affected by emotions.

Policies and Decrees – The Isolation of Inazuma

Under the rule of the puppet Shogun, Inazuma witnessed the implementation of several strict policies intended to enforce eternity:

Sakoku Decree – Closing Inazuma’s Borders

One of the most significant decisions under the Raiden Shogun was the enactment of the Sakoku Decree. This law effectively sealed Inazuma’s borders, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the nation freely. The decree aimed to protect Inazuma from foreign influence, ensuring stability and order.

Vision Hunt Decree – Stripping Power from the People

The Vision Hunt Decree was another unpopular policy issued by the Shogunate. It ordered the seizure of Visions—magical artifacts that bestow elemental abilities—belonging to the citizens of Inazuma. The rationale behind this decree was that Visions represented ambition, which, according to the Shogun, led to change, something she vehemently sought to avoid.

The decree was met with widespread unrest, leading to the rise of factions opposing the Shogunate, such as the Sangonomiya Resistance.

Conflict and Change – The Traveler’s Intervention

As the oppression of the Raiden Shogun grew, resistance forces, primarily led by Kokomi Sangonomiya, fought against the Shogunate’s control. The Fatui Harbingers played a key role in exacerbating this conflict, manipulating the situation for their own gain.

The turning point came when the Traveler arrived in Inazuma and directly confronted Raiden Ei, challenging her philosophy of eternity. Through pivotal battles and emotional confrontations, Ei was forced to acknowledge the suffering caused by her rigid rule. As a result, she abolished the Vision Hunt Decree and began to take a more hands-on approach to governance.

Internal Structure and Military – The Operations of the Shogunate

The Inazuma Shogunate is backed by an organized military and governance system. The region relies on three major commissions to maintain order:

Tenryou Commission – Responsible for military affairs and law enforcement; led by Kujou Sara.
Kanjou Commission – Oversees trade policies, taxation, and internal affairs.
Yashiro Commission – Focuses on cultural and ceremonial aspects of governance.

Notable Figures – Kujou Sara’s Role

A prominent figure in the military structure of the Shogunate is Kujou Sara. As a loyal general, she enforces the Raiden Shogun’s orders with discipline and honor. Though originally devoted to the Shogun, she later supports the transition into a more open era.

Cultural and Social Impact – The Fallout of Shogunate Rule

Inazuma’s political upheaval had lasting consequences on its people. Many citizens suffered under the Vision Hunt Decree, losing their ambitions and sense of purpose. The isolationist policies also hurt trade relations, forcing Inazuman merchants to rely on black market dealings.

However, after the reforms enacted by Raiden Ei, Inazuma began a slow but steady transition toward recovery, fostering a more open and inclusive governance system.

How to Navigate Inazuma and the Shogunate’s Presence

Getting Past Inazuma’s Borders

Players must complete quests to gain access to Inazuma due to the Sakoku Decree.
Engage in diplomacy with supporting characters such as Beidou.
Progress through the Archon Questline to unlock Inazuma completely.