Japanese

Overview

Japanese are part of Age of Empires II, representing East Asia and emphasizing infantry & navy. Their signature roster includes the Samurai. Infantry attack faster from the Feudal Age onward.

Civilization identity

Japanese is classified as East Asia and is centered on infantry & navy. Its defining roster entry is Samurai. This focus is a starting point for reading the technology tree, not a requirement to use only one unit line: the bonuses and matchup determine which parts of the roster are worth investing in. In team games, galley-line ships gain line of sight; account for this while choosing allies and deciding which role the civilization should cover.

Civilization bonuses and their value

Each bonus applies to a specific part of the economy, army, or map plan. Read the effect together with its target: a discount matters when it changes a build or upgrade timing, while a combat bonus matters only when the affected unit or structure is actually fielded.

• Infantry attack faster from the Feudal Age onward This directly changes the named unit or structure in combat, so it is strongest when the affected line is part of the army or defense.
• Fishing Ships work faster as the game advances This affects economic tempo or worker efficiency and can change how quickly the civilization reaches its next production or Age-up timing.
• Mills, Lumber Camps, and Mining Camps cost less This changes the resource investment or timing needed to field the affected option.

Signature units and unique technologies

Samurai: Elite swordsmen trained to fight enemy civilization-specific units These units define the civilization’s distinctive options. Its unique technologies add later-game choices; compare their effects with the cost and research timing before committing resources.

• Yasama: Towers fire extra arrows
• Kataparuto: Trebuchets pack, unpack, and fire faster

Civilization game plan

The guide below connects the civilization’s bonuses to an opening, a main army, a transition, and the principal risk to watch. Adapt the sequence after scouting rather than treating it as a fixed build order.

• Opening: Use the early infantry bonus and cheaper drop-off buildings to support a fast Feudal military timing.
• Core army: Infantry pressure is the main land plan, with archers and the Samurai adding matchup-specific support.
• Transition: Keep production flexible and use the economy saved on buildings to add farms, upgrades, or a water fleet.
• Watch for: Cavalry has important upgrade gaps, so do not let mounted units become the only answer to enemy archers.

Technology tree gaps

This civilization-specific tree marks the units, research, and upgrades that are unavailable. Check the named production building or research line before planning a transition; the gaps can rule out an otherwise familiar counter or upgrade.

• Stable: Hussar, Paladin, Camel Rider, Battle Elephant, Steppe Lancer
• Siege Workshop: Siege Ram, Siege Onager, Bombard Cannon
• Castle: Sappers
• Dock: Heavy Demolition Ship
• Monastery: Heresy
• Defensive structures: Bombard Tower
• Blacksmith: Plate Barding Armor
• University: Architecture, Bombard Tower, Heated Shot, Siphons
• Mining Camp: Stone Shaft Mining
• Mill: Crop Rotation
• Market: Guilds

Team-game role

The team bonus is Galley-line ships gain line of sight. This can help define a complementary team role. Coordinate it with allied civilizations that can use the bonus or cover a weakness in the roster.