#19

Overview of Japan's tumultuous decisions leading to global war.
Emphasis on how inconsistency in governance (multiple Prime Ministers) impacted Japan's ability to act as a global superpower.
Discussion on the implications of global superpower status without readiness and integrated systems.

Focus on three characters presenting differing visions for Japan's role as a superpower.
Importance given to historical context leading to World War II as it relates to Japan's expansion.

Background:
- Born in 1862, pre-Meiji Restoration period.
- Advocated for peace through mutual understanding.
Education and Career:
- Studied at Sapporo Agricultural College; influenced by Emperor Meiji's call for agricultural innovation.
- Shifted from agriculture to technology in Japan between 1840 and 1910.
- Attained five doctorates, showcasing his academic prowess.
Key Contributions:
- Developed international relationship groups post-World War I.
- Served as Undersecretary to the General of the League of Nations.
Significance:
- Featured on the 5,000 yen note; symbolizing his importance to Japanese history
- Advocated for Japanese moral and economic development through peace.

Background:
- Pacifist and diplomat; last aristocratic prime minister (1945-1946).
- Connected to influential business through marriage.
Career Highlights:
- Extensive diplomatic career before becoming Foreign Affairs Minister in the 1920s.
- Promoted the Shidehara doctrine of achieving peace through economic cooperation.
Vision for Japan:
- Avoid war with China, focus on trade for national prosperity.
- Opposed military expansion; emphasized the costs and unsustainability of arms races.
- Witnessed the collapse of his dreams due to the Great Depression and rising nationalism.
Legacy and Impact:
- Played a role in shaping Japan's post-war constitution, particularly Article 9, which renounced war as a sovereign right.
- Contributed to Japan's peaceful international status post-World War II.

Background:
- Military specialist and operations officer; graduate of the Japanese Army War College.
- Known for predicting World War II and a potential World War III.
Military Strategies:
- Advocated for control of power through military strength.
- First to propose strategic invasion of Manchuria, manipulating pretexts for war.
Contributions to Japan's Expansion:
- Led the invasion of Manchuria in 1931, exploiting economic conditions.
Conclusion of Vision:
- Became an uncompromising military figure whose ideals fell out of favor post-war.
- Disillusioned with the outcomes of his ambitions.

Nitobe: Peace and mutual understanding as a foundation for Japan's international relationships.
Shidehara: Economic cooperation as a means to achieve lasting peace and prosperity for Japan.
Ishiwara: Emphasis on military power and control over nations as essential for peace.

All three figures were ultimately disappointed by the outcomes of their proposed visions.
Shidehara’s Article 9 became a cornerstone for Japan's peaceful constitution, shaping its post-war identity.
Japan’s economic development post-war contrasts sharply with the militaristic ideals of the pre-war era.
Japan is now known globally not for its past as a warrior nation, but as a model of economic success and peace-building.