#19

Introduction to Japan's Global Superpower Decisions

• 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.

Three Visions for Japan's Future

• 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.

1. Nittobei Inazou

• 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.

2. Kijuro Shidehara

• 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.

3. Kanji Ishiwara

• 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.

Comparative Analysis of Ideals

• 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.

Consequences of Japan's Decisions and Paths Forward

• 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.