The Japanese position was clearly irrational, crazy even. But nearly 40 years of right wing assassinations and military intriguing since the crushing of Russia

The Japanese position was clearly irrational, crazy even. But nearly 40 years of right wing assassinations and military intriguing since the crushing of Russia in 1904 had created a monster. The entire country believed they were superior to other Asians, deserved to rule them and any one who refused to help were “humiliating” them. There were Japanese leaders who realized a war with the US was unwinnable (including Yamamoto), but taking that position publicly was suicide.