History That Doesn't Suck, Episode 193

The Empire of the Rising Sun: Military Imperialism in Japan (1853–1941)

Host: Prof. Greg Jackson
Release Date: November 24, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode traces Japan’s transformation from an isolated feudal society in the mid-19th century to an expansionist, militaristic empire on the brink of war with the United States in 1941. Prof. Greg Jackson unpacks the pivotal moments and ideologies that fueled Japan’s rapid modernization, imperial ambitions, and militarism—culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. The End of Isolation: Commodore Perry and Opening Japan

• Backdrop: Japan had isolated itself (Sakoku) for over two centuries, allowing minimal foreign contact since the early 1600s, primarily with China and the Dutch (Dejima, Nagasaki).
• Commodore Perry’s Arrival (1853):
  • Perry’s “Black Ships” intimidated Tokugawa leaders, exposing Japan’s vulnerability to industrialized powers.
  • Perry insists on delivering President Fillmore’s letter, receives only silence and minimal response from Japanese representatives.
  • Quote: “He is here to deliver President Millard Fillmore’s letter and will not leave until he delivers it to the Emperor himself or to a representative whose rank is at least equal to his own…” (06:20)
• Treaty of Kanagawa (1854):
  • Opens Japanese ports, ends centuries of isolation.
  • “Japan has been exposed to the world and there’s no going back.” (12:25)

2. The Meiji Restoration & Modernization (1868 onwards)

• Collapse of Shogunate:
  • Discontented samurai rally behind “Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians” (Sonno Joi), topple the Tokugawa, and install Emperor Meiji.
• Meiji Era Innovations:
  • Western-style dress and technology mark Japan’s rebranding.
  • Abolition of the daimyo system, establishment of prefectures, legal and educational reforms.
  • On Modernization:
    • “Japan calls in the French for legal advice, the Brits for industrial know-how, and the Americans for farming and schooling. Schools pop up, railroads crawl across the land and factories belch smoke.” (17:22)
• Conscription & Military Reforms:
  • Led by Yamagata Aritomo, inspired by Prussian and Bismarckian systems.
  • Defeats the Satsuma Rebellion (inspiration for ‘The Last Samurai’).

3. Imperial Ambition: Wars and Expansion (1890–1918)

• Constitution and Power:
  • Written with Prussian influence; Emperor is “sacred and inviolable” (20:01).
• Empire-Building Logic:
  • “Yamagata’s logic would be at the center of Japan’s foreign relations—considering weaker neighbors subjects for control…” (21:05)
• Major Conflicts:
  • First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95) – quick and decisive victory over China.
  • Russo-Japanese War (1904–05) – stunning Japanese win over a European power; earns international respect and Treaty of Portsmouth (Teddy Roosevelt mediates, 23:40).

4. Disappointment & Radicalization (1919–1931)

• WWI Aftermath:
  • Despite joining the Allies and gaining some territory, Japan is slighted at the Paris Peace Conference (no racial equality clause), which sours relations with the West.
• Economic Trouble & Natural Disaster:
  • 1923 Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo.
• Political Instability:
  • Frequent turnover of prime ministers, assassination attempts, rise of militarist influence as the Imperial Army offers solutions.

5. The Road to War: Imperial Army Dominance and Manchuria (1931–37)

• Mukden Incident (1931):
  • Japanese officers stage a “fabrication of an occasion through intrigue” (false flag explosion on railroad) to justify invading Manchuria.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “The supposedly retaliatory attack must go forward all the same, and by morning the Manchurian invasion has begun.” (33:35)
• League of Nations’ Failure:
  • Calls for withdrawal ignored; Japan installs puppet regime (Manchukuo) and ultimately leaves the League.
  • Assassination of PM Inukai Tsuyoshi when he pushes for limits on the military (36:20).

6. Ideology Behind Expansion:

• Racial Supremacy and Destiny:
  • “Japanese leaders and ideologues constantly affirmed their unique purity as a race and culture and turned the war itself into an act of individual and collective purification.” – quoting historian John Dower (38:52)
• Resource Motivations:
  • Empire-building also for iron, coal, soybeans; dependency on U.S. oil noted as future Achilles’ heel.

7. Escalation: Alliance with Germany & The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–41)

• Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany (1936):
  • Shared animosity toward the USSR, parallel imperial ambitions.
• Marco Polo Bridge Incident (1937):
  • Small skirmish at Marco Polo Bridge spirals into full-scale invasion of China.
  • “No one knows exactly who fired at the Japanese soldiers that July evening. But it doesn’t really matter. This Marco Polo bridge incident... quickly spirals into a full-blown conflict.” (43:37)
• Rape of Nanjing (1937):
  • Japanese forces commit atrocities, tens or even hundreds of thousands killed, widespread rape and murder.
  • Quote:
    • “To be perfectly frank, the way you and I look at the Chinese are fundamentally different. You seem to think of them as human, but I see them as pigs.” — Japanese army staff officer Tanika Ryukichi (52:11)
  • Heroic efforts of Minnie Vautrin and John Rabe in establishing a safety zone save thousands, but both suffer personally.

8. Toward the Pacific War (1938–1941)

• Rising Tensions:
  • Economic sanctions and embargoes from the U.S. and allies, especially an oil embargo in 1941, push Japan to the brink.
  • Ongoing debates within Japan about strategy—whether to strike the USSR in North Asia, or grab the southern resource-rich colonies.
• Tripartite Pact (1940):
  • Formal alliance with Germany and Italy; neutrality pact with USSR.
• Deciding for War:
  • Emperor Hirohito worries about war but is ultimately presented with a fait accompli.
  • Cabinet’s Framing:
    • “At the moment, our Empire stands at the threshold of glory or oblivion. We tremble with fear in the presence of His Majesty.” — Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, to Emperor Hirohito (1:01:50)
  • Imperial Conference’s silent approval sets path for war.

9. Countdown to Pearl Harbor

• Final Stages:
  • Failed diplomatic efforts with the U.S.; U.S. embargoes cut off 90% of Japanese oil.
  • “This is when the cornered empire running its military on an oil deficit, decides it’s time for secret option C: war.” (1:04:30)
  • December 1, 1941: Imperial Conference formalizes decision for hostilities.
  • December 7, 1941 (Dec 8 Japanese time): The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor is set in motion.
  • Quote:
    • “Fuchida Mitsuo… shouts into his intercom, Torah! Torah! Torah!” (1:11:50)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On US Power and Industrialization:

  • “Industrialization. Nations that aren’t industrialized, like Japan, have little recourse to keeping steam powered industrial nations like the United States at bay, or rather out of Edo Bay, as the case may be.” (14:42)

• On Meiji Restoration:

  • “This is the Meiji Restoration, a moment that transforms Japan’s politics, society and place in the world forever.” (16:28)

• On Expansionist Logic:

  • “Weak neighbors make weak borders, so it’s best to conquer weak neighbors.” (20:53)

• On the Nanjing Massacre:

  • “Life outside the safety zone is horrific. The five to six hundred thousand civilians and soldiers who didn’t get out of the city now face executions, beatings and beheadings.” (49:21)
  • “Never shall I forget that scene. The people kneeling at the side of the road, the dried leaves rattling, the moaning of the wind, the cry of the women being led out.” — Minnie Vautrin's diary, December 1937 (50:23)

• On the Emperor’s Role:

  • “The planned hostilities will go forward. It’s clear that many converging narratives have brought Japan to this position. In December 1941, a militaristic government that holds the belief that security can be found through empire…” (1:08:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Perry’s Black Ships & Japan’s Opening: 00:49–12:25
• Meiji Restoration & Transformation: 14:11–20:56
• Wars with China, Russia, and Joining the Allies: 21:00–27:24
• 1920s Instability & Radicalization: 27:25–33:35
• Mukden Incident (Manchuria): 33:36–37:27
• Racial Ideology of Empire: 38:52–41:00
• Formation of Axis Alliances: 41:01–43:36
• Marco Polo Bridge Incident & Second Sino-Japanese War: 43:37–49:21
• Rape of Nanjing & Atrocities: 49:22–52:23
• Axis Build-up & Tensions with Allies: 52:24–1:01:50
• Final Steps to Pearl Harbor: 1:01:51–end (1:12:14)

Tone & Storytelling Style

Prof. Jackson balances vivid storytelling and expert analysis, anchoring the episode with dramatic reenactment, impactful quotes, and broader historical context. He maintains a tone that is authoritative yet accessible, blending empathy (notably when describing atrocities such as Nanjing) with clear-eyed interpretation of historical motives and consequences.

Conclusion

This episode provides a sweeping yet detailed narrative of 88 years in Japanese history, spotlighting Japan’s abrupt rise from isolation to imperial power, its entanglement in global conflict, and the ideological and material drivers behind its aggressive expansion. The story ends on the eve of Pearl Harbor—a “day that will live in infamy”—setting the stage for the Pacific theater of World War II.

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