Question

How did Japan become the most powerful nation in Asia? Japan doubled its territory in Asia. Japan’s economy followed the US’s example. Japan adopted Western military technologies and training methods. Japan’s government made extremely wise alliances.

Answer 1

Japan in the later 1800’s was under the control of a military junta led by the Shogun with the emperor with a symbolic role. The major policy of this Shogun was keeping Japan isolated from the rest of the world to stop the destruction of his regime. After 200 years of this (the Dutch had a single trade city in Nagasaki that they traded through) the Americans sent a modern ship into the Japanese harbor of Nagasaki, he was turned away and threatened to open fire on Edo, the capital city. After this show of force, the Japanese conceded and opened up to trade with America, and then later the rest of Europe.

Answer 2

It may be because they had a very good navy and air force.