Japan wanted the western powers to view them as equals , they wanted to transform themselves into a strong modern nation , able to defend themselves against western imperialism , but also compete and establish themselves as a first class power equal to the united states, and the European powers such as Britain , France , Germany and Russia .
State Shinto: The elevation of the Emperor to a living god, which united the public under absolute loyalty and martial readiness.
Hakkō Ichiu: The belief that the world should be brought under one roof, used as a divine mandate for Japanese leadership and expansion across Asia.
