The Pacific War was decided on 12-7-41.
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, there would only be one outcome; the only uncertainty was how long it would take.
Yamamoto knew before the ships even sailed that Japan would lose the war.
Check this book out(it will give you a whole NEW prospective on WW II): http://www.amazon.com/Operation-Snow-Soviet-Triggered-Harbor/dp/B00D9TE32A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384694908&sr=8-1&keywords=operation+snow