[GATOR NAVY]

Japan was heavily conflicted about involving the US.

It was all about saving face in China. Japan could have avoided war with the US and the West by withdrawing from China in the face of the economic embargoes. But that would have been a humiliation, so they chose war with West in order to continue their war in China. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

[jamaksin]

Recall that Japanese Prime Minister Konoye (known as a moderate) who wanted to meet face-to-face with FDR?

Recall what was "signalled" as "on the table" and open for discussion?

Recall what happened?,

And, for example, the comments of US Ambassador in Japan and UK Ambassador in Japan on that result?