Ghosts of Tsushima or Kobayashi Maru? Japan's Problematic Preoccupation with Decisive Naval Battles in World War II

When the tiny island state of Japan went to war with the continental nation of Russia in 1904, the world expected a lopsided defeat for Japan; no Asian country had ever defeated a modern imperial power from Europe. Much to the world's surprise, Japan won nearly every battle during the conflict. Here, Major discusses how Japan's military leaders viewed their options as they attempted to control their naval power.