Final answer:
The Japanese military did not model itself after the 'sea', but was inspired by Great Britain's military and industrial might. Japan used this inspiration to become a dominant force in East Asia, with eventual significant interactions with the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The model of the Japanese military did not take after the sea; instead, Japan looked to other powerful nations such as Great Britain for inspiration. Japan observed that, similar to Britain, it was also an island nation with potential for powerful influence. Despite the lack of natural resources like coal and iron, compared to Britain, Japan saw an opportunity to become a dominant power in East Asia. Initially, Japan's focus was not on the United States, but rather on expanding its influence in Asia. However, over time, the U.S. would become a significant factor for Japan due to trade and as a potential hurdle to their territorial expansion.