Final answer:
The key factor in Japan's industrialization was adopting and adapting foreign technologies to modernize its military and educational systems, making it a unique case of rapid industrial development aimed at becoming a world power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor that led to the industrialization of Japan was D) selectively borrowing ideas from other countries in order to modernize their military and school system. Japan's Meiji government viewed industrialization as a strategic goal to strengthen the country's military capabilities and economic foundation. The state took an active role, more so than in Western countries at the time, by investing in infrastructure like railroads and shipbuilding. The development of the manufacturing sector, where Japan could add value and gain wealth, was a clear directive, with resources being efficiently utilized through internal organization and a cohesive societal approach.
Industrialization was critical for Japan to avoid subjugation by Western powers, as evidenced by the arrival and demands of U.S. commodore Matthew Perry. To avoid falling behind and to protect itself from aggression, Japan turned to industrial development as a path to becoming a global power. By the late 19th century, Japan had started to exert itself on the world stage by defeating non-industrialized nations, indicating the successful leveraging of its industrial capabilities.