Answer:
The Japanese perspective on the Pearl Harbor bombing, which occurred on December 7, 1941, during World War II, can be understood by examining the viewpoints of both Japanese civilians and the government at the time.
**Government Perspective:**
1. **Military Necessity**: The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, believed that the attack on Pearl Harbor was a military necessity. They saw it as a preemptive strike aimed at crippling the United States' Pacific Fleet to prevent it from interfering with Japan's expansionist ambitions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Japan felt that it needed to secure access to critical resources like oil and rubber, which were being embargoed by Western nations.
2. **Justification**: The government justified the attack as a means to defend Japan's interests and ensure its survival in the face of what they perceived as hostile Western powers. They believed that by striking first, they could gain an advantage and buy time to establish their dominance in the region.
3. **Nationalism and Patriotism**: The government actively promoted nationalism and patriotism among the Japanese people to garner support for the war effort. Propaganda depicted the attack on Pearl Harbor as a heroic act that would secure Japan's place in the world.
**Civilian Perspective:**
1. **Limited Information**: Japanese civilians had limited access to information about the attack. Censorship and government control of media meant that they were mostly exposed to state-approved narratives. As a result, many Japanese citizens were unaware of the full extent of the attack and its consequences.
2. **Patriotism**: The Japanese people were highly nationalistic during this period. They were often taught to be loyal to the Emperor and the state. The attack on Pearl Harbor was framed as a patriotic duty, and many Japanese citizens believed that supporting the war effort was their obligation.
3. **Sacrifice and Hardship**: The war effort placed significant economic and emotional burdens on Japanese civilians. They faced rationing, air raids, and the loss of loved ones as the war continued. However, the prevailing sentiment was that these sacrifices were necessary for the greater good of Japan.
4. **Post-war Reflection**: After Japan's surrender in 1945 and the subsequent Allied occupation, many Japanese citizens came to realize the true extent of the destruction caused by the war, including the devastation at Pearl Harbor. There was a sense of regret and reflection on the consequences of their government's actions.
It's important to note that perspectives within any society are diverse, and not all Japanese civilians or government officials held the same views. Additionally, these perspectives evolved over time as the war unfolded and as Japan faced increasing hardships and defeats. Overall, the Japanese government saw the attack on Pearl Harbor as a strategic move to secure its interests, while many Japanese civilians at the time were influenced by government propaganda and the prevailing culture of nationalism and sacrifice.
Step-by-step explanation: