My impression (from my Japanese roommates in college, JGSDF officers and others I've known) is that they are taught the
Tora! Tora! Tora! version of events - Japan was forced into action by the US embargo*, honorable officers (such as those in the IJN hierarchy like Yamamoto) opposed the actions of a small clique of militarists in the Army like Tojo, it was only a "sneak attack" because of the delays in getting the declaration translated, etc. There are elements of truth in some of these, but this version also conveniently leaves out a lot of details (we didn't exactly force Japan to invade China; the legitimate reaction to the US refusing to export iron and avgas to Japan is not to invade Indochina, Malaya and Indonesia; the Japanese decided to skip the step between a breakdown of negotiations and a commencement of war, i.e. the ultimatum stage, etc.).
*From the Japanese Embassy's protest letter of October 7, 1940:
Quote:
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In view of the fact that Japan has been for some years the principal buyer of American iron and steel scrap, the announcement of the administrative policy, as well as the regulations establishing license system in iron and steel scrap cannot fail to be regarded as directed against Japan, and, as such, to be an unfriendly act.
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