Island Empires, such as Great Britain, etc. have to survive on IMPORTS; other wise they starve. Such being the case, these Empires must strive for conquests, consequently they must "think more & invent more" in order to survive. Result=Colonies and Empire.
Colonies, which form an Empire create an extended fence which surround the "Homeland" or "Fatherland" (or "Motherland"); thus protecting it from potential enemies. As well as adding raw material wealth to the homeland.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention; and Island Empires have been forced by necessity to INVENT & EXPAND...into Empires.
Ichiro
money
Mount Fuji
Japan
Japan
Various products and innovations have come out of Japan. For example, instant noodles are considered to be one of Japan's greatest inventions.
Japan s attack on American pearl harbor.colonialism
Japan
japan
Japan
The edo period from 1603-1867
probably us (USA)