They built up their military and militaristic strategies/skills early prior to World War II.
Japan had conflicts with China and Russia before World War one.
Japan
The Emperor ruled Japan.
See website: Japan
Before.
Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931 - before the start of World War 2.
Japan admired Chinese culture and learned much from them. Before World War II, Japan invaded China.
Strained
Japan
still the Chinese
Taisho.
Tooo bigg