As we all know, the Japanese Empire was one of the most brutal and violent empires in human history - and thanks to its own decisions, one of the shortest lived. However, before the 30s, the Japanese Empire was generally lead by competent, sane leaders (no lovers of democracy, but still sane). In our world, Japan was taken over politically by the military leaders. However: what would happen if the military never achieved the level of power that they did? Would it be possible to prevent Nanking, Pear Harbor, etc? Perhaps even have a neutral Japan in WW2?