OK, this is the question: Let's imagine that Japanese Empire consists of 4 japanese Islands, Taivan, Pacific Mandates and, let's be generous, whole Sakhalin.
Somehow, they managed to loose Korea.
Now, does Japan has the potential to become/remain as Great Power? Great Power means that Japan is al pari with importance of France today and is capable to have a independent policy? All of that with pretty much current level of industrial development?
I'm asking that because of lack of minerals and energy in that area. So, basicly, is Japan bounded to try to conquer Manchuria and China and DEI in order to achieve economic development and remain/become Great Power? Or, can Japan, that isn't US client country ( like current Japan ) remain/become prosperous and strong Great Power?