I've been tossing around another TL idea in my head and I was wondering, is it possible to restrain Japanese militarism after the Russo-Japanese war? It seems like they were several points where the non-military or at least less bloody minded retired-military could have gained the ascendancy so that the army and navy could be brought under civilian control.
I am not sure non-militarism is possible but restrained civilian militarism might be. Ideally I'd like to see Japan take Manchuria as part of a deal with Chiang not to obstruct him in China proper and as part of an anti-communist thing to crush the eventual Maoists and secure resources needed from China by trade instead. I don't think that's likely at all, and even if it did happen Chiang would probably be overthrown but anyhow that's what I'm taking to the board.
I am not sure non-militarism is possible but restrained civilian militarism might be. Ideally I'd like to see Japan take Manchuria as part of a deal with Chiang not to obstruct him in China proper and as part of an anti-communist thing to crush the eventual Maoists and secure resources needed from China by trade instead. I don't think that's likely at all, and even if it did happen Chiang would probably be overthrown but anyhow that's what I'm taking to the board.