Civil war could remake Japan's Cold War alignment

Removing Tojo and ordering a withdrawal from China could provoke civil war between Yonai's government and hardline army factions. Yonai would control much of the navy, while many troops most loyal to Tojo were deployed overseas and could be isolated from the home islands. Public support from Hirohito would make it difficult for rebels who preached obedience to the emperor to justify their cause. If Yonai won, his government could address further internal threats while Japan needed years of peaceful recovery. A recovering Japan might then remain peaceful into the Cold War and align with the United States against the Soviet Union.