Japan would still receive a 3:5 relationship instead of the 7:10 ratio many advocates wanted. The revised settlement would also permit new battleships, giving the navy a concrete achievement to claim from the conference. Those ships would offer visible status and a focus for naval pride, which could make the treaty appear less purely restrictive. The interpretation connects Japan's perceived insecurity with some of its later decisions, while explicitly distinguishing explanation from an excuse for aggression. Examining the reasoning behind harmful choices can help identify the assumptions and fears that led people toward them. In this scenario, greater confidence from the new ships could change those calculations.
Notable Point · 56:51-58:28
New battleships could give Japan a treaty success
Although Japan would still accept an inferior ratio, permission to build new battleships could give the navy a concrete achievement around which to rally status and confidence.