In this interpretation, Tojo treated the absence of an explicit imperial refusal as approval; even a sceptical question from Hirohito would not have counted as a refusal. Court convention made that dangerous because the emperor was expected to reign through indirect signals rather than routinely issue direct commands. Hirohito's reluctance to fight Britain and America reflected recognition of their resources, infrastructure, and ability to withstand a long war. He still supported a greater Japanese empire and accepted coercion or conflict against weaker opponents, including Vichy France in Indochina. Avoiding a potentially ruinous great-power war therefore remained compatible with continuing Japanese expansion.
Notable Point · 45:00-48:19
Hirohito's war aims and Tojo's reading of imperial approval
Hirohito's wish to avoid war with Britain and America coexisted with imperial ambitions, while Tojo treated the absence of an explicit refusal as approval.