Yonai gives Japan an old-alliance option

Mitsumasa Yonai gives the proposed alliance a figure with influence across competing institutions and factions. His standing with the emperor, Buddhist groups, and military leaders supports the scenario's assessment that he could withstand opposition to a change in policy. His later role in securing the navy's surrender, together with a credited contribution to the foundations of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, forms part of that assessment. Yonai opposed war with America because he considered it unwinnable. Without the Second Sino-Japanese War, the scenario gives him more freedom to pursue an alliance that supplies resources and time to strengthen Japan. Renewed cooperation would also provide Britain with forces it urgently needs.