In 1941, Yonai warned the emperor that the European war would be prolonged and that the United States would become involved. In that assessment, Germany would lose and Japan risked being left to fight America alone if it entered the conflict. Yonai also refused to endorse the necessity of war when confronted by General Tojo and declined requests to return as navy chief of staff. The moment shows the strategic dissent available inside Japan's leadership before and during the Pacific War, even when it did not determine policy.
Notable Point · 12:02-12:44
Yonai's warning against a wider war
Yonai forecast a long German-British war, American involvement, and the strategic danger of Japan facing the United States alone.