albeit comments

So much trouble could be avoided if values were practiced consistently.

Japan wanted to be left alone, but did not leave its citizens alone to trade with whomever they wished.

And the US recognized its own citizens' right to trade or not to trade. Should it have not also extended that recognition to Japan?

Of course, reality is often more complicated. Japan probably thought that a strong government firmly in control and opting out of trade was the best way to resist domination.

And the US probably thought expanding its realm was the best way to achieve that same freedom from domination. And succeeded in convincing Japan of that.

Dominate or be dominated. We have to move away from that to a world where each individual is free of domination and where government, in all its affairs, is subject to the rule of law and coercion is a thing of the past.