Hiro-Hito's coming of age took place in a Japan that was caught between respect and resentment towards the West. While Japan admired Western advancements and modernity, it also harbored feelings of disdain due to perceived Western arrogance. This complex relationship fueled a desire in Japan to be recognized as an equal player on the global stage.

To achieve this status, Japan felt it necessary to pursue the final piece of the Western puzzle: establishing its own empire. This ambition reflects Japan's struggle to navigate its identity and power dynamics in a rapidly changing world influenced by Western nations.