The Japanese adopted various aspects of Western culture during their modernization, including clothing styles and hairstyles, but they lacked a clear understanding of which elements would be beneficial for their society. This broad imitative approach led to the adoption of practices that were not necessarily aligned with Japan's interests or circumstances.

One significant consequence of this cultural borrowing was Japan's engagement in imperialism. They pursued empire-building during a period when the economic and social costs of imperialism were beginning to outweigh its advantages, suggesting that their timing and choices were misguided. This misalignment ultimately shaped Japan's trajectory in the modern world.