Japan's early modernization and industrialization during the Meiji period in the 1860s enabled the rapid development of a prosperous Japanese society. Samurai tradition was widely respected and a natural evolution was the rise of the military. In 1894, Japan's fear of Western influences and its desire to be recognized as a world power led to the Sino-Japanese War in which Japan invaded China. Victories there gave new confidence to Japan and in 1904 and 1905 the government became involved in the Russo-Japanese War, giving Japan new strength in its positions in mainland Asia. The 20th century was a century of profound social, economic and political changes on a global scale. The development of media technology has impacted nations, reducing differences between cultures. Japan, then one of the leading industrial states of the 21st century, had great influence in East Asia and throughout the world. The infamous bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 revealed that Japan felt powerful enough to attack the United States of America. The years of World War II saw Japan engage in military operations throughout Asia with many significant victories. The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, however, brought Japan to its knees. The once feared and feared Japanese armies were defeated. In the years since, Western and Asian historians have been able to compile detailed documents from interviews with survivors and analysis of Japanese documents themselves, providing shocking evidence of the scale of the atrocities committed by Japanese armies and government officials. Regardless of their admirable industrial and technological achievements in the 21st century, the Japanese still need to take steps to combat racism and prevent future abuses. Although many would claim that full atonement has not occurred, the Germans have nonetheless made major progress in recognizing some horrible mistakes. “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it,” quote from George Santayana, a statement that must be recognized by the Japanese government. Works Cited Senso Giseisha wo Kokoroni Kizamukai and (The Group to Remember the War Victims), Ed. (1997). Watashi wa “Ianfu” dewa Nai (I am not a “comfort woman”). Aian no Koe (Voices of Asia). Osaka, Toho ShuppanThe Korean Council for Women Recruited into Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, Research Association on Women Recruited into Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, et al., Eds. (1995). The true stories of Korean “comfort women”. London, Casell.