We are standing for justice and life, while they are standing for profits. We are defending justice, while they are attacking for profits. They raise their heads in arrogance, while we are constructing the Great East Asia family. Japan’s victories seem to prove her moral superiority. – Kōtarō Takamura
Many Imperial Japanese citizens believed in 大和魂 (Yamato damashii) the brave, daring, and indomitable spirit of Japanese people. For them, the battle against the American, British, Chinese & Dutch (ABCD) powers was a noble effort against imperialism bound to succeed because Japan held moral superiority.
For a fascinating read, take a look at this 1942 Nazi booklet entitled The Secret of Japan’s Strength