Ever since Japan's crushing defeat in World War II, the question has lingered of who and what led it on the path of militarism. Today, Japan is gradually accepting how broad the responsibility lies.

Japan, fresh on the world stage after centuries of self-isolation, entered the 20th century in triumph by crushing Russia. But within decades, its self-image as Asia's saviour from Western colonialism turned it into a fascist empire daring to strike Pearl Harbour and bring the United States into the war.

The issue of why still reverberates today. But among experts, a loose consensus has emerged: not only the military was to blame but everybody in the era: politicians, bureaucrats, teachers, the media, the public as a whole and erstwhile demigod Emperor Hirohito.