"The reason was the failure of both Japan and China to understand each other and the inability of America and the European powers to sympathize, without prejudice, with the peoples of East Asia"

The statement from Hideki Tojo reflects a complex interplay of misunderstanding, prejudice, and failed diplomacy that characterized international relations in East Asia during the early twentieth century. According to Tojo, one of the chief causes of conflict was a mutual lack of understanding between Japan and China. Both nations, though sharing deep historical and cultural ties, faced rising tensions in their quest for regional influence and modernization. The lack of effective communication, empathy, or willingness to view situations from one another’s perspective exacerbated disputes, ultimately contributing to the outburst of hostilities.

Simultaneously, Tojo turns his attention to Western powers, specifically America and European countries, critiquing their inability to engage with the peoples of East Asia in an unbiased, understanding manner. Rather than approaching East Asian matters with genuine empathy or a willingness to appreciate the context and aspirations of the region’s peoples, Western nations often acted from positions of colonial interest, economic exploitation, and a sense of cultural superiority. Their policies and attitudes were frequently colored by prejudice, resulting in a disconnect between their stated values and actual practices. This lack of sympathy, beset by misunderstanding, indifference, or even outright racism, hindered constructive engagement and fueled resentment among East Asian nations.

By identifying both a failure of mutual Asian understanding and deep-seated Western prejudice, Tojo suggests that the turmoil was not solely the result of local conflicts or ambitions, but also the product of a global context in which empathy and equitable treatment were lacking. This perspective positions the events leading up to the Sino-Japanese conflict and broader Pacific War as symptoms of a greater international failure. Ultimately, Tojo’s words imply that peace and stability require not just strategic agreements, but also a foundation of mutual understanding and the ability to transcend prejudices, an ongoing challenge in the sphere of international relations.