The elders and senior cabinet ministers of the island nation swiftly reached a unanimous decision. With fervent determination, they resolved to stake the very fate of their nation on this audacious gamble once more. Should they win, their country would soar to unprecedented heights, its rise unstoppable. Yet, should they fail, the nation would face utter ruin.
"Gentlemen, the fate of our empire hinges on this battle. We have no alternatives; we must muster every ounce of strength to secure victory for the Empire!" Yamagata Aritomo declared solemnly.
"Long live the Empire! Victory is certain!" came the impassioned cry from all present.
Although they had yet to seek the formal consent of the Taishō Emperor, this detail seemed conveniently ignored by all. In their eyes, the Emperor was little more than a ceremonial figurehead, a mere rubber stamp for their decisions.
"The Army must initiate immediate mobilization; we need additional forces. Seventeen standing divisions will be woefully inadequate if war breaks out with Germany," remarked General Okashirazu no Suke.
"Indeed. The Germans have mobilized over three million troops for this war, equipped with far superior weaponry and trained to an exceptional standard. Although our Imperial Army matches the Germans in discipline and skill, our numbers are insufficient to achieve victory, especially as some of our forces will be deployed to occupy colonies, thereby stretching our resources. Expanding the Army's size is imperative," added Ōyama Iwao.
"Begin by mobilizing ten divisions. If that proves inadequate, we will initiate a second wave of mobilization. However, I believe ten divisions should suffice. The Germans are unlikely to dispatch a substantial land force to the Far East, as the logistical burden alone would be insurmountable given the vast distance from their homeland," Yamagata Aritomo reasoned.
"Understood, Lord Yamagata," Okashirazu nodded.
The Imperial Army's limited strength of 17 standing divisions was a consequence of insufficient funding. Success in securing new colonies would provide the financial means to sustain a larger military force, enabling the Army to expand significantly and elevate its influence within the cabinet.
Once the elders and cabinet issued their orders, the Army and Navy moved with remarkable speed. Officers canceled their leaves and returned to their posts, preparing for combat. Reservists received mobilization orders and began assembling at designated locations to rejoin active service. Once the ten new divisions were fully established, the Army's power would swell dramatically, bolstering their confidence further.
The island nation's people were known for their obsessive persistence and proclivity for gambling. Ideally, government leaders should exhibit prudence to minimize policy missteps and their potentially devastating consequences. Yet in this nation, even the highest-ranking politicians were imbued with a gambler's spirit. Flush with the confidence of previous victories, they increasingly viewed risky ventures as shortcuts to success, failing to account for the catastrophic repercussions of a loss.
In just two weeks, the nation completed its preparations for war. The Army General Staff and the Navy's Combined Fleet Command crafted detailed strategies. The elders and cabinet ministers convened to review the plans presented by General Hasegawa Yoshimichi, Chief of the Army General Staff, and Admiral Ijūin Gorō, Commander of the Combined Fleet.
"Elders, Prime Minister, esteemed ministers, the Army's strategy for this operation is divided into three phases. In the first phase, before Germany has time to react, we will swiftly dispatch troops to seize British and French colonies in Southeast Asia, securing these territories and fortifying our defenses. In the second phase, we will repel German counterattacks, striving to maintain control over the colonies. Finally, in the third phase, after defeating the Germans, we will advance on additional colonies, targeting Australia and India," Hasegawa explained.
The elders and ministers expressed satisfaction with this strategy, harboring high hopes for reaching the third phase. Australia's vast expanses and India's wealth represented dreams long held by the island nation. Gaining control of these territories would solidify their ascension to global prominence.
"In the first phase, the 1st and 2nd Divisions will target Indochina, the 3rd Division will attack Malaya, and the 6th Division will advance on Singapore. The 4th and 5th Divisions will march into Burma. Divisions 7 through 10 will follow as reserves. Remaining forces will secure the homeland.
"In the second phase, should the Southeast Asian contingents falter against the Germans, additional troops will be deployed. The newly mobilized ten divisions will be dispatched, and a second mobilization round will begin, raising 20 to 25 more divisions.
"For the third phase, ten divisions will invade Australia and fifteen divisions will march into India. With British defenses in these territories virtually nonexistent, they will be powerless to resist our onslaught!" Hasegawa elaborated.
"Excellent. Let us proceed with this plan," Yamagata affirmed after consulting with the elders.
"Understood, my lords," Hasegawa replied resolutely.
"Lords and ministers, the Imperial Navy, given its current limitations, will play a supporting role in this operation. Initially, the Navy will escort the Army to Southeast Asia. Should the German fleet enter Far Eastern waters, the Navy will avoid direct confrontation, conserving its strength to defend the homeland. If the Army succeeds in defeating German ground forces, the Navy will then transport troops to Australia and India," stated Admiral Ijūin.
Unlike the Army, the Navy's role in this conflict was minimal—an unavoidable reality given its inferiority in strength. Any direct engagement with the German Navy would result in total annihilation. Thus, the Navy opted for a defensive posture, preserving its forces for the future.