This news article deals with Japan's reflection on its history 80 years after World War II. The headline pertains to a viewpoint that Japan's defeat in the war was perceived as inevitable ahead of time. Covering a spectrum of perspectives, the piece explores various theories, predictions made, and reactions from key players within the era. This article provides a deep dive into how these perspectives might have potentially shaped the country’s future subsequent to the war.

Japanese society holds deep respect for its history, with World War II being one of the most impactful periods remembered. Discussing topics linked to the war often involves mindfully navigating intricate political and social sensitivities. This topic has the potential to stir debates about Japan's wartime roles, accountability, and the direction the country took post-war.

In contrast, while WWII history is also significant in both the US and EU, discussions around it widely vary. In the US, there is a focus on the roles they played in the victory, whereas in the EU, the narrative is often molded by individual countries' experiences during the war. In all these regions, however, an analysis of past warfare tends to influence contemporary political decisions and public sentiment.