I've been reading Ghost Soldiers (and will begin Flags of our Fathers soon), and I'm really getting into the Pacific Theater of WWII. My question is this, though.

Has anyone found/read any books about Japanese policy and the events that led to their involvement in WWII. It's easy to build up a disdain for the Imperial Army by reading Ghost Soldiers, but I'd be curious to know about what was happening prior to the war.

I hope this is a clear request. Thanks in advance.

When you say pre Pearl Harbor I'm not sure how "pre" you want, but these might fit the bill...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...00144?v=glance

I haven't read any of these yet, but I have them written down as something to look at as they were recommended by a few folks. Most of the books on the era are also going to get into post Pearl Harbor stuff as well unless you're focused on a specific event.


Here's a site that might interest you...
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2129.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e641.html