Why?

= __Why? __ =

The main reason why Japan wanted to modernize was the fact that they did not want to be taken over by the other Great Powers that were imperialistic at the time. They had seen what was done to China when they tried to cling to traditional ways and country. China was divided into spheres of influence. In order to prevent something like that from happening to their country as well, Japan launched a project to modernize their nation so that it could combat any impending threats from other countries.