The Meiji leaders also sketched a new vision for a modernized Japan 's leadership role in Asia .
Leaders realized that this role required that Japan develop Japan 's national strength , cultivate nationalism among the population , and carefully craft policies toward potential enemies .
The Meiji leaders also sketched a new vision for a modernized Japan 's leadership role in Asia , but they realized that this role required that Japan develop its national strength , cultivate nationalism among the population , and carefully craft policies toward potential enemies .