The reason was the failure of both Japan and China to understand each other and the inability of America and the European powers to sympathize, without prejudice, with the peoples of East Asia.

In this quote, Hideki Tojo, a former Japanese Prime Minister and military leader during World War II, reflects on the causes of tension and conflict between Japan, China, and the broader international community, particularly America and the European powers. Tojo argues that one of the primary reasons for the unrest in East Asia was the failure of both Japan and China to understand each other. This lack of understanding, combined with the inability of Western powers to sympathize with the peoples of East Asia without prejudice, led to deepening tensions and ultimately conflict.

Tojo suggests that the cultural and political differences between Japan and China, compounded by misunderstandings and a lack of open communication, played a crucial role in the breakdown of relations. Both countries failed to bridge the gap in their approaches to governance and international relations, leading to growing animosity. The failure to understand each other's values and perspectives created a volatile environment, which was further exacerbated by foreign interference.

The mention of America and the European powers points to the role of Western countries in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the time. Tojo argues that these powers, particularly in their dealings with East Asia, failed to approach the situation with empathy and were instead driven by prejudice. This created a divide, as the Western powers often viewed the peoples of East Asia through a lens of racial superiority and cultural misunderstanding, making diplomatic solutions harder to achieve.

Ultimately, Tojo’s quote underscores the importance of mutual understanding and empathy in international relations. He believes that both internal miscommunications within East Asia and external biases from Western nations contributed to the escalation of conflict. The lack of genuine sympathy for the peoples of East Asia was, in his view, a key factor in the tragic events that followed during his time in power.