Japan saw industrialization as a way to prevent itself from being invaded by Western powers. Why? As an industrial leader, Japan would be able to influence less-developed
countries and call on them to defend Japan if necessary

By focusing its efforts on military technology, Japan could launch its
own attacks against the West.

By modeling its government on those of Great Britain and the
United States, Japan could ensure their support.

As a powerful country in its own right, Japan would be able to assert
its influence over world events.