One of the worst military decisions in history, although calculated to provide Japan with the edge to control the Pacific.
From:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isorok...ng_giant_quote
This is actually what the admiral said in 1942, realizing the attack was a mistake as they would not be able to win a prolonged war with the USA:
A military man can scarcely pride himself on having 'smitten a sleeping enemy'; it is more a matter of shame, simply, for the one smitten. I would rather you made your appraisal after seeing what the enemy does, since it is certain that, angered and outraged, he will soon launch a determined counterattack.
The war between Japan and the USA is a poignant example of seeing both despair and hope in humanity. One country bombs the hell out of a military installation of another, that country provides payback by way Midway and then two atomic bombs, then agrees to help rebuild their economy leading them to become allies for decades. The cost of that friendship was far too great however.
Its horrible and inspiring, at the same time.